The Sky Blues were the first team through after securing a 2-0 victory over Danske Bank Premiership leaders Larne, making it to their third final in four seasons, while Declan Caddell’s stunning last-gasp chip broke Dungannon Swifts hearts at Mourneview Park on Saturday afternoon.
In the only Premiership match of the weekend, Glentoran ran out comfortable 5-1 victors against Portadown at The Oval thanks to a Jay Donnelly hat-trick and Danny Purkis brace.
Here are the best photos from the weekend that was...
1. Man of the moment
Declan Caddell takes the deserved plaudits from Crusaders fans at Mourneview Park Photo: Stephen Hamilton/Inpho
2. Get in!
Ballymena United manager David Jeffrey celebrates after his side booked their spot in the Irish Cup final Photo: Pacemaker Press
3. The boss approves
Crusaders manager Stephen Baxter embraces goalscorer Declan Caddell at full-time Photo: Pacemaker Press
4. Sky Blue Heroes
Ballymena United's scorers Douglas Wilson and Craig Farquhar celebrate their semi-final Irish Cup victory over Larne Photo: Stephen Hamilton/Inpho