High-flying Dolphin braced for cup backlash from Garryowen

DOLPHIN will be looking to maintain their blistering start to the season when they visit Dooradoyle to take on Garryowen in the tie of the ODM Munster Senior Cup first round today (2.30pm).

The Musgrave Park outfit have swatted aside Clonakilty and Highfield en route to the Cork Charity Cup final in recent weeks, and Limerick will hold no fears for Steve Ford and John O’Sullivan’s side.

Dolphin have recruited astutely during the off-season, with the arrival of Irish club internationals scrum-half Sam Cronin and centre Danny Barnes – who impressed in Munster colours during pre-season – from UCC set to galvanise their back play.

However, the loss of Dave Harty – forced to retire through injury – may affect their lineout prowess, and they could fall victim to a backlash from the hosts, who went down by a point to UL Bohemian in the last four of the Limerick Charity Cup last week.

Elsewhere, holders Cork Constitution meet Sunday’s Well at Musgrave Park for the second week in a row, having seen them off 24-5 in a Charity Cup clash seven days ago.

Shannon head to Clonakilty hoping to shrug off the chastening experience of being bested by Limerick neighbours Young Munster last weekend.

It’s a long time since Munsters have beaten Shannon with such conviction, recording a 12-point win at Greenfields last week.

Shannon came off second best at the breakdown that day and will be looking to bounce back at The Vale, but Clon are always a tough proposition at home and won’t have forgotten the beating Shannon inflicted on them the last time the sides met.

For their part, Munsters trek to Bruff, while Highfield hit the road to Limerick for a showdown with Thomond. UL Bohs will be favourites to overcome Old Crescent in their battle at Annacotty.

A new-look UCC, who have once again experienced a summer of high turnover despite winning promotion to Division 1B last term, travel to Towns Park to take on Midleton.

All eyes in Tipperary will turn to the big local derby between Cashel and Nenagh Ormond. Junior outfit Cashel made great strides in this competition a couple of seasons ago, but are shorn of several of the players that helped them annex the last two Munster Junior League titles.

ODM Munster Senior Cup Rd 1 (2.30pm unless stated): Bruff vs Young Munster (Kilballyowen Park); Cashel vs Nenagh Ormond (Cashel), Clonakilty vs Shannon (The Vale); Garryowen vs Shannon (Dooradoyle), Midleton vs UCC (Towns Park), Sunday’s Well vs Cork Con (Musgrave Park), Thomond vs Highfield (Fitzgerald Park, 12pm); UL Bohemian vs Old Crescent (Annacotty, 1.30pm).