The semi-final round of the Munster Cup Competition took place at the Markets Field on Saturday afternoon between Garryowen and Limerick County. Both teams had strong lineups. Ten minutes into the match, Con Hogan of Garryowen scored an unconverted try after a splendid passing movement. Towards the end of the first half, McInerney of Limerick County executed a drop goal, giving them a one-point lead at halftime.

At this point, Mr Joe O’Mara, the Garryowen wing three-quarter who was serving as the touch umpire, received a tremendous ovation as he left the field with friends to catch a train for Queenstown en route to Canada. Mr O’Mara, visibly moved by the reception, was a beloved member of the Garryowen F.C.

In the second half, Garryowen exerted pressure on Limerick County, advancing towards their 25-yard line. Joe O’Connor managed to score a try from a loose rush, but his brother Thade failed to convert the additional points. The game continued with back-and-forth play, with Garryowen displaying solid defence in the back division. With a quarter of an hour remaining, Garryowen kept up the pressure and, from a scrum, the ball was quickly moved down the field. Joe O’Connor followed up and raced over for a third try, which also went unconverted. The final score was three tries (9 points) for Garryowen and one dropped goal (4 points) for Limerick County.

Mr Joe Magee of Bective Rangers acted as the referee for the match.

Garryowen:
A. Quillinan, C. Hogan, Jack O’Connor, W. Duggan, T. O’Connor, Joe O’Connor (captain), B. O’Connor, D. Daly, J. Murphy, J. Higgins, John Claney, T. Halpin, J. McConkey, M. Roche, J. O’Hulloran.

Limerick County:
Fullback: Walsh; Three-quarters: W.O. Stokes, T. Coozey, F.G. Wallace, E.G. Stokes; Halves: Carroll and Mclnecaey; Forwards: Lane, Mooney, Gleeson, Foreman, Brennan, Brown, Kelly, and R.K. Love.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 29 March 1904