Clean sweep on for Munster clubs

The Waterford club came back from the brink in their semi-final with Leinster champions Rosslare yesterday to set up a final showdown with holders Co Sligo this morning. And with West Cork’s Lisselan reaching today’s Jimmy Bruen Shield final there remains the possibility of a clean sweep for Munster clubs of the AIG Cups and Shields national titles after Spanish Point added the Pierce Purcell Shield yesterday to Thursday’s haul of a Barton Shield for Muskerry and Casteltroy’s Junior Cup.
That the possibility remains at all is thanks to Tramore’s resolve in coming from behind to see off Rosslare. The 1992 champions, Barton Shield finalists in 2011 and Senior Cup semi-finalists a year later, looked to be heading for similar disappointment at the halfway stage of their singles matches with the first-time Leinster pennant winners. Worse was to come when lead-off man, teenage Irish senior international Robin Dawson was a surprise 4&3 loser to Rosslare’s Gary Collins. But Tramore rallied on the back nine and beyond for three crucial wins from Paul Flynn, Chris Butler and Alan Thomas.