The final opportunity for any sort of double success in this year's colleges championship rests with St Flannan's, Ennis. This Sunday, they contest the Corn Ui Mhuiri Munster football semi-final against Intermediate School Killorglin, hoping to emulate the achievement of the hurlers in reaching the Dr Harty Cup final. Last Sunday, St Colman's, Fermoy - already in the hurling final - failed in their quest to stay on course for a Munster double when they fell to Colaiste na Sceilge of Cahirciveen in their football semi-final.
St Flannan's have been impressive in their run to the football final, with a fine win over the reigning champions Tralee CBS. But the challenge in Feenagh on Sunday of IS Killorglin, All-Ireland winners in 1996, will be severe. The last Munster double was won by Colaiste Iognaid Ris in 1975.
In Leinster the big surprise from last week's hurling quarter-finals was the win for Cistercian, Roscrea over Kilkenny CBS. Roscrea will meet Good Counsel on March 3rd. The other semi-final between holders St Kieran's, Kilkenny and Dublin Colleges takes place the same day.
St Patrick's, Navan meet Marist, Athlone in the Leinster football semi-final a week from today. St Mel's, Longford won a tight quarter-final with Good Counsel last week and meet St Michael's, Trim in the other semi-final tomorrow week. Few would bet against the final on March 11th being between St Mel's and St Patrick's.
The Connacht football semi-finals will be decided this weekend. On Sunday, Ballyhaunis have the unenviable task of facing the holders St Jarlath's, while Carrick-on-Shannon take on Garbally.