Munster 23 Connacht 8

Munster Juniors claimed the 2005/6 IRFU Interprovincial Championship title with a 23-8 win over Connacht at Kinsale RFC on Saturday. Added to their earlier victories over Leinster and Ulster, Munster s 100% record in this year s series ensured they were undisputed champions.

Coming into the game with two hard fought wins under their belt gave the side some confidence, but despite Munster being on top for the entire game, it took a focused defence to keep the Connacht threat at bay. Leading 20-5 at half time, Munster clocked up three tries in the first half- with Kilfeacle & District flanker Pierce Breen, Ennis scrum half Colm Murphy and Thurles prop Toss Stapleton all crossing the line. Cobh Pirates outhalf Brendan Ronan added a conversion and a penalty. Castlebar centre Darren Claasen did get one back for the visitors, but Munster s healthy lead at the break provided some comfort going into the second half. The second half was a low scoring affair, with Munster s defence tested on a number of occasions as Connacht never wavered in their efforts to reduce the deficit. The only scores of the half were penalties exchanged by opposing outhalves Brendan Ronan and Mark Brandon.

For Munster, there were heroes all over the pitch. In the pack, Youghal prop Roy McArdle and try scorer Pierce Breen had outstanding games. In the backs, scrum half Colm Murphy and Cobh Pirates winger Roddy Jefferson were ever threatening. Outhalf Brendan Ronan has been tremendous throughout the series, and didn t falter in the final test, keeping the opposition pinned throughout the game.

Despite fielding a new look side this year, with 14 new players added to the squad, the mix of experience and new young talent proved a winning combination. It was certainly an all Munster effort, with eleven clubs represented in the squad, including four players each from Cashel and Kilfeacle & District, three from Cobh Pirates, two each from Youghal, Thurles and Old Christians and one player each from Bandon, Ennis, St. Mary s, Crosshaven and Kinsale.

The squad is coached by the vastly experienced Kevin O Dwyer from Thurles, who has been at the helm for over a decade, with Bandon s Ricky O Sullivan assisting. The selection team consists of Chairman Liam Lehane from Ballincollig RFC, Christy McNamara from St. Mary s RFC and Tony Daley from Kanturk.

Munster Junior Team v Connacht

15. Trevor Breen (Cashel), 14. Jamie English (Kilfeacle & District), 13. Robbie Doyle (Youghal), 12. Diarmuid O Connor (Cashel), 11. Roddy Jefferson (Cobh Pirates), 10. Brendan Ronan (Cobh Pirates), 9. Colm Murphy (Ennis), 1. Roy McArdle (Youghal), 2. Timmy O Callaghan (Bandon), 3. Toss Stapleton (Thurles), 4. Fergal McCormack (Cobh Pirates), 5. Stephen Ryan (St. Senan s RFC), 6. Mark Shorley (Thurles), 7. Pierce Breen (Kilfeacle & District), 8. Jack O Sullivan (Kilfeacle & District)

Replacements: 16. Paul McGrath (Old Christians), 17. Eugene Payne (St. Mary s), 18. Edmond Leamy (Cashel), 19. Paul Twomey (Old Christians), 20. Ollie McGlinchey (Cashel), 21. Colm McCarthy (Kinsale), 22. Eamonn Ronan (Cobh Pirates)

RESULTS:

Saturday 27^th August 2005

LEINSTER 13 MUNSTER 19

Saturday 3^rd September 2005

MUNSTER 14 ULSTER 12, Dungarvan RFC

Saturday 10^th September 2005

MUNSTER 23 CONNACHT 8, Kinsale RFC