Munster Juniors On the Road To Connacht

The Munster Junior team are on the road again this weekend as they face Connacht at Creggs RFC in Galway on Saturday (ko 2:30pm).

Courtesy of:- Stephen Collins

The Munster Juniors had a long trip back from Carrickfergus last week after losing 35-0 against a fired up Ulster side. Munster clinched the title the last time they travelled to Connacht however the heavy defeat last weekend means they need the bonus-point win and hope the winless Leinster put one over the table-topping north men.

Head coach John O'Neill has rung the changes with the experienced Patrick Ryan getting his first start of this year's campaign at loosehead. Mike Cronin retains his place at the coalface while dynamic Senan's hooker Fearghal Lawlor finds his way to the replacements.

Kilfeacle's tighthead Danny Lambe has also found his way back into the starting line up after Colclough stepped in last week. The second row, as it did last week, remains unchanged and Ruari O'Donnell will captain the side.

More changes in the back row with Fitzgerald dropping to the bench in favour of Kieran Downey at 8, he will be flanked by Dave Kiersey and Mike Culhane. Cobh's Eoin Geary will steer the ship from 10 with Thurles man Nicky Irwin replacing Herlihy at scrum half.

Warren Kelly and Eoghan O'Dwyer both start on their respective wings while Mark Chandler proves his versatility once more with a start at full back. Greg Higgins and Alan McMahon make up the centre partnership.

SATURDAY 9th MAY
Junior Interprovincial: Connacht v Munster, Creggs RFC, 2:30pm;

Munster Junior team to face Connacht: M Chandler (Cobh Pirates); E O’Dwyer (Thurles), A McMahon (Dungarvan), G Higgins (Cobh Pirates), W Kelly (St Senan’s); E Geary (Cobh Pirates), N Irwin (Thurles); Pa Ryan (St Senan’s), M Cronin (Castleisland), D Lambe (Kilfeacle); R O’Donnell (St Mary’s) capt, D Foley (Newcastle West); D Kiersey (Kilfeacle), M Culhane (Newcastle West), K Downey (Castleisland).

Replacements: F Lawlor (St. Senan’s), R Colclough (Waterpark), R Hannon (Waterpark), B Duggan (St. Mary’s), I Fitzgerald (St. Senan’s), S Herlihy (Newcastle West);V Grisewood (Clanwilliam).