Home clash reward for Wicklow

Wicklow's reward for ending Offaly's participation in the 2007 Tommy Murphy Cup is a home semi-final clash with Waterford next Saturday.

The draw for the semi-finals of the Tommy Murphy Cup was announced earlier today with Wicklow being pitted against Waterford and Clare set to entertain Antrim in the other last-four tie.

Clare, who edged out their Munster rivals Tipperary on Saturday night, are hoping to win the Tommy Murphy Cup for the second time - the Banner men were the inaugural winners of the second-tier competition in 2004.

Their semi-final opponents next weekend, Antrim, also qualified for last year's semis but they were handed a sound 0-22 to 0-8 beating by eventual cup winners Louth.

Wicklow manager Mick O'Dwyer is sitting out his side's Murphy Cup campaign as he continues his recovery from a minor heart scare. Team coach Arthur French admitted after Saturday's 1-16 to 1-11 win over Offaly that "the players won this one for Micko."

If Wicklow and Clare progress to the final, Kerry legend O'Dwyer could well return to the sideline for the August 26 final with his protege Paidi O Se in the Clare corner.

O Se's Clare charges were 1-13 to 0-12 winners over Tipp on Saturday but will face a stiff test against Antrim who put 4-11 past London in their first round encounter.

Helped by a four goal blast from Gary Hurney, Waterford cantered to a 8-10 to 0-7 win over an understrength Carlow side in their opening game in the competition.

Both semi-finals are to be played next Saturday, July 14, with the venues and throw-in times to be confirmed.

TOMMY MURPHY CUP SEMI-FINAL DRAW:

Clare v Antrim

Wicklow v Waterford