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Preview: Independent.ie Sigerson Cup Semi-Finals

John Divilly has guided UCD back into the Sigerson Cup Finals weekend.

John Divilly has guided UCD back into the Sigerson Cup Finals weekend.

Friday February 17

Independent.ie Sigerson Cup Semi-Finals

St Mary's, Belfast v UCC, Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, 2pm

With St Mary's, Belfast generating belief and momentum this promises to be a particularly interesting encounter.

UCC survived an awkward Quarter-Final assignment away to IT Carlow, a match that went the distance.

In a tense encounter Brian O'Driscoll landed the only score in two periods of extra-time as Billy Morgan's team advanced, 0-10 to 1-6.

The Spillanes, Adrian and Killian, Cathal Bambury, and Tom O'Sullivan are all viewed as real prospects for a UCC team that also includes the talented Ian Maguire.

St Mary's Belfast, under the stewardship of former Tyrone trainer Paddy Tally, enjoyed a thrilling Quarter-Final triumph over DCU.

Armagh's Oisin O'Neill, rated as one of the most promising footballers in Ulster, Conor Meyler, and Cathal McShane all occupied central roles in that win.

UCD v UL, Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, 4pm

John Divilly's UCD team is sprinkled with prominent inter county stars including Michael Fitzsimons, Niall McInerney, Stephen Coen, Jack McCaffrey Jack Barry, Andy McDonnell, Conor McCarthy, and Paul Mannion.

Divilly, an All Ireland winner with Galway in 1998, has proven to be an impressive Sigerson Cup coach too, guiding UCD to glory last year.

The manner in which UCD defeated Jordanstown last week suggests they are intent on reclaiming their crown.

Brian Carson's work with UL, though, is worthy of the utmost respect too. Despite losing to UCD at this stage last year, Carson's charges did well to overcome DIT.

Limerick hurler Gearoid Hegarty, Pearse Lillis, Fergal Boland, Michael Geaney, and Niall McDermott are UL's key performers.