Provincial Rugby Roundup

There were shocks in the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup, as Carrick-on-Suir lifted the Martin O’Sullivan Cup.

Defending champions Garryowen made their exit at the first hurdle in the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup, when they lost away to last season’s beaten finalists Kilfeacle 13-10 after extra time. Oisin Fagan gave the Light Blues an early lead with a penalty. In the second half a penalty try after great work by Brian Barlow and a penalty by Luke Heuston put Kilfeacle 10-3 ahead. A try from Richard Costello converted by Fagan six minutes from time sent the game into extra time. Heuston made sure of victory with a penalty.

Daniel Kitson was Skibbereen’s hero as he scored all their points in the opening half, a try, conversion and three penalties in their 16-10 win at Tom Clifford Park. Aaron Roulston and Marcus Lyons replied with tries for “The Cookies”.

Despite taking an early lead  with tries from Daniel Normoyle and Liam Treacy, along with a Shane Airey conversion, Thomond rallied with two tries from Luke Costelloe, and one by Jamie McGarry for a 28-15 home win. Evan Cusack kicked two conversions and three penalties, and Airey replied with a penalty for the visitors.

Shannon continued their good form with a 28-6 home win over Mallow. Richie Mullane, Darren Gavin, and Will Bright scored tries for Shannon. Cillian O’Connor kicked two conversions and two penalties, and Richie Murphy added a drop goal. Jimmy Glynn kicked two penalties for Mallow.

Cork Constitution easily overcame the challenge of Bandon at Temple Hill with a 36-7 home win. Mark O’Connor, Gordon Good, Ian Leonard, Cathal O’Flaherty, and Kamil Nowak scored tries for Con’ and Johnny Murphy kicked four conversions and a penalty. Tom Ferguson replied with a try for Bandon and Dylan Barr converted.

Clonakilty easily overcame the challenge of Clanwilliam at The Vale with a 32-8 victory. David Jennings, Pa McCarthy, Cathal O’Regan and Kieran McCarthy scored tries for Clonakilty. Luke McCarthy kicked three conversions and two penalties. Johnny Richardson replied with a try for Clanwilliam and Darragh Burke kicked a penalty.

A strong second half performance saw UCC defeat Old Crescent 36-17 at the Mardyke. Joe O’Leary, Adam Wrona, Dave Cogan, and Dave McPolin scored tries for College who were also awarded a penalty try. Cogan added three conversions and a penalty. Eoghan Quinn and John Lyons replied with tries for Old Crescent, and Jason Aylward converted both tries and also added a penalty.

Tries from Tyrone O’Halloran, Craig Collopy Duggan, and Keith Hyland helped St. Mary’s to a 15-5 home win over Castleisland. Donnacha McSweeney replied with a try for the visitors.

In the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Plate, Youghal caused an upset with  10-7 home win against Ennis. Youghal were awarded a penalty try and Jordan Yellop kicked a penalty. Joe Cunningham replied with a try for Ennis and Callum Barrett converted.

Cobh Pirates defeated Tralee 27-12 with tries from Saul Kahn, Jack Gilmartin, Jack Worrall, Killian O’Connell, and Hamish Timms. Rory Pierce added one conversion. Ben Glavin and Gavin Peeters replied with tries for Tralee and Seamus Lynn kicked a conversion.

Two tries from Philly O’Connor and one by Conor Kavanagh were enough for Fethard who beat U.L. Bohemian 20-12 at Annacotty. Peter Wall kicked a conversion and a penalty.

Killorglin defeated Dungarvan 54-3 to book their place in the final of the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Bowl against Clonmel. Stephen Cotter and Timmy Lynch each scored two tries for Killorglin, and Rob Lynch, Donncha Crowley, Mikey Griffin and Luke O’Shea got one each. O’Shea kicked seven conversions. Maurice Daly replied with a penalty for Dungarvan.

Carrick-on-Suir defeated Killarney 23-13 in the final of the Martin O’Sullivan Cup at Virgin Media Park, with tries from Andrew Bolger, Kieran Kinsella, and Brendan Wheelan. Fionn Barry kicked two penalties and a conversion. Liam Randles replied with a try for Killarney and Ciaran O’Brien converted and also added two penalties.

Muskerry defeated Charleville 34-12 in an outstanding Division 1 League game at Charleville. Damien Leahy and Darragh Browne scored tries for Charleville and Mark O’Connell added a conversion.

In a bottom of the table clash in Division 2, a missed penalty in the final play of the game cost Abbeyfeale dearly as they lost to Ballincollig 26-24. Derry O’Connor scored a try and four penalties for Abbeyfeale, and Brian Collins added  try and a conversion.