Carrick 16; Mallow 6
Carrick-on-Suir deservedly lifted the Martin O’Sullivan Cup for Third Division clubs on Sunday last when defeating Mallow 16-6 in Fermoy, thus ending a 37-year wait for cup success.
For the first time since the 1972 Garryowen Cup win, a rendition of ‘The Carrick Smashers’ filled a cup final paddock, thus ensuring a long night was enjoyed thereafter!
Their second win over Mallow this campaign following their opening day success in the Munster Junior League, the Tybroughney side have now firmly set their sights on a double winning season.
And having come within seconds of promotion during the previous campaign, the impetus created by this cup success will have Carrick in the best possible frame of mind looking ahead.
Wins over Kilrush (25-15), Killorglin (13-10) and Waterford City (15-11) earned them the right to face the East Cork club on Sunday last and bolstered on by a healthy travelling contingent, Carrick got the job done.
Tries from Brian Dignam and James Wallace, with the latter adding two penalties, steered Carrick to victory, with a penalty and drop goal from Brian Morris making up Mallow’s scoring return.
But there’ll be little time for laurel resting, with a vital Division 3B meeting with fellow promotion aspirants Charleville beckoning on Sunday next in Tybroughney at 2.30pm.
In that division last weekend, Dungarvan failed to get off the winning mark but at least had the consolation of a losing bonus point when going down 14-8 away to Douglas.
Joe Larkin and Dan Lucey both registered first half tries which were successfully converted by Andy Larkin to leave the hosts 14 points up at the break.
But after the interval, Dungarvan rallied, with a Paddy Dunphy try and Jim Curran penalty ensuring a point for the West Waterford men.
Next Sunday, Dungarvan are on the road again, taking on Mallow, while Waterford City host Fermoy in Kilbarry, with both of those games scheduled for 2.30pm kick-offs.
