Aidan Corr’s Munster Junior Cup Rugby Previews

WITH Galbally, Garryowen, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale all in Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup action and St Mary’s and UL Bohemian involved in the quarter finals of the Plate, it promises to be another exciting weekend of junior rugby action.

Most of the spotlight will be on the Junior Cup and all of our four remaining contestants are in with a good chance of advancing.

Galbally may be having a poor early season in the league but they look capable of getting a win over Ballincollig while Abbeyfeale, who are also away, should come away with a win over Charleville. ‘Feale won the cup on two occasions in the 1960s and they would relish a good run in this competition.

With home advantage, Newcastle West have a great chance of advancing against Crosshaven while Kilfeacle and District, certainly the in-form side this season, will also be fancied to make their visit to Mallow a winning one.

With their AIL side storming towards the 1A play-offs, Garryowen’s junior squad will make the journey to Kinsale. This could be a tricky fixture for the light blues but if they can navigate their way towards a place in the next round, they will be one of the favourites to go the full distance.

In the other games Bandon will be fancied to beat Clonakilty, Cashel are at home to Thurles and should advance while the all-Cork meeting of Highfield and Cork Constitution looks like going the way of the holders.

In the Junior Plate St Mary’s have a chance to save their season by advancing to the semi-final of the Munster Junior Plate. They are at home to Killorglin in Grove Island and they will certainly be up for this game. They showed a lot of character when they snatched a late victory against Thurles last time out and their new coach Geoff Kenny will have them well prepared for this big game. In the other semi-final UL Bohemian will be favoured to get to the last four when they entertain Fethard and District in Annacotty.

Kick off 2.30pm unless otherwise stated.
Saturday 29th February
Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Bowl Semi-Final:

Cobh Pirates v Youghal, Cobh, 6.30pm;

Sunday 1st March
Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup:

Ballincollig v Galbally, Tanner Park, 2pm;

Bandon v Clonakilty, Bandon, 2pm;

Cashel v Thurles, Cashel, 2pm;

Charleville v Abbeyfeale, Charleville, 2pm;

Highfield v Cork Constitution, Woodleigh Park, 2pm;

Kinsale v Garryowen, Kinsale, 2pm;

Mallow v Kilfeacle, Mallow, 2pm;

Newcastle West v Crosshaven, Newcastle West, 2pm;

Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Plate Quarter-Finals:

Bantry Bay v Dungarvan, Bantry, 2pm;

Nenagh Ormond v Scariff, Nenagh, 2pm;

St. Mary’s v Killorglin, Grove Island, 2pm;

U.L. Bohemian v Fethard, Annacotty, 2pm;

Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Bowl Semi-Final:

Clonmel v Killarney, Clonmel, 2pm;

Munster Junior League Division 1:

Skibbereen v Clanwilliam, Skibbereen;

Waterpark v St. Senan’s, Ballinakill;

Division 2:

Fermoy v Muskerry, Fermoy;

Tralee v Old Christians, Tralee;

Division 3:

Chorca Dhuibhne v Douglas-Carrigaline, Ballydavid;

Waterford City v Ennis, Waterford.