Shannon elect Hayes for injured Murray

YOUNG MUNSTER constantly rib Shannon about how they won the All Ireland League for them last season. Shannon were playing UCC in the quarter final of the Munster Senior Cup at Musgrave Park and the result came in from Dooradoyle that Young Munster had beaten Garryowen giving Shannon the league title for the second year in succession.

Shannon did not cut it so fine this season for their third AIL win and it's likely that their quarter final cup match, again against UCC, will run more to type.

It's Shannon's first competitive game since they ran in a heap of points against relegated Instonians in Belfast two weeks ago. Having that length of time off is likely to help their cup cause, but they will still be without Pat Murray who is unable to line out at full back due to a leg injury. His place is taken by utility back Jason Hayes, who has been a regular substitute this season.

Cork Constitution make only one change to the side that ended Old Crescent's run last week at Musgrave Park. Lock Seamus McGrath, who was sent to the line in the second half during a niggling game, receives a two week suspension and misses his side's match against Sunday's Well, again at Musgrave Park.

Sunday's Well welcome back Tadhg O'Sullivan to the back row after an absence of 18 months from active rugby. The number eight has been unavailable for selection during that time because of business commitments but has played a part in Sunday's Well's earlier campaigns.

Regular halfback Richie Daly is out of the side due to concussion, while Eric Crotty is also sidelined with a back injury, leaving room for Conor Burke at out half.

At loosehead prop, young Stephen Keane makes his first appearance in the Munster Senior Cup having made his AIL debut in his team's last game of the league campaign against Highfield. Keane was part of the Irish under-19 team that took part in the Argentinian FIRA World Cup earlier in the season and is a promising talent for the Cork club.

Brian Roche, who has played wing for most of the year, moves to fullback, while Sean McCahill takes his place in the centre having played most of his matches in the number 15 jersey.

In Ulster, Ballynahinch will make a determined bid to reach the semi finals, but must first move Queen's University aside. The students set aside their exam distractions to see off Division Three colleagues, Collegians 21-12 in the last round. Curiously, they may have more difficulty with Division Four promotion winners Hallynahinch, who overwhelmed CIYMS 46-8.

In Leinster, Greystones have not yet selected and will not do so until tonight when they have a look at all of their options. Opponents Skerries make only one change to their normal lineup. Karl Twomey moves into the centre for Derek O'Sullivan, who misses out with a knee injury.

Skerries, it should be remembered, have had quite a spectacular run in the AIL over the past few seasons. Moving from Division Four to Division Three and finally, taking third place in Division Two in consecutive years has generated a confidence and momentum that could see Greystones struggle. In their last meeting in the AIL back in March, Skerries, who are still devout amateurs, came out 19-15 winners.