Tullamore aiming for final return
TULLAMORE RFC will be hoping to return to the Ulster Bank All Ireland Junior Cup Final this Saturday after a three year absence.
In their way stand a Westport side who Tullamore defeated on their way to the final in 2009. Tullamore lost out in that decider to Navan after they had defeated the same opposition to register an historic win in the 2008 Final.
Tullamore defeated Kilfeace at home in the first round and had a convincing away quarter-final win in Belfast against Academy.
Tullamore will be looking for a win in this game to get back on track following their disappointing loss to Garda in the Leinster League which in essence gives Skerries a free run at winning the Leinster League Division 1A. The Dublin side two games left and are unlikely to slip up.
Tullamore have a number of injury concerns including Jason Clancy, Brian Geraghty, Kevin Browne, Dave Hanlon. Eddie Brady and Paul McNiff. Last week saw the welcome return of David Milne and Colin Draper is expected to be available. If all the players come through this week the management team will have some interesting selection decisions to make.
Westport’s journey to the semi final was by virtue of two wins against Ulster opposition, Portadown and Belfast side Cooke. Westport were the underdogs in both games and they seem to thrive in the cup atmosphere. They will arrive in Tullamore as underdogs again and they will relish the challenge.
Their team travel up on the Friday night and a large number of players and supporters are staying for the weekend. This is the biggest thing that has happened for Westport rugby and the team and supporters are very keen to take their opportunity.
The winners will have a shot at the All Ireland title against Monivea or Coleraine who play in the other semi final. The final is fixed for Saturday, February 18.
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Weather for Tullamore
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North east
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Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
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