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Irish Schools Rugby 2016

Posted on January 26, 2016 by administrator

Can you can smell it in the air? The cold crisp wintery afternoons with the ever longer evenings. This where it all started, this is where the real rugby season begins. Schools rugby championships as prelude to the six nations… It doesn’t get better than this!

This years schools rugby championships cup look as competitive as every other year.

Both junior and senior cup sections look wide open with the exception of the usual favourites.

Leinster Section:-

In the Senior Cup we have the usual Cup favourites in Blackrock College, followed by the well fancied Belvedere College and the ever emerging St Michaels College.

As ever Rock are laden with representatives on the Leinster under 18 & 19 squads, with no fewer than 11.

Some of the more notable of these players being the out half Conor Dean (son of the former lions and Irish out half Paul) & centre Gavin Mullin (son of former Irish great Brendan). The apples don’t far from the tree… Although a notable absence will be the excellent centre Tommy O’Brien, whom unfortunately broke his leg and no longer be part of the tournament.

Belvedere, runners up in last years tournament will be looking to go one better this year. And with players of the calibre of back row Tom De Jongh, and halfbacks of Connor Jennings & Hugh O’Sullivan, who would bet against them.

Having underachieved for so long until their historic 1st Senior Cup in 2007, then coached by the the legend Greg McWilliams, St Michaels have now become one of the major forces of Schools rugby. Having preformed poorly last year under the favourites tag, this year sees the majority of the the same squad back for another crack. Coached by a former Leinster great BrianO’Meara, don’t be surprised to see these guys in the final.

St Marys and Terenure kick off proceedings on Sunday the 24th of January. What a mouth watering tie this this will be. Both clubs have great traditions in this competitions, and either could easily contest this years final should they receive a favourable draw.

Watch out for the Terenure back line, this could be the exiting team of the tournament.

Other notable contenders are last years winners Roscrea. While not impossible it would be a miracle to see them defend their trophy. But Miracles do happen…

Current odds on this years championship

Blackrock College	4/9
Belvedere College	5/1
St Michaels College	6/1
St Marys College	9/1
Terenure College	9/1
Clongowes Wood College	12/1
Roscrea College	12/1
Bar	40/1

Posted in Irish Schools Rugby, LEINSTER, News

Belvedere Turn on the Style at the RDS to Clinch Leinster Schools Senior Cup

Posted on March 15, 2016 by administrator

Belvedere's Hugh O’Sullivan tackled by Philip O’Shea of Roscrea. Source: Gary Carr/INPHO

Belvedere College 31 : Roscrea 7Defending champions Roscrea had no answer to Belvo’s free-flowing rugby.

BELVEDERE COLLEGE HAVE clinched their 11th Leinster Schools Senior Cup after beating Cistercian College Roscrea in perfect conditions at the RDS this afternoon.

Roscrea responded well and nearly went over themselves but for some last ditch defending by Belvo. However, poor handling and several knock-ons scuppered a couple of chances for Roscrea to score in the first-half.

More good play from Belvedere’s forwards saw them get the second try of the game. This time it was flanker Max Kearney who dived to the base of the posts to provide another early setback for the Offaly men.

Belvo fans had plenty to shout about at the RDS. Source: Gary Carr/INPHO

It was Belvedere who took the lead with less than five minutes on the clock, when full-back Hugh O’Sullivan squirmed his way through the Roscrea defence to touch down under the posts.Credit must go to prop Daniel McCaffrey who made some good territory in the build-up. Conor Jennings converted to give the Dublin school an early 7-0 lead.

Another Jennings conversion saw Belvo lead by 14 points, with control of the game in their sights.

The passing from the Great Denmark Street school was sharp and crisp and after a superb breakaway, they nearly got their third try of the game.

Peter Maher’s quick thinking by chipping and catching the ball after a lovely offload, sent James McKeown through.

