Munster release trio to boost Dolphin’s cup hopes

DOLPHIN’S hopes of an AIB Cup semi final victory over Garryowen at Musgrave Park today (2pm) have been boosted with the news that the three Munster contracted players have been released back to the club.

Julien Brugnaut, Nick Williams and James Coughlan will strengthen the Dolphin pack for the visit of the light blues as both seek a place in the January 30 final that has been fixed for Dubarry Park, Athlone.

Silverware of this importance has eluded Dolphin for years, but the Musgrave Park based club has enjoyed a significantly successful season so far under the coaching expertise of Steve Ford, who is quietly confident of a positive result today.

Dolphin will be looking to captain Barry Keeshan who is their top scorer in the competition with 35 points, and could also rely a bit on flanker Barry O’Mahony (four tries to date), whose appearance in opposition to Garryowen will bring mixed feelings for one Limerick family – his father is former well known Garryowen player Gerry O’Mahony who has, for obvious reasons, been seen on numerous occasions supporting Dolphin this season!

Dolphin’s cup run has seen them beat Barnhall, Belfast Harlequins and Galwegians but Garryowen have a proven track record in cup competitions over the years and having won this one back in 2007.

The Dooradoyle side will travel with some baggage on Saturday. They may have beaten both of their Limerick neighbours in the league so far but they are the only two wins they have managed. Interestingly both of those wins came under floodlights.

Their cup run has seen them put out AIB League newcomers Navan, Division 1A leaders St. Mary’s College and high flying Blackrock, proving that they have not forgotten how to win cup matches.

Ballymena hope home advantage works in their favour for the visit of Cork Constitution to Eaton Park, and visiting coach Brian Walsh is sure it will be a tough assignment.

It is Constitution’s second trip north in this competition but they came out on top against holders Ballynahinch in the opening round.

Last year’s beaten finalises will be without Brian Hayes, Simon Zebo and Tim Kenneally, but have Gareth Murray back in the front row and Alex Ryan is expected to take his place on the wing.

Walsh noted: “We haven’t much up to date information on Ballymena who are set in mid table of division 1B, but they beat UCC in that campaign and College are a decent side, so I suppose that forewarns us a bit.”

Cork Con won the AIB Cup back in 2006 and have also picked up an AIB League title in recent seasons. Their early season form this term was mixed but Walsh’s men have not lost in the league since October and have picked up hard-fought wins over St. Mary’s College, Shannon and Clontarf along the way.