Schools Cup draw throws up some intriguing games
THE draw for the Clayton Hotels Munster Schools Senior and Junior Cup competitions took place in Thomond Park last week and threw up a number of intriguing ties.
St Clement’s College clinched their place in the first round of the Senior and Junior Cup competitions on Tuesday thanks to victories over Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí in Wilton.
The first round of both competitions kicks off on the week beginning Monday, January 15.
The final Junior Cup qualifier will see Ardscoil Rís face Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí for a place in the first round with fixture details to be announced shortly.
The five winners of January’s first round ties will advance to the last-eight stage with four of those teams getting a home draw. One of the five losing teams will be given a bye into the quarter-finals with the other four going into the play-offs to decide the remaining two quarter-finalists – the play-offs take place on the week beginning January 22.
The Junior Cup quarter-finals will take place between January 29 and Friday, February 2, with the Senior Cup quarter-finals being played the following week. The semi-finals of the Junior Cup will be played on the week beginning February 19 and the Senior Cup on the week of February 26. The final of the Junior Cup take place on the week beginning March 5 with the Senior Cup final on March 18.
Speaking at the draw, Munster Branch President Charlie Buckley said: “We wish all of the schools involved the very best for the upcoming campaign. For these players, the season started in July and while they have played a number of friendlies already this year, this draw is always eagerly awaited.
“It has been fantastic to see more schools progressing in recent years with a superb Glenstal Abbey side reaching last year’s final as Bandon Grammar were very unlucky to lose their semi-final.
“Of course the parents play a huge part in all of this and we are very thankful for the vital role they play and for their support.”
Pat Reddan of Clayton Hotels said: “Clayton Hotels are delighted to be entering our third year as sponsor of the Clayton Hotels Munster Schools Senior and Junior Cup competitions. To be involved in schools rugby, which helps the development of many of our future Munster and Irish rugby stars, is not an opportunity that you pass on.”
Ahead of the competition, two of the biggest schools, Crescent College Comprehensive and St Munchin’s College, face off next Friday to raise funds for charity.
The winners of the clash will claim the inaugural Dudley Herbert-Sean Conneally Cup with the game taking place in the Markets Field with a 6.30pm kick-off. The Cup has been named in honour of two former Games masters, the late Dudley Herbert and the late Sean Conneally.
The charities that will benefit from the Dudley Herbert-Sean Conneally Cup are Simon Community and the Peter McVerry Trust who do much good and necessary work within Limerick. A good crowd is anticipated to witness the launch of this Cup for such worthy causes. MUNSTER SCHOOLS CUPS First round draw (Senior and Junior Cup) CBC v Ardscoil Rís/Junior Qualifier; Bandon Grammar v St Munchin’s College; PBC v Castletroy College; St Clement’s College v Crescent College Comprehensive; Glenstal Abbey v Rockwell College.