Corofin defender Liam Silke.

Corofin are final bound

THE All-Ireland Club Championships regularly throw up the most dramatic of storylines, but Saturday proved the end of the underdogs run in 2019 as Corofin and Dr Crokes, the last two champions, sealed their passage to Croke Park on St Patrick's Day with semi-final wins over Gaoth Dobhair and Mullinalaghta St Columba's, respectively.
First half goals from Gary Sice and Martin Farragher were the key scores as Kevin O'Brien's side built a five-point interval lead, before they had to weather a third quarter fightback from the Ulster champions, inspired the talismanic figure of Kevin Cassidy.
Corofin's reward is a tilt at retaining the Andy Merrigan Cup, something only three clubs - UCD (1973-74), St Finbarr's (1980-81) and Crossmaglen Rangers (1999-2000 & 2011-2012) - have ever managed in the history of the competition.
The GAA have confirmed details for both finals. In hurling, St Thomas' and Ballyhale Shamrocks will get underway at 2pm, followed by the football decider between Corofin and Dr Crokes at 3.45pm.