Ulster Bank League 2014-2015 talk/gossip/rumours

The Lost Sheep

The Referee panels for next season have been announced: Connacht have the most they have ever had on the AIL list.
http://www.arlb.ie/?p=2520
Below are the changes in management I know of so far. No competitions drawn yet that I know of and AIL league fixtures have not been made and will not until July.

1A
Cork Con: Tom Tierney new head coach

1B
Shannon: Ian Sherwin head coach. Marcus Horan will be involved with their under 20s team
Garryowen: Conan Doyle new head coach replacing Tom Tierney http://limerickrugby.ie/conan-doyle-takes-over-at-garryowen-fc/

2A
Bective: http://bectiverangers.com/?p=4278 Ian Cullinan is new club captain with Barry Gibney as head coach and Barry Lynn as assistant backs coach
Nenagh: Derek Corcoran still player coach but new forwards coach as Trevor Hogan announced he is not continuing on
Dungannon: Paddy Johns remains head coach. former Ulster/Ireland A hooker Nigel Brady just retired from Aurillic France due to injury and returns as forward coach http://www.irishrugby.ie/club/ulsterbankleagueandcup/31848.php

2B
Old Crescent: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/oldcrescentrfc/news/meet-the-team--new-first-team-coaching-structure-1206550.html
Sligo: Advertising for new coach http://www.sligorfc.ie/2014/05/06/applications-welcome-for-position-of-sligo-rfc-senior-coach/
Midleton: Dolphin captain last season Christy Condon move to Midleton http://midletonrugby.com/midleton-welcomes-christy-condon-to-the-senior-squad/
Boyne: Niall Ronan incoming Director of Rugby. Senior Coach Mike Walls
Sundays Well: Robbie Doyle new head coach. Terry Kingston Forwards Coach http://www.sundayswellrfc.com/index.cfm


full list of all teams in each division
1A
Clontarf, Old Belvedere, UCD, Lansdowne, Cork Con, St Marys, Young Munster, Dolphin, Ballynahinch. Terenure
6 Leinster, 3 Munster, 1 Ulster
1B
Garryowen, Buccaneers, UL Bohs, Corinthians, Belfast Harlequins, Trinity, Shannon, Malone. Galwegians, Ballymena
1 Leinster, 3 Munster, 3 Connacht 3 Ulster
2A
Blackrock, Dungannon, City of Derry, UCC, Queens University, NUIM Barnhall, Cashel, Banbridge, Old Wesley, Rainey OB, Bective, Seapoint. Naas, Nenagh, Skerries, Thomond
7 Leinster, 4 Munster, 5 Ulster
2B
Highfield, Old Crescent, Bruff, Greystones, Tullamore, Armagh, Navan, Richmond, Sundays Well, Midleton, DLSP, Ards, Sligo, Boyne, Wanderers, Kanturk
6 Leinster, 7 Munster, 1 Connacht, 2 Ulster

turtleshead

When is the deadline for transfers? Anyone hearing much on player movement?

Braken

Corinthians rfc looking for a head coach for 2014/15

The Lost Sheep

turtleshead wrote: »

When is the deadline for transfers? Anyone hearing much on player movement?

There is a deadline in the coming days(June 1st) and until then you can move without consent but should get it from your club. You can move after this but it requires bit more work

Aidric

Only 1 Limerick side in the top flight. When did that last happen?

RuPi

Queens are looking for a new coach, the chat was it would be Willie Anderson although apparently there was 15 applicants for the job.

Rumours of players moving up here but no official confirmation from clubs.

The Lost Sheep

Aidric wrote: »

Only 1 Limerick side in the top flight. When did that last happen?

Never and all but 3 seasons(including one just finished) has there been less than 3 Limerick sides in the top flight

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

YM have made a lot of signings. Rob Guerin & Gearoid Lyons from Shannon, martin kelly joining along with Neville Melbourne. Bohs re-signed Niall Kenneally, Jack Cullen joined Shannon

turtleshead

I think Guerin will be a huge loss for Shannon. Have to wonder will Cullen be able for the physicality of Div 1B especially behind a young Shannon pack. Surprised at Kenneally leaving Cons, thought he was comfortable at 1A level, think Bohs could make a huge push for promotion next season.

