A Tough Test Loomed
Facing the side they overcame to lift the title last season, Ulster showed resilience, composure and attacking quality to begin their campaign in winning fashion, laying down an early marker in their pursuit of a third consecutive championship.
The match, played in front of a respectful crowd following a pre-game minute’s silence, lived up to expectations as a high-scoring and fiercely contested encounter.
Munster made a fast start, crossing early to take the lead, but Ulster responded well and quickly found their rhythm. Eddie Keys opened Ulster’s account with a well-taken try in the corner, setting the tone for what would be a standout individual performance.
Despite moments of strong attacking play, Ulster found themselves trailing at the interval, with Munster capitalising on early opportunities to edge ahead. However, there was a clear sense that the visitors were building momentum, particularly through their forward dominance and set-piece strength.
That pressure told in the second quarter when a well-controlled lineout maul allowed Tom Arthur-Donan to power over, with Keys adding the extras. Ulster continued to press, and their attacking intent was rewarded when James Ferguson finished sharply in the corner to give Ulster the lead for the first time.
Munster responded to regain a narrow advantage before the break, but Ulster remained firmly in the contest and carried that belief into the second half.
After the restart, Ulster raised their intensity and began to take control of the game. Their ability to convert pressure into points proved decisive, with Eddie Keys adding his second try of the afternoon before further scores from Dean Dillon and Charlie Williamson extended Ulster’s advantage.
Keys was instrumental throughout, finishing with an outstanding tally of two tries and five conversions, while also controlling the game effectively from the tee and open play.
The influence of the squad’s strong club connections was evident across the pitch. The combination of players from Enniskillen RFC, Dromore RFC and across the province contributed to a cohesive and determined performance, reflecting the strength and depth of Ulster’s club game.
Captain Gary Dillon led from the front, with the added significance of sharing the field with his brother Dean Dillon, while the Keys brothers Eddie and Henry Keys starting, and Angus Keys making an impact from the bench, underlined the unique family connections within the squad.
Munster rallied late to secure a fourth try and claim two bonus points, but Ulster’s work had already been done. Their clinical finishing, combined with defensive resilience at key moments, ensured they closed out a deserved victory on the road.
Full Time Munster Juniors 34 - Ulster Juniors 40
The result marks an ideal start for Head Coach Damien Campbell and his management team, with assistants Graeme Eastwood and Simon Patterson, Team Manager Jeremy Ogle and Physio Molly Mathers all playing their part in preparing the squad for a demanding campaign.
With two home fixtures to come, Ulster will now look to build on this momentum as they continue their push for a historic three-in-a-row, confident in both their depth and their ability to deliver under pressure.
Scorers:
Munster: Shane Airey try, 4 cons, 2 pens; Killian O’Connell, Sam Quinlan, Josh Brady tries.
Ulster: Eddie Keys 2 tries, 5 conversions; Tom Arthur-Donan, James Ferguson, Dean Dillon, Charlie Williamson tries.
Teams:
Munster: Ben Daly (Waterpark); Sam Glynn (Mallow), Jack O'Connell (Crosshaven), Brian Mullins (Richmond), Sean Murphy (Newcastle West); Shane Airey (Newcastle West), Dave Evans (Kinsale); Matthew McCarthy (Clonakilty), Scott Kingston (Bandon), Cian Walsh (Old Christinas); Killian O'Connell (Cobh Pirates), Tadhg Galvin (Bandon); Josh Brady (Bandon), Sam Quinlan (Thurles), Scott Nolan (Waterpark).
Replacements: Phillip O'Callaghan (Muskerry), Cathal Dennehy (Muskerry), David Jennings (Clonakilty), Conor O’Sullivan (Kanturk), Kain Donnellan (Bandon), Fionn Fogarty (Thurles), Shane Purcell (Richmond), Frankie Horgan (Muskerry).
Ulster: Jonny Hunter (Dromore); Sam Balfour (Enniskillen), James Ferguson (Enniskillen), Dean Dillon (Dromore) Robbie Johnston (Ards); Eddie Keys (Enniskillen), Charlie Williamson (Lurgan); David Braden (Omagh Academicals), Tom Arthur-Donnan (Ards) Ryan Emerson (Lurgan); James Wright (Portadown), Jack Rutledge (Enniskillen); Henry Keys (Enniskillen), Michael Rooney (Enniskillen), Gary Dillon (Dromore).
Replacements: Niall Kennan (Enniskillen), Andrew Shaw (Bangor), Simon Creane (Omagh Academicals), Ryan Hughes (Dromore), Richard Dickson (Dromore), Angus Keys (Enniskillen), Daire Hill (Enniskillen), James Wright (Ballymoney).
Referee: Sean Kearns (ARLB)