2013 Junior Cup Final
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Cork Constitution F.C. Matchzine Munster Junior Cup Final Garryowen edged out Richmond in a thrilling Munster Junior Cup semi final tie at Richmond Park, thus denying Richmond the chance of Garryowen F.C. V Cork Constitution F.C. emulating both Midleton, Clonakilty and Cashel who did the League and Cup double as well as winning a place in the All Ireland Clifford Park League in the same season. th 15.00 pm Sunday 7 May 2013 At Temple Hill Constitution were too strong for Skibbereen run- Cork Constitution meet Garryowen at Clifford Park , Young ning out 25-3 winners. The home side took an early lead with a penalty Munster’s ground, on Sunday next, seeking their 19th Munster Junior from Brian Derham but David Shannon had Skibbereen level Cup title, but it will be their 34th final appearance. The discrepancy in with a drop goal on thirty minutes. Tries either side of half time by those numbers is due to the fact that Constitution lost the first nine Seamus Glynn and Michael Keyes put the game beyond the West finals that they contested between 1909 and 1946, and all to Limerick Cork side. Eoin O’Donnell then scored a superb individual try and opposition. Derham converted and also added a penalty. Then, to everybody’s joy and relief, they defeated St Mary’s 11-0 at There is nothing in Munster Rugby to compare with a Con-Garryowen the Mardyke in 1949 to start the sequence of 18 Cup wins, the last of Cup match, so we look forward to a big support for the last match of which was last season when Skibbereen were defeated 13-10 at Mus- the season, unless, of course it ends in a draw. In that event, there will grave Park. The 1949 team was captained by Peter Fitzgerald, who, be extra time, and a replay in Cork if not decided on the day. though now living in Coleraine, still makes the Annual President’s Din- Bateman Cup Final Victory For Cork Constitution ner most years. And two of his colleagues on that team Jack Crowley and Austin Bradley – Michael’s father - are also still very much around. Our opponents on Sunday next, Garryowen, need no introduction, as the club’s meet regularly in Senior competition. However, there have only been two Junior finals involving the clubs. The first in 1910 – the second year of the competition – was won 3-0 by Garryowen at the old Market’s Field venue in Limerick. And it was not until 1988 that the rivalry was renewed when Constitution reversed the result when winning the final 9-4 at Thomond Park. The team that won that Cup – our 11th is worth recalling: Kenny Smith; Ian O’Leary (Richard Wallace), Ian Kingston, Peter Senior Squad , Team Management & Club Officers pictured with Munster Senior Cup O’Leary, Kevin Flanagan; Alan Byrne, Jerry O’Connor; Trevor Barry and Bateman Cup Capt., Rea Kennedy, Peter Good; Finian O’Driscoll, Aran Verling; Joe The only trophy that has eluded Cork Constitution finally made it is O’Brien, Barry Jones, Brian Fitzgerald. way to Temple Hill as Cork Constitution lifted the Ulster Bank Bate- Also played in campaign: Robert Kennedy, Stephen Hayes, Noel Mur- man Cup with a powerful display at Templeville phy, Brian Humphries, Pat O’Donovan and Sham Coughlan. St. Mary’s College 19, Cork Constitution 24. Jerry O’Connor scored a try, converted by Kenny Smith, who also A powerful first half performance that saw Constitution lead 21-9 at kicked a penalty. half time and a great second half defensive display proved too much for St Mary’s as Constitution ran out deserving winners. Since then, the sides have met on four further occasions in recent years, with Constitution winning each: Constitution took the game to Mary’s from the off and went ahead with a penalty from Johnny Holland after four minutes. Gavin Dunne 2005 Quarter-final 23-13 aet Temple Hill had the home side level within minutes with a penalty from the touch- 2006 3rd Rd 16-10 Temple Hill line. 2011 Quarter-final 45-23 Temple Hill Holland restored Constituitions advantage with a second penalty on 2012 Semi-final 22-18 Dooradoyle fifteen minutes. Midway through the half winger Robert Clune got in for a try in the corner after good work by skipper Gerry Hurley and Cronan Healy to lead 11-3. Page 1 Dunne reduced the deficit on twenty five minutes with his second Pacey wingers Rory O’Sullivan and Jack penalty. O’Sullivan scored some very important tries at times when given limited opportu- Holland and Dunne exchanged penalties and two minutes before nities. Simon Barry at out half proved to half time a great move by Constituition was rewarded when Scott be extremely influential with his kicking Deasy ran in for their second try and