Cork Rivals Prepare For ‘Rebel Rugby’ Duel
This Good Friday Dolphin host Cork Constitution in Ulster Bank League Division 1A with the much-anticipated local derby kicking off at 7.30pm in Musgrave Park.
PREVIEW VIDEO: ‘REBEL RUGBY’ AT MUSGRAVE PARK
A highly competitive game is expected between the two in-form Cork sides in the country’s premier division. Just last year Ireland wing ace Simon Zebo and Munster stalwart James Coughlan lined out in this fixture.
Both Dolphin and Cork Constitution will be fielding many of Munster’s rising stars including Ireland Under-20 captain from last summer’s Junior World Championship, Niall Scannell, David O’Callaghan who has played Heineken Cup rugby this season as well as prop James Cronin who last week was added to the Munster Heineken Cup squad ahead of their eagerly-anticipated quarter-final against Harlequins.
Dolphin also have Rory Scannell and Ryan Murphy returning to Ulster Bank League action after they played for the Ireland Under-20s in the Six Nations.
Cork Constitution, captained by Ieland Club International skipper Gerry Hurley, hope to select Ian Nagle who was man-of-the-match for Munster in their remarkable victory over Australia in November 2010 as well as other Munster squad members John Ryan and Scott Deasy .
The kicking duel between both sides is also an exciting one. Dolphin can boast of out-half Barry Keeshan who has amassed close to 1,200 points in the league, while his opposite number on Good Friday will be bright prospect and Munster Academy player Johnny Holland.
A unique fact is that three sets of brothers will be lining out in the game with Niall and Rory Scannell as well as James and Miah from the Cronin clan on the Dolphin side and Niall and Andrew O’Driscoll in the Cork Con team.
A bumper crowd is expected at Musgrave Park and Munster back rower James Coughlan has appealed to the Cork rugby public to come out and support one of the highlights of the local rugby calendar.
“Most of today’s Munster squad started their careers in the All-Ireland League and it is a very high standard of rugby,” said Coughlan.
“Just last week my Munster team-mate Paul O’Connell played in the Ulster Bank League and this highlights the standard when a Lions captain like Paul togs out in the AIL.
“With an exciting date for the game under lights on Good Friday where else would you want to be? These are the Zebos and O’Garas of the future, so if you enjoy any sport you certainly will enjoy this.”
One of the oldest derby matches in Irish sport with this fixture running since 1902, a great Cork sporting occasion is planned by Musgrave Park hosts Dolphin.
As well as the game itself, a mini rugby festival is planned for the night as well and local heroes and sporting personalities are set to take part in a half-time kicking challenge with father and son All-Ireland football winning duo Jimmy and Paul Kerrigan set to face up to Pat O’Connell of the English Market fame and a surprise hero of Ireland’s Grand Slam success.
The game kicks off at 7.30pm with gates opening and entertainment beginning from 6pm.
PREVIEW VIDEO: ‘REBEL RUGBY’ AT MUSGRAVE PARK