Junior Club Preview

It is the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup semi finals that dominate the weekend’s Junior activities.

Holders Young Munster travel to Tipperary Town to take on 2014 finalists Clanwilliam. The Cookies had to pull out all the stops in the quarter finals where the boot of Paul Downes helped them to a 9-5 home win over Highfield.

Clanwilliam who caused the shock in the last round with that dramatic 26-25 win over Cork Constitution will fancy their chances of dethroning the champions and book their place in their second final in three years.

The other semi final should also be a cracking affair when Bandon host Junior League Champions Clonmel. These sides have met twice already this season with Clonmel winning 21-14 on the opening day of the league at the Tipperary venue, while a few weeks later Bandon emerged winners 21-6 at Old Chapel in the Junior Clubs Challenge Cup.

Clonmel are anxious to the double, while Bandon have never won this trophy and were the first winners of the Senior Cup. There should be little between them at the finish.

On Friday evening in Division 1 of the Munster Junior League, Kilfeacle and Newcastle West lock horns in West Tipperary. This is a must win game for Kilfeacle if they are to leapfrog arch rivals Clanwilliam into fourth place and qualify for next season’s All Ireland Junior Cup. A win for Newcastle West would see them overtake Bandon in second place.

On Sunday, Richmond entertain St Senan’s in a mid-table encounter as they complete their program.

The semi-finals for the second promotion spot from Division 3 of the Junior League are also down for decision, with the two Kerry sides having home advantage.

Killarney are at home to Dungarvan and Killorglin host Fethard.

The Munster Junior Plate decider is a Premier County derby which takes place in Thurles as the home side who won the trophy two years ago, lock horns with Nenagh Ormond.

In South Munster, there are two O’Neill Cup quarter finals down for decision. Bantry Bay are at home to Kinsale and the winners will have a home semi-final tie against holders Youghal.

Mitchelstown, who are playing in the completion for the first time in their 21-year history, host Crosshaven and the winners, will be rewarded with a home semi-final against Charleville.