Bank of Ireland Munster Senior Challenge Cup Final

PRESIDENT’S WORD
THERESA HASSEY
Nenagh Ormond RFC President
“There’s off the charts excitement. We never
thought we’d be at this stage this time of the year.
“It’s a combination of things. We have a really
good coaching team and structure. A lot of
underage players have come up through the
ranks this year. We’ve a really good strong
home support base and like everything, when
you’re doing well, the support comes out
in force. We have huge support in the local
community.
TRISH MONTGOMERY
Young Munster RFC President
“Excitement levels are pretty high. This
would be our third year in a row which is
unprecedented, so that’s a big thing. For me
personally, this is my first (final as President)
obviously!
“It’s very exciting and I think it’s brilliant
that Nenagh have reached this stage as you
would often have the same old, same old
antagonists year in, year out. It’s nice to
have it spread more around the province.
“This is huge for Nenagh to get into the
Senior Cup, there’s a lot of older people in the
club who never would of thought they would
see something like this in Nenagh. It was the
first time ever to get into the semi-final and
that was huge for us and this is epic for us
really.”
“We’re doing a lot of stuff, trying to promote
the final, ticket sales and that kind of thing.
We’re holding off a little bit and just trying
to get over this game (v Ballymena on
Saturday 4th March). And it’s even the same
with promotion, we’re not looking at charts
and not looking at league tables, we’re just
focusing on one game.
“It’s very difficult to do because you’re there
after the match and all you’re waiting for is
scores to be updated and where did we end
up! We never thought we would be in that
position because this time last year, we were
at the opposite end of the scale, we were
fighting to stay up, we went into the playoffs
to stay in this Division.
“Young Munster have a lot of empathy with
Nenagh because your coach Derek Corcoran
played with Young Munster and some of
the lads; Mikey Doran would have played
20s with us. So there’s a lot of connections
there. It’s great to see it ending so well.
Obviously, we still want to win! But it’s nice.
“We always expect a tough game. You know
yourself, if you are classed as the underdog,
not saying ye are, ye will fight that bit more
you know? I don’t think our lads will take
anything for granted but at the same time,
you want them to be at a 100% straight
away.
“We’ll have to see what happens on the day
but that’s the excitement of it. Anything
really could happen. Obviously, we hope
that it will happen in our favour.”
“To be, a year later, fighting for the promotion
playoffs is great and is a testament to all of
the hard work that they have put in.”
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