All-Ireland Junior Cup: Semi-Final Previews
Clonmel carry the hopes of Munster in a Leinster-dominated All-Ireland Junior Cup semi-final line-up alongside reigning champions Ashbourne, fellow former winners Enniscorthy and tournament first-timers Wicklow.
ALL-IRELAND JUNIOR CUP SEMI-FINALS: Saturday, December 15
**PLEASE NOTE THE FIXTURE BETWEEN ENNISCORTHY AND WICKLOW HAS BEEN POSTPONED**
Kick-off 2.30pm unless stated –
ASHBOURNE v CLONMEL, Milltown
Ashbourne’s title defence could hardly have gone any better so far, outscoring Westport and Waterpark by a combined 80 points to three in the opening two rounds. Armed with home advantage, the three-in-a-row hopefuls are aiming for a repeat of last season’s 22-13 quarter-final win over Clonmel.
This is the Tipperary club’s first semi-final appearance in this competition since 2008 and they are sitting pretty at the top of Munster League Division 1 with seven straight victories. Talented half-back Dylan Cadogan has scored three tries and 25 points so far in their Junior Cup run.
Clonmel learned a lot from last year’s defeat to Ashbourne, but the firepower at the Meath men’s disposal could be the difference between the sides again. Number 8 Simon Deevy is chasing his fourth try of this season’s tournament, while Colm Craigue and Sean McKeon are both one behind him.
IrishRugby.ie Prediction: Ashbourne to win
ENNISCORTHY v WICKLOW, Ross Road – POSTPONED
This Wexford-Wicklow derby brings together two ambitious clubs with plenty of recent history between them. Wicklow have fond memories of their historic 2016 Provincial Towns Cup final win over Enniscorthy, who are the reigning Towns Cup holders.
Out-half Jack Kelly has caught the eye with three tries in ‘Scorthy’s progression through to their fifth Junior Cup semi-final appearance in seven years. Coached by Declan O’Brien and Kieran Hurrell, they have a rich pedigree at this level as 2014 and 2016 champions. They also currently top Leinster League Division 1A.
‘Scorthy showed their experience to defeat Wicklow 30-18 in a recent league clash, aided by a man-of-the-match display from flanker Nick Doyle and two Ivan Jacob tries. George Naoupu’s Wicklow side will be all out for revenge today, with big performances required from captain Niall Earls, Charlie Butterworth and flying full-back Ben Porter (three tries so far).
Round-Up – Draw Revealed For All-Ireland Junior Cup Quarter-Finals
Round-Up – Home Advantage For Ashbourne And Enniscorthy In Junior Cup Semis
ALL-IRELAND JUNIOR CUP – LIST OF CHAMPIONS:
2018 – Ashbourne
2017 – Ashbourne
2016 – Enniscorthy
2015 – Dundalk
2014 – Enniscorthy
2013 – Tullamore
2012 – Tullamore
2011 – Crosshaven
2010 – City of Derry
2009 – Tullamore
2008 – Navan
2007 – Seapoint
2006 – Rainey Old Boys