Munster Club Preview

In a relatively quiet weekend, the only two senior games down for decision are the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup quarter final and a semi final in the Cyril Fitzgerald Plate.

There is also a full programme of games in the top two divisions of the Munster Junior League, together with the Martin O'Sullivan Cup final.

U.C.C. and Old Crescent will eventually get to play their Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup quarter final tie on Saturday in the Mardyke at 2.30pm.

Both sides will probably be more focused on next week’s important All Ireland League games and a place in the semi final against Young Munster may not be a priority at the moment.

Cyril Fitzgerald Plate holders Sunday’s Well continue their defence of the trophy against Cashel at the Spafield. The winners will meet Highfield in the decider.

Defending Munster Junior League champions Clonmel will be expected to retain their title as they travel to Ballyanly to take on Muskerry.

Bandon face a tricky task in their title bid as they travel to County Limerick to face Galbally, with both sides assured of a top four finish. Bandon can take the title with a win should Clonmel slip up at Ballyanly.

Richmond travel to West Cork to take on Clonakilty in a clash of two former AIL sides. Clon’ are after coming off the back of two successive wins in their battle against relegation while the Limerick side are playing for a top four finish.

Old Christians, who are propping up the table and have a game in hand, face a tough assignment as they travel to West Tipperary to take on Kilfeacle. The Premier County side are aiming for a top four finish.

The Waterpark v St. Mary’s game has been postponed at the request of both clubs.

There are two mid table clashes between Newcastle West and St Senan’s in West Limerick and Clanwilliam make the long trip to the Carbery Showgrounds to take on Skibbereen.

Division 2 leaders Abbeyfeale, who are a point ahead of nearest challengers Cobh Pirates will be expected to clinch the title with a maximum point home win over fourth-placed Kinsale.

Cobh will be expected to secure their return to the top flight at the first time of asking as they travel to the Kingdom to take on Castleisland.

Thurles who are eight points behind the ‘Pirates host Charleville, who have a game in hand and Waterford City and Ballincollig lock horns in a mid-table encounter on Suirside.

Dungarvan, who have already been relegated are away to fellow strugglers Mallow. The North Cork side will be looking to take another step closer to safety following their narrow home win over Tralee last time out.

Tralee will be seeking their only home win of the campaign in a bid to avoid a second successive relegation as they entertain Presentation.

Ennis will be looking to make the most of home advantage in their bid to avoid the drop as they entertain Newport.

A new name will be inscribed on the Martin O’Sullivan Cup as Munster Junior League Division 3 Champions Youghal lock horns with Fermoy in the decider at Rathcooney.