The Lost Sheep

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

YM have made a lot of signings. Rob Guerin & Gearoid Lyons from Shannon, martin kelly joining along with Neville Melbourne. Bohs re-signed Niall Kenneally, Jack Cullen joined Shannon

Thomond signing plenty as well or at least looking in big way round Limerick for players.
Both Tipp sides have signed a few players though nothing confirmed yet. Hopefully better impression on 1A from non Dublin sides next season.

turtleshead wrote: »

I think Guerin will be a huge loss for Shannon. Have to wonder will Cullen be able for the physicality of Div 1B especially behind a young Shannon pack. Surprised at Kenneally leaving Cons, thought he was comfortable at 1A level, think Bohs could make a huge push for promotion next season.

Think Cullen will be ok with physicality if he had older pack in front of him but agree the young pack Shannon will have will not be great for him.
Kenneally is just returning from Con back to Bohs..

Any news on signings for division 2 clubs? Will assume Wanderers will have signed several for their first season back up senior.

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Thomond signing plenty as well or at least looking in big way round Limerick for players.
Both Tipp sides have signed a few players though nothing confirmed yet. Hopefully better impression on 1A from non Dublin sides next season.
Think Cullen will be ok with physicality if he had older pack in front of him but agree the young pack Shannon will have will not be great for him.
Kenneally is just returning from Con back to Bohs..

Any news on signings for division 2 clubs? Will assume Wanderers will have signed several for their first season back up senior.

Guerin is a massive loss, he's been one of the best 9s in Munster for quite a while at AIL level. Huge coup for YM. Cullen will struggle if Shannon don't bring in an enforcer or two to solidify there young pack.

Thomond are linked with everyone this time of the year. Should be strong next season. Would expect a huge push for top 4. Nenagh brought in YM centre/wing i believe. Talking to a mate in Limerick he was saying it'd be a massive signing for them, is a 1A player just fed up with YM by all accounts

The Lost Sheep

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

Guerin is a massive loss, he's been one of the best 9s in Munster for quite a while at AIL level. Huge coup for YM. Cullen will struggle if Shannon don't bring in an enforcer or two to solidify there young pack.

Thomond are linked with everyone this time of the year. Should be strong next season. Would expect a huge push for top 4. Nenagh brought in YM centre/wing i believe. Talking to a mate in Limerick he was saying it'd be a massive signing for them, is a 1A player just fed up with YM by all accounts

Thomond are linked with a good few but with promotion up to 2A will get more to move to them and they are linked to a good number of players this time of year every year. Thomond wont push that much up in 2A. Not strong enough IMO and Nenagh will do better than them in 2A. Thomond have signed a few and will sign a few more players and strengthen considerably but wont push up to top table in 2A.
Cullen may struggle but don't think he will even if Shannon have a young ish pack. He was with a struggling Bruff side last year and did ok and think he'll be fine with Shannon

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

I can't see either Nenagh or Thomond being as poor as Naas, Seapoint, Banbridge. Would be expecting both of them to be top 6. Momentum coming up and confidence is a huge thing!

The Lost Sheep

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

I can't see either Nenagh or Thomond being as poor as Naas, Seapoint, Banbridge. Would be expecting both of them to be top 6. Momentum coming up and confidence is a huge thing!

Oh I agree I think both are stronger than those sides but wouldn't be sure on Top 6. Skerries will go further than Thomond next year IMO as they were the second best team in the division and played second best brand of rugby in 2B last season. Momentum and confidence is huge but for both sides majority of players will be playing a higher level than they've ever played before and that'll take a while to adjust to.

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Oh I agree I think both are stronger than those sides but wouldn't be sure on Top 6. Skerries will go further than Thomond next year IMO as they were the second best team in the division and played second best brand of rugby in 2B last season. Momentum and confidence is huge but for both sides majority of players will be playing a higher level than they've ever played before and that'll take a while to adjust to.

Thats why i think Thomond will do well. Will have 3 or 4 lads there with 1A exp coming from YM........add Dara O Neill, Brendan Guilfoyle and Darragh Payne to that list and you've 7 ex division 1/1A players.....

The Lost Sheep

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

Thats why i think Thomond will do well. Will have 3 or 4 lads there with 1A exp coming from YM........add Dara O Neill, Brendan Guilfoyle and Darragh Payne to that list and you've 7 ex division 1/1A players.....

