Cashel keen to kick off in style

IT looks set to be a big season in the Munster Junior rugby scene, especially with the league winners guaranteed a place in next year’s All-Ireland League.

Most teams will be in good spirits, particularly those who moved up a league in the committee rooms over the close season with the expansion of the top divisions.

The first major provincial competitions commence this weekend with the first rounds of the Munster Junior Challenge Cup, Shield and Plate offering many enticing ties, most notably the all-Tipperary affair between Cashel and Clanwilliam.

Cashel, despite losing some of their impressive imports look like they will have a major say in the destination of silverware this season. Former Cobh Pirates’ Ian Dunne has been added to their coaching staff and they have been busy recruiting players in the close season. Clanwilliam will be pleased to be back in what they see as their rightful position in the top flight. The Tipperary Town side will be well prepared for the challenge having had a very intense Mansergh Cup tie against arch rivals Kilfeacle.

The other promoted side to the top-flight, Old Christians, face an equally daunting task as they travel to face Tralee. The Kerry side have made huge strides in the last couple of years and have provided an excellent base for many of Kerry’s star rugby players to display their skills.

Despite travelling over the county bounds, the Rathcooney side will be buoyed by a good opening to the season but the hosts will be favourites to advance.

The Pirates will welcome St Senan’s to Cobh, the Clare club having got a reprieve over the summer after finishing bottom of the division last year. Training has been going well and they will be looking to make the best of the opportunity afforded them this season, but the Cork side should advance in this game with Brendan Ronan likely to be a key figure again.

Crosshaven were also relegated initially before being given a reprieve and face a tough trip to Skibbereen. Merle O’Connell’s return is the other big news for the Myrtleville club after a highly successful stint with Cork Constitution. Skibb’ are always a tough side to play on their own patch and on their day capable of beating anyone. It is likely to be a very close affair with home advantage favouring the West Cork team.

Ballincollig are looking to continue to improve with the appointment of Eddie Knowles as coach but they face a formidable test if they are to advance as they travel to cup holders Kilfeacle.

Clonmel received a bye to the second round where they will await the victors of the tie between Waterpark and Thurles which takes place at Ballinakill.

Galbally look to be one of the favourites for both the Division Two title and the Challenge Shield and they begin their campaign with a mouth-watering tie against Kanturk. Galbally will hope they can replicate last year’s defensive displays, while former Munster star John O’Neill will want to get off to a winning start as he takes over the helm at the North Cork club.

Kinsale will be hoping the weather suits their high-intensity running game as they take on Ennis while Bandon will aim to follow up last week’s County Cup victory with a home win at Mallow.

Killarney will be relishing the opportunity to play at a higher level and have plenty of talented players at their disposal. They host Muskerry who are always a very tough team to breakdown and it should be a good chance for the Kerry club to test themselves at this grade.

Newport will be hopeful of bouncing back from a defeat to Thurles as they host Newcastle West while in the other match Charleville will start as favourites against a St Mary’s side who are producing plenty of young talent in their team.

There are five games taking place in the Munster Junior Plate with Bantry Bay’s trip to Corca Dhuibhne a tie that catches the eye. The Gaeltacht club have a very enthusiastic set of supporters and the West Cork team will want to put in a strong showing against their rivals from over the county border.

Waterford City put in a very strong display last weekend at Ballincollig. A similar performance should certainly give them a chance of a victory at home to Carrick-on-Suir but the Tipp club will be one of the favourites to retain this piece of silverware should they emerge from this tie.

Abbeyfeale will be expecting to advance at home to Douglas while an improving Dungarvan side will fancy their chances of an upset as they take on Fermoy. The other clash sees Presentation making the trip to face Kilrush.