Árdscoil Rís and John the Baptist face off in novel Limerick Harty Cup quarter-final:
By John Keogh Limerick Leader Sports
ONE LIMERICK school is set to be in the semi-finals of the 2023/24 Harty Cup when Árdscoil Rís meet John the Baptist CS, Hospital meet in today’s quarter-final.
The winners of the game will face either St Flannan’s or Thurles CBS in the last four of the prestigious competition. Killmallock is the venue for the game that has a 1pm start.
Árdscoil come into the game as favourites with the likes of Limerick U20 star Fintan Fitzgerald heading up their attack at centre forward. Dromin-Athlacca’s Daniel Scully and Na Piarsaigh’s James Finn have also been crucial to their progress.
Clare All-Ireland minor winners from last year, Marc O’Brien, Michael Collins and Jamie Moylan are also at Cronin’s disposal. As is Diarmuid Stritch who won the Clare SHC with Clonlara and has been in sensational form.
Liam Cronin’s young charges have had impressive wins over Flannan’s, Colaiste Choilm Ballincollig and De La Salle College, Waterford to top their group and reach the last eight.
John the Baptist also finished top of their three-team group thanks to a win over Castletroy College and a superb comeback draw with Carrick on Suir CBS.
Bruff’s Owen Meaney has been the star turn on the John the Baptist side but has been backed up superbly by Diarmuid Hurley (Hospital-Herbertstown), Declan Heavey (Garryspillane) and Hugh Murnane (Caherline).
Progress to this stage has been a massive benefit for John the Baptist on their return to the Harty Cup but they won’t want to end their run at this juncture.
However, Árdscoil are justifiable favourites to come out victorious from the game and book their place in the semi-final.
Michael Martin’s side had to navigate a preliminary quarter-final with Tipperary school Our Lady’s Templemore – which they did on a 3-21 to 3-17 scoreline.