Munster Juniors on Course for Championship

Munster Juniors are on course for the Interprovincial title after a close game at Dungravan saw the home side victorious on a 14-12 score line.

IRFU JUNIOR INTERPROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP 2005/6

MUNSTER 14 ULSTER 12

(Half time Munster 5 Ulster 12)

Munster are on course to pick up the 2005/6 Junior Interprovincial title after a dazzling display in Dungarvan on Saturday against defending champions Ulster. Losing 12-5 at halftime, Munster played with the wind in the second half, and a late drop goal by substitute Eamon Ronan in the dying minutes of the game sealed the victory. With a 19-13 victory over Leinster on Saturday last under their belt, only Connacht now stand in the way of their title hopes.

Munster opened the scoring with a try from Youghal centre Robbie Doyle, however, four penalties in the first half from Ulster out half Simon Bond gave the visitors a 12-5 lead at half time. Munster upped the pressure after the restart and responded with Cobh Pirates outhalf Brendan Ronan kicking two penalties to bring Munster within a point of Ulster. It was certainly a family affair, when brother Eamonn, who came on as a replacement, coolly kicked a drop goal five minutes from the end of the match to put Munster in front. Munster held on to claim the victory, much to the relief of all involved. It was a momentous victory, and hugely entertaining if not nailbiting throughout. Brendan Ronan showed sheer class in his performance, as did his club mate Roddy Jefferson on the wing. Again, the pack were outstanding, with the back row of Thurles man Mark Shorley and Kilfeacle & District pair, Fergus McCormack and Pierce Breen hugely influential all over the pitch. Cashel s Edmond Leamy came on as a substitute, as did St. Mary s Eugene Payne and Old Christian s Paul Twomey and their contribution was also hugely significant.

Munster now face Connacht in in Kinsale RFC next weekend. President of Kinsale RFC, Michael O Sullivan is looking forward to hosting the Munster v Connacht match on Saturday next. He said We as a Club are delighted to have the opportunity to stage this showcase event for Junior Rugby at our grounds in Snugmore. The Junior Interprovincial Championship is a very important event in the rugby calendar. It is a great honour to represent Munster at any level and to follow in the footsteps of the Senior Team. Kinsale RFC are also delighted that one off their own players, Colm McCarthy, has made the panel. He is a fantastic ambassador for the Club and we wish him well and hope to see him wearing the red of Munster. We also hope that the people of Kinsale and surrounds will come and support on the day. I would personally like to welcome both Connacht and Munster teams and Officials to Kinsale, and hope that they enjoy firstly this great match and occasion, and secondly that they enjoy the hospitality and friendship offered by Kinsale Rugby Club and the town of Kinsale.

The promotion of Nenagh Ormond to Senior status at the end of last year has paved the way for a number of new players to make their mark in this new look squad. In all, eleven clubs throughout Munster are represented in the squad, with four players each from Cashel and Kilfeacle & District, three from Cobh Pirates, two each from Youghal, Thurles and Old Christians and one player each from Bandon, Ennis, St. Mary s, Crosshaven and Kinsale. Training since the end of July in Mallow RFC, the squad have played warm up matches against Nenagh Ormond and Thomond.

The squad is coached by the vastly experienced Kevin O Dwyer from Thurles, who has been at the helm for over a decade, with Bandon s Ricky O Sullivan assisting. The selection team consists of Chairman Liam Lehane from Ballincollig RFC, Christy McNamara from St. Mary s RFC and Tony Daley from Kanturk.

Munster Junior Team v Ulster

15. Trevor Breen (Cashel), 14. Jamie English (Kilfeacle & District), 13. Robbie Doyle (Youghal), 12. Diarmuid O Connor (Cashel), 11. Roddy Jefferson (Cobh Pirates), 10. Brendan Ronan (Cobh Pirates), 9. Colm Murphy (Ennis), 1. Roy McArdle (Youghal), 2. Timmy O Callaghan (Bandon), 3. Toss Stapleton (Thurles), 4. Fergal McCormack (Old Christians), 5. Stephen Ryan (St. Senan s RFC), 6. Mark Shorley (Thurles), 7. Pierce Breen (Kilfeacle & District), 8. Jack O Sullivan (Kilfeacle & District)

Replacements (all used): 16. Paul McGrath (Old Christians), 17. Eugene Payne (St. Mary s), 18. Edmond Leamy (Cashel), 19. Paul Twomey (Old Christians), 20. Ollie McGlinchey (Cashel), 21. Colm McCarthy (Kinsale), 22. Eamonn Ronan (Cobh Pirates)

JUNIOR INTERPROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Saturday 10^th September 2005

MUNSTER v CONNACHT, Kinsale RFC, 3pm

ULSTER v LEINSTER, Dromore RFC.