Con eventually shake off gallant Munsters

FITTINGLY, the Ulster Bank All-Ireland League final will feature the teams that finished first and second, holders Cork Constitution taking on Old Belvedere for the big prize at Donnybrook on May 1.

Although Old Belvedere’s sensational victory over Clontarf on Saturday was the ultimate example of drama, there was no shortage of excitement either at Temple Hill yesterday when the champions were pushed to the limit by their old Limerick rivals Young Munster.

Constitution had an ace in the pack in the form of Gerry Hurley. Not surprisingly, the scrum-half won the man of the match award, although flanker turned winger Peter O’Mahony also came close, having been pressed into service there at the 11th hour because of a mini injury crisis in the camp.