BATEMAN CUP FINAL
Galwegians v Cork Constitution
Crowley Park, Saturday, 12.45, RTÉ 2
The Bateman Cup final will see history made no matter who comes out on top. Defending champions Cork Constitution are chasing a unique fourth title in-a-row, while hosts Galwegians are back at this stage for the first time since their 1929 defeat to Lansdowne.
The modern-day revival of the Bateman Cup – a knockout competition for the four winners of the provincial cups – has put the famous All-Ireland event from the 1920s and 1930s back in the spotlight, and Cork Con have been its dominant force with three successive final wins.
Galwegians have yet to grace the roll of honour, and no Connacht club has graced the final since UCG some 80 years ago.
Unfinished business
The current ’Wegians side have some unfinished business with Cork – they were relegated from Division 1A following a 26-16 loss to the Leesiders a fortnight ago. The Galway side opened the current season with a 12-11 home win over Con.
Hosting the final in Glenina will give Matt Brown’s westerners extra motivation and securing national silverware would certainly be sweet for the likes of club stalwarts John Cleary, Brian Murphy and Ja Naughton, especially after such a disappointing finish to the league.
Brian Hickey’s side are in the midst of a run of big games, defending both their Munster Senior Cup and Bateman Cup crowns and also lining up against Clontarf in next week’s league decider at the Aviva Stadium.
Con's springtime form suggests it will be very difficult for 'Wegians to prize the trophy out of their grasp, especially if centre Niall Kenneally continues his fine form – he has bagged four tries in his last four outings.
Galwegians are dangerous opponents in one-off games, though, and they did beat Con, Lansdowne, Ballynahinch, Young Munster and Garryowen at home this season.