As former member of Thomond I would like to see them but just don't think they will. They do have players coming through from elsewhere but don't have players coming through their own ranks enough to make up and while they're signing a few they wont be playing a brand of rugby to really go on and go up ranks much. Skerries and Nenagh will do better

Braken

turtleshead wrote: »

I think Guerin will be a huge loss for Shannon. Have to wonder will Cullen be able for the physicality of Div 1B especially behind a young Shannon pack. Surprised at Kenneally leaving Cons, thought he was comfortable at 1A level, think Bohs could make a huge push for promotion next season.

Guerin will be a big loss for shannon is a decent enough kicker and could play 10 when required,young dave evans played 9 on several occasions last season and will push cullen for starting spot..kenneally will be a big addition to bohs if he is coming back

..

f1dan

Does anyone have a link to the league review show that was on TG4 at the weekend?

Risteard

2B: Tony O'Brien is Richmond's new head coach.

f1dan

f1dan wrote: »

Does anyone have a link to the league review show that was on TG4 at the weekend?

Answering my own question here but anyway

Nba man

Any transfer news after June 1 squads named

The Lost Sheep

Nba man wrote: »

Any transfer news after June 1 squads named

Squads are never listed anywhere available to most people but you will hear some transfer news. The couple of 2B clubs who were promoted last season are building up with a few signings. Limerick clubs really pushing on with Munsters as only 1A side making a few signings and Shannon looking at having quite a young side next season as they bring through quite a few 19/20/21 year olds to first team

Nba man

Heard bruff are still without a coach, could be a tough time for them next year in 2b, usually hear of a bit of player movement around Dublin clubs but all quiet so far, apart from old Wesley picking up a couple of forwards from garryowen,

The Lost Sheep

Nba man wrote: »

Heard bruff are still without a coach, could be a tough time for them next year in 2b, usually hear of a bit of player movement around Dublin clubs but all quiet so far, apart from old Wesley picking up a couple of forwards from garryowen,

Wont be that tough a time for Bruff if they can get the few wins to ensure survival with their older players at start of season and can integrate a lot of their strong under 18/20s from this season just gone into their first team set up through the season so that they can push on in the following seasons up the levels. Some of the coaching staff will still be involved AFAIK like Eoin Cahill who will still be playing but not coaching which will be of some help.

Leinster5

Old Belvedere, Lansdowne, Terenure and St. Mary's all doing a lot of work to bring in new faces. Especially the last 2.

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

Wanderers are recruiting heavily as well I've heard. Pretty much a while new squad signed in from what i've been told

The Lost Sheep

Leinster5 wrote: »

Old Belvedere, Lansdowne, Terenure and St. Mary's all doing a lot of work to bring in new faces. Especially the last 2.

These sides always have fairly high turnover of players iirc. Nure and Marys have big advantage and disadvantage of being old boy clubs of big rugby schools. Will be interesting to see if they pick up (m)any from round the country who've moved to capital for work

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

Wanderers are recruiting heavily as well I've heard. Pretty much a while new squad signed in from what i've been told

No surprise they're recruiting a few but would be a shame to see them not stick primarily with those who got them back up to senior but they were always going to through chequebook at....

ArmchairQB

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

Wanderers are recruiting heavily as well I've heard. Pretty much a while new squad signed in from what i've been told

4 or 5 players from Munster signed already!

Lots of clubs making a mockery of new IRFU laws re material benefits especially accomadation but IRFU have put burden of proof on accusers so highly unlikely people will be able to get enough evidence to allow charges be brought against clubs who break the new regs!

Nba man

Heard tagdh Bennett gone back to richmond and nenagh got Anthony kavanagh as player/coach from garryowen and mark Doyle from young munster, wonder how many more garryowen have lost, the two rowley brothers had gone to Wesley

The Lost Sheep

Nba man wrote: »

Heard tagdh Bennett gone back to richmond and nenagh got Anthony kavanagh as player/coach from garryowen and mark Doyle from young munster, wonder how many more garryowen have lost, the two rowley brothers had gone to Wesley

Bennett to Richmond would be a good move. Will be interesting how Nenagh go with Kavanagh in charge and Trev Hogan moving o.
Garryowen will lose a few and Thomond/YM will pick up several as a result

turtleshead

So Shannon are losing Bennett, Lyons and Guerin that could be massive for them unless they can bring someone of quality in.

