By
April 7 2011

In a pretty successful month for Connacht Rugby, Saturday sees the John Muldoon & Keith Matthews trained side Monivea the Co.Galway based club aim to become the first holders of the All Ireland Junior Cup from the Province. Knockon.ie's Rob Murphy previews the final..

It’s the first time since the competition’s introduction that a Connacht side will compete in the decider. The list of winners marks out the event for it’s huge value with clubs like Seapoint, City of Derry, Rainey OB and Navan all now part of the All Ireland League having taken the trophy.
 
For Monivea, It has been an incredible roller coaster of a season, Sligo pipped them to the All Ireland League qualifying place by taking the Connacht Junior league title thanks in the main to a come from behind win in Hamilton Park back in January.

Either side of that Monivea have made great progress in this competition, the began with an outstanding victory over Cashel – who have gone on to win the Munster Junior league this season – at the Castle Grounds in what was the game of the season.

They then accounted for Ballymoney in fine style in November to book a place in the semi finals for the second year running. Last year they lost away to City of Derry who are currently sitting pretty in the top four of Division 3 of the All Ireland League.

This year they were pitted against Ulster league leaders Cooke in Belfast and given little chance of progressing but an absolute stunning performance with tries form Ger Divilly, Dave Prior and Kevin Higgins helping them to a memorable 27-22 victory and a place in the final.

Crosshaven are here on merit after an excellent Cup run that saw them win away to Leinster league runners up Dundalk and Ulster side Dromore before causing another upset at home to Sligo with a late drop goal seeing them home in a tense 6-5 victory.

It is a remarkable end to a season that started with Junior league title ambitions. Those faded when Cashel proved to strong in the pre-Christmas league encounter but Crosshaven have reacted well since and have been rewarded with a first ever spot in the All Ireland Junior Cup final and looking to become the first Munster champions.

Also: http://www.irishrugby.ie/club/news/22835.php

All Ireland Junior Cup Final - Monivea

Discussion started by Connacht Rugby Supporters (IP Logged), 07/04/2011 12:50

Connacht Rugby Supporters
07/04/2011 12:50

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Sea_point
07/04/2011 13:55

Best of luck to the lads at Mona this weekend, bring teh Cup back to Connacht lads....

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I see the future, and it's Green again...

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Borders no.2
09/04/2011 19:00

Hard luck to Monivea. Lost 17-9 I hear. Try and penalty late on deciding it for Crosshaven.

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