UCC chase Fitzgibbon treble in Belfast

A very big weekend dawns for UCC in Queen’s Belfast, as the Cork college goes for a third successive

Fitzgibbon Cup

and a first double – having won Sigerson last week – in 26 years. It will be well deserved if it happens because this afternoon’s semi-final, at 4.30, pits them against neighbours

Cork IT

, who they defeated in a thrilling final two years ago after extra-time.

There is a question mark over the fitness of Cork senior Conor Lehane and his absence would be a major loss but John Enright's team have sufficient depth that they can call in current All Star Séamus Harnedy to supplement the forward line, which also features last September's All-Ireland hero Shane O'Donnell and Cork newcomer Alan Cadogan.

Cork IT are very close to taking down their aristocratic neighbours. Their preparation has been intensive and they know what it entails after losing the league final to the same opponents a couple of months ago but the day may not be quite at hand.

Limerick IT created one of the biggest shocks of the campaign by defeating their neighbours – and hot favourites – UL in last week's quarter-final. Hurler of the Year Tony Kelly was well minded by UL until the final third of the match when he cut loose.

They will however be missing Seánie O’Brien, who is suspended after getting a red card last week. The Limerick man’s influence was very significant and his absence reduces the chances of David Fitzgerald’s team producing what would be another upset in the first semi-final against WIT at 2.30.

The Waterford college have a good record against LIT and only last year defeated them. Captained by Kilkenny's goalkeeper from last year Eoin Murphy – who plays outfield for them as he does with his club – WIT have a good mix of established intercounty talent as well as some promising younger players but will need to have a strategy to ensure that Kelly doesn't break out to exert a decisive influence on the match.