Treble dream still on for Cunningham

GARRYOWEN and Ballymena booked their place in the All-Ireland Bateman Cup final with victories on Saturday.

In an entertaining game at Dubarry Park Garryowen eased past Buccaneers 14-3 while Division Two outfit Ballymena were shock 18-15 winners over All-Ireland champions Old Belvedere at Anglesea Road.

Garryowen coach Paul Cunningham said: “Bucs are a nice side, well coached and they have very skilful young players. Overall, it was an excellent match and very good quality. We always take cup competitions seriously in Garryowen. The Munster Senior Cup has a tremendous history and the Bateman Cup is very important.”

Although the league could yet be a sticking point for the Limerick outfit, Cunningham hasn’t given up hope of repeating the treble achieved back in 2007, when the club swept the boards with league honours along with a Munster and All-Ireland Cup double. Garryowen scored the only try of the game from Adam O’Loughlin, with Fergal Lawlor kicking three penalties to Jack Carty’s one.