Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

REIGNING CHAMPIONS CARBERY Rangers are still on track to retain their Cork senior football title after tonight while an all-city clash between Blackrock and Na Piarsaigh is in store at the Cork senior hurling semi-final stage

In a hurling double-header tonight in Páirc Uí Rinn, Blackrock saw off Newcestown 1-13 to 1-11 in a tight clash before Na Piarsaigh stormed past Bandon by 3-16 to 1-10.

An early goal from Cork U21 Michael O’Halloran gave Blackrock a boost as they went ahead 1-6 to 0-5 at the break.

But Daniel Twomey was in superb point-scoring form for the West Cork club and a Jack Meade goal helped them cut the gap in the second half. Blackrock had their advantage cut to the minimum before a late Alan O’Callaghan free clinched a two-point success.

O’Callaghan and Shane O’Keeffe made an impact on the scoreboard for a Blackrock team who are a game away from the club’s first final appearance since 2003.

Their semi-final opponents Na Piarsaigh will be chasing a first final place since 2004 after their 12-point triumph in tonight’s quarter-final where they scored three first-half goals.

Padraig Guest hit 2-4 in the opening period while Shane Forde also netted as Na Piarsaigh were ahead 3-8 to 1-5. Ronan Crowley struck all of Bandon’s tally in the first half.

Na Piarsaigh stayed in control in the second half with Dayne Lee, Keith Buckley and Padraig Goold all raising white flags while they also introduced Cork minor forward Evan Sheehan to their side.

Cork minor hurler Evan Sheehan Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Tomorrow afternoon there are hurling quarter-final ties between Sarsfields and UCC while Imokilly take on Erins Own.

In football Carbery Rangers saw off 2012 and 2013 title holders Castlehaven by 2-11 to 1-11 in their quarter-final in Dunmanway tonight.

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They benefitted from an own goal to go ahead 1-8 to 0-6 at half-time and after going 29 minutes without a score, hit 1-1 in quick succession – the point from John O’Rourke and a goal from Seamus Hayes – to move ahead by seven at a vital juncture in the second half.

Castlehaven rallied late on with a Sean Dineen goal while Mark Collins and Michael Hurley both got on the scoresheet.

But the Rosscarbery side, who won their maiden crown last year, held on for a three-point victory with John Hayes and O’Rourke bagging 0-3 apiece.

Carbery Rangers footballer John O'Rourke Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

They will now face St Finbarr’s, 1-12 to 0-12 winners last night against 2016 finalists Ballincollig. Enda Dennehy hit the only goal of the game while Stephen Sherlock was in good scoring form for a St Finbarr’s side that included Cork seniors Ian Maguire and Michael Shields.

The remaining two football quarter-finals take place tomorrow night with Nemo Rangers facing UCC and Duhallow meet Valley Rovers.

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