Underdogs Munster quietly confident they can pull off another surprise

Even though they are the defending champions and will be performing on home territory, Munster are regarded as underdogs in the Senior Men’s Interprovincial Championship beginning at Lee Valley this morning.

A side captained by Lee Valley’s own Phil Cooney confounded the pundits 12 months ago when sweeping the boards at Royal Co Down and, with only one change from that side, there is quiet confidence in the home camp that they can again pull off a surprise. However, the bookmaker are quoting Leinster as 7/4 favourites and even then there is a degree of surprise that Munster (2/1) are quoted ahead of Ulster (9/4) with 2011 champion Connacht on offer at 11/2.

“Being underdogs is nothing new for us and that’s the way we like it,” said Cooney last night. “You never know what’s going to happen in match-play and with only one change from last year, I know the spirit is good and the lads are very keen to retain the trophy. Ian O’Rourke is currently in the US and so wasn’t available but Kieran Lynch is a very able replacement.”