Belvedere Players Celebrate Their Win : mage: Gary Carr/INPHO

However, Maher’s pass was deemed to be forward by the TMO, denying the final a try it deserved.

Shortly after, Conor Jennings missed a kickable penalty which kept Roscrea very much in the game at half-time with the score at 14-0.

VIEW THE FULL FIXTURES FOR LEINSTER SCHOOLS SENIOR CUP

The interval didn’t hamper Belvedere’s momentum though. More free-flowing attacking rugby followed at the start of the second-half with McKeown grounding in the corner.

Read the Full Article on the42.ie …

Posted in 2016, Belvedere, Cistercian Roscrea, FINAL, LEINSTER, SENIOR CUP

McKeown the Hat-Trick Hero as Belvedere Secure Shot at Schools Final Redemption

Posted on March 14, 2016 by administrator

St Michael's are applauded off the field. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Two intercepted tries proved crucial as they saw off a gritty challenge from St Michael’s.

Belvedere College 36 : St Michael’s College 22

A HAT-TRICK OF tries from winger James McKeown ensured that Belvedere will get a shot at redemption in this year’s Leinster Schools Senior Cup final.

The Dublin school will be looking to avenge last year’s defeat in the decider against Roscrea, after beating a battling St Michael’s side in the semi-final this afternoon.

Belvo came into this match after overcoming favourites Blackrock in an enthralling quarter-final replay just 10 days ago. Michael’s, on the other hand, had more than four weeks to prepare for today’s semi-final.

Belvedere College winger James McKeown. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

In wet conditions, it was Belevdere who dominated the early possession without gaining too much territory, but their ownership of the ball was finally rewarded after 10 minutes.

A dummy run by scrum-half Paraic Cagney allowed McKeown to break through the Michael’s defence.

He then combined well with Hugh O’Sullivan before the winger crossed the line for his first of the day. A fine Connor Jennings conversion gave Belvedere a deserved 7-0 lead.

As is often the case in this competition, the opposition responded well. St Michael’s fly-half Harry Byrne converted a simple penalty after Belvedere failed to roll away when the Ailesbury Road side were pushing for a try under the posts.

Belvedere's Conor Jennings. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Belvedere came back with a penalty of their own shortly after, when Michael’s pulled down their scrum. And another fine strike by Jennings restored Belvo’s seven-point lead.

It was only a matter of time before Belvo crossed the line again and it eventually came from good interplay from their line-out in the Michael’s 22.

After some sharp passing the impressive Max Kearney carried the ball a couple metres short before Cagney found a gap in the defence to cross the line. Jennings again converted to extend the Belvedere lead to 17-3.

VIEW THE FULL FIXTURES OF THE LEINSTER SENIOR CUP

In the first-half, Michael’s always looked dangerous when in Belvedere’s 22, the biggest problem they had was actually making metres against the northsiders’ strong and disciplined defence.

A crunching tackle by the influential Jennings epitomised their first-half performance. It was beginning to look like the four-week break had seen the Michael’s attack lose its sharpness.

Byrne missed a penalty attempt just before half-time and the gap remained 14 points at the break.

Belvedere then consolidated their lead by getting the first score of the second period.

A great line from Jennings saw him burst free of the Michael’s defence before laying the ball to Hugh Sexton, and he gave McKeown a simple run in for his second try of the game.

View the Full Article on the42.ie …

Posted in 2016, Belvedere, LEINSTER, Semi-Final, SENIOR CUP, St Michaels

Cork’s CBC crowned Munster Schools Senior Cup Champions

Posted on March 14, 2016 by administrator

CBC players celebrate at the final whistle. Munster Schools Senior Cup Final, CBC v Crescent College Comprehensive. Irish Independent Park, Cork. Picture credit: Eóin Noonan / SPORTSFILE

CBC Cork 9 Crescent College Comprehensive

Solid defending from Cork’s Christian Brothers College saw them hold for a one-point victory in the Munster Schools Senior Cup final at Irish Independent Park today.

