Cups wins for Fermoy, Kanturk and Muskerry
CUP action last weekend saw a host of local junior rugby clubs taking to the fields around the province in the hope of advancing to the latter stages of whatever competition they found themselves in.
Fermoy were one of the first into action in the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup facing up to a Tralee side that are having a league season to forget.
The Kerry side came into this one looking to put a tough opening few months of the league behind them - and no better way to distract yourself from the painful main event than with a good run in the cup.
Credit must go to Tralee for the way they battled last weekend – throwing everything at the Cork men in an attempt to make it to the third round, but despite Fermoy being on the ropes for long periods they managed to drag themselves through with a dramatic late score that was devastating for the Kerry side.
Tom Murphy was the hero of the hour for the victors with a brace of tries while the boot of Eddie O’Connell converted one and bagged what turned out to be a crucial penalty.
Kevin O’Shea scored Tralee’s only try with Joe O’Connor converting – he also spanked over a brace of penalties however it was all to no avail as Fermoy progress to take on a high-flying Thurles side that saw off U.L. Bohemian 17-16 in Annacotty.
KANTURK squared off against another Kerry side as they took on Killorglin. The Kingdom men came into this one expected to lose, but on the day, this game took on a life of its own as Killorglin hit Kanturk with everything they had, racing into a 22-3 lead inside the opening half.
Kanturk had to dig deep to get a result here and managed to do just that with tries from Conor Cremin, Matt Daly and Kieran Sexton helping to reel in their opponents. While the touchdowns were crucial, Paul O’Keeffe’s contribution of three conversions and a pair of cannot be overstated as Kanturk came back to win 27-22.
This was a huge boost for the Duhallow club, and the win gives Kanturk home advantage this weekend as Cashel come to town looking to advance after they saw off Mitchelstown last time out.
CASHEL dug deep to get past the Mitchelstown by 8-3 in a real game for the purists. Paul Hayes got the game’s only try with Frank Kelleher landing a penalty. The only moment of cheer for the North Cork side was Pat McGee’s successful penalty kick but on this day, the spoils deservedly went to county Tipp.
MUSKERRY have been doing really well in the league this season and are well in J2 contention past half way. The Mid-Cork boys took on St Mary’s last time out and powered past the Limerick men in some style, winning out by 23-10.
Tries from Paul O’Rourke and Cormac Dennehy put Muskerry in control with conversions from Robert Cahill and a trio of penalties sealing the deal for the boys in blue.
Tries from Mark Gaule and Adam Kiely gave Mary’s some hope but on this day the better side got through.
IF you want to win the cup then you at some stage will have to face the big boys and for Muskerry, that comes this Sunday as they welcome cup holders Highfield to Ballyanly.
This is sure to be a big test for Muskerry but they have every chance of causing what would probably be seen in most quarters as a real shock.
FIXTURES
Kanturk v Cashel in Knocknacolon
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 2 (2PM) Munster Junior Cup Round 3
Bruff v Mallow in Kilballyowen Park Charleville v Ennis in Charleville Muskerry v Highfield in Ballyanly Thurles v Fermoy in Thurles Munster Junior Plate
Scarriff v Mitchelstown in Scarriff