Con clash in the balance

TOMORROW’S ODM Munster Senior Cup semi-final clash between champions Cork Constitution and Young Munster was in serious doubt last evening as the Cork club met to discuss whether or not to fulfil the fixture, fixed for Musgrave Park.

Constitution had sought a postponement of the game but were turned down yesterday by the Munster Branch.

Last evening they held a meeting which lasted late into the night to discuss the matter.

Constitution sources stressed yesterday that safety issues are the reason for their withdrawal, pointing out they are missing several first-choice front-row players and, accordingly, there would be doubts about the safety of the players available to them.

Sources within the club pointed to their willingness to fulfil the fixture going back to last November, adding the game has been switched three times – not at Constitution’s instigation – while they have moved an AIL game with UL Bohemians to April to facilitate the tie.

Constitution would have been missing several first-choice players for tomorrow’s clash with the Limerick side. Young Munster.

Simon Zebo and Brian Hayes are on duty with the Irish U-20’s, while Evan Ryan, Martin Gately and Frank Cogan will all line out with the AIB Club International team. Con would also have been missing several other players called up to play for Munster A in Wales this weekend.

The other semi-final, between Shannon and UCC, is expected to go ahead as scheduled.

Young Munster will meet the winners in the final at a date to be decided if Constitution decide not to play this weekend.