The eagerly awaited inter-provincial football clash between Leinster and Munster in the Railway Shields Championship took place on Sunday, captivating spectators with a display of football prowess that has rarely been matched since the memorable Tipperary vs. Dublin challenge match earlier in the year on the same grounds. The weather favored the event, and an impressive crowd of around 6,000 gathered to witness the action.

Rekindling their rivalry from a previous encounter, where the two teams drew with 7 points each in Cork on September 10th, both Leinster and Munster approached this match with fierce determination. The championship’s home final held in Cork on October 15th only heightened the anticipation for this clash. The Munster team comprised a significant portion of the Kerrymen, along with players from Limerick, Tipperary, Kilkenny, and Dublin, while Leinster featured strong representation from Kildare, Wexford, and Dublin.

From the opening moments, Leinster asserted their dominance, initiating attacks, but early attempts bore no fruit. As the game unfolded across the pitch, Leinster secured the first point after ten minutes, soon adding another, and eventually accumulating three points within the initial quarter-hour. Munster countered with their first point three minutes later, swiftly followed by another, leveling the playing field at three points apiece. Before halftime, Leinster executed a powerful offensive, securing two more points and taking a 5-3 lead into the break.

The second half commenced with intense center play, leading to Munster’s opening score. Both sides demonstrated remarkable energy and skill, with Munster’s attacks proving relentless. Leinster’s solid defensive efforts held strong against the onslaught. The game’s pace remained exhilarating, keeping the spectators enthralled.

Munster’s persistent efforts were met with Leinster’s determined resolve, ultimately pushing Leinster ahead by a point after twelve minutes of play. Another point swiftly followed, widening the lead. Munster’s Rafferty contributed a vital free kick, reducing the deficit. However, the game concluded with Leinster triumphing by eight points to Munster’s five, showcasing their exceptional performance throughout.

The contest was marked by its continuous fast-paced action, leaving both teams visibly drained in the final moments of the game. Despite some encroachments from enthusiastic spectators, typical of major matches at Jones’s Road, the event provided a memorable exhibition of football prowess.

Teams:

Munster:

• J. O’Gorman
• R. Fitzgerald
• M. McCarty
• J. Meyers
• J. Buckley
• D. McCarthy
• A. Stack
• C. Healy
• R. Kirwan
• P. Dillon (Kerry)
• A. Quillinan
• W. Daly
• E. O’Riordan (Limerick)
• E. Kelly
• R. Quinane (Tipperary)
• W. Lynch
• J. T. Fitzgerald (Kerry)

Leinster:

• M. Fitzgerald
• M. Murray
• L. Cribbon
• W. Merriman
• M. Kennedy
• F. Conlan
• J. Rafferty
• M. Fitzgerald
• J. Scott
• M. Looby (Kildare)
• M. Grath
• M. Foley
• Breen (Wexford)
• J. Haynes
• P. Davis (Kilkenny)
• Lynch
• J. Brennan (Dublin)

The Leinster vs. Munster clash will be remembered as a thrilling exhibition of football brilliance, reaffirming the excitement and passion that this sport stirs in the hearts of fans across the nation.

Free Press (Wexford) – Saturday 28 October 1905