Match Preview | Bank Of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup Final

It will be a familiar sight when one of the Garryowen or Cork Constitution captains lifts the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup on Saturday; with both clubs having won the last seven competitions between them.

Cork Con’s five-in-a-row is sandwiched in between the Light Blues last two successes. Both sides also lead the overall honours list; with Garryowen currently holding 11 more titles than the Temple Hill club.

Both clubs were faced with local derbies en route to the final. Defending champions Garryowen opened up their campaign against Young Munster and the game certainly lived up to expectations. Garryowen’s defence of their title looked like it would be a short one when they trailed 23-11 close to the hour mark.

Peadar Collins proved to be the hero; with his late penalty sealing the win; having earlier scored a try as well as a conversion and penalty. Liam Cronin and Darren Ryan also scored crucial tries as Garryowen edged out a thrilling local derby.

Back in Cork; Con’ faced their new Division 1A rivals UCC. Just like they would do later in the league, the Temple Hill left it late to produce a thrilling victory.

Con’ looked to be cruising to victory as they raced into a 21 point lead. Aidan Moynihan converted tries from Niall Kenneally, Rob Jermyn and Liam O’Connell.

College did get a try to close the gap before the break, but Moynihan extended his side’s lead to 24-5. UCC went on a scoring rampage; racing into a 26-24 lead but Con’ showed their resilience and nerve by sealing the game through a Moynihan penalty.

Garryowen faced their arch-rivals Shannon in the semi-final the following week at Dooradoyle and while the host’s victory wasn’t necessarily a surprise; the final margin was a surprise. It was tight in the first-half but the holders ended with a comfortable 27-9 victory.

Garryowen only led 11-9 at the break and once again it was Collins who was dominating on the scoreboard; with two penalties and a try.

Jake Flannery kept Shannon in the match with three penalties but Collins extended his side’s advantage with two early second-half penalties.

Liam Cronin effectively sealed the game with another try with Collins adding his fifth penalty late on.

It was a different story back in Cork. Despite taking on a Division Two side; albeit one that seems ready to make the step-up; Con’ needed to use all their strength and experience to overcome the challenge of an impressive Highfield outfit.

It was Con’s opposition who got off to a flying start in this game at Temple Hill as the visitors built up a 16-5 lead with Liam O’Connell getting Con’s try. The home side used all their experience and power to come back and win.

The pack earned a penalty try. Moynihan reduced the deficit to one with a penalty before Conor Kindregan ran in for the winning try to see his side win out 22-16.

No doubt another thrilling encounter can be expected from these two sides that have dominated this competition.

Munster Senior Challenge Cup Final | Garryowen FC v Cork Constitution FC, Saturday 5 January, Thomond Park, 2pm