Donohoe Tries Spur Leinster To Under-21 Title

Conor Donohoe taking on the Connacht defence earlier this month

Two tries from Conor Donohoe helped Leinster hold off Munster for a 21-10 win on Saturday night and claim the 2005/06 IRFU Under-21 Interprovincial title.

IRFU UNDER-21 INTERPRO FINAL: Saturday, September 24

Leinster U-21 21 Munster U-21 10, Dubarry Park

Scorers: Leinster: Tries: Conor Donohoe 2, Sean O’Brien; Cons: Jonathan Sexton 3

Munster: Tries: Eric Moloney, Conan Doyle

In poor weather conditions at Buccaneers RFC’s Dubarry Park, Greg Lynch’s side emerged victorious to end Munster’s unbeaten record in the competition this season.

Lynch said afterwards: “It was a hugely satisfying win considering Munster’s recent record at this level in recent years.

“The team got better as the series went on. We felt that we were unlucky not to win against Munster last week and the lads certainly made a step up in their performance this week. It was a strong all-round performance.

“Eight members of the starting XV who beat Munster in the final are eligible next year. It just goes to show that following on from the success of the Under-19s last week that the future of Leinster Rugby is in good shape.”

Munster manager Donal Brennan, who watched his side beat Leinster 21-19 at Rosbrien two weeks ago, admitted: “Things just didn’t go right for us on the night, but we have had a tremendous run in the competition this year, with some fantastic young talent really showing what they are made of. Hopefully many of them can go on to bigger and better things in their rugby careers.”

A lightning break from the Leinster backs after only 2 minutes saw Dublin University centre Donohoe scurrying over in the corner. St Mary’s fly-half Jonathan Sexton, who proved an influential figure on the night, converted well, but a defensive lapse saw Leinster allow UCC/CIT winger Eric Moloney in for a well-worked Munster try, five minutes later.

Lynch’s side managed a crucial second try just before half-time, however. Steadying themselves, it was Donohoe again who darted through to score with Sexton’s conversion making it 14-5 at the break.

A third Leinster try – this time from Sean O’Brien – almost assured the province of victory with Sexton adding the extras to the UCD back row’s 47th-minute score. Munster replied with a try, four minutes later, from Garryowen fly-half Conan Doyle, but Leinster shut up shop from there on.

In the 3rd-4th place play-off, last season’s champions Ulster edged Connacht, who beat Leinster 21-15 at Donnybrook on September 2, 10-8.

A late try from Galwegians’ Liam Casserly squeezed the westerners back into it after Sligo’s Mark Butler had kicked a penalty, but first half tries from Paul Marshall, the impressive Ballynahinch scrum-half, and Dungannon centre Jamie McGrugan counted in Ulster’s favour.