Leinster clubs continued to dominate the All Ireland Junior Cup this year with a fifth title in eight seasons in what was a third all-Leinster match up.

In all, clubs from the eastern province have a 63% win percentage from 67 games putting them well ahead of Ulster in second who have two titles and a 54% win percentage.

Next season, that dominant position might well continue with Wanderers entering the competition for the first time to add to a strong line up including last year’s runners up Enniscorthy, Dundalk and Coolmine.

Provincial Record in All Ireland Junior Cup

Posted in Connacht, Featured, Leinster, Munster, Ulster No Comments »

A total of seven teams won promotion to the the top flight of provincial junior rugby this season across the four provinces, two more clubs (Clonakilty and Connemara) will be joining on the way down to replace the AIL bound Tullamore and Richmond. We decided to highlight the new sides in the leagues.

Connacht

Castlebar RFC

Under form Connacht Juniors coach Seamus King, the Mayo side stormed to the Division 1b title this year and a quick return to the top flight where they have spent the majority of their time in the last ten years. They’ve qualified for All Ireland Cups and won Cawley Cups but had dropped well back in the 12 months leading up to this season.

A big Junior Cup win against Westport and a battling loss to Monivea highlights why many feel they’ll be more than competitive on their return but rediscovering mid table stability won’t be straight forward.

Posted in Connacht, Featured, Leinster, Munster, Ulster 20 Comments »

Munster ended an eight year wait for the Junior Inter-provincial title at the weekend with a 17-0 victory over Connacht in Ballinasloe to complete a Grand Slam of victories.

John O’Neill’s side came into the final round knowing a win would seal the title but fully aware that final round defeats against Connacht had cost them during the long spell without success. They held their nerve with a very strong display to seal the championship.

Leinster did their part for the final day drama coming from behind to edge out Ulster 14-13 in a tight affair in Wicklow to finish second.

Reports

Connacht 0
Munster 17

By Stephen Collins

The visiting side started with a strong wind against them in the first half but Connacht’s David Prior was unable to convert early scoring opportunities from the tee.

Posted in Connacht, Featured, Leinster, Munster, Ulster 16 Comments »

The Junior inter provincial title will change hands this weekend but it remains unclear which side will be celebrating. What we know, is that reigning champions Connacht are out of the hunt and Ulster need a mathematical miracle to snatch the crown leaving Munster and Leinster to battle it out.

Munster hold a three point advantage at the top with a slightly better points difference. A win in Ballinasloe on Saturday against Connacht and they are champions, a draw or defeat and they’ll have to look to the other results hoping Leinster don’t get a bonus and a big win in Wicklow against Ulster.

The Games - Saturday

Connacht v Munster, Ballinasloe, 2:30

This is a big hurdle to clear for Munster despite Connacht’s position at the bottom of the pile, they’ve struggled to handle their western rivals in recent seasons losing four in a row including the 2010 loss in Ballincollig that cost them the title and the title decider last year.

Posted in Connacht, Featured, Leinster, Munster, Ulster 9 Comments »