
In a rugby football spectacle at the Markets Field, a fair gathering of spectators witnessed an intense Junior Cup Final clash between Lansdowne and Rovers on Sunday evening. Despite the weather being more suitable for cricket than football, both teams displayed unwavering determination.
The game, characteristic of junior football in Limerick, was hard-fought and grueling, with the players enduring challenging weather conditions. It is regrettable that those responsible have not considered suspending this annual competition during such adverse weather.
Throughout the match, the forward ranks were the primary battleground, with few noteworthy moments until around ten minutes into the second half. J. Mclnerney collected the ball from a scrum near Rovers’ lines and passed it to Nunan, who secured Lansdowne’s first try. Unfortunately, F. O’Sullivan missed the conversion attempt.
The game’s decisive moment came when Hartney scored the second try for Lansdowne, tipping the balance entirely in their favor. Although Rovers fought valiantly, they were unable to breach their opponents’ defence, and Lansdowne emerged victorious with 2 tries (6 points) to nil.
The teams competing were as follows:
Lansdowne: Fullback – Sargent; Three-quarters – Nunan, O’Sullivan, Keane, McNamara; Halves – J. Mclnerney (captain), and F. O’Sullivan; Forwards – D. Maloney, Gavin, Murphy, Casey, Hartney, Wright, O’Connell, Galvin, and Mclnerney.
Rovers: Fullback – J. Quilligan; Three-quarters – Foley, Reid, Crowe, J. Bourke; Halves – Power and Jackson; Forwards – Moore, Lynch, Shine, Swart, Waldron, Quilligan, O’Brien, and Bourke.
The match was refereed by Mr C. McGill of Garryowen F.C. Lansdowne’s impressive performance secured their victory in the Junior Cup Final, leaving their supporters elated and their opponents with respect for their formidable play.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 23 May 1905