Domestic Rugby Weekend Preview

The Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup gets underway this weekend, together with Cup competitions at Junior 1 and Junior 2 level.

There are two Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup first round ties down for decision on Friday evening as 2011 winners Bruff entertain Sunday’s Well, who last won the trophy in 1994. The winners will be rewarded with a bye into the semi-finals in December, where they will also be the home side.

Nenagh Ormond welcome UL Bohemian to North Tipperary for the second successive week, following last Saturday’s dramatic Limerick Charity Cup semi-final. Jack Molamphy proved to be the winner here with a late penalty to give the Premier County side a 20-17 victory and a first appearance in a Limerick Charity Cup decider. The winners of this tie will be away to Midleton or Old Crescent, who go head to head in East Cork on Saturday, in the quarter finals.

The tie of the round sees holders Cork Constitution traveling to Coonagh to take on Shannon. The Lilywhites are seeking their sixth successive title, a feat achieved by the Limerick side in the opening years of the 21st Century. The winners will have an away tie in the quarter finals against Cashel or UCC, who lock horns at the Spafield.

Last season’s finalists Young Munster, who last won the trophy in 2010, welcome Highfield to Tom Clifford Park. The winners will be rewarded with a home tie in the quarter finals against Garryowen.

In South Munster, the Cork County Cup gets underway on Sunday.

Holders Bandon begin their defence of the trophy against Muskerry at the Mid Cork venue. The winners will be away to Cobh Pirates or Kanturk, who go head to head at the Paddocks. This is also the Duhallow Club’s first competitive match back in Junior ranks following their relegation from the Ulster Bank All Ireland League.

Skibbereen welcome Youghal to the Carbery Showgrounds and the winners will have a home semi-final against Clonakilty or Old Christians, who meet at the Vale.

There is also one first round tie in the O’Neill Cup which sees Douglas-Carrigaline taking on Bantry Bay at the South Cork venue. The winners will be away to Mallow in the quarter finals.

In North Munster, the Transfield Cup gets underway with four first round ties down for decision.

Thomond host UL Bohemian at Liam Fitzgerald Park and the winners will be rewarded with a home tie in the quarter finals against Richmond or Abbeyfeale, who meet at Richmond Park.

Old Crescent entertain Presentation in a Limerick City derby and the winners will be at home to Bruff or Shannon, who go head to head a t Kilballyowen Park.

The Dennehy Cup gets underway in South Munster, with four ties and there are also two McInerney Cup ties in North Munster.