Young Munster lie in wait

MUNSTER JUNIOR CUP 4TH ROUND Galbally/Mitchelstown 18 Tralee 15

Spring arrived with a shock on Sunday last in Galbally, with the Galty mountains resplendent in their green livery. Warm sunshine bathed the large attendance in the afternoon, and made for an enjoyable occasion.

The visitors started with intent, and took advantage with a penalty to open the scoring. Eight minutes later, John Kearns’ sweetly struck effort brought the scores level. It was twenty minutes later when the home side broke through the middle with Padraig Finnan getting the touchdown near the posts. John Kearns converted to increase the margin to seven points at the interval.

After the break, another Kearns penalty and a fine try by Kevin Cooke increased the home advantage to fifteen points. Tralee bounced back with a converted try, but were unable to reduce the margin until the dying seconds of the period when a try was scored, but not converted. The boys now face the daunting task of a quarter final away to the Cup holders, Young Munster, possibly over the Easter weekend.

In the meantime, the final of the Munster Junior Shield must be contested in Fermoy FRC next Sunday, 2nd April, with Dungarvan providing the opposition.

U14 BOYS Skibbereen 29 Mitchelstown 22

The boys undertook the marathon of travelling to Skibbereen for their knockout fixture. Despite having a size disadvantage, they gave their all and were unlucky to lose by a single score. The West Cork boys are never an easy conquest at home, and the whole unit of coaches, players and parents can feel proud of their achievement.

U16 BOYS

The team has the advantage of an early kick-off at home to Sunday’s Well on Saturday. The prize is a semi-final game to get to Musgrave Park for a final. The game will start at 10.30, and extra time will be played if needed to separate the sides at full-time. Best of luck to all.

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY

The preparations for the men’s world cup in France in the autumn now begin in earnest, with Irish players returning to club rugby in the European Cup and URC games. The Ireland woman’s team had a disappointing first half in their match away to Wales, but there was some hope after they held their own in the second forty minutes. It will be a tough season for them. Tickets are available from the Munster Branch ticketline.

TRAINING

Minis up to 12 - check on website. Boys U14 Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm. Boys U16 Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm. Adults Wednesday and Friday at 7pm in Galbally. Girls - check with Marie Meade. Thanks to all players, coaches, parents and officers for giving their time, and especially to Harry Kinsella for his tireless work to keep the pavilion and pitches in great shape. Don’t forget the lotto on Sunday.

LOTTO JACKPOT €1,200 NOT WON

Next draw will be on Sunday, April 2nd at 9pm in Jackie O’Brien’s Bar, Lower Cork Street at 9pm approximately. One lucky winner could collect €1,400 to prepare for the Easter festivities. Tickets available in all associated business premises in Mitchelstown, and from the club website.

An annual ticket for all draws for a year is an ideal present for only €50. For lucky dip winners, please check the website for a full listing, where annual tickets can be purchased, in addition to single or multi draw. Call Owen Dawson 087-8112991 for details. Last week’s numbers were 3, 10, 20 and 23. For full details, please go to the club website.