Junior Rugby Preview

In a relatively quiet weekend on the Junior front, Kilfeacle and Newcastle West will be aiming to become the first Munster side to qualify for the final of the All Ireland Junior Cup since Crosshaven won the trophy in 2011.

They go head to head in the semi-final in West Tipperary with the winners meeting holders Ashbourne or Ballina in the decider. Both sides are also aiming for top four finishes this season and they are due to meet in the Munster Junior League in West Limerick on the first Sunday in February.

The only game in the Munster Junior League sees Mallow taking on Ballincollig in a Cork derby in Division 2 at St Joseph’s Road. The North Cork side will be looking to make the most of home advantage count if they are to take another step closer to safety following their 24-0 defeat by Crosshaven in South Cork. Ballincollig are in mid-table and they recorded a maximum point away win over Old Christians at the end of November.

Ennis host Killorglin in the second Martin O’Sullivan Cup semi-final in the Banner County, with the winners meeting Dungarvan in the decider. Killorglin ran out 10-7 winners when these sides met in the League at the Kerry venue and Killorglin have slipped to third in the table following their 22-13 defeat by leaders Fethard in South Tipperary last week. The Clare side are tied on 15 points with Fermoy and have three wins from six since their relegation from Division 2.