IN SEPTEMBER a record four Limerick teams set out on the Harty Cup trail. Ard Scoil Ris who won the competition in 2010 and 2011, Castletroy College, Doon CBS and for the first time a West Limerick College amalgamation. After battling through the winter months three teams emerged from the group stages against the odds. Castletroy College advanced pulling off a phenomenal performance to beat De La Salle and take the last place in group A. (with Ciaran O’Mara)
The Harty Cup dream ended for both Castletroy College and Doon CBS in the quarter final round. Castletroy were beaten by Thurles CBS and Doon had their dream ended by Ard Scoil Ris who advanced to the semi-final stage to play Templemore.
When the draw was made the anticipation was that these two sides would produce a truly mouth-watering clash and so it proved to be. They played out a 1-11 to 0-14 draw. The replay is set for Feb 9 at 2.30 in MacDonagh Park Nenagh and Dungarvan await the winner in the final showpiece.
The result of the replay is any ones call, the betting odds would suggest that Ard Scoil have the edge but Templemore have shown that they are as good as any team in the Harty Cup. Both teams have a very similar style both are very skillful, can pin point cross field passing and both have a strong physical presence. The match is eagerly awaited by both sets of supporters and should prove to be fast paced physical encounter.
Although Dungarvan are favorites to win the Harty Cup if Ard Scoil are to beat Templemore and progress it should prove to be a very tight match. The only team that both Ard Scoil and Dungarvan have played is Doon CBS and the score difference between the two games was only a point.
