Charity Cups Get Season Under Way

Both the opening rounds of the Cork and Limerick Charity Cups got the local domestic season under way.

The big game in the Cork Charity Cup was the meeting of Cork Constitution and holders Dolphin at Temple Hill. The home side led 13-7 at half time and increased their lead shortly after the break with a penalty, but Dolphin hit back with three tries and the boot of Barry Keeshan did the rest as the visitors came out on top 31-21. John Cleary Garret O’Sullivan, Eoin O’Shaughnessy were try scorers for Dolphin who also were awarded a penalty try. Barry Keeshan kicked three conversions and a penalty and Garret O’Sullivan also added a conversion. Pat Parfrey and Brian O’Hara replied with tries for Constitution and Gerry Hurley kicked a conversion and three penalties.

At Woodleigh Park Highfield advanced to a semi final meeting away to Cashel with a 20-0 home win over Sunday’s Well. The visitors dominated the opening stages but were unable to convert possession into scores. A try by Mark O’Driscoll and a Peter O’Toole penalty have the home side 8-0 ahead at half time. Tries from Paddy Ryan and Cyprian Jouve and an O’Toole conversion ensured victory for Highfield.

Limerick Charity Cup holders Young Munster started their campaign with a 36-21 home win over Old Crescent. The home side led 10-6 at half time and were only six points ahead with fifteen minutes remaining before closing out the game in style. Darren Gallagher, Dara Cantillon were try scorers for ‘Munsters, who were also awarded a penalty try. Declan Bannon added a drop goal and Willie Staunton kicked three conversions and four penalties. Brian Keane and Sean Monaghan replied with tries for Crescent and Shane Mullally kicked a conversion and three penalties.

Shannon had to withstand a great come back from Thomond before advancing 26-21 at Coonagh. The home side made a great start and led 20-0 after twelve minutes with tries from Dan Heffernan and Ken Hanly and two conversions and two penalties by Ben Sergeant. John Lillis kicked three penalties for Thomond to leave the score 20-9 at half time. Kevin O’Mahony and Leonard Slattery scored second half tries for Thomond and Lillis converted one of the tries. Penalties from Sergeant and Rob Guerin ensured victory for the home side.

At Dooradoyle Garryowen defeated Nenagh Ormond 23-10.

Results:
Cork Charity Cup: Cork Constitution 21, Dolphin 31;
Highfield 20, Sunday's Well 0;

Limerick Charity Cup: Bruff 6, U.L. Bohemian 17;
Garryowen 23, Nenagh Ormond 10;
Shannon 26, Thomond 21;
Young Munster 36, Old crescent 21;