Kavanagh as a player would be outstanding, he always stood out when I watched Garryowen, could be a good signing for Nenagh, not sure about him as a coach though. Any idea who else Garryowen are losing? I am sure they will be picking up any young player coming to limerick they have been always good at getting players in.

Think Bohs could be a strong bet for 1B next year though with Niall Kenneally coming back in.

Nba man

Hard to see what players garryowen will attract in limerick, apart from schools players which they have always had success with, will there munster contracted players be asked to play with a 1A team?

Kavanagh is a quality player and will def be an addition on the pitch, coaching experience has to start somewhere, they already have head coach Derek Corcoran going into his 3rd year. Bohs are a good bet for 1B, some good young players coming through and Keneally an excellent signing.

The Lost Sheep

turtleshead wrote: »

So Shannon are losing Bennett, Lyons and Guerin that could be massive for them unless they can bring someone of quality in.

Kavanagh as a player would be outstanding, he always stood out when I watched Garryowen, could be a good signing for Nenagh, not sure about him as a coach though. Any idea who else Garryowen are losing? I am sure they will be picking up any young player coming to limerick they have been always good at getting players in.

Think Bohs could be a strong bet for 1B next year though with Niall Kenneally coming back in.

Could be massive for Shannon but they'll find someone.
Agree on Kavanagh and that its hard to say about how he'll be as coach but Nenagh still have Derek Corcoran coaching them and they'll be ok in 2A.

Nba man wrote: »

Hard to see what players garryowen will attract in limerick, apart from schools players which they have always had success with, will there munster contracted players be asked to play with a 1A team?

Kavanagh is a quality player and will def be an addition on the pitch, coaching experience has to start somewhere, they already have head coach Derek Corcoran going into his 3rd year. Bohs are a good bet for 1B, some good young players coming through and Keneally an excellent signing.

Garryowen will always attract a few players. With only 1 Limerick club in 1A and 2 Cork Clubs Munster will have several contracted players in 1B.

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Could be massive for Shannon but they'll find someone.
Agree on Kavanagh and that its hard to say about how he'll be as coach but Nenagh still have Derek Corcoran coaching them and they'll be ok in 2A.

Garryowen will always attract a few players. With only 1 Limerick club in 1A and 2 Cork Clubs Munster will have several contracted players in 1B.

Think Shannon will struggle to find someone. Trying to replace one 10 is bad enough but replacing your entire playmaking/controlling axis of 9/10/12 is huge! Cullen replacing Guerin (isn't the same standard i think), losing Tadhg and Gearoid Lyons is massive, there aren't many lads around Limerick to replace these guys we must remember. The pick is getting smaller and smaller!

YM's Tongan 12 is heading home. A big loss. Was the driving force behind YMs solid performances!

turtleshead

Yeah would have to agree, Cullen isn't near the same standard as Guerin, always thought Guerin got a bit of a raw deal when it came to recognition, think he is a trade up from Brian Haugh for YM and far less injury prone.

Any idea why Richmond changed coaches, thought Murray was doing a good job after getting promotion and doing well then staying up?

The Lost Sheep

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

Think Shannon will struggle to find someone. Trying to replace one 10 is bad enough but replacing your entire playmaking/controlling axis of 9/10/12 is huge! Cullen replacing Guerin (isn't the same standard i think), losing Tadhg and Gearoid Lyons is massive, there aren't many lads around Limerick to replace these guys we must remember. The pick is getting smaller and smaller!

YM's Tongan 12 is heading home. A big loss. Was the driving force behind YMs solid performances!

Shannon rumoured to have Leonard Slattery and another of Thomonds back row so having Cullen etc at 9 will be fine. Cullen is IMO at Guerins standard despite his age and will be ok.

turtleshead wrote: »

Yeah would have to agree, Cullen isn't near the same standard as Guerin, always thought Guerin got a bit of a raw deal when it came to recognition, think he is a trade up from Brian Haugh for YM and far less injury prone.

Any idea why Richmond changed coaches, thought Murray was doing a good job after getting promotion and doing well then staying up?

Think Cullen will be better in time and with him being in academy will do well.
Could Murray's Munster commitments play a role.

