GARRYOWEN versus Cork Con is a huge game at any level, but when these two sides meet on Saturday in Athlone, the AIB Cup is at stake. When anyone thinks of club rugby, the names Garryowen and Cork Constitution come to mind straight away. History shows that these two sides are evenly matched and often produce rugby of the highest calibre.
Take last weekend for an instance. The two sides met in the AIL. The tie finishing 6-6 in what was a dress rehearsal for this weekend’s televised (RTE2 at 2pm) showpiece.
Garryowen coach Paul Cunningham, speaking this week to PostSport, added that history makes this a big game even before you add in the cup final element. “When you think of the amount of times these two sides have met it is incredible to believe. There have been some cracking games over the years. The tradition of both sides is immense. The glory days of the Munster Senior Cup are filled with battles between these two sides” Looking ahead to the newest chapter in the rivalry, Cunningham is optimistic about his charges’ chances. “The two games we have played this season against Con have been close. Last weeks game was a real war of attrition. Luckily we have a clean bill of health in the squad and everyone now at the club is looking forward to the challenge”
Indeed last weekends AIL draw was a game that the light blues could easily have won. Going into the Cup final, Paul Cunningham’s men have had their minds focused by the feeling of having missed out on a win. “It is weird really that we played last week. That can be an advantage and a disadvantage at times. We know that last week we made some basic errors. We will be looking to rectify that this week. We know that if we can play to our best and cut out the mistakes, we are a match for anyone. A cup final is a cup final and you never know. We just hope to do our best and make the Garryowen supporters very proud”
In other club rugby news. The games which fell to the weather before Christmas are rescheduled for this weekend. Shannon, fresh from their win over local rivals UL Bohs last week take on St Mary’s away. Young Munster, top of 1B, take on Dungannon at Tom Clifford Park, while in Division 2, Thomond travel to Lansdowne, Old Crescent entertain Greystones and Bruff travel to Terenue College. The Limerick Post would like to wish Garryowen all the best in the Cup Final and best of luck to all local teams in the AIL also.
