Instonians can take another significant step in their upward progress when they rack up in Limerick to take on Garryowen in the Semi-Final of the Bateman All-Ireland Cup on Saturday (1.30pm).
The competition which brings the Senior Cup winners from the four provinces together to do battle for an all-Ireland trophy is a considerable fillip for Instonians, who are riding high in the AIL’s Division 2A.
The Shaw’s Bridge squad will also now get to test themselves against a team two divisions above them in the League’s top-flight, albeit Garryowen are currently bottom of 1A.
“It is really a privilege for the club in showing the strides we have made in the last few seasons to be in the Bateman Cup Semi-Final,” said Instonians head coach Paul Pritchard, who has been in charge for their years of successive promotions from junior rugby, Division 2C and the 2023/24 season’s rise from 2B.
“It is a real challenge for us at the weekend and an opportunity for the lads, and that is how we are looking at it.
“We’re not going down there like rabbits in the headlights worrying about what is coming, we’re focused on ourselves and making sure we play to the best of our ability.
“We certainly aren’t expecting anything easy on Saturday, but the group of lads that we have don’t fear anyone.”
With momentum behind them and a place in a Final beckoning, Instonians will undoubtedly give this their best shot.