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Banner photo: Sean Carter (Tuam) and Frank Brandon (Creggs) exchange memories. Photo: Ray Ryan (Tuam Herald).
This Monday, 6th April will mark Tuam RFC's first Junior Cup Final since 1978 when they lost by just 3 points to Creggs RFC. Now, in 2026, they once again find themselves facing Creggs in the Bank of Ireland Junior Cup Final.
Last year, Creggs RFC won their first Bank of Ireland Junior Cup trophy in 32 years when they overcame a strong Dunmore RFC side, so both Creggs and Tuam understand the gravity of taking home the coveted Junior Cup trophy.
But, to look ahead to Monday's Final, we must take a moment to look back to the past - specifically 1978. Over at Glenina, Galwegians a Junior Cup Final took place between Tuam RFC and Creggs RFC - two sides who had never won the Junior Cup before.
With Captain Sean Carter at the helm for Tuam they were hoping for their first ever Junior Cup win in the club's history. Tuam went 6-0 up thanks to a Michael Grogan penalty and a Frank Canavan drop-goal. However, Creggs' Peadar Brandon replied with a 24th minute penalty to make the score 6-3.
In the second half, lead by captain Declan Brandon, Creggs were the better team and broke Tuam hearts four minutes into injury time when Creggs' Scrum Half Frank Brandon got over for a try which Peadar Brandon converted, meaning it was the Creggs side that boasted their first ever Junior Cup title with a 9-6 win after a brilliant comeback, despite Tuam's steady defensive line.
Now, 48 years later, the two clubs will once again face off in the Bank of Ireland Junior Cup final. Both sides will be rearing to go in the match on Monday and will be looking to honour the historic occasion with a win.
Not only is there history in the competition between these two sides but it is also a family affair where Creggs' Captain this coming Monday, James Brandon will be coming up against his second cousin, Seán Brandon who is Scrum Half for Tuam.
For those who were trailblazers and represented the two sides in 1978, they will be in the stands of Dexcom Stadium watching on with pride at how far both of these sides and rugby in Connacht have come.
Sure to be an incredible final, the Bank of Ireland Junior Cup Final is on Monday, 6th April at 2:30 PM in Dexcom Stadium.
You can buy match tickets here.
