AIB CUP SEMI-FINALS:FOR A while there it looked like a haggard looking Garryowen team were not up to much this season, but Saturday's 19-6 defeat of Dolphin at Musgrave Park has revived an old favourite in Irish rugby. They will meet Cork Constitution in the AIB Cup final in Athlone on January 30th.

The Garryowen halfback pairing of Willie Staunton and Conor Murray registered all their points as they dug deep to overcome a side showing well in Division 1A.

Cork Con, as expected, proved too strong for Ballymena, despite the long trip north, easing into the final with tries from Richie Lane and Gareth Murray.

Scott Deasy kicked the rest in the 18-9 victory at Eaton Park on Saturday.

Saturday’s AIB Junior Cup semi-finals – Tullamore versus Armagh and Monivea versus City of Derry – were postponed due to frozen pitches.