Onto the semi's we go then....
Madden simply just overpowered the Nab who looked toothless and showed their aging panel, went out with a whimper
Never seen the Cross match but from all accounts they were lucky enough in the end, the Jekyl and Hyde Harps almost done it again.
Clans/Killeavey- In a game undoubtedly affected by the weather and the early red card, I thought the clans showed great tenacity and never let up, Killeavey rallied a little after the break but this was when the game was done. Officiating again has to be questioned, great players being systematically fouled time and time again. Campbell actually received two punches to the back of the head whilst trying to retrieve the ball for a sideline kick. This was two yards from the linesman and 20 from the ref. The outcome being a yellow for Campbell and their number 3 (who threw both punches) and a red for one of the Clans management team. The blues played very well and will be going into the semi with a ball of confidence.
Silverbridge/Clann Eireann- Again affected by the weather but not a massively convincing performance by CE, done what they had to get over the line and really that is all that matters. For a brief moment at the beginning of the second half when Silverbridge got their goal it looked like they were going to muster a big effort. Any hope was killed with CE fortunate second goal. Again inconsistencies with the reffing, there must have been 10 frees awarded for off the ground in the first 15 minutes, several of these as a result of the ref allowing fouls to happen and then six or seven men grappling for ball on the ground, just blow the fouls for god sake. The ref seemed to let a lot of contact go and then gave a few bizarre ones, most notably a free to Silverbridge after a fantastic block, the lad just crawled along the ground obstructing the ball and somehow got a free out.
Set up now for two cracker ties, Madden will definetly give Cross all they want, if they keep their emphasis on the football they are in with a cracking chance. They had Cross beaten a few years back then got dragged into a physical battle, lost discipline and the game.
Clan Na Gael (The only Clans) and Clann Eireann has the making of a great game also, there will be a great buzz around the town now for the next couple of weeks, this has the makings of a real old time championship game and will be decided by fine margins. Hopefully the Blues come out on top.
I see a local commentator on the club scene is already organising a panel of guests plus an audience to discuss the games, should be some colourful exchanges