Monivea players celebrated after winning the Junior Cup final at the Sportsground in Galway. Photo: Ray Ryan

Junior Cup begins this weekend

THE blue riband on the local rugby scene, the 2017-18 Connacht Junior Cup, swings into action next Sunday with two preliminary round ties down for decision.

Tuam, currently second in the J1B standings, have been drawn away to Loughrea, top of J1C, for the second season running. Semi-finalists in '16, Tuam fell at the first hurdle last January when Loughrea pulled off something of a surprise 14-12 victory. J1B high-flyers Creggs await the winners.
Promoted last season, Dunmore are now plying their trade in the J1B League, and travel to Dangan on Sunday to take on an NUIG team that currently sits mid-table in J1A.
A trip to Westport and a clash with the local Bulls is the prize at stake for whoever comes through.

Read more in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald