THE Munster senior cup final takes place this Friday night in Thomond Park at 19.30. All Ireland cup champions Bruff will take on Garryowen in a repeat of last seasons final. One which Bruff won 23-19.First played for in 1886, (Bandon beating this weekend’s finalists Garryowen in the final) the Munster Senior Cup is a rugby union competition for the senior clubs affiliated to the Munster branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union.
The winners of this weekend’s game will go on to represent Munster in the All Ireland ‘Bateman’ Cup. A format which has proved popular with all sides in the competition.
The clash this weekend will see Garryowen, 36 times winners, taking on Bruff, hoping that revenge can be achieved for last season showpiece defeat.
Garryowen coach, Paul Cunningham, spoke to PostSport this week about the challenges he expects his side to face.
“Bruff are a quality side. They have all that you would expect from a good cup team. They have a great work ethic and a great amount of talent in their side. We know that we will be up against it this weekend. With players like Peter Malone, Cathal O’Regan and Tony Cahill, Bruff are a side that were deserving champions last season and one we have the up most respect for”
The new format means that teams have a chance at All Ireladn glory without the hassle of long travel and more games. Cunningham feels that the cup format and the loss last season will stand to his side.
“We feel that a year later we are better for the experience gained from losing last season. The Munster senior cup is held in high esteem at this club and it was one of our season goals. We have 18 league matches this season, so to have this cup in this format has helped us in the last two years. I think the players appreciate the format as in the current climate lads are busier off the field than ever. Games like these are there to be cherished. Playing a final at Thomond Park is what Limerick and Munster rugby is all about”
Bruff’s coach Peter Malone agrees. “The format of the cup suits us to be honest. We are looking forward to the game and the earlier rounds helped us prepare for the AIL so it has been a great success. The wins last year in the Munster senior and Bateman cups have given the club a real boost. I am delighted that Bruff is now being seen as a club to stay and play for as opposed to leaving to find success. We are some way off of the pedigree of the Garryowens, Shannon’s and Young Munster’s of this World, but we have to start somewhere. Players such Tony Cahill, Brian Cahill and John Hogan have all gotten the praise that they finally deserved.
The agreement between coaches does not end there. Both feel that the game will be a tight affair and that the smallest margains, like in last seasons final, will make all the difference.
The finals words then goes to this weekends coaches.
“Who ever wants it more will win it. The ability to handle the pressure will make the difference between winning and losing for both sides” – Paul Cunningham
“The pressure of the cup is something special and something that players either rise to or not. We know that Garryowen are a great side and it should be a great final” – Peter Malone.
Probable Garryowen Side: 1 J P Cooney, 2 M Sherry, 3 D Lavery, 4 F McKenna, 5 M Melbourne, 6 S Buckley, 7 K O’Gorman, 8 P Neville, 9 F Lawlor, 10 D Cusack, 11 A Gaughan, 12 C Doyle (capt), 13 C Hancock, 14 I Hanley, 15 L Bourke,
Probable Bruff Side: 1 S Foster, 2 C O’Regan, 3 D Horan, 4 B Morrissey, 5 M O’Connell, 6 P Malone, 7 J Shine, 8 M Carroll, 9 E Maher, 10 T Cahill (Capt), 11 M Cosgrave, 12 J Carroll, 13 P O’Brien, 14 B Cahill, 15 B Deady,
