Blues can trump Thurles again

THREE more finals will be decided this weekend, the second last of the season, with the last of the provincial competitions being decided at Thomond Park when Garryowen face Thurles for the second successive week in the final of the Munster Junior Two League.

Last week, Thurles lost their Webb Cup title when the Dooradoyle side ran out deserving winners, 24-16. This has been a good season for the Light Blues at this level. They won the Gleeson League, defeating Bruff in the final, but the trophy was awarded to Bruff after an objection. Garryowen came back strongly to win the Webb Cup: they received a walkover from Muskerry in the opening round and had an easy victory over Bandon in the semi-final.

Thurles, disappointed with their performance last week in the Webb Cup decider, will want to put things right. They have had a difficult route to this final with away victories over Dolphin and Cobh Pirates. The odds must be on Garryowen picking up the Tony O’Flynn Memorial Cup for the first time and making amends for the defeat they suffered two years ago when Crosshaven beat them 19-9.

Cashel and Clanwilliam clash again in the final of the Garryowen Cup at Cashel. Last week Cashel won their third trophy of the season when they had a 12-10 victory at Clanwilliam in the Mansergh Cup Final. Clanwilliam were very disappointed to have lost, with Brian Maguire off target with a few difficult penalty kicks, and the visitors will be hoping for a repeat performance. With a bit of luck they could cause an upset.

Corca Dhuibhne travel to Musgrave Park for their first appearance in a final at this ground when they face Highfield in the final of the Tait Cup.

Despite all the problems that Corca Dhuibhne must endure to survive, it would be a great achievement for the dedicated people in the club that keep the rugby flag flying in one of the outer areas of the province if they were to win.

The cost of travelling every second weekend must be a big financial burden, with trips away ranging from 100 to 200 miles. They have a thriving youths section and the club hopes this will be the basis for keeping the club afloat in the years to come.

The draw has not been kind to the Kerry side, having been drawn away in all their cup games. They beat UCC 17-12 in the quarter-final and a late rally last Monday saw them defeat Charleville 31-16. They will have to make another long journey for the

final in search of their first title.

Highfield are the form side going into this final and they also could do with a victory, which would be a big boost for them after a few years without success. They will be able to call on some of their successful U20 side and should have too much experience for their Kerry opponents.

The Martin O’Sullivan Cup, a trophy introduced for Division Three clubs in the

Junior League, has been blighted by problems with more games ending in walkovers then played. Douglas and Newcastle West make their initial

appearance in the competition this weekend with both semi-finals down for decision.

At Moneygourney league champions Douglas face Mallow in what should be an intriguing tie. These sides met in the opening game of the league with Douglas winning 33-7, but the north Cork side have improved dramatically since that meeting and could cause an upset.

The other tie sees Newcastle West entertaining Newport. The visitors would dearly love to win this trophy as it is in memory of their former club president. Neither side has seen much action on the field lately and there should be little between them at the finish.

The Cork County Cup semi-finals will also be decided with four of the top sides in action. Crosshaven entertain Youghal at Myrtleville and the home club will be anxious to make it to another final after last week’s success over Charleville in the final of the Fitzgerald Cup. Terry Dillon, Youghal’s coach, will want some

silverware after their disappointing showing in recent weeks. The home side will be expected to shade it, provided that all their players have recovered from last week’s bruising encounter.

Old Christians have home advantage against Cobh Pirates in the other semi-final and neither side has seen much action on the field in recent weeks. The Rathcooney side travelled to Ballincollig in midweek and had to pull out all the stops for a 19-15 victory and this game could stand to them as they aim to end a long run without success in this competition.