Killorglin beat Tralee to set up McElligott Cup final with Castleisland

KERRY junior rugby has in the main turned a corner as many teams seem to have a handle on their respective grades. After a disappointing first half of the season for most clubs, Killorglin and west Limerick’s Abbeyfeale the exceptions, the Kingdom’s sides seem to now be making a better fist of the challenges at hand.

After a really good weekend in league action the previous Sunday, it was cup games that dominated for most last Sunday with only in-form Killarney taking to the field for league business.

McElligott Cup semi-final

Killorglin were away from the league last Sunday as they took on fellow Kerry side Tralee in the McElligott Cup semi-final.

This was an epic encounter from start to finish as both sides gave it their all in search of a spot in the showpiece game.

Division 2’s Tralee RFC were at home last weekend against a Killorglin side that have impressed many while dominating all before them in the J3.

This one went the way of the form side as Killorglin defied the league standings to take the win. Killorglin’s John Michael Cronin O’Reilly drove over the line for the game’s opening score after some good work from the visitors.

Liam Foley grabbed Killorglin’s second try soon after when he found himself on the end of a brilliant play involving four of the J3 side’s players.

Tralee responded with a try and a conversion to cut the gap to just three by the break. Tralee levelled things up on the restart however Killorglin managed to again pull clear thanks to a Ben Bradley try with Luke O’Shea adding the extras.

Tralee again cut the gap with a late try however they were unable to get the conversion which ultimately proved to be the deciding factor here. A brilliant tussle between two committed sides with the spoils going to the J3 outfit. Killorglin will face Castleisland in the McElligott Cup Final.

Munster J-League Division 3

One of the Kingdom’s biggest clubs, Killarney had a terrible start to the J3 this season, struggling to get any kind of traction, but recently Killarney seemed to have found some of their old mojo as they went into last Sunday’s clash with Fethard with a couple of wins back to back.

Tries from Alan Mulligan, Paul O’Sullivan and Damien O’Carroll set the Kerry side on their way to a 20-0 winning score-line with the ever reliable Paudie Sheahan adding a penalty and a conversion.

The win sees Killarney move up to a third place position that they could hardly have imagined was possible just a months ago. The recent surge may well have come too late to have any meaningful change to the status quo in the J3, but if Killarney can keep on the right track they may well secure some silverware yet this season.

Killarney will face up to league leaders Killorglin next weekend. A Killarney win could easily throw this division right open while a Killorglin win will see them with a perfect 8-0 record for the season.

Munster Junior Cup

Abbeyfeale continued a brilliant season for them with a battling 20 -19 win over Old Christians in the Munster Junior Cup.

Liam O’Connor proved to be the hero of the day as he went over for a last minute game deciding try. Brian Collins and Adam Roche also touched down for the victors with Derry O’Connor adding a conversion and a penalty. The win sees Abbeyfeale head into round five where they will entertain Highfield.

Before that game there is the small matter of a trip to face Clanwilliam in the league. The hosts sit two places behind Abbeyfeale in seventh so this one will be a tough but not insurmountable test for Abbeyfeale.

In the J2, Castleisland will attempt to improve their precarious fourth from bottom spot with a home win over Waterford City. The Kerry side are probably just one win away from a mid-table finish however they also are just clear of what is fast becoming a dog-eatdog relegation battle.

Tralee have a game with Crosshaven next Sunday knowing that a couple of wins are required to secure their J2 status. Tralee have improved of late but this will be a tough test for the Kerry men.

Corca Dhuibhne will welcome Fermoy to west Kerry. Both sides will be playing J3 again next season but a win would be welcomed by both parties.

FIXTURES

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 at 2.30pm Munster J-League Division 1 Clanwilliam v Abbeyfeale Munster J-League Division 2 Castleisland v Waterford City Crosshaven v Tralee Munster J-League Division 3 Corca Dhuibhne v Fermoy Killarney v Killorglin