Shocks In Munster Junior Cup

With only six of the scheduled fifteen Munster Junior Cup games going ahead, there were two major shocks with both Dolphin and U.C.C. making their exit.

Newcastle West caused one of the biggest shocks in the history of the Munster Junior Cup when they travelled to the Mardyke and defeated a fancied U.C.C. side 25-20 in a hectic finish. The students led 15-13 at half time with tries from Charlie O’Regan and Conor Barry and a conversion and a penalty from Kevin Kidney. John Sheehan replied with a try for the visitors and Alan Roche kicked a conversion and two penalties. Three minutes from time Barry scored his second try for the Students but a try by Carl Hayes converted by Roche tied up the scores. Back came Newcastle West and a try by James Kelly earned the west Limerick side a surprise victory.

Clanwilliam’s recent revival continues as they knocked out Dolphin 25-15 at the Tipperary venue. The home side led 20-12 at half time. David Quinlan scored two tries for the winners and Brian Kissane kicked five penalties. John Cleary and Darren O’Shea replied with tries for Dolphin and John Cronin kicked a penalty and a conversion.

Richmond needed a second half try from Gareth O’Hanlon and a conversion and penalty by Brian Mullins to overcome the challenge of a game Cashel side at Richmond Park 10-0.

Highfield were the only senior club side to advance as they had a narrow 12-10 away win over Presentation. All the scores came in the opening half with Rory Kenneally and Paul Stack scoring tries for Highfield and Colm Downes kicked a conversion. John Higgins and Ger Clancy replied with tries for Presentation.

Kilfeacle overcame St. Mary’s 15-11 in an all First Division tie at the Tipperary venue. Two tries from Dermot O’Donnell and a conversion and penalty by Shane Looby gave Kilfeacle a 15-0 interval lead. Dave Hogan replied with a try for Mary’s and Ben Sergeant kicked two penalties.

Old Christians switched their game with Crosshaven to the Mahon and easily booked their place in the next round with a 17-0 victory. Chris O’Donnell, Shane Barry and Lar Coughlan were try scorers for Christians and Stuart Lee kicked a conversion.

Carrick-on-Suir put a dent in Killarney’s promotion hopes from Division Two of the Munster Junior League with a 34-28 home win, but the losers picked up two bonus points that sees them move ahead of their near rivals Castleisland. Mick O’Grady scored two tries for the winners and Adam O’Loughlin and JP Wallace got one each. James Wallace converted all four and added two penalties. Brian O’Sullivan replied with three tries for Killarney and Mike Nash got one. Paudie Sheahan kicked four conversions.

Carrigaline defeated Mitchelstown 12-0 in their top of the table clash in the Junior Two League South. Steve Caul and Kieran Kelleher scored tries for the winners and Sean Lucey converted.

RESULTS:

All Ireland Junior Cup Semi Finals: Clogher Valley 19, Enniscorthy 27;
Kanturk 0, Tullamore 24;

Munster Junior Cup: Clanwilliam 25, Dolphin 15;
Kilfeacle 14, St. Mary's 11;
Old Christians 17, Crosshaven 0;
Presentation 10, Highfield 12;
Richmond 10, Cashel 0;
U.C.C. 20, Newcastle West 25;

Munster Junior League Division 2: Carrick-on-Suir 34, Killarney 28;

Junior 2 League South: Mitchelstown 0, Carrigaline 12;

Under 21 South Western Conference: Corinthians-NUIG 0, Young Munster 29;
Old Crescent 14, Thomond 17;

Munster Under 19 League Group B: Garryowen 14, Youghal 5;

West Munster Under 15 Play Offs: Castleisland 5, Killorglin 5;

West Munster Under 15 Plate: Corca Dhuibhne 19, Tralee Barbarians 12;

Womens Munster Cup Group A: Ballincollig 12, Shannon 5;

Group B: Highfield 24, Galbally 0;