Kilfeacle and Clonmel eye cup joy after uninspiring league campaigns
The game takes place at Cashel as Kilfeacle clash with rivals Clonmel.
Both sides enjoyed strong starts to their seasons and would have both been disappointed with their league campaigns. They each would have been looking to this showpiece tie for a long time and both clubs will be fired up to claim what is a major piece of silverware.
The two teams played each other just a few weeks ago in the last game of the regular league season and despite being the visiting side; Clonmel came away with a sizeable success.
Clon had it all to play for on the day with Kilfeacle in mid-table security so it should be quite a different affair this time around.
Clonmel will be hoping that Morgan Lyons can provide a big display while John Stokes and David Joyce are other key players. They have a strong pack who will be hoping to impose themselves on the game early on but they will be well aware of the strength and power that their opponents possess.
Kilfeacle are a side with a strong pedigree who can match any side on their day.
They have a strong team ethic with a robust pack capable of grinding down opposing teams.
Shane Luby has enjoyed another wonderful season but the likes of Michael Shanahan and Jack O’Sullivan are amongst the others who have contributed throughout the campaign.
Another final on Sunday takes place in Annacotty as arguably the two top junior sides face up to each other with UL Bohs playing Richmond in the Transfield Cup final.
The students will probably start as favourites and will use the game as part of their preparation for their Junior Cup semi-final next week.
Richmond have enjoyed a great season themselves securing the league and with a tough finish to the season as a result in the AIB Qualifiers, they will be eager to pull a result out of the bag in a bid to build momentum ahead of their remaining round robin play-offs.
There are three games down for decision in the Munster Junior Plate with all of them being intriguing ties as all six clubs will fancy their chance of securing the trophy.
Garryowen have not enjoyed the best of seasons at this level but after a good victory at Sunday’s Well, they will feel confident of overcoming Waterpark. It has been a tricky season for the Ballinakill side but if they can produce a big performance on the day they should have a chance to progress to the last four.
An all-Cork affair sees Bandon hosting Highfield. Both sides look to be well matched and if their pack can hold out, the West Cork side may have enough outside to gain a victory.
Home advantage could prove crucial to Kinsale as they take on Thomond. They will be hoping for favourable conditions as the Cork side like to play with plenty of width but their pack will need to ensure that they don’t allow the Limerick side’s front-men gain control.
The semi-finals of the Munster Junior Bowl take place over the course of the weekend. The first match occurs on Saturday as a rejuvenated Dungarvan outfit take on Newport.
The Waterford side are high in confidence after gaining a couple of decent victories and after a couple of seasons of struggle they seem to be on an upward curve. In any case, Newport’s experience and strength will see them start as favourites but they will have to maintain their focus to win out.
The other semi takes place on Sunday in a big North Cork derby as Fermoy host Charleville. Fermoy inflicted a rare defeat on their opponents in the first league game of the season though Charleville did later gain revenge in a tight affair. It is likely to be a gruelling encounter although Charleville may play with one eye on the league play-offs.
There is a massive game in Division 3A as Killarney host Corca Dhuibhne. A victory for the home side will guarantee them a runners-up spot that would allow them compete for promotion. Their fellow Kerry side would love to spoil the party and will certainly give a strong account of themselves.
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