Young Munster Triumph Over Gallant Nenagh In Munster Senior Cup

There was a dramatic finish to the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup Final at Thomond Park, as Young Munster retained their title with a penalty kick in the 86th minute to keep the trophy at Tom Clifford Park for a third successive season with a 27-24 victory over a gallant Nenagh Ormond side, before a very large attendance.

It was heartbreak for Nenagh who stayed in the game right to the finish.

The Tipperary side made a great start with a try from John Hayes, but the holders hit back immediately with a try from Ronán O’Sullivan and Evan Cusack’s conversion put the Limerick side ahead 7-5.

Nenagh Ormond RFC’s John Hayes celebrates scoring a try with teammates
©INPHO

A second try by David Gleeson edged Nenagh back in front but a Cusack penalty tied the scores after 30 minutes.

A try by Nicky Irwin converted by Patrick Scully gave the Tipperary side a 17-10 halftime lead.

Three minutes into the second half, a try by John Healy converted by Scully extended the Tipperary side‘s lead to 24-10.

12 minutes from time, the Cookies got back into the game when they were awarded a penalty try.

Entering added time substitute James Horrigan touched down and Conor Hayes’ conversion tied the scores.

Young Munster RFC’s Conor Hayes scores a try that was later disallowed ©INPHO

Nenagh Ormond had an opportunity to take the lead in the dying moment but the penalty attempt came off the upright.

With extra time looming Young Munster’s Hayes made sure of victory with the last kick of the game.

Young Munster: Patrick Campbell; Conor Hayes, Harry Fleming, Luke Fitzgerald, Shay McCarthy; Evan Cusack, Jack Lyons; David Begley, George Jacobs, Conor Bartley; Sean Rigney, Alan Kennedy (captain); Bailey Faloon, Ronán O’Sullivan, John Foley.

Replacements: Mark O’Mara, Paul Allen, Conor Moloney, James Horrigan, Donnchadh O’Callaghan, Werner Hoffman, Stephen Lyons.

Nenagh Ormond: Josh Rowland; Patrick Scully, Willie Coffey (captain), John Healy, David Gleeson; Derek Corcoran, Nicky Irwin; Mikey Doran, Dylan Murphy, Jack O’Keeffe; Jake O’Kelly, Kevin O’Flaherty; Robert Buckley, John O’Flaherty, John Hayes.

Replacements: Peter O’Connor, Sean Frawley, Evan Murphy, Joseph Coffey, John Brislane, Conor O’Brien, Cian Ryan.

Referee: Shane Kierans (MAR).