Seeking their first title since 2009 and 29th overall – the one to push them ahead of great rivals PBC at the top of roll of honour – CBC had fought back from 8-3 down thanks to two James Taylor penalties on 50 and 60 minutes, but they were tested by the Limerick side in a second half which ran to 39 minutes. Ultimately, though, they prevailed.

With the wind in the first half, Crescent drew first blood with an 11th-minute penalty from Daniel Hurley. While Taylor responded in kind with a super kick from 40 metres, Crescent would still lead at half-time as they profited from a Christians knock-on four minutes from the break.

VIEW THE FULL MUNSTER SENIOR CUP FIXTURES

From the scrum, flanker Niall Mulcahy was prominent and the ball was worked wide to Hurley, who crossed. He prepared to take the conversion himself but the wind knocked the ball from the tee and his drop-kicked effort was wide.

Coming up to half-time, Crescent might have got in again when a penalty from deep was sent to touch, but the lineout came to nothing and CBC prevailed.

Read the Full Article on independent.ie …

Posted in 2016, Cork CBC, Crescent College Comprehensive (CCC), FINAL, MUNSTER, SENIOR CUP

St Michael’s weather storm to book place in decider

Posted on March 8, 2016 by administrator

St Michael’s Robert Gilsenan, kicks the ball ahead away from Clongowes’ Tim O’Brien in the Leinster Schools Junior Cup Semi-Final Photo: Cody Glenn / SPORTSFILE

St Michael’s 20 Clongowes 15

St Michael’s qualified for their seventh Leinster Schools Junior Cup final in 10 years by overcoming Clongowes in a most entertaining encounter at Donnybrook yesterday.

With skipper Mark Hernan and No 8 Ben Gannon to the fore the Ailesbury Road school dominated the early exchanges, keeping Clongowes deep in their own territory.

They deservedly took the lead just three minutes in when good approach work by William Hickey paved the way for centre Cian McGettigan to send full-back Mark O’Brien racing in wide on the left.

Michael’s added to their lead on 20 minutes when the lively Hernan blocked down an attempted clearance for the ever alert Niall Carroll to hoover up the loose ball. Robert Gilsenan combined first with Jonathan Fish and then the roving Hickey before setting Carroll and McGettigan free up the left for the speedy Zach Harrison to take the try scoring pass.
Sortie

On a very rare sortie into Michael’s territory David Wilkinson landed a penalty to narrow the gap to 10-3.

Read the Full Article on independent.ie …

Posted in 2016, Clongowes Wood, JUNIOR CUP, LEINSTER, Semi-Final, St Michaels

Outstanding ‘Rock will take some stopping in Junior final

Posted on March 8, 2016 by administrator

Blackrock College's David Fitzgibbon is tackled by Belvedere College's Rory Dwyer in the Bank of Ireland Leinster Schools Junior Cup semi-final. Photo: Sam Barnes / Sportsfile

Blackrock College 38 Belvedere College 6

Revenge was sweet and unforgiving as Blackrock made good the Senior loss to the same opposition with a comprehensive victory in this second Junior cup semi-final at Donnybrook yesterday.

And on this impressive evidence St Michael’s are going to have their work cut out preventing the red-hot favourites making it four under-16 titles in a row. Belvo gave it their best but from loosehead Liam Marshall to full-back Ross Barron and right through the replacements this is a ‘Rock group without an apparent weakness.

Right from the off with Ben Wallace, John Corless and Ed Brennan leading the way control at the breakdown was relentless with Luke Mion crashing over under the posts for a patient and well-worked early try converted by their impressive out-half and goal-kicker David Fitzgibbon.

John Meagher and Fitzgibbon then exchanged penalties as Belvo settled to the enormity of the task. Donnacha Donnelly’s athleticism out of touch was as effective as it was eye-catching. That and a powerful defensive performance kept ‘Rock at bay and just 10-3 ahead at the break.

