Big weekend for local rugby sides Garryowen and Richmond

Two Limerick sides face into massive games today as Garryowen look to reach their first AIL final since 2008 and Richmond hope to land their fifth Munster Junior Cup.

Garryowen are in the Aviva to face Lansdowne in the Division 1A semi-final. Conan Doyle’s side ensured a top four finish in the division following wins in six of their last seven outings.

Lansdowne lifted the Bateman Cup last weekend following a comprehensive win over Cork Constitution while they also topped the division by ten points.

The light blues defeated the Dublin side in Dooradoyle earlier in the season but did lose out the last time the sides met in the capital.

https://twitter.com/GarryowenFC/status/988795569744334848

Division top scorer Liam Coombes may play a big role for Garryowen, the Munster Academy star is in top form having claimed a hat trick in his last outing while captain and scrum half Neil Cronin will be expected to lead his side in attack as he has done all season. In the forwards Ireland Under-20 hooker Diarmuid Barron and ex-Trinity tighthead Andy ‘Panda’ Keating have been immense and will hope to win the battle up front.

The game kicks off at 2.30 at the Aviva Stadium.

Elsewhere Munster junior club of the year Richmond are bidding for Munster Junior Cup glory when they travel to Independent Park this Sunday to face Cork Con.

Tadhg Bennett’s side claimed a convincing win over Kilfeacle last week to reach their first decider since 1990, while the last time the famous Limerick club lifted the trophy was back in 1952.

Thirteen players of the Richmond starting fifteen have come through their underage system.

Kick off at Irish Independent Park this Sunday is at 3 o’clock and a big travelling support from Limerick is expected with at least all four bus loads of fans and club members making the trip.

https://twitter.com/RichmondRFC/status/989792176967168000