Newcastle West just pipped in All-Ireland Junior Cup semi-final | Junior Rugby Round Up

The West Limerick side rallied late on but it wasn’t enough to overturn the defending champions.

There was plenty of drama and excitement in both the Munster Junior League and the opening round of the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup, as Newcastle West’s efforts to reach the final of the All Ireland Junior Cup, fell just short.

All-Ireland Junior Cup

Defending champions Clogher Valley booked their place in the final of the All Ireland Junior Cup against Enniskillen after a dramatic 18-17  away win at Newcastle West. The visitors were 18-0 but had to withstand a late Newcastle west rally that yielded tries from Keelan Headd, and Evan Donovan, both of which Shane Airey converted. Airey added a late penalty but it was not enough to keep the home side in the competition.

Munster Junior League

Section A Junior League leaders Bandon are joined at the top of the table by Richmond, after the West Cork side lost a thrilling league encounter away to Kilfeacle 25-24.

Richmond took maximum points from their trip to Clanwilliam with a 33-24 victory to go level with Bandon, but with a game in hand. Darragh Joyce scored two tries for the Limerick side and Thomas O’Brien, Brian Mullins, and James Reeves also scored tries. Tadhg bennet kicked four conversions. Jack Ryan, Brian Kissane, and Gavin Downey replied with tries for Clanwilliam. Niall Leahy converted all three tries, and also added a penalty.

The shock of the day was at Abbeyfeale, where the bottom side recorded their first win if the campaign with a 22-15 victory against top-four chasing Mallow. Jamie O’Sullivan scored two tries for the winners, and Jaques van Wyngaard got one. Sean Kilbridge kicked two conversions and a penalty. Mallow replied with tries from Owen Glynn and Sean O’Riordan. Sam Glynn kicked a penalty, and Dave Cogan added a conversion.

Munster Junior Bowl

Youghal proved too strong Bruff at Kilballyowen Park emerging 32-7 winners. Kevin Yellop, Conal Doyle, Conor Butler, Oran Finn, Alan Frahill, and Olan Coleman scored tries for Youghal. Doyle kickd four conversions and two penalties. Tommy Carroll replied with a try for Bruff.

The draw for the second round of the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup which is scheduled for 29^th January also took place.

BOI Munster Junior Cup 2nd Round Draw

Charleville v U.L. Bohemian;

Dungarvan v Ballincollig;

Fermoy v Dolphin;

Galbally-Mitchelstown v Youghal;

Kanturk v Carrick-on-Suir or Douglas (date to be confirmed);

Killorglin v Midleton;

Kinsale v Fethard;

Nenagh Ormond v Ennis;

St. Senan’s v Old Crescent;

Thurles v Cashel;

Waterford City or Scariff v Tralee (date to be confirmed);

BOI Munster Junior Bowl Draw

Castleisland v Clonmel (29/1/23);

Killarney v Bruff (29/1/23);

Sunday’s Well v losers of Carrick-on-Suir or Douglas;

Losers of Waterford City or Scariff v Cobh Pirates;