Mary I and Carlow look good to make progress

Mary I v GMIT Mary I, 2pm

The provider of the game-winning goal in that low scoring 1-4 to 0-4 fixture, Darragh Burke, has benefited since moving from wing-back, where he was stationed in their opening day hammering by CIT, to midfield.

Quarter-final opponents Mary I secured home advantage when disposing of DIT by 18 points.

Limerick seniors Darragh O’Donovan and Declan Hannon shot the lights out in their three group fixtures; O’Donovan hitting 0-12 from midfield, Hannon notching 3-19.

Factor in the presence of Colm Galvin, Richie English and Niall O’Meara and the scale of the task facing GMIT becomes quickly evident.

Verdict: Mary I.

IT Carlow v UCD IT Carlow, 7pm

IT Carlow signalled their intent to go at least one better than last year when turning in an impressive second-half performance against WIT last week to secure top spot in Group B.

The sole negative of their group games was the over-reliance on Laois’ Stephen Maher, whose personally tally stands at 0-26 (he hit 0-6 of their 1-8 against WIT).

Colin Dunford was in excellent form for Waterford on Sunday and he’ll be expected to produce a second big performance in the space of three days for the home side.

UCD were less impressive in staggering past Maynooth in their final Group A outing.

It’ll take a performance more resembling what they produced on the opening afternoon at the Mardyke if Nicky English’s side are to return to the finals weekend.

Verdict: IT Carlow