Newcastle West reach All-Ireland Junior Cup semi-finals while UL Bohs clinch Women’s AIL last four spot

There were mixed results for the Limerick sides in the semi-finals of the All-Ireland Junior Cup over the weekend.

Newcastle West have advanced to the semi-finals of the All Ireland Junior Cup with a dramatic win over Ballyclare while UL Bohemian clinched their place in the Women’s AIL semi-final play-offs.

A nail-biting finish at The Claughan, saw Newcastle West snatch an unlikely victory against Ballyclare 26-24. The Ulster side led 14-6 at half time with Shane Airey kicking two penalties for the visitors.

Unconverted tries by Sean Ivess and Eoin O’Halloran saw Newcastle West take the lead entering the final ten minutes. A high tackle saw a red card being shown to a Newcastle West player, that saw them reduced to 13, as another player was in the sin bin. Ballyclare added a penalty and a converted try for a 24-16 lead.

Entering added time, Airey kicked a long-range penalty for Newcastle West, and finishing the game with fourteen players, O’Halloran levelled the scores with his second try of the game, as Airey’s conversion saw Newcastle West advance to the last four.

However; Thomond exited the competition. They were no match for Monkstown, losing at Park Avenue 61-7, where Conor Lipper was Thomond’s try scorer and Eoghan Sherlock converted.

UL Bohemian secured their place in the Women’s All Ireland League semi-final with a trip to top side Blackrock College after a 13-7 win over Galwegians at Annacotty. Leading 10-0 at halftime with tries from Alana McInerney and Clara Barrett. Nicole Cronin added a penalty after the interval.

Galbally–Mitchelstown booked their semi-final spot in the Junior Clubs Challenge Shield with a 35-10 home win over  Ballincollig. Jack Norris, Jack Donovan, Euan Dunne, and Frank Cussen scored tries for the winners. John Kearins kicked three conversions and three penalties. Liam McGarry and Rory Kiely replied with tries for Ballincollig.