THE BANK of Ireland sponsored Munster Senior Cup final between Cork Constitution and Young Munster will be played on Sunday, February 26, at Irish independent Park with a 2.30pm kick-off.
The 126th edition of the showpiece decider, sees Young Munster hoping to avenge last year’s final defeat to the Cork club at Thomond Park.
First staged in 1886, the Munster Senior Cup is among the oldest events in world rugby with Cork Con the second most successful club with 27 titles, behind Garryowen (38-time winners).
Young Munster have captured the trophy on seven occasions and enjoyed convincing victories over Kanturk and Shannon in the opening rounds before a 16-13 win away to Cashel in the semi-final.
The Cookies needed a drop-goal from Shane Airey in the first period of extra-time to decide the issue after a superb match.
Cork Con, meanwhile, navigated a tricky tie away to UL Bohemians in the first round of the cup before a comprehensive victory against Nenagh Ormond in the second round. Highfield provided stern opposition in the semi-final but the All Ireland League 1A outfit emerged with a 31-15 win.
Cork Constitution are on course for a fifth successive Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Cup success after last year’s decider which ended 14-7 in their favour at Thomond Park.
The winners of the final will advance to next year’s Bateman Cup along with the Leinster, Ulster and Connacht champions.
Con claimed an unprecedented Bateman Cup four in-a-row last year thanks to a runaway 38-19 final win over Galwegians and will meet Old Belvedere in this season’s final at the end of April.
Both clubs are in All Ireland League action in Division 1A on Saturday. Third-placed Young Munster host leaders Lansdowne at Tom Clifford Park in the big game of the weekend with second-placed Cork Con travelling to UCD (both 2.30pm).
