Three Limerick clubs book Munster Senior Cup quarter-final places

THREE Limerick clubs have booked their place in next weekend's quarter-finals of the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup.

Shannon and Young Munster joined Garryowen in the last eight following wins in their first round fixtures on Saturday afternoon.

Shannon defeated Bruff 27-22 in a hard fought opening round Limerick derby fixture at Kilballyowen Park on Saturday.

READ MORE: Garryowen ease past Limerick rivals Old Crescent in Munster Senior Cup

Young Munster enjoyed a more straight forward task after the All-Ireland League Division 1A side thumped Clonmel 64-10 at Tom Clifford Park running in 10 tries in all.

It was home side Bruff who held the upperhand in their first round Munster Senior Cup tie with Shannon, with the South Limerick side leading 17-10 at the break.

The visitors first half points came courtesy of two tries from David Smith on 12 minutes and 36 minutes. Bruff had led the game 17-5 at one time in their opening period.

Bruff then moved into a 22-10 lead when crossing for their fourth try, before Shannon hit back with 17 unanswered points to claim a hard-earned win. 

Josh Costelloe struck for a brace of tries for the Parish side, while Jack O’Donnell also dotted down. Jamie Gavin converted one of the tries as Shannon set up an away date with Midleton in the quarter-finals of the Munster Senior Cup on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Young Munster booked their quarter-final place with a crusging victory over Clonmel.

Munsters', who led the game 31-0 at half-time scored 10 tries in a comprehensive victory.

The Limerick side had a brace of tries from wingers Hubert Gilvarry and Ihechi Oji, while Stephen McLoughlin, Kelvin Langan, Jake O'Riordan, Fionn Gibbons, Luke McCready and Ajae Hanson also crossed the whitewash. Tryscorer Langan converted four of the tries, while Harry Langbridge added three conversions.

Young Munster's reward is a quarter-final date with Highfield in Cork on Saturday next.

Garryowen secured their place in the Munster Senior Cup quarter-finals when defeating neighbours Old Crescent 29-15 at Takumi Park on Friday night. Garryowen, who scored four tries in their win over Crescent, will face UCC in Cork in the quarter-finals next weekend.

There was no joy for the other Limerick sides in first round Munster Senior Cup action on Saturday. 

UL-Bohemian succumed 17-40 to Munster Senior Cup holders Nenagh Ormond in North Tipperary, after trailing 10-21 at half-time, while newly promoted Thomond lost out 20-15 away to Midleton at Towns Park. 

Thomond led their East Cork opponents 12-7 at half-time, thanks to tries from Riain Ahern, which was converted by Luke Costelloe, and a second five-pointer from hooker Sean Rice.

Costelloe added a second half penalty for Thomond, but Midleton crossed for a decisive late try to seal the win.

The fourth quarter-final in this season's Munster Senior Cup will see holders Nenagh Ormond entertain Cork Constitution next weekend.