What a difference a surprise win makes. Before Wednesday’s Harty Cup quarter finals Colaisti Na nDeise were available as 8/1 shots to go all the way in the competition. After eliminating hot favourites St Flannan’s from the picture the Dungarvan side currently head the betting at 15/8. Two time winners De La Salle kept up their end of the bargain to set up a must see all Waterford semi final clash on the first weekend of February and yet another endorsement of the splendid work done at underage level in the county.
A remarkable game unfolded at Tipperary town, as Coláistí na nDéise lost Kieran Power before the throw in but still managed to upset the odds. In spite of this numerical disadvantage, the outsiders took a grip of a game early on and taking a four point lead by half time gave them the platform to see out the contest. The favourites tag undoubtedly didn’t sit comfortably with the Clare side and another fancied outfit Thurles CBS also nearly came a cropper against Nenagh. Coláistí na nDéise pounced on this weakness as Cathal Curran popped over ten points while Micheál Harney grabbed the all important goal. They are a skilful, crafty bunch of players and can call upon three of the Waterford minor panel from 2011. Kevin Daly and Colin Dunford are prominent figures in the back line while up front Cathal and Patrick Curran along with Tadhg Burke and Micheál Harney present a formidable challenge to any defence. Momentum has also been generated from the run to the Dean Ryan final where they fell narrowly short to Blackwater. Defeating Flannan’s in extraordinary circumstances helps to generate further confidence and spirit in the camp ahead of their next major assignment.
Meanwhile in Cappoquin, De La Salle easily brushed aside the previously unbeaten Midleton CBS. The heavy sod diminished the possibility of a free flowing game as placed balls made up the vast bulk of the scoring. Judging by the warm ups, De La Salle clearly enjoyed an advantage in terms of height and strength. The slow pace of the game suited this physicality as Midleton struggled to adapt especially without their key man Dillon Cahill. The star of the show was Darragh Flynn who landed 12 points and showed remarkable accuracy from frees. The level of difficulty didn’t perturb the Erin’s Own sharp shooter as only two of his 13 attempts went astray. His only score from play was another highlight as he somehow split the posts from 40 metres as he was falling backwards. While the forward unit depend largely on Flynn’s contribution, the defensive sextet represent a powerful force all round. Paul Coughlan and Austin Gleeson man the central positions in defence with Adam O’Sullivan and Sam O’Neill joining Glesson in a rugged half back line.
With morale boosting quarter final wins under their belt, an absorbing last four clash is in store between these two talented outfits. The sides met before Christmas in the Waterford senior colleges final which Coláistí na nDéise won by 1-16 to 1-11. It’s a collision between the power and physical authority of De La Salle against the skill and deft touches of Coláistí na nDéise. A fascinating contrast of styles is in prospect.
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