Castleisland too strong for Killarney

WEST MUNSTER U-14 LEAGUE GROUP 2 Killarney 6 Castleisland 30

CASTLEISLAND qualified for the West Munster Under 14 league final in emphatic style when they travelled to play Killarney in Knockreer and came away with the points required.

The game started at a slow pace with both teams making errors and it was Killarney who punished the indiscipline with two first half penalties with Castleisland replying with an unconverted try from Conor Wilkinson to leave the half time score at 6-5 to the home team.

The second half was a different story with the visitors displaying the type a game that has served them well all season. Donal Daly slotted over two early penalties and soon afterwards Alan Kerins went over for two tries in the space of five minutes, both converted by Daly.

Castleisland then finished the scoring when Cathal Brosnan scored a decent intercept try. This result means Castleisland have secured a place in the league final where they await the winners of Abbeyfeale and Killarney.

MUNSTER CLUB U18 CUP GROUP 1 Castleisland/Abbeyfeale 7 Bruff 10

BRUFF took the game to Castleisland / Abbeyfeale from the kick off and soon built up a healthy 10-0 lead with two unconverted tries.

Castleisland / Abbeyfeale settled and Mark McCarthy struck for a try after Shane O’Donovan’s pass put him in the clear. Joseph Sheehy duly landed the conversion. It was all Bruff for the rest of the first half, but good Castleisland / Abbeyfeale defence kept the visitors at bay.

Castleisland / Abbeyfeale completely dominated the second half with Tommy Curtin and Kevin Lenihan leading from the front and driving at their opponents at every opportunity.

Despite this dominance, and fine performances from Korey Keogh and Stephen Murphy, Castleisland / Abbeyfeale couldn’t find a way through the teak tough Bruff defence as playing conditions worsened.

MUNSTER U16 CUP GROUP 2 Cobh Pirates 17 Killarney 0

KILLARNEY had to give up home advantage due to their pitch being unplayable and the long journey to Cobh proved to be a fruitless one. Conditions were very poor and suited the bigger physically stronger home team.

Killarney defended valiantly until the 20th minnute when Daragh McCarthy scored a try converted by Cian Aherne. The last play of the first half finished in another home touchdown by Daragh McCarthy.

Killarney responded courageously during the second half but found it difficult to penetrate. Cobh full back Bailey Jones scored the clinching try after 50 minutes. Killarney came close to scoring late on, however, the ball did not bounce kindly for Mark Sheehan following a clever Peter Walsh kick ahead.

Stand-out performers for Cobh were Munster Academy players, Jack McCarthy and Edwin Edoughbo. Killarney full back Gary Randles made a number of try saving tackles, and Peter Walsh and Cian Murphy tried valiantly.

Ireland players celebrate their second try scored by Ciara Griffin of Ireland during the Women’s Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Italy at Donnybrook Stadium Photo by David Fitzgerald/ Sportsfile