Cork Con ready to tackle Nenagh Ormond

The first semi-final of the Bank of Ireland sponsored Munster Senior Challenge Cup takes place in Temple Hill this afternoon (2.30pm) when holders Cork Constitution take on Nenagh Ormond.

However, the winners will have to wait some time to know the identity of their final opponents because delays on the other side of the draw are hampering the progress of the competition.

Confusion reigned in the last fortnight after UCC’s game against Old Crescent was postponed because of an unplayable pitch at the Mardyke.

After negotiations over where the refixture should take place, the game is believed to have been fixed for Limerick next weekend, though UCC are not happy to concede home advantage.

The winners were due to play Young Munster in the second semi-final today but that game will now not take place for at least a fortnight.

Meanwhile, Con prepare for this game in the knowledge that Nenagh could well spring a surprise.

There are 20 places between the teams in All Ireland League terms — Con are fourth in Division 1A, Nenagh fourth in Division 2A — but the Tipperary side showed what they are capable of when they hammered Dolphin 26-3 in the last round.