Abbeyfeale fight for first cup final appearance 1962
YOUNG MUNSTER WILL PROVIDE STIFF OPPOSITION:
When former Munster Schoolboy Interprovincial Gerry O’Brien leads Abbeyfeale on to Thomond Park on Sunday next, he and his determined colleagues will have the support of a large following from the West Limerick region, Young Munster, on home territory, probably start as favourites but Abbeyfeale conquerors of Mallow and Castleisland, are confident thay they can reach their first Munster Junior Cup Final.
Abbeyfeale to date have a successful season, before Christmas they were victorious over many strong sides and with the advent of the cup competition, have really come into their own.
The first round victory over a steady Mallow XV was hard earned, but well deserved. They had a Try and a Penalty without reply and so were into the area final against old rivals Castleisland. At Knockbrack grounds a thrilling game ensued before the Co. Limerick side triumphed by a goal and a drop goal. On that occasion Nicholas Cotter, brother of former Garryowen and Munster wing, Bobby, had a Try, which Hugh McMahon converted. McMahon the full-back, later dropped a goal which clinched the issue after a rousing 80 minutes.
Thus this record proves that Abbeyfeale have a good defence, as yet, their opponents have not scored against them in the competition and full credit must go to Nicholas Cotter, Patrick Larkin (The Centres), Hugh McMahon and John McLoughlin. All the Backs are sound footballers and the “Wasps†will not find scores easy to come by. At forward, too, “Abbey†have very competent performers, Gerry O’Brien at Rockwell, was one of the most outstanding back-row forwards three or four years ago in Munsters School’s Rugby. On Sunday he may move to the second-row where he should prove equally effective.
Along with O’Brien, Joe Collins (prop), Bernard Broderick (second-row), Tom Lynch (flanker), and Cyril McMahon (hooker), all are exceptionally talented forwards, and the eight as a whole will take some beating.The Abbeyfeale team will not be announced until tonight (Friday), but it will be selected from the following: Hugh McMahon-Jim Moynihan-Patsy Larkin-John Barry-Nicholas Cotter-Larry Walsh-John Phelan-John McLoughlin-Bernard McMahon-C.C.O’Rouke-Joe Collins-Cyril McMahoh-P.J.O’Shaughnessy-Bernard Broderick-Michael Shine-Tom Lynch-John Culhane-John Mullane-Billy O’Mahony-Gerry O’Brien (Capt)