Munster Senior Clubs Continue To Challenge For Silverware

As the senior domestic rugby season nears its closing stages, season 2015/16 has provided Munster Rugby clubs with significant successes throughout the province, with continued excitement promised for the remaining fixtures.

Following last weekend’s bonus point victory over Galweigans at Temple Hill, Cork Constitution booked their place in the All Ireland League Division 1 play-off which simultaneously cost the Galway side their place at the top table of Irish club rugby.

The victory also secured the Cork club a home semi-final on Saturday against Young Munster, with Clontarf and UCD going head to head at Castle Avenue in the other last four clash.

It will be the second consecutive AIL semi final for the Cookies, who hope to go one better this year, following their defeat to eventual league winners Lansdowne FC.

Cork Constitution and Young Munster have met twice already in the league this season with the Limerick side claiming both victories by a one point margin on each occasion.

In what promises to be a thrilling game of rugby from two formidable clubs, whatever the result, a Munster club will be guaranteed representation in the All Ireland League final on Sunday, 8th May at the Aviva Stadium.

As both clubs continue to impress in a number of competitions, Cork Constitution have reached their fourth consecutive Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup final and will meet the winners of Old Crescent and Young Munster in the other semi final.

The winners will progress to represent Munster in the All Ireland Bateman Cup, a competition Munster clubs have dominated since 2010 and a title Cork Constitution have held since 2013.

As the Temple Hill club bid for four trophies this season, having already secured the Charity Cup earlier in the year, Con’s Junior side will also be in action this weekend against Richmond RFC in the Junior Cup semi final. Should Con progress to the final they will book a date to battle it out with Young Munster for the prestigious title.

There are two Munster clubs competing in Division 2A of the All Ireland League play-off semi finals this weekend.

UCC will travel to Banbridge while Cashel are away to Blackrock College. Both sides will be vying for a place in the final, with a win guaranteeing promotion to Division 1B.

Woodleigh Park side Highfield have already secured promotion to division 2A and may be joined next season by fellow Cork club Sunday’s Well.

Following their impressive 21-10 victory over Derry City at Judges Road last Saturday, the ‘Well’ will host Greystones at Irish Independent Park on Saturday, in a bid for league promotion for their second consecutive year.

Both sides previously met earlier this month which saw the Wicklow side coming out on top with a 24-21 win at Dr. Hickey Park, claiming their second victory over Sunday’s Well this season.

Division 2C winners Old Crescent have booked their place in 2B for next season. In what has been a very successful year for the Limerick side, surely a win over neighbours Young Munster to reach the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup final, will be the icing on the cake for the Rosbrien club.

All Ireland League Play-off Fixtures

Saturday 23rd April, 2016 – All games KO at 14:30

Division 1A Semi-finals
Clontarf v UCD, Castle Avenue
Cork Constitution v Young Munster, Temple Hill

Division 2A Promotion Play-off Final
Sunday's Well v Greystones, Irish Independent Park

Division 2B Promotion Play-off Final
Tullamore v Wanderers, Spollenstown

Division 1A Promotion Play-offs
Dublin University v Ballymena, College Park
Ballynahinch v Buccaneers, Ballymacarn Park

Division 1B Promotion Play-offs
Banbridge v UCC, Rifle Park
Blackrock College v Cashel, Stradbrook