Clontarf's newly converted scrum-half Richard Murphy proved to be the mainstay of his side's 21-19 Leinster Senior Cup quarter-final victory over Terenure College at Lakelands Park. The former out-half crossed for a try, kicked two penalties and also added a conversion. Second row David Moore provided Clontarf's other points with a try.
Skerries also booked their place in the semi-finals when they shaded past newly promoted Barnhall 14-10 in a closely contested quarter-final at Parsonstown yesterday. Each side ran in a try each, but, with Barnhall captain and scrum-half, Eoin Burke, missing a few kickable penalty chances, it was the sea-siders who had the edge and held their nerve to snatch the win.
Terenure led 10-8 at the interval thanks to a try from out-half Shane Cullen, converted by Billy Treacy who also kicked a penalty. But, Clontarf were always the livelier side and their enterprise was rewarded in the 52nd minute with Moore's try. A couple of penalties from replacement David Lynagh and another from Treacy kept the issue in doubt and it was only settled by Murphy's injury time penalty.
A slick blind-side break by substitute scrum-half Brian Hogan proved the pivotal moment in DLSP's victory over Greystones at Dr Hickey Park on Saturday, guaranteeing the Kilternan side a place in the semi-final. Hogan had been on the pitch for less than a minute when he caught the Greystones defence completely by surprise and raced away to score.
Earlier, DLSP centre Mark Cunningham, with a try, and out-half Dave O'Riordan, with two penalties, had put the visitors in a commanding position. A try from Greystones captain Wayne Robertson plus two penalty goals from Mark Wyse failed to overhaul DLSP in a generally scrappy match.
Lansdowne continued in the defence of their title with a 16-10 victory over Co Carlow at Oak Park. The game was played in terrible conditions and the sides were locked at 10-10 at the interval. Lansdowne grabbed a try through Shane Horgan with Rory Kearns adding a penalty and conversion, Carlow replied with a try from captain Ian Dwyer with Robert Byrne adding the rest of the points.
A penalty from full back Kearns and a Ray Niland drop goal earned Lansdowne their success. In the Munster Senior Cup, All-Ireland League champions Cork Constitution enjoyed a thrilling 24-23 victory over Young Munster at Temple Hill on Saturday.
Out-half Ronan O'Gara was the Constitution hero, kicking four penalties and a conversion, while centre Conor Mahony and wing Anthony Horgan crossed for tries. Young Munster managed tries from Des Clohessy and Declan Edwards with Maori out-half Terry Rahui kicking three penalties and two conversions.
Shannon cruised through their opening assignment with a 56-0 thrashing of Sunday's Well. The Cork side could barely field a team, mustering only three substitutes and the game had to be delayed 15 minutes while they rounded up their forces.
Shannon scored seven tries through Brian Roche (2), Alan McGrath, Alan Quinlan, David Quinlan, Conor Burke and John Hayes. Andrew Thompson contributed the remainder with the boot.
Junior qualifiers Bruff managed a superb 23-7 victory over Waterpark at Ballinakill in a first round replay.
