Ballincollig to play Limerick Celtics in Pat Duffy Men's National Cup semi-final

CUP DRAW: Ballincollig will be play Limerick Celtics in the semi-final of the Pat Duffy Men’s National Cup at the Neptune stadium on the weekend January 2-4. Picture Chani Anderson.

Ballincollig will be play Limerick Celtics in the semi-final of the Pat Duffy Men’s National Cup at the Neptune stadium on the weekend January 2-4.

The Cork side who defeated Super League leaders Belfast Star in the quarter final are presently on a nine-game unbeaten run and player coach Ciaran O’Sullivan is remaining upbeat with his team’s rich vein of form.

“The bottom line before the draw was that you wouldn’t know what team you would like to face in the semi-final as all of them have quality in their squads,” said O’Sullivan.

The Village outfit have certainly proved in this campaign they have what it takes to mix it with the best and O’Sullivan is hoping his team take the opportunity of playing in front of a capacity attendance at the Blackpool venue.

“The experience of playing in a National Cup semi- final at Neptune is always a special one and let’s hope my players enjoy the occasion but more importantly play to their potential against a very good side,” added Ciaran.

The second semi-final will see UCD Marian and Tralee Warriors go head-to-head.

In the Paudie O’Connor Women’s National Cup the sole Cork representatives Career Decisions UCC Glanmire have been drawn against championship favourites Killester.

The Dublin side have been playing superb basketball in this campaign but the Glanmire coach Mark Scannell believes his side will be ready for the challenge.

“Killester were the team that all were hoping to avoid playing against in the semi-final but look its very simple you can only play the cards you are dealt and we will work hard to shake off the underdogs tag,” said Scannell.

Pat Duffy Men’s National Cup semi-final draw

Friday, January 2

Ballincollig v Limerick Celtics

Neptune, 8.15pm.

Saturday, January 3

UCD Marian v Tralee Warriors

Neptune, 8pm.

Paudie O’Connor Women’s National Cup semi-final draw

Saturday, January 3

Trinity Meteors v Flomax Liffey Celtics

Neptune, 1.30pm.

Career Decisions UCC Glanmire v Killester

Neptune, 4pm.