Cahalane injury cloud for Castlehaven’s semi-final

FITZGERALD STADIUM, Killarney was yesterday named as the venue for the meeting of Castlehaven and An Ghaeltacht in the semi-final of the AIB Munster club SFC on Sunday week next.

However, a big injury doubt surrounds Castlehaven legend Niall Cahalane.

The former Cork star tore a thigh muscle in training prior to the Haven’s county final victory over Clonakilty. Although he started that game, Cahalane was barely able to walk and was forced to retire midway through the second half.

Since then he has undergone intensive physiotherapy treatment but, according to a club source last night, the 40-year-old Cahalane will be in a race against time to be fit for the provincial semi-final.

The way was cleared last night for the replay of the Kilkenny SHC final now scheduled for Nowlan Park on Sunday.

Champions Young Irelands (Gowran) and O’Loughlin-Gaels played a thrilling draw at the weekend but the result threw up complications because of the champions of Kilkenny were due to play in the Leinster Club Championship next weekend.

However, last night the Leinster Council and Kildare County Board agreed to re-jig their fixtures so Kilkenny could have an extra week to complete their championship. The final will have a 2.45pm throw-in and it will be preceded by the junior hurling final replay between St Patrick’s (Ballyragget) and Piltown.

The Kilkenny champions will face Coill Dubh (Kildare) in the Leinster Club hurling championship the following weekend.

Meanwhile, three games will be played in the Leinster hurling championship on Sunday. Reigning All-Ireland champions Birr travel to Carlow to take on local champions Naomh Eoin.

Laois title winners Castletown play host to Dublin representatives Craobh Chiaráin at Portlaoise, while Rathnure of Wexford travel to Navan to engage Meath representatives Kilmessan.

In the Connacht club hurling semi-final Roscommon champions Athleague face Mayo standard-bearers Tooreen at Castlerea.

In the Connacht club senior football championship semi-finals newcomers Curry, from Sligo, will have home advantage for their clash with Ballina at Markievicz Park, while Galway champions Caltra go into the lion’s den at Dr Hyde Park for their semi-final game with Castlerea.

Fixtures. Sunday next. 2.30pm (unless stated)

AIB Leinster Club SHC: Castletown (Laois) v Craobh Chiaráin (Dublin),

Portlaoise. Referee. (P. Neary, Kilkenny).

Naomh Eoin (Carlow) v Birr (Offaly), Carlow, (P. Dunphy, Kilkenny).

Kilmessan (Meath) v Rathnure (Wexford), Navan, (E. Morris, Dublin)

AIB Connacht Club FC semi-finals:

Curry (Sligo) v Ballina (Mayo), Markievicz Park, (G Kinneevey)

Caltra (Galway) v Castlerea (Roscommon) Hyde Park.

AIB Connacht Club HC semi-final:

Tooreen v Athleague, Castlerea