Con face tough task in Galbally

Things will be getting serious in the Munster Junior Cup from Sunday as most of the big guns enter the fray at the fourth round stage.

One of the most interesting ties pits an impressive Galbally side against last year’s beaten finalists and cup specialists Cork Constitution. The Temple Hill club are always one of the leading contenders in this competition and have a wealth of talent at their disposal.

The Limerick side are one of the top junior clubs this season and with home advantage they will be confident of knocking out their illustrious opponents.

Cup holders Cashel will field a vastly different side to last season, but are eager to make a strong defence as illustrated by an impressive win in Abbeyfeale. They will have to step up another few gears as they travel to take on a Bruff side who are having a strong campaign in the league. Both sides have achieved senior status by rising through the junior ranks and will be aware of the tradition of this competition.

Kanturk have probably been the surprise side of the season and still have an outside chance of claiming the Division One title. With home advantage they will be expecting to overcome second tier side St Mary’s but the Limerick club possess plenty of talented players and will give the North Cork side a tough game.

Shannon face a very tricky trip to Newcastle West, who will be fired up to get the better of their renowned opponents.

There is a big derby in Tipperary as Kilfeacle host Carrick-on-Suir. Despite there being two divisions between the sides, Carrick will take the greater momentum into this game as Kilfeacle are involved in a battle to retain their Division One status.

Clonmel’s relegation worries have eased slightly but they can’t take anything for granted as they host Kinsale. Young Munster are going very well in their league but Cobh Pirates have got some good results lately and, with home advantage, will fancy their chances.

St Senan’s will be hoping Richmond have one eye on securing the league title as they travel to the Shannon-based side.

UL Bohs have been to the fore in this competition recently but the form of their seconds hasn’t been impressive this year. They take on a high-flying Garryowen side which should bring out the best in UL.

Two clubs who have had an upturn in form of late should produce a very intriguing battle as Old Christians host Tralee, with the Kerry side getting a big home win when the clubs met earlier in the season.

Mallow’s forwards will hope to get stuck in early as they host a UCC side capable of mixing things up as well as producing some excellent running rugby.

Crosshaven will start as favourites as they make the trip to Midleton, but Towns Park is always a tough venue to come away from with a result and the Seasiders will need to be on top form to win.

There is nothing between Ennis and Scariff in the Division Two table, but Ennis will hope to replicate their victory of last Sunday.

Thomond have a habit of pulling out good results in this competition but a young Waterpark side will try to make the Limerick side’s cup run a short one.

Dolphin should have too much power at their disposal when they host Clanwilliam while the formbook would suggest Thurles travel to Skibbereen more in hope than expectation.

There are five Junior Plate matches. A derby between Bandon and Muskerry is the pick of the bunch while Abbeyfeale will expect to advance despite travelling to Ballincollig.

Presentation will also expect a win on the road at Newport while Dungarvan will try to get back to winning ways as they host Douglas. Home advantage should count for a lot when Old Crescent host Highfield.

The Junior Bowl clash between Charleville and Waterford City should be a very close match, while Killorglin should prove too strong for Bantry Bay.