Garryowen and Cork Constitution Get Set for Cup Final

The 2006/7 ODM Munster Senior Challenge Cup Final will take place in Thomond Park on Saturday next, with two giants of club rugby set to do battle in a much anticipated clash. Cork Constitution and Garryowen are set to face off at 2.30pm.

Cork Constitution held off a strong challenge from Clonakilty in the semi final to claim their place, with two late tries sealing the win, while Garryowen advanced after defeating Nenagh Ormond, who, up to ten minutes to go were also very much in the game.  However, a spectacular late surge by Garryowen saw them score four tries in the final stages to claim their win.  

The Limerick side has a tremendous record in the competition, having claimed the title 35 times.  They were finalists in the very first Munster Senior Cup in 1886, when they lost out to Bandon.  Despite not having a Senior Cup title since 1989, Constitution will look to add to their twenty two titles having unseated the defending champions Shannon in a thrilling quarter final.

This year’s competition kicked off on September 22nd, with seven teams bowing out in the first round of matches, and three teams given a bye into the second round.  The following weekend, ten teams competed in five Round Two matches.  Of the remaining five teams, two played the quarter final match in the competition, to leave four teams to compete for the semi finals. 

GARRYOWEN v CORK CONSTITUTION
Saturday December 30th 2006
Thomond Park
Kick off 2.30pm

SPONSORS

Sponsors of the 2006/7 Senior Challenge Cup, ODM Accountants, North Main Street, Bandon, Co. Cork, are long standing supporters of Munster Rugby.  They have close links with local club Bandon RFC.  All three partners, Niall O’ Driscoll, Past President of the Munster Branch, his brother Gearóid O’ Driscoll and Dan Murphy are all members of the West Cork club.  The Munster Senior Challenge Cup has a particular place in the hearts of all those involved in Bandon RFC, as the club won the very first Munster Senior Challenge Cup in 1886, defeating Garryowen one try to nil after a replay.  This is ODM Accountants second year sponsoring the competition.

FIXTURES/RESULTS

ROUND ONE
Fri 22nd September 2006
Dolphin 0-30 Highfield

Sat 23rd September 2006
Garryowen v Youghal (W/O to Garryowen)
Midleton 13-18 Clonakilty
Old Crescent 31-30 U.C.C.
Thomond 26-6 Sunday’s Well
U.L. Bohemian 22-30 Cork Constitution
Waterpark 10-59 Shannon

Byes – Nenagh Ormond, Young Munster, Bruff.

ROUND TWO
Sat 30th September 2006
Bruff 10-17 Nenagh Ormond
Clonakilty 26-3 Old Crescent
Cork Constitution 29-8 Highfield
Shannon 35-6 Young Munster
Thomond 6-16 Garryowen

QUARTER FINAL
Sun 12th November 2006
Shannon 12-16 Cork Constitution

SEMI FINALS
Sat 18th November 2006
Cork Constitution 31-14 Clonakilty
Nenagh Ormond 12-44 Garryowen