All the big guns survived into today's semi-finals of the Amstel Sigerson Cup at Queen's University Belfast. The holders IT Tralee take on Sligo IT this afternoon followed by Garda College and the hosts. Yesterday's quarter-finals weren't free of incident and Tralee, chasing a three-in-a-row, were particularly afflicted.

Already short Galway's full forward and All Star Padraig Joyce through suspension, IT Tralee lost corner back Ken Leen, sent off, and Laois under-age star Colm Parkinson, injured, neither of whom will play any further part in the weekend.

In the first semi-final, Tralee face Sligo IT who survived a good opening from Athlone IT and made sure of the verdict with John McPartland's goal nine minutes into the second half.

Queen's then take on Garda College who harnessed the wind to lead 0-7 to 0-2 at half-time against St Mary's and then held out as their opponents fought back in the second half.

The hosts had an easy win over Dublin IT scoring 1-3 in the closing four minutes to overwhelm the visitors.