O’Carroll cautious as champions close on title

They say you don’t win titles at Christmas — but if you’re Catholic Institute, you can certainly win them in January.

Not since the decade of domination by Cork Harlequins in the late 90s and early 2000s has a Munster league crown been up for grabs so early, but Institute can wrap it up before spring is in the air if they defeat second-placed Quins on home turf at Rosbrien tomorrow (12pm).

Three points would open up a 10-point gap over Quins with just nine more points up for grabs, meaning the Limerick side couldn’t be caught.