Provincial Rugby Roundup

Kilfeacle were knocked out of the All Ireland Junior Cup by holders Ballyclare in what was a quiet weekend on the Junior Rugby scene.

Kilfeacle’s hopes of reaching another All Ireland Junior Cup Final were shattered at Morrissey Park, as visitors Ballyclare were deserving of their 15-5 victory  and a meeting with Bective Rangers in the final at the end of January.

Playing with the elements in the opening half a try from Owen Kane and a conversion and penalty by Matthew McDowell put the holders 10-0 ahead before a push over try for Kilfeacle by Diarmuid O’Donnell left it 10-5 at half time. Joel McBride extended Ballyclare’s advantage with a try early in the second half, but despite being on top for long periods indiscipline was to prove costly for the home side.

Munster Junior League holders Richmond staged a dramatic recovery at Liam Fitzgerald Park to beat Sunday’s Well 22-17. The ‘Well who led 10-0 at half time with a try conversion and penalty by Logan Henry extended their lead early in the second half with a try from James Mulcahy which Henry converted. A late rally by Richmond that produced tries by Ronan Kellaher, Keith McCarthy, and Jason Murray, along with two conversions and a penalty by Sean Considine gave Richmond the points that moves them away from the relegation zone.

Newcastle West eased their relegation worries with a 36-5 home win against Bandon.  James Kelly, Sean Corbett, John Walsh, Daniel Normoyle, and Liam Treacy were the Newcastle West try scorers. Shane Airey kicked four conversions and a penalty. Tom Desmond replied with a try for Bandon.

St. Senan’s booked their place in the semi-finals of the Munster Junior Clubs Shield with a 36-22 away win over Ballincollig at Tanner Park. Jordan Duggan and Jamie McNamara each scored two tries for the Shannon Town based club, and Damien O’Toole got one. Craig  Airey kicked four conversions and a penalty. Matt Burke, James Hurley, Jason O’Connor, and Magele Tavea Sa’olele replied with tries for Ballincollig. Cathal McDermot kicked one conversion.

The Semi-Final line up is Abbeyfeale v St. Mary’s and Kinsale v St. Senan’s.

Killarney beat local rivals Killorglin 10-6 to book their place in the semi-finals of the Martin O’Sullivan Cup. Liam Randles scored a try for the home side and Ciaran O’Brien kicked a conversion and a penalty. Luke O’Shea replied with two penalties for Killorglin.

Killarney will now host Chorca Dhuibhne or Ennis in one semi-final and Castleisland will have home advantage against Carrick-on-Suir in the other tie.