Weekend Preview | Junior Rugby

The third round of the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup and the opening round of the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Plate take centre stage this weekend.

Proceedings get underway in Duhallow on Saturday as Kanturk entertain 2011 winners Cashel in the third round of the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup. The winners will be rewarded with a home tie against Thurles or Fermoy, who go head to head in the Premier County on Sunday.

On Sunday, Highfield begin their defence of the trophy with an away tie against Muskerry. The winners will be at home to record winners and last season’s finalists Cork Constitution, who lock horns with Skibbereen at Temple Hill. This is a repeat of the 2012 decider, which the Lilywhites won on a 13-10 score line.

Shannon, who last won the trophy in 2015, entertain 2017 winners Bandon at Thomond Park (back pitch). The winners will have home advantage in the next round against 2011 winners Clonakilty or UCC, who meet in West Cork.

Recently crowned All Ireland Junior Cup winners Kilfeacle, who won the Munster Junior Cup in 2002, are at home to St Senan’s. The winners will be away to Bruff or Mallow, who meet at Kilballyowen Park.

Abbeyfeale, who won the trophy in 1964 and 1966, welcome 1974 winners Waterpark to West Limerick. The winners will be away to Charleville or Ennis, who meet at Smith’s Road.

Ballincollig host 1965 winners Old Christians in a Cork derby and the winner will be rewarded with home tie against Old Crescent or Galbally, who meet at Rosbrien.

Seven-time winners Thomond, whose last series of triumphs were a three-in-a-row from 1989 to 1991 inclusive travel to West Limerick to take on Newcastle West. The winners will be at home to Crosshaven or 1947 winners, Clanwilliam, who meet in South Cork.

Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Plate holders Tralee begin their defence of the trophy against UL Bohemian at Annacotty. The winners will have a home tie against Fethard in the quarter finals.

There is a local derby on Suirside which sees Waterford City hosting 2012 finalists Dungarvan. The winners will be rewarded with a trip to West Cork to take on Bantry Bay.

Scariff welcome Mitchelstown to the Banner County, with Nenagh Ormond awaiting the winners in North Tipperary.