History beckons for Tipperary club in All-Ireland League promotion play-off final

Nenagh Ormond’s head coach Derek Corcoran is under no illusions as to the stiff challenge his team face as they prepare for a historic Division 1A promotion play-off final against UCC this afternoon, Saturday in New Ormond Park (kick-off 2.30pm).

Speaking in the wake of his side’s hard-fought 25-17 victory over a strong Blackrock College side in the semi-final last week, the evergreen Corcoran paid tribute to his teammates following a memorable victory over formidable Dublin-based opposition, but added that there was one final hurdle to overcome for the recently-crowned Munster Senior Cup champions.

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Agreeing that it has been a dream year for Nenagh Ormond, Corcoran has also doubled up as a vastly experienced replacement out half for his side, and is looking forward to giving it one last effort in a bid to propel Nenagh into the uppermost echelons of club rugby in Ireland.

“It’s one more game together now, so I'm looking forward to giving it a final one last call,” Corcoran said.

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Agreeing that Nenagh face a big challenge now this afternoon, Corcoran agreed that it will be a historic day for the club if Nenagh can overcome the challenge of UCC.

“Oh look, it's amazing to be in the final but we've just got to ground ourselves now this week. We have got to prepare and we've got to get ready, they're a quality team and although we beat them twice this year, both games we could have easily lost so there is nothing between the sides. Hopefully, we can just put a good week down and back ourselves next weekend,” Corcoran added.

Nenagh Ormond will face off against a UCC side in the Division 1A promotion final bristling with talent and bolstered by no less than three Munster Academy players, Sean Edogbu (back row), Michael Foy (lock) and Gene O'Leary Kareem (centre).

Nenagh faced UCC in two highly memorable games either side of the Christmas break, overcoming the Leesiders 35-24 in what was a pulsating fixture before the break, before a thrilling 38-34 victory in New Ormond Park in a pulsating return fixture.

This hugely anticipated decider is sure to bring a huge crowd once more to witness what could be one of the most historic days in Nenagh Ormond’s illustrious 141-year history.