Former Limerick rugby players, Andrew Finn, Fionn Mc Loughlin, Trevor Downes, Cian O’Connor, (all Shannon RFC) and Alan Kingsley, (Young Munster) were all on the winning side last weekend in the Western Australia Premier Grand Final. The Limerickmen were playing for the University of Western Australia against Nedlands. Alan Kingsley inspired the University side to a 15-13 win in what was considered a shock of huge proportions.
Lying a very lowly eight position in the league at the conclusion of last season, the club’s reversal in fortunes has been dramatic and the Shannon and Young Munster connection was very much to the fore this season.
While “Uni’s” last appearance in a grand final came way back in 1977, their opponents Nedlands who were strong favourites for the final, were the current champions, and regular participants in the ultimate stages. University of Western Australia’s progression to the final came after a second place finish in the league table where Nedlands led the way on the ladder.
Speaking before the final Andrew Finn explained the standard of rugby in the league, “Its’ a pretty high standard here, close to that of AIL. We regularly play against Western Force (Super 15) players and sometimes current Wallabies. Current Wallaby James O’Connor played in our league this year. We had five Western Force players playing with us and some stage during the season. In fact, ex-Munster player David Pusey was coaching the team that we beat in the semi finals, Cottesloe, so we’re nearly always up against strong sides. Finally, Finn and O’Connor have been selected for the Perth Gold representative side, which would be equivalent to a Munster amateur selection and are due to play the Western Force A side after the Grand final.
So it appears official. Limerick is the home of rugby.
From left to right. Limerick rugby stars, Andrew Finn, Alan Kingsley, Fionn Mc Loughlin, Cian O’Connor, Trevor Downes who took part in the Western Australia Premier Grand Final.
