Preview | Bank Of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup Semi-Final

The first semi-final of the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup goes ahead next Saturday at Tom Clifford Park, where defending champions Young Munster face Cork Constitution, in a game that kicks off at 2.30pm.

Theses sides have clashed four times in the last five seasons in this competition, with each side emerging victorious on two occasions.

Young Munster will be chasing a third successive title, having knocked out Constitution in the 2020/21 campaign at the quarter-final stage 27-17 and last season they defeated them in the opening round 19-12.

The Cookies will be bidding for a fourth successive final appearance, having lost the 2020 decider 24-17 to Cork Constitution, but beat Shannon 26-14 at the start of last season in the delayed 2020 final. Last year they defeated Garryowen in the decider 11-8.

Cork Constitution who have won seven of the last ten finals, will be anxious to be back on the winners podium this season.

On route to the last four, Cork Constitution defeated Dolphin 51-3 in Round 1, and saw off the challenge of Cashel 32-17 at Temple Hill in the second round.

Young Munster received a walk over from UL Bohemian in their opening defence of the trophy, and beat Clonmel 67-7 in the quarter-final.

These sides met in the opening game of the All Ireland League this season at Temple Hill, with Con’ winning 19-18.

Young Munster will be boosted by last week’s win over leaders Terenure College in the AIL and will be confident of continuing their recent good record against the Cork side.

The other semi-final between Nenagh Ormond and Highfield has been rescheduled for Saturday 7th January at the Tipperary venue. The respective All Ireland League games which were postponed last week for both clubs will go ahead this weekend.