Munster look for revenge over Leinster
Leinster teams have succeeded in both All Ireland competitions, with Seapoint winning the Cup and Naas coming out on top in the round robin. These two teams should provide a strong backbone to the side, with many other clubs also set to be represented, but they will have to do with out the services of players from Navan and Skerries who contest the Towns Cup Final on Sunday.
Munster should certainly have a very strong team. They will be boosted with the inclusion of four Cobh players, who will know the Paddocks inside out and their presence should help increase the support.
Eamon Ronan could be one of the pivotal players for the men in red, as he has enjoyed an outstanding season at out-half for the Pirates. If his pack can edge the forward battle, Ronan will be keen to mix up the style of play and keep the Leinster defence guessing.
With the business end of the season upon us, there are still several trophies up for grabs. The two undisputed kings of Junior Two Rugby in Munster come face to face in the Munster Junior Two Final at Musgrave Park on Sunday: Cork Constitution and Shannon clash in this newly developed competition and between them, the teams have only suffered one defeat during this season.
The Limerick team narrowly missed out on the Webb Cup after a loss to Old Crescent. However, they’ll be confident of upsetting their Temple Hill rivals.
Con will probably be slight favourites, particularly after their magnificent showing in the South Munster Final, scoring 48 points against a good Dolphin side. Con are very fit for this level and possess a mobile pack that can cause plenty of damage, while their backs can cause havoc — especially winger Alan Dinan.
The Cork County Cup Final between Cobh Pirates and Mallow is currently scheduled to take place on Sunday at the Towns Park in Midleton, but the east Cork side have a number of players involved in the Junior Interprovincial the day before.
Both sides have been very impressive en route to the Final: the Pirates used the Cup as a way to prepare for their Challenge Cup and maintain a high level of confidence with some impressive victories.
Mallow have been one of the star teams, particularly in the Cups this year, and would be very keen to claim this trophy, as their last success was back in 1969.
Two teams who have enjoyed contrasting seasons in Division Three come face to face in a local derby as Newcastle West and Charleville clash in the Martin O’Sullivan Cup Final, which goes ahead in Corbally.
The Limerick side will be favourites, having produced consistently high-calibre performances in the League to ultimately claim the title.
Following last season’s relegation, Charleville would have been many people’s tip to bounce straight back up, but they stuttered in the League after a good start. They will hope to make amends in this game and know that they have the capability to come out on top.
The South Munster U20 B Cup Final takes place at Muskerry, where Clonakilty will look to clinch the double against Castleisland.
The west Cork side have enjoyed a successful season at this level but Castleisland won’t mind going in as underdogs and are a club full of passion who will push their opponents right until the end.
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