Leinster5

Transfers from what I've gathered over the last few days - Old Belvedere have brought in Rory O'Loughlin, James Rael and Rory Kavanagh so far. Terenure have signed two overseas players along with John Cooney. UCD have lost several players but have managed to keep their talented Leinster Academy players for next season along with Jeremy Loughman and Jack Power added. Jack Dilger has signed for Lansdowne. St. Mary's have signed Michael McLoughlin from Trinity and Richie Allen from Old Belvedere along with Jerry Sexton returning from France. Don't blame me if some of these aren't concrete as lads from these clubs told me and obviously they could be wrong.

The Lost Sheep

Leinster5 wrote: »

Transfers from what I've gathered over the last few days - Old Belvedere have brought in Rory O'Loughlin, James Rael and Rory Kavanagh so far. Terenure have signed two overseas players along with John Cooney. UCD have lost several players but have managed to keep their talented Leinster Academy players for next season along with Jeremy Loughman and Jack Power added. Jack Dilger has signed for Lansdowne. St. Mary's have signed Michael McLoughlin from Trinity and Richie Allen from Old Belvedere along with Jerry Sexton returning from France. Don't blame me if some of these aren't concrete as lads from these clubs told me and obviously they could be wrong.

Nenagh signed YM centre with some other guys back from Oz etc
Young Munster losing Kolio Hifo as well as several to Thomond but have brought in Martin Kelly, Rob Guerin & Gearoid Lyons

Rael is interesting for Belvo. Connacht could really do with having 1A club.
UCD always will lose quite a few players its the nature of being a closed university club. Loughman not sure if ready for AIL week in week out however talented he is at schools level. Not really played any full on scrums etc.

Board_man

Have just heard that a UCD second row has been signed to a club in South Island, New Zealand. Presumably Christchurch or Otago I would imagine. His name is unknown to me

FellasFellas

Board_man wrote: »

Have just heard that a UCD second row has been signed to a club in South Island, New Zealand. Presumably Christchurch or Otago I would imagine. His name is unknown to me

Philip Crowe is his name. Playing for University of Otago.

Board_man

Never heard of him. Was he involved with the 1sts last year or what? Any chance of him playing ITM or the equivalent?

Braken

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Nenagh signed YM centre with some other guys back from Oz etc
Young Munster losing Kolio Hifo as well as several to Thomond but have brought in Martin Kelly, Rob Guerin & Gearoid Lyons

Rael is interesting for Belvo. Connacht could really do with having 1A club.
UCD always will lose quite a few players its the nature of being a closed university club. Loughman not sure if ready for AIL week in week out however talented he is at schools level. Not really played any full on scrums etc.

tadgh bennett staying at shannon

turtleshead

Braken wrote: »

tadgh bennett staying at shannon

I would imagine Shannon pulled out all the stops to keep him, don't think he would have come cheap. It is a shame but I think they will struggle this coming season, they have a good young side but think the division is a lot stronger next season, can see Garryowen, Buccs, Corinthians, Bohs, Trinity, Belfast Harlequins all finishing above them.

Any word on Bruff next season, have they brought many in?

Nba man

turtleshead wrote: »

I would imagine Shannon pulled out all the stops to keep him, don't think he would have come cheap. It is a shame but I think they will struggle this coming season, they have a good young side but think the division is a lot stronger next season, can see Garryowen, Buccs, Corinthians, Bohs, Trinity, Belfast Harlequins all finishing above them.

Any word on Bruff next season, have they brought many in?

Yea agree 1b will be tough for shannon and garryowen, garryowen will be rebuilding for a couple of years after losing a lot of experienced players, ul bohs have recruited well and should go well in 1b as will Corinthians and galweigians, which Galway club did Shane o Leary get assigned too?

Haven't heard much on bruff , I think Brendan deady is the backs coach, not sure on who else is coaching there and haven't heard of any signings apart from jack Cullen leaving them to go to shannon.

Nba man

Leinster5 wrote: »

Transfers from what I've gathered over the last few days - Old Belvedere have brought in Rory O'Loughlin, James Rael and Rory Kavanagh so far. Terenure have signed two overseas players along with John Cooney. UCD have lost several players but have managed to keep their talented Leinster Academy players for next season along with Jeremy Loughman and Jack Power added. Jack Dilger has signed for Lansdowne. St. Mary's have signed Michael McLoughlin from Trinity and Richie Allen from Old Belvedere along with Jerry Sexton returning from France. Don't blame me if some of these aren't concrete as lads from these clubs told me and obviously they could be wrong.

