Bandon U19’s Compete For All Ireland Cup

19th April 2013 By Munster Rugby

Munster U19 Champions Bandon RFC will travel to Naas RFC tomorrow, 20th April, to take on their Leinster counterparts Navan in the All Ireland U19 Cup Final (kick-off 3pm).

This will be Bandon’s first occasion in an All Ireland Final, unlike Navan who claimed the U17 title in 2012, however they are confident their hard fought 17-3 win over Buccaneers in last week’s Semi Final will stand to them. "Bandon's

The West Cork side, who have been together since U14 level will have no shortage of supporters at tomorrow’s Final with a number of busloads making the journey. The Club are hopeful that their coaches, volunteers and players will be duly rewarded for all their hard work over the last number of seasons but know it is an achievement in itself in reaching the Final.

Speaking on behalf of Bandon U19s, Coach Dan Murphy said “it’s a great occasion for a town like Bandon to reach the Final and there is huge excitement amongst the locals which is a great indication of what youth club rugby is all about”.

Murphy, father of the side’s out-half and captain Jack Murphy, went on to say that “training has been going really well throughout the season and this week the squad has been totally focused on Saturday’s game. Naas are a strong side with previous All Ireland Final experience however we are really looking forward to the challenge and hopefully will have the cup coming home with us to Bandon.”

Bandon U19 Squad: David Healy; Christian Mulcahy; Kerry Desmond; Gearoid O’Leary; Mighty Okafor; Jack Murphy (c); Richard Walsh; Ieuen Walters; Kevin Hurley; Colin Jackson; Enda Phelan; Gerry Robinsion; Conor Barry; Darragh Coffey; Michael Beechor, Kieran O’Driscoll; Luke Holland; Lorcan O’Donnell; Ben Hunter; Robert O’Sullivan; Oisin Healy; Brian Crowley; Sam O’Dwyer.

Coaches: Dan Murphy; Keith Fuller, Conor Slattery, Barry McLoughlin and Neil Canniffe.