Provincial Towns Cup Quarter Final Preview Longford RFC v Kilkenny RFC
St. Patricks Day, 2018, CPL Park, The Demesne, Longford. Kick-Off 3 PM.
By Tommy Butler Longford RFC PRO.
It will be a St. Patricks Days to remember at Longford RFC this year, when Longford Senior Men welcome Kilkenny RFC to CPL Park for the Quarter Final of the Provincial Towns Cup. The Provincial Towns Cup is one of the oldest trophies in existence in Irish rugby dating back to 1892 and is widely regarded as one of the Premier Junior Rugby Knockout tournaments. The Cup originally named the Leinster Junior Challenge Cup was then presented on the inception of the Provincial Towns Cup in 1926. Longford RFC contested the 88th final v Tullamore and also reached the final in 1932, losing out to Dundalk.
Like any knock out competition, it is as all about building momentum. Longford have certainly been doing that this year, where they are looking to finish second in Leinster Division 1B, which means potential promotion. Allied to this, are two great victories so far in the Cup to earn their Quarter final place. Firstly, defeating Cill Dara in the 1st Round 22-08 at home and then accounting for Division 1A side, Boyne RFC away from home in an impressive victory in the Second Round. Things do not get any easier from here as Longford’s quarter final opponents are Kilkenny, who also ply their trade in 1A. Kilkenny have had a decent season in Leinster’s top division and no doubt will be targeting a cup run to finish the season with some silverware. They got promoted from Longford’s division last season, where Longford beat them in Kilkenny and then lost out in return fixture at home. It promises to be a great game of rugby and the perfect way to continue St. Patricks celebrations after the parade, especially for any families who would like to see two of Leinster top sides fighting tooth and nail for a place in the Semi-Final. Kilkenny will be tough opponents and we would welcome as much support as possible in CPL Park on St. Patricks Day.
Over the last ten years Longford have enjoyed good runs in the Provincials Towns Cup/Plate Competitions, where they have featured in one Provincial Towns Cup Final and three Plate Finals. In 2013 Longford RFC reached the Provincial Towns Cup Final for the first time since the club was reformed in 1967 and they will be hoping that 2019 is the year that can repeat the historic feat. The Longford RFC is nearly 100% homegrown and take great pride in representing the Town and County.
You can here an interview with Niall Moran, Longford RFC Director of Rugby at this link with Kevin McDermott from Shannonside Radio. Niall asks for the CPL Park Crowd to be Longfords 16th man!
Kick off in CPL Park, The Demesne, Longford is at 3 PM on St. Patricks Day, Sunday March 17th. All support would be greatly welcome. You can be assured of a great welcome and top-class rugby at one of the best rugby facilities in Ireland.
Longford in action versus Boyne in the 2nd Round
