The Thirties was a fairly barren period for the club with just a single success in each of the main competitions. The team reached the Munster Senior Cup final in 1932 under the captaincy of P.J.Delaney, but lost to Garryowen 0-9 at the Market’s Field. Peculiarly, Constitution were again nominated to play in the Bateman Cup. They defeated Bective Rangers in the semi final, but were defeated by Queen’s University in the final.


J.V.Rearden was captain in 1932-33 when the Munster Senior Cup was won after a prolonged final series against Limerick Bohemian. The first two games were scoreless, but Constitution won the second replay 12-0 at the Mardyke.

In January 1933 the club acquired meeting rooms in Oliver Plunkett Street, renewing the club’s strong links with the city centre.

The team reached successive finals in 1935 and 1936 only to lose to a UCC team that had great success the late Thirties. It marked the end of the playing careers of some great clubmen such as Noel Murphy, Paddy Delaney and Jim Rearden, but also the beginning of the career of another great clubman, Ned Murphy who had played at scrum half.

There were further Munster Junior Cup final defeats at the hands of Bohemians in 1932 and Shannon again in 1939.

Noel Murphy won 11 caps between 1930-33, while Jimmy.Rearden and Jim.Egan were also capped.

Jimmy Musgrave was President IRFU 1930-31 having served as Irish selector for many years. He died suddenly in 1938, and when a new rugby ground in Cork was acquired by the Munster Branch, it was named Musgrave Park in his honour. Former Munster player E.J.Fitzgerald was Munster Branch President 1935-36.