Two Limerick clubs book Munster Senior Cup semi-final places
Garryowen and Shannon have secured semi-final places as Young Munster bow out
TWO Limerick clubs have booked their places in the semi-finals of the Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup.
Garryowen advanced to the last four of the competition when recording a 27-12 quarter-final victory over UCC at the Mardyke, while Shannon also advanced to the semi-finals thanks to a 24-0 win over Midleton at Towns Park.
There was disappointment for a third Limerick side, Young Munster, who suffered a 26-25 defeat to Highfield at Woodleigh Park.
Shannon, who had defeated Bruff in the previous round, led Midleton 7-0 at half-time in their quarter-final in East Cork on Saturday.
The Parish side's opening points came courtesy of a Harry Long try on nine minutes, which was converted by Cillian O'Connor.
Shannon took a firm grip on the game in the second half adding a 46th minute try from Matt Te Pou, again converted by O'Connor, while the Limerick side was awarded a penalty try on 64 minutes after O'Connor landed a 48th minute penalty.
Garryowen scored four tries when easing past UCC 27-12 in their quarter-final clash on Leeside on Saturday afternoon.
The Light Blues had beaten last season's Munster Senior Cup finalists Old Crescent in their previous outing in the competition.
The Light Blues had a first half try from Jordan Power to lead 5-0 at the break. The Dooradoyle side added 22 second half points courtesy of tries from Joe Finn, Tom Ironside Wickham and Des Fitzgerald while Lachlan Stewart added the reaining points with the boot.
Meanwhile, Young Munster trailed AIL Division 1B side Highfield 15-19 at half-time in their quarter-final fixture at Woodleigh Park.
Munsters' crossed for two first half tries from winger Hugo Gilvarry and second row Oran O'Reilly. Out-half Kelvin Langan added a conversion and penalty.
Langan added a second penalty goal in the second half and also converted a third Munsters' try scored by Jake O'Riordan.
However, a late try from Highfield's Cillian Twomey which was also converted, sealed a dramatic one point win for the home side.
Meanwhile, Cork Constitution also reached the Munster Senior Cup semi-finals when defeating holders Nenagh Ormond 35-13 in their quarter-final on Saturday.