Draw Made For Bank Of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup Semi-Finals

19th September 2023 By The Editor

The draw has been made for the semi-finals of the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup ©INPHO

The draw has been made for the 2023/24 Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup semi-finals.

The competition, which is in a new format this season, saw Munster’s senior men’s teams divided into four pools with each pool winner advancing to the semi-finals.

Garryowen, who last won the competition in 2018, will host Bruff RFC this Saturday, September 23 in Dooradoyle (KO 2.30pm).

Garryowen topped their pool thanks to two bonus-point wins over Cashel and UCC.

They edged out their Limerick rivals and holders Young Munster who finished one point behind in second-place. Bruff topped their three-team pool thanks to wins over Midleton and UL Bohemian.

The other semi-final will see Old Crescent, who have never won the competition, host Cork Constitution in Takumi Park this Saturday, September 23 (KO 2.30pm).

Old Crescent advanced to the semi-finals thanks to the losing bonus point they picked up against Clonmel before a try bonus-point win against Dolphin. Cork Con secured bonus point wins over Highfield, Nenagh Ormond and Shannon to secure their place in the last four.

Fergus O’Mahony, Chairperson of the Senior Clubs Committee and Kevin Long, Chairperson of the Competitions Committee said, “The Munster Senior Challenge Cup boasts a proud tradition, dating back to the 1880’s.

“Over a hundred years of history has seen this prestigious trophy being won by 11 different clubs across the province. The first final in 1886 was won by Bandon RFC and most recently, Young Munster made it three in a row last season in a classic encounter with Nenagh Ormond RFC in Thomond Park.

“We extend our congratulations to Cork Constitution FC, Garryowen FC, Old Crescent RFC and Bruff RFC on winning their respective groups and advancing to the semi-finals.

“This year’s competition has lived up to all expectations with keenly contested games and very good attendances evident throughout. Three of the four groups were undecided leading into last weekend’s concluding league fixtures, finally only decided by the narrowest of margins.

“We would like to acknowledge all the Senior Clubs competing in this year’s competition who were instrumental in developing this new format and while only four teams progress to the semi-finals, excellent opportunities have been provided for player development and team preparation ahead of the All Ireland League to follow.

“We wish all our Munster Senior teams well in their respective leagues throughout the season. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Munster Association of Referees (M.A.R.) for officiating the competition and all the Munster administration Staff for their support in advance of and throughout this competition.”