THE IRFU will meet representatives from all the senior clubs at a meeting in Dublin next Friday, the third such, gathering between union and clubs since January. But, yet again, the IRFU has turned down the request for a separate meeting with the first division clubs. The most recent request for such a meeting was made earlier this week to discuss the ongoing activities in relation to European competition next season.
The meeting next Friday afternoon will, for the first time, include representatives from the four clubs newly promoted to the Insurance Corporation All Ireland League this season, Richmond (Munster), Ballynahinch (Ulster), Creggs (Connacht) and Suttonians (Leinster). Officers of the provincial branches as well as club representatives will attend the meeting. Prior to the afternoon gathering, there will be a meeting at noon to discuss the ongoing difficulties between the Munster junior clubs and the Munster Branch.
On the playing fields, and activity off the field of play is more hectic these days, the provincial cup campaigns, delayed this season because of the protracted nature of the All Ireland League and other factors, will be carried a stage further this weekend in all four provinces.
Thomond Park is yet again the location that will draw the biggest attendances - that is the venue for the two Munster quarter finals. And two attractive pairings they are. This afternoon, Old Crescent will meet Cork Constitution and tomorrow there will be yet another clash between Young Munster and Garryowen.
At Lansdowne Road this afternoon, Lansdowne will meet Wanderers in the Leinster Senior Cup quarter final, while in Galway today, Buccaneers take on Galwegians in the semi final of the Connacht Cup. Ravenhill is the venue for the two Ulster Cup semifinals, where City of Derry meet Malone and Dungannon take on Collegians in a double bill.
Old Crescent, who won the second division of the All Ireland League, are enjoying the most successful season in their history and have designs on winning the Munster Cup for the first time. Old Crescent will be without their Ireland A back row Liam Toland. Paul Burke returns at outside half to the Constitution team having recovered from a leg injury. Prop Paul McCarthy and second row Ultan O'Callaghan - have recovered from back injuries and team - captain David O'Mahony reverts to scrum half, having played last week at outside half in Burke's absence.
Not surprisingly after their great 37-12 win last week over Garryowen in the league, Young Munster will be unchanged for tomorrow's meeting of the clubs. Garryowen, the cup holders - they defeated Young Munster in the final last year - will not finalise their side until tomorrow morning. Full back Dan Larkin is again definitely ruled out. They have a doubt about their international wing Richard Wallace, because of a calf muscle strain and also about team captain and flanker Dara O'Sullivan, who had to go off last, week because of a shoulder injury.
Lansdowne, will again be without the services of their international backs Brian Glennon and Eric Elwood and their absence is compounded by the injury sustained by Elwood's deputy Johnny Woods, in the win over the holders St Mary's College on Tuesday night. Their Ireland A prop Angus McKeen was also injured against St Mary's and he, too, is ruled out. Woods is replaced at outside half by Willie Clancy, and Kevin Lewis deputises for McKeen. Another change is the return to the centre of Rody Corrigan, who comes in for Bobby Geraghty. Dermot Finnegan is fit again and plays on the wing for Wanderers and Niall McManus is on the flank for Seamus Sludds, who is not available.
Blackrock College and Greystones meet in the final of the Metropolitan Cup at Donnybrook tomorrow and that should be a worthy encounter in the best traditions of the competition. The inaugural All Ireland under 20 tournament at Castle Avenue tomorrow and Monday will provide plenty of entertaining rugby. Buccaneers meet Instonians in one semi final tomorrow and UCC take on Clontarf in the second semi final. The final and play off for third and fourth place take place on Monday.
