We are expecting a really tough test against Vins: Joe Fortune

The Dublin SHC 'A' race picks up pace this weekend with Parnell Park hosts a double-header of last-four encounters on Sunday.

The action gets underway with the clash of St Vincent's and Ballyboden St Enda's (2.15) which is followed by the meeting of reigning champions Cuala and familiar rivals Kilmacud Crokes (4.0).

Ballyboden St Enda's manager, former Dublin U21 boss Joe Fortune, is expecting a very stern test when his side face Vincent's.

“We are certainly pleased with the progress that the team have made this year and making it to the semi-finals reflects the progress that is being made," says Joe.

“You have to remember that over the two previous campaigns, we didn’t make it past the quarter-final stage and we were drawn in a tough group this year with St Brigid’s, Craobh Chiaráin and of course, Cuala.

“If you include ourselves, all four of those teams made the quarter-finals of the championship twelve months ago so getting through that group was always going to be a challenge.

“That we managed to finish top of the group and win all three games is encouraging from our perspective and we also have a final of Division 1 of the Adult Hurling League to look forward to in a few weeks so we would have to be happy to be pleased with how the team have gone this year.

“Of course, we cannot take anything for granted and we know that we have a huge task ahead of us against St Vincent’s.

“They are a team that are improving all the time and you don’t reach the semi-final of this championship without being of a more than decent standard.

“It’s a massively competitive championship and we are expecting a really tough test at the weekend,” adds Joe.

DUBLIN SHC 'A' SEMI-FINALS

SUNDAY

St Vincent’s v Ballyboden St Enda’s (Parnell Park, 2.15)

Kilmacud Crokes v Cuala (Parnell Park, 4.0)

DUBLIN SHC 'B' SEMI-FINALS

FRIDAY

St Oliver Plunkett’s/ER v Kilmacud Crokes (Parnell Park, 6.45)

Faughs v Thomas Davis (Parnell Park, 8.15)