Munster Juniors To Open Interprovincial Defence

A trip to County Antrim awaits reigning champions Munster Juniors this Saturday, as they begin this year’s Interprovincials with a tie away to Ulster looking to retain their national title.

A fiercely competitive Munster Junior league campaign has seen much talent shine through across the province, reflected in the 14 clubs represented in manager Tony Daly’s matchday squad of 24.

The players have been hard at work since the conclusion of the league season, putting in hard yards and working together as team-mates, many for the first time, from their training base at Fermoy RFC. The coaching staff of John Keehan, Eoin O’Connor, Olan Daly, Willy Shubart and Kevin O’Dwyer have been working hard with the players to ensure Munster have a strong representation crossing the border.

Muskerry winger Dan Horgan, the Thurles half backs of John Lillis and Nicky Irwin and in the pack Mike Cronin (Castleisland) and Aidan Ware (Old Christians) all retain their places, while Brendan Childs (Galbally) starts on Saturday having been a substitute twelve months ago.

The side depart this afternoon for the trip to Randalstown, situated just above the estuary between the River Maine and Lough Neagh, and having hopefully picked up the first victory in the competition on Saturday (KO 2.30pm), will return the following day back to Munster.

This marks the beginning of the competition, spread out over three weekends. Next Saturday sees Munster’s only home tie of this season, as they host Leinster at Newcastlewest with a 2.30pm start, and all those that can attend are encouraged to give Munster that extra push. The final game sees Daly’s side travel to North Galway when they face Connaught in Dunmore, also a 2.30pm start.

Munster Rugby would like to wish the squad the very best of luck for the coming campaign, where they aim to do their Province proud in this prestigious competition.

Munster Juniors to face Ulster: Derry O’Connor (Abbeyfeale); Scott Hornibrook (Waterpark), Eoin O Dwyer (Thurles), Tom O’Callaghan (Mitchelstown), Dan Horgan (Muskerry); John Lillis (Thurles), Nicky Irwin (Thurles); Robert Brockhert (St Mary’s), Mike Cronin (Castleisland), Rory Hannon (Waterpark), Kevin Phelan (Waterpark), Brendan Childs (Galbally), David O’Donoghue capt. (Waterpark), Aidan Ware (Old Christians), Kieran Downey (Castleisland).

Replacements from: Tom Doyle (Kilfeacle), PJ O’Connor (Charleville), Pa Ryan (St Senans), Kevin Kinnane (Kilfeacle), Brian McLoughlin (Kilfeacle), Brian Collins (St Senans), Sean Herlihy (Newcastlewest), Aidan O’Dwyer (Thurles), Luke Kelly (Thurles).