Two out of three ain’t bad

Tullamore became the first team to win multiple All Ireland Junior Cup titles when they overcame Monivea in the final in Dubarry Park last Saturday. It was Tullamore’s third appearance in the final since 2008 and it was their second win having overcome Navan in the final in 2009 on the same ground.

This win however was secured in somewhat unconventional fashion as three drop goals in the opening 15 minutes of the second-half from three different players proved the difference as Tullamore held on for a deserved 9-3 win that should have been more comfortable given the raft of try scoring opportunities they created.

For Monivea it was their second consecutive defeat in the final having lost out to Crosshaven in the 2011 decider.

While Tullamore celebrated their win on Saturday night, they did so knowing that for them the season is far from over.

This weekend their attention returns to the Leinster League where they are currently in second place, five points adrift of Skerries with two gam s remaining.

They travel to third place Enniscorthy who and they must win and get a bonus point if they are going to put pressure on Skerries for the last day of the season.

Skerries play Coolmine in a North County Dublin derby and their last match is at home against Garda who may be fighting for their survival in this competitive league. Tullamore finish their campaign in Spollenstown against Coolmine.

Tullamore have some injury concerns following last week’s hard hitting cup final with hooker Cian Glennon the biggest doubt.

While three drop goals were enough to win the Cup Final last weekend, Tullamore need tries in their coming games and either Coolmine or Garda to do them a favour if they are to finally claim the Leinster League title to put with their cup crowns

See Pages 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and 50 of this week’s for extensive and unmatched coverage of Tullamore ‘s win in the Ulster Bank All Ireland Junior Cup Final