Munster Senior Challenge Cup At Semi-Final Stage

The semi-finals of the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup are down for decision this weekend, together with the opening series of games across all three divisions of the Munster Junior League.

On Friday evening, Young Munster, who last won the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup in 2010, welcome Cashel to Tom Clifford Park for the first semi-final. The Premier County side will be looking to qualify for their first decider, while the Limerick side’s last final appearance was against Cork Constitution on Leeside in 2017.

Holders Cork Constitution lock horns with Highfield at Temple Hill for the second time in a month following their recent Cork Charity Cup decider, which was won by the Lilywhites. Highfield will be looking to qualify for their first decider since 2007, while their only triumphs in the competition were in 1966 and 1968.

There is local derby action in West Cork and County Limerick in Division One of the Munster Junior League which begins next Sunday.

In West Cork, newly-promoted Clonakilty lock horns with near neighbours and former champions Bandon at the Vale.

Galbally, who narrowly avoided relegation last season will have their work cut out as they entertain Abbeyfeale.

Thomond will have their work cut out as they begin life as a Junior Club following 19 years in the senior ranks as they travel to West Tipperary to take on Kilfeacle.

Richmond, who finished fifth and qualified for the All Ireland Junior Cup, will be looking to get their campaign off to a winning start as they entertain Waterpark.

Last season’s runners-up Newcastle West travel to South Cork to take on Crosshaven and Mallow, who won the Division Two title last season, go head to head with Clanwilliam in Mallow.

Elsewhere, St Senan’s make the long trip to West Cork to take on Skibbereen.

In Division Two, Kanturk, who were relegated from the top flight are at home to near neighbours Charleville, who finished last season in fifth place.

Kinsale, who finished eight points adrift of Clonakilty in third place, open their account in a Cork derby against Old Christians at Rathcooney.

St Mary’s face a tough assignment following their relegation from the top flight, as they welcome Division Three Champions and Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Plate winners Tralee to Grove Island.

Dungarvan begin their third stint in Division Two with a tricky opener against Cobh Pirates at the Paddocks.

Thurles, who narrowly avoided relegation to Division Three, are away to Fermoy; Ballincollig host Fethard at Tanner Park and Muskerry travel to the Kingdom to take on Castleisland.

Youghal, who were relegated from Division Two for the second time in five years, will be looking to get their campaign off to a winning start as they host Mitchelstown in a Rebel County derby.

Waterford City, who were also relegated, make the long trip to Kerry to take on Killorglin.

Last season’s promotion play-off finalists Killarney will be looking to make the most of home advantage count as they entertain Chorca Dhuibhne in a Kingdom derby.

Douglas-Carrigaline take on Ennis at Wilton and Bantry Bay begin their campaign with a home tie against West Cork neighbours Dunmanway.

A list of the full fixtures can be found here.