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Coverage details ahead of Irish Cup semi-final

Coverage details ahead of Irish Cup semi-final

BBC News27-03-2025

And then there were four.The finalists for the Irish Cup final on 3 May will be confirmed this weekend and here's how you can follow all the action across BBC Sport NI.
Who is in the semi-finals?
We have Premiership v Championship in both last four ties with Ards facing holders Cliftonville at Windsor Park on Friday and Bangor up against Dungannon Swifts at Seaview on Saturday.
Where can I watch the games?
Both games will be live on the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website with Ards v Cliftonville kicking off at 19:45 GMT on Friday and Bangor against Dungannon Swifts kicking off at 17:30 GMT on Saturday.We'll also have live radio coverage of Bangor v Dungannon Swifts on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Sounds.There will be live text updates and in-game clips from both games on the website too.
How did the clubs get this far?
Holders Cliftonville began the defence of the Irish Cup with a routine 4-0 home win against Premier Intermediate side Banbridge Rangers in the fifth round.Jim Magilton's side required extra-time to see off fellow Premiership side Glenavon 3-2 to secure their passage to the quarter-finals before Ryan Curran and Alex Parsons helped them overcome north Belfast rivals Crusaders 2-1 to book their place in the last four.Winners in 1974, Ards caused an upset in round five by beating Premiership side Ballymena United 2-1 and then eased past Premier Intermediate outfit Moyola Park 3-1 in the next round.In the last eight, John Bailie's side beat Premiership strugglers Loughgall 2-0 to book their first semi-final appearance since 1995.Bangor, who won this trophy in 1993, needed extra-time to edge past Newington 2-1 in round five before easing to a 3-0 win against Annagh United in round six.Lee Feeney's side then produced a stunning performance to knock out Glentoran in the quarter-finals.Dungannon Swifts are the only side left in the competition who have never won it. They thrashed Rathfriland Rangers 5-0 in the fifth round before a 2-1 extra-time win over Coleraine booked a quarter-final appearance against Carrick Rangers.Rodney McAree's side then came from behind to win that one 3-1 to seal their place in the final four.
What's their league form been like?
It would be fair to say that Cliftonville have been a cup team this year given their inconsistent league form.The Reds won the League Cup earlier this month but they have fallen way short in the league and find themselves in the bottom six. If they can retain the Irish Cup, they'll secure all important European football for next season. Ards have had a good Championship campaign, finishing the 'regular' season in the top half and have momentum after winning their last four league games.It has been a dream season so far for Bangor as alongside their unlikely cup run, they are leading the way for promotion to the Premiership.The Seasiders are top of the Championship table, eight points ahead of nearest rivals H&W Welders with five games to go.And it's been equally impressive for Dungannon Swifts, who have combined a cup run with an impressive league campaign. McAree's side have broken into the top six ahead of the split, sitting in fourth position and currently sit four points off Larne in the race for second and automatic qualification for European football.

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