Bank of Ireland Junior Rugby Preview

It will be an historic occasion on Sunday as Irish Independent Park plays host to the finals of the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Cup, the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Shield and the Martin O’Sullivan Cup.

Bandon and Richmond contest the Munster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Cup decider (2pm) with this fixture doubling up as a Munster Junior League Division 1 tie. Richmond are looking to win the trophy for the first time since 2016 and they also won it in 2012, while the West Cork side’s only triumph was in 2001.

Bandon are third in the League, while the Limerick side are sixth on 33 points, behind fifth-placed Abbeyfeale. A win with four tries would also be a welcome boost for Richmond’s aspirations of qualifying for next season’s All Ireland Junior Cup.

The Munster Junior Clubs’ Challenge Shield decider sees holders Clonakilty taking on Cobh Pirates (6pm). The West Cork side ran out 30-18 winners when these sides met in the League at the Vale less than a month ago. Clonakilty have been promoted to Division 1 in second place behind Mallow, while the Pirates, who are seeking their first Shield title, secured their Division 2 status after claiming a losing bonus point against Fermoy.

Killarney, who won the Martin O’Sullivan Cup two years ago, will be looking to regain the trophy as they lock horns with near neighbours Killorglin (4pm), who are seeking their first title. Killarney ran out 34-10 home winners when these sides met in the League before Christmas.

The Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup and Munster Junior Plate continue this weekend.

In the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup, Castleisland entertain near neighbours Abbeyfeale under lights in the Kingdom on Friday evening in Round 3, where the winners will be rewarded with home advantage against Newcastle West.

On Sunday, UCC are at home to Waterpark in Round 4 and the winners will be away to Richmond or Cashel. Garryowen welcome Kilfeacle to Dooradoyle.

Young Munster host Crosshaven at Tom Clifford Park.

Holders Cork Constitution continue their defence of the trophy against Mallow at Temple Hill on Monday evening.

There are two quarter-finals down for decision in the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Plate.

Fermoy welcome Old Crescent to the Showgrounds, with Midleton awaiting the winners in the semi-finals in East Cork.

Tralee are at home to Charleville and the winners will be rewarded with home advantage against Waterford City.