No easy games against Cork Con, says Garryowen coach

MUNSTER rugby giants, Cork Constitution and Garryowen, bring their provincial rivalry to the national stage in this afternoon’s AIB League final at Musgrave Park (2.30pm).

The sides have met twice this season — the Limerick outfit taking the honours in the Munster Senior Cup final with Con securing the points in their AIL encounter.

Constitution chief Brian Walsh admits his side were fortunate to overcome UL Bohemians in the semi-final when a late try from winger Cronan Healy saw them through.

Said Walsh: “We left it late and we were fortunate to make it through. We didn’t do ourselves justice against UL Bohs but we needed a tough game like that against a quality team before the final and Bohs are a quality team. Garryowen have had a tougher run-in than us and they have been hardened.

Garryowen counterpart Paul Cunningham expects Constitution to raise their game from that of a week ago.

“There’s never an easy game against Con; it’s always about who performs on the day. We’re in good form but they’re the team who set the pace for most of the season. They might have been fortunate last week but we’ve a fair idea about the type of rugby they’re capable of playing.”

Daniel Nethery returns from injury and will partner Tom Gleeson in the Constitution back division while Brendan Cutriss is expect to start too.

Kevin Hartigan should be back to take his place in the centre for Garryowen with Munster flanker John O’Sullivan set to be named in the reserves.

CORK CONSTITUTION: D. Hurley, R. Lane, D. Nethery T. Gleeson, C. Healy, D. Lyons, P. McKee, C. Murphy, D. Murray, Tim Ryan, S. O’Connor, M. O’Connor, R. Noonan, F. Cogan (captain), B. Cutriss.

GARRYOWEN: C. Kilroy, A. O’Loughlin, K. Hartigan, C. Doyle, C. O’Boyle, E. Hickey, G. Hurley, R. Brosnan, D. Varley, J. Staunton, M. Melbourne, E. Mackey, P. Neville (captain), P. Malone, A. Kavanagh.