Weekend Preview

The Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup continues this weekend.

Locally there is action in an assortment of Junior competitions in North Munster, South Munster, Kerry and Tipperary.

In the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup, Highfield, who claimed a losing bonus point from their 29-22 home defeat to Nenagh Ormond last time out, host Shannon, who began their campaign with a heavy 50-17 defeat to Cork Constitution at Coonagh.

Nenagh Ormond, who defeated Highfield 29-22 at Woodleigh Park last time out, face a tricky task as they welcome Cork Constitution to North Tipperary. The Lilywhites, who last won the trophy in 2019, go into the tie on the back of a 50-17 victory over Shannon.

UCC begin their campaign as they welcome holders Garryowen to the Mardyke. The Sky Blues claimed two bonus points from their narrow 33-31 home defeat by neighbours Young Munster, as they scored five tries.

Bruff, who claimed a bonus point as they scored four tries in their 44-22 defeat by Clonmel in South Tipperary, will have their work cut out as they lock horns with Cashel at Kilballyowen Park. The Premier County side go into the tie on the back of a 35-24 bonus point away win over UL Bohemian.

Midleton begin their campaign as they welcome Old Crescent to East Cork. The Limerick side go into the tie on the back of a narrow 31-26 home win over Dolphin, where they claimed all points on offer.

In The Transfield Cup quarter finals, St Mary’s welcome Newcastlewest to Grove Island on Friday evening. The winners will be rewarded with a home semi-final tie against Richmond or St Senan’s.

On Sunday, Shannon welcome Old Crescent to Coonagh and the winners will be at home to Thomond or Bruff, who meet at Liam Fitzgerald Park.

Proceedings get underway in the Cork County Cup on Saturday evening, as Clonakilty welcome West Cork neighbours Skibbereen to the Vale. The winners will have home advantage in the semi-finals against Muskerry or Bandon, who meet at Ballyanly on Sunday.

Holders Sunday’s Well begin their defence of the trophy against Kanturk at Virgin Media Park. The winners will be rewarded with home advantage against last year’s O’Neill Cup winners Crosshaven or Mallow, who meet at the South Cork venue.

The O’Neill Cup also gets underway as Charleville welcome Youghal to Smith’s Road. The winners will have be away to Kinsale or Ballincollig, who go head to head in South Cork.

Cobh Pirates entertain Douglas at the Paddocks and the winners will be rewarded with a home semi-final tie against last year’s beaten finalists Old Christians or Fermoy, who meet at Rathcooney.

In the Kingdom, Tralee entertain Killorglin, who are beginning their campaign in the McElligott Cup. Tralee go into the tie on the back of a 26-12 maximum-point victory over Abbeyfeale in Castleisland.

Listowel begin their campaign with a home tie against Abbeyfeale, who were defeated 26-12 by Tralee last time out.

Killarney, following their scoreless draw against Chorca Dhuibhne at Ballydavid, entertain Castleisland, who are beginning their campaign.

The Mansergh Cup and Garryowen Cup semi-finals are down for decision in the Premier County.

Thurles host Nenagh Ormond and Kilfeacle entertain Cashel in the Mansergh Cup semi-finals.

In the Garryowen Cup, Fethard entertain near neighbours Clonmel and they will meet Clanwilliam or Carrick-on-Suir in the decider.