A hat-trick of goals in the opening half from last year's captain Gary Kirby put Railway Cup holders Munster on the road to an easy win over Ulster in this one-sided semi-final at Cusack Park, Ennis yesterday.

Munster were well on their way to the final by half-time when they led by 17 points.

There were early indications that this would be a one-sided affair with goals from James O'Connor and Gary Kirby coming inside the first six minutes.

Ulster had the assistance of the wind in the second half but by the end of the third quarter they had only reduced the lead by one point. Then substitute Ger Manley had Munster's final goal to seal an easy win.