Holland converted for a skills and abilities, which ensured a path to twelve point lead at the break. each final. Mary’s came out a different side in the second half and had Consti- tution on the back foot for long periods. Gareth Austen got in for a Mary’s try after forty eight minutes after sustained Mary’s pres- The J2 squad and management can be sure close to the Constituition’s line and Dunne converted. proud of the progression made on previ- ous seasons. The dedication and commit- Dunne was again on the scoreboard with a penalty after fifty five ment shown by all of the squad was exem- minutes to leave two between the sides. plary. For 7 week-ends in a row there was Mary’s came in search of a winning score but Constituition with- an 11O’Clock curfew on Saturday nights stood everything the Dublin side had to offer and eventually lifted which was observed by all. the siege as Holland dropped an excellent goal in injury time to wrap up the victory. Last weekend’s narrow defeat, which Cork Constitution: Darragh Lyons; Robert Clune, Scott Deasy, in essence sums up the season ‘close Alex Ryan, Cronan Healy; Johnny Holland, Gerry Hurley (capt); but not close enough’, may leave with Bryan Carney, Andrew O'Driscoll, Chris Corkery; Brian Hayes, Joe a bitter taste with some, having just McSwiney; Graeme Lawler, James Ryan, Cathal O'Flaherty. lost out (10-9) to Carrigaline in the J2 Replacements used: Dave O'Brien for Lawler , James Rochford for cup final in Musgrave Park. Carney , Niall O'Driscoll for A Ryan . St. Mary's College: Gavin Dunne; Steve Toal-Lennon, Marcus O'Driscoll, Robbie Hudson, Darragh Fanning; Philip Brophy, Matt However, hopefully this bitter taste may resonate into next season as a D'Arcy; Colm McMahon, Richie Sweeney (capt), Rob Sweeney; Ci- motivating factor, whereby lessons can be learnt and experience gained by aran Ruddock, Jerry Sexton; Kevin Sheahan, Gareth Austen, Dar- this young squad to hopefully win some silverware next season. ragh Keller. Replacements used: Conor Hogan for Lennon Arthur Lyons for Rob Sweeney , Stephen Bradshaw for Sexton , Dylan Fawcett for The Club , Director of Rugby Jerry Holland Richie Sweeney , Richie Sweeney for Keller , Mark Fallon for Aus- and minor team management would like to ten , Rob Sweeney for McMahon . thank and congratulate every player who Referee: David Wilkinson (IRFU) played J2 this season, in particular to the dedication displayed. Close but not close enough’ It was a season of mixed emotions for this year’s minor team. With A special thanks to Jack O’Riordan for his unquestionable support as team a new enthusiastic coaching team, led by Eric Tracey (Head coach), mascot, Peter O’Mahony for his lineout coaching and to Cillian O Connor featuring Eoin Quinlan (Backs coach), Packy Derham (Forwards for finally scoring a try! Coach) , Der O’Riordan (Manager) , Padraig Higgins (Selector) and Eddie Quinn Don Mullins (Selector and Head of Communications). The J2 side reached three cup finals, and a Munster Semi final, how- ever failed to bring home silverware on each occasion. Overall, the J2 team, led by scrum half captain Kevin Minihan, displayed great rugby at times and illustrated great commitment throughout every game. The pack, led by tight-head Eddie Quinn, dominated opposition packs they faced. In the line out veteran Cor- mac Fouey height and experience proved key, in the tight breakdowns which were contested by Dav Leung and Fergus Rowin their strength was essential throughout the season. CORK CON FAMILY FUN DAY 2013 Family Day was held on Saturday 20th April and we were blessed with great weather. This year the President gener- ously agreed to having all the proceeds from the day donated to two local chari- ties: the Cork Association for Autism and Console (Suicide Awareness). The money donated will, in both cases, be used locally in the Cork area. The Captains of the eight teams contesting the tournament are photographed Festivities kicked-off with rugby for with Fred. the U7, U8, U9 and U10 squads at 12 noon. The U9s played a Blitz to decide Thanks again to Club President Finian the bragging rights and destination of O’Driscoll for kindly agreeing to provide a the impressive 'Stephen Long Memo- couple (or three) beers for the under-age rial Trophy', kindly donated by the coaches in recognition of all their hard-work Long family and presented on the day during the season. In addition to the beers, by Ian Long. they were all presented with a voucher for a sleep-in next Saturday! I know the parents and the boys will agree with me that their Afterwards, all the boys were treated to their choice of burgers or time and effort is much appreciated.