Munster Challenge Cup time

THE ODM Munster Senior Challenge Cup kicks off this weekend, with 17 teams involved.

The competition features Youghal, who join the senior clubs in the province having won the Junior Clubs Challenge Cup last season.

Seven first round matches take place this weekend, with three teams given a bye. The following weekend 10 teams compete in five round two matches.

From the five winners, two will play in a quarter-final, leaving four teams to contest the semi-finals.

The results of the second round will also determine the five teams going forward to the All Ireland Cup.

Holders Shannon will be aiming for their 19th title, having claimed seven in a row last season when they defeated Dolphin in the final.

Garryowen have won the competition 35 times and reached the semi-final last year and the final the previous year. Cork Constitution have won the title 22 times. There were early exits for Sunday’s Well, Highfield, Bruff, UCC, Thomond, Nenagh Ormond and Old Crescent last year, with Clonakilty, Midleton, Waterpark, Young Munster and UL Bohemians bowing out in the second round.

Fixtures: Round One: Tomorrow: Dolphin v Highfield, Musgrave Park, 7.30pm.

Saturday (2.30pm): Garryowen v Youghal, Dooradoyle, Midleton v Clonakilty, Towns Park, Old Crescent v UCC, Rosbrien, Thomond v Sunday’s Well, Fitzgerald Park, UL Bohs v Cork Constitution, Annacotty, Waterpark v Shannon, Ballinakill.