Munster A couldn’t have faced a stiffer challenge than the champions in today’s B&I Cup opener with London Welsh at Towns Park, Midleton (2.30p.m.), but coach Peter Malone believes his young side will be up to the task.

The Court of Criminal Appeal has dismissed an appeal brought by a Cork man against his conviction for murdering a man with an axe in 2002.

A Cork man was today found guilty of the murder of Mr Gerard Hackett, aged 49, at the Central Criminal Court.