How can Terenure sign 2 overseas players I thought the rule was you can only have one? Or does one of them have an EU passport? John Conwy big signing for them if that is the 9 I am thinking of?

The Lost Sheep

turtleshead wrote: »

I would imagine Shannon pulled out all the stops to keep him, don't think he would have come cheap. It is a shame but I think they will struggle this coming season, they have a good young side but think the division is a lot stronger next season, can see Garryowen, Buccs, Corinthians, Bohs, Trinity, Belfast Harlequins all finishing above them.

Any word on Bruff next season, have they brought many in?

Possibly. Shannon will have a young side and it will vary how they start the season as to how they go. If they get decent draws in the Charity Cup and Senior Cup and build some confidence ahead of league they will be fine and do well but tough draws and they lose in both cups and don't go great in Senior Plate then it could be long season.

Nothing heard on Bruff yet except for they'll have a few of their strong under 20s last season who'll push on to senior squad and with a good 18s team from last season around they'll bounce back sooner rather than later as the talent is there.

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Possibly. Shannon will have a young side and it will vary how they start the season as to how they go. If they get decent draws in the Charity Cup and Senior Cup and build some confidence ahead of league they will be fine and do well but tough draws and they lose in both cups and don't go great in Senior Plate then it could be long season.

Nothing heard on Bruff yet except for they'll have a few of their strong under 20s last season who'll push on to senior squad and with a good 18s team from last season around they'll bounce back sooner rather than later as the talent is there.

The draw won't matter. Bohs showed the year they won the charity cup they got relegated. This is gonna be a very hard year for Shannon. I'd be surprised if they aren't fighting off relegation. 1B is stronger than many give credit, it'll be between Corinthian Buccs and Bohs for me. Shannon, Ballymena and Malone to go down.

Heard Bruff haven't been able source a coach......

The Lost Sheep

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

The draw won't matter. Bohs showed the year they won the charity cup they got relegated. This is gonna be a very hard year for Shannon. I'd be surprised if they aren't fighting off relegation. 1B is stronger than many give credit, it'll be between Corinthian Buccs and Bohs for me. Shannon, Ballymena and Malone to go down.

Heard Bruff haven't been able source a coach......

Draw will matter. Getting Richmond over Young Munster etc. Draw does matter and even more so in senior cup.
I don't think Shannon will be fighting off relegation. Have enough not to be down that level.
Had heard Bruff have Brendan Deedy as Head coach and assistant coaches are Brian Cahill & Mike Carroll

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Draw will matter. Getting Richmond over Young Munster etc. Draw does matter and even more so in senior cup.
I don't think Shannon will be fighting off relegation. Have enough not to be down that level.
Had heard Bruff have Brendan Deedy as Head coach and assistant coaches are Brian Cahill & Mike Carroll

Ah the charity cup is very much treated like a 2nds tournament by a lot of sides....YM, G'owen, Bohs never put out 1st teams until the final. Really don't see the point of it. Should be changed to a league to give more games.

Senior cup is different, Thats a main comp in munster!

The Lost Sheep

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny wrote: »

Ah the charity cup is very much treated like a 2nds tournament by a lot of sides....YM, G'owen, Bohs never put out 1st teams until the final. Really don't see the point of it. Should be changed to a league to give more games.

Senior cup is different, Thats a main comp in munster!

Charity Cup is not a totally full strength Competition but much more than a 2nds tournament.
I do agree it(and Cork Charity Cup) should be changed to a league based competition as 1. it would give clubs more competitive games pre senior cup and AIL and 2. more money could be raised for Charity.

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Charity Cup is not a totally full strength Competition but much more than a 2nds tournament.
I do agree it(and Cork Charity Cup) should be changed to a league based competition as 1. it would give clubs more competitive games pre senior cup and AIL and 2. more money could be raised for Charity.

If its not a full strength comp than is it not a 2nds one? Majority of Limerick sides use it to introduce new lads but play fringe guys. Unlikely to see YM fielding Ger Sla, Neville Melbourne, Willie Staunton. Similarly with G'owen for McCloskey, Brosnan and others. Needs to be drastically looked at as the attendance is still very very low. Would say this is down to people knowing they aren't going to see full strength G'owen vs bohs or whoever.

Transfer news. Darren Sweetnum the latest player to do the dolphin to Con move