It’s quarter-finals day in two of this season’s third-level competitions, with strong Kilkenny and Carlow representation across the four Fitzgibbon Cup ties.
The action begins in Limerick at 2pm, where Mary Immaculate College face UCD. Mary Immaculate have three Kilkenny players on their panel — Shane Walsh (Tullaroan), Donacha Hogan (Mooncoin) and Liam Hogan (Mooncoin).
UCD bring a sizeable local contingent into the contest, with Kilkenny players Peter McDonald (Thomastown), Luke Connellan (Thomastown), Peter Connellan (Thomastown), Cillian Tallon (Dunnamaggin) and Sean McGrath (Graigue-Ballycallan) all involved. Carlow interest is provided by Billy Power.
Defending champions University of Limerick take on University College Cork from half past six. UL include two Kilkenny players, Eoghan Lyng (Rower-Inistioge) and Killian Doyle (Emeralds).
UCC have four Kilkenny representatives named on their panel — Ed McDermott (James Stephens), Richard McEvoy (Lisdowney), Sean Moore (Carrickshock) and Timmy Kelly (Bennettsbridge).
Two quarter-final ties throw in at 7.30pm.
University of Galway host SETU Waterford, where the Kilkenny and Carlow interest is largely on the SETU side. SETU Waterford feature Kilkenny players Billy O’Callaghan (Piltown), Dean Walsh (Mullinavat), Christian Connick (St Patrick’s Ballyragget), Donnchadh Walsh (Mullinavat), Niall O’Brien (Piltown), Harry Roche (Cloneen), Ross O’Neill (Dunnamaggin), Killian Carey (Young Irelands), Gearoid Dunne (Tullaroan) and Stephen Donnelly (Thomastown). Carlow are represented by Kyle Foley.
The final quarter-final sees last year’s runners-up DCU travel to MTU Cork.
DCU have one of the strongest local contingents in the competition, with Kilkenny players Billy Fitzpatrick (Dicksboro), Billy Reid (Glenmore), Cathal Beirne (Glenmore), Denis Walsh (Dunnamaggin), Eoin Dempsey (Mullinavat), Greg Kelly (O’Loughlin Gaels), Ivan Bolger (Graignamanagh), James Carroll (Dicksboro), James Coogan (Erin’s Own), Paddy Langton (Young Irelands), Sam Byrne (Blacks and Whites) and Stephen Manogue (James Stephens) all named. Carlow interest comes through Mount Leinster Rangers player Donagh Murphy.
MTU Cork’s Kilkenny representation is provided by Aaron McEvoy of Graigue-Ballycallan.
With places in the Fitzgibbon Cup semi-finals on the line, it promises to be a busy and closely followed day for Kilkenny and Carlow supporters across all four quarter-final fixtures.
