Clanwilliam To Host Women’s All Ireland Cup And Plate Finals

Two of Munster’s top sides go head to head this weekend when Women’s Munster Cup holders Highfield face fellow Division 1 rivals and current All Ireland League champions, UL Bohemian in the final of the Women’s All Ireland Cup this Saturday in Clanwilliam.

The sides met in a thrilling encounter last month to decide the Munster Cup Final, with Highfield emerging 18-15 victors to clinch the title for the first time in four years.

Highfield reached the final stage of the competition last year only to be narrowly defeated by Division 1 side Galwegians.

The Leesider’s last won the cup in 2005, when they defeated Boyne in extra time.

This weekend they welcome back the services of their international stars Laura Guest and Heather O’ Brien, fresh from their Grand Slam winning Six Nations campaign.

Speaking ahead of their challenge Guest said, “We’re looking forward to another tough game against UL Bohes this weekend. We had a hard fought semi-final win over Old Belvedere so hopefully that will stand to us on Saturday.”

League winners, UL Bohemian who last lifted the cup in 2011, also see the return of several members of the victorious Six Nations side, including captain, Fiona Coughlan and according to Manager Paul Hennessy are “under no illusions as to the capabilities of this Highfield side and with the return of Laura Guest from International duty to bolster their side they will undoubtedly be formidable opposition.”

Hennessy added, “The All Ireland Cup final pits arguably the two best women’s teams against each other in the final on Saturday and the fact that it is two Munster clubs in the All Ireland final speaks volumes of the work being done to develop the women's game in the province.”

Speaking ahead of the game he said, “We are looking forward to a hard fought game which hopefully will showcase the extraordinary skills and athleticism of both sides. This is a great opportunity for the public to come out and see how the club game is developing the Irish players of the future."

The double header gets underway at 1pm, when Division 2 South champions Portlaoise take on Division 1 side St. Mary’s College in the All Ireland Plate Final. While the All Ireland Cup kicks off at 3pm.

The RBS 6 Nations Trophy will also be on display in the clubhouse.