Read the Full Article on independent.ie …

Posted in 2016, Belvedere, Blackrock, JUNIOR CUP, LEINSTER, Semi-Final

CBC v Glenstal Rescheduled Fixture Confirmed

Posted on March 4, 2016 by administrator

irish schools rugby: CBC - Munster Schools Junior Cup champions 2015 INPHO Photography

The rescheduled Munster Schools Junior Cup semi final between Christian Brothers College and Glenstal Abbey School has been confirmed for Irish Independent Park on Wednesday, 9th March at 2.30pm.

The original fixture due to take place today was postponed due to an unplayable surface.

VIEW THE UPDATED MUNSTER JUNIOR CUP FIXTURES

Article from MunsterRugby.ie …

Posted in 2016, Cork CBC, Glenstal Abbey School, JUNIOR CUP, MUNSTER, Semi-Final

PBC & Crescent Name Squads

Posted on March 1, 2016 by administrator

Presentation Brothers College and Crescent College Comprehensive have named their sides for tomorrow’s Junior Cup semi final at Irish Independent Park (ko 2.30pm).

VIEW The FULL MUNSTER JuNIOR CUP FIXTURES

PBC overcame St. Clements College in the opening round before claiming victory over Rockwell College in Clanwilliam Park in the quarter final.

Crescent College Comprehensive beat holders Christian Brothers College at Thomond Park Stadium in the opening round before meeting Castleroy College in the quarter final when they claimed an impressive 29-3 win.

View the Full Article on MunsterRugby.ie …

Posted in 2016, Crescent College Comprehensive (CCC), JUNIOR CUP, MUNSTER, PBC, Semi-Final

Schools Semi Finals Highlights

Posted on March 1, 2016 by administrator

Christian Brothers College and Crescent College Comprehensive have booked their places in the Munster Schools Senior Cup final on Sunday, 13th March at Irish Independent Park (ko 2pm).

CBC claimed a narrow 13-12 victory over their Cork neighbours PBC in the semi final to set up their first final since 2009.

VIEW THE FULL MUNSTER SENIOR CUP FIXTURES
A seamless second half performance in the other semi final gave Crescent a 33-12 victory over Castletroy College to secure their place.

View Full Article on MunsterRugby.ie …

Posted in 2016, Cork CBC, Crescent College Comprehensive (CCC), MUNSTER, Semi-Final, SENIOR CUP

Preview: Vinnie Murray Senior Cup Final

Posted on March 1, 2016 by administrator

Jamie McGaley, Castleknock College, in action against Daniel McHugh, Wilson's Hospital. Piaras Ó Mídheach © SPORTSFILE

The much anticipated Bank of Ireland Vinnie Murray Schools Senior Cup final will pit the 2013 winners Wesley against last year’s losing finalists Castleknock.

In fact, Wesley have their name on the Cup twice, sharing the title with The King’s Hospital in its’ inaugural year of 2002.

They were back to take it outright when right wing Andrew Scanlan’s three penalties trumped two by St Gerard’s scrum-half David Baker back in 2013.

“We’ve been building. We’ve been growing,” said Wesley coach Patrick Collins.

VIEW THE FULL LEINSTER SENIOR VINNIE MURRAY CUP FIXTURES

“Although we didn’t get the results we wanted in the Leinster League, we actually were always within touching distance in the losses we had.

“We knew we had ability. It was just about making sure we could get it to click. At times, we have done that.”

The ultimate goal of advancing in the Senior Cup was torn away in the first round when they were close enough (19-10), but not good enough.

“Against Gonzaga, it was always going to be 60-40 that it was going to be them rather than us.”

In one way, it cleared the path for Wesley to concentrate fully on their most achievable purpose, to win the Vinnie Murray Cup.

“Obviously, we have a goal to meet. You don’t go into a final to lose or just take part,” said Collins.

Similarly to Ireland, Wesley’s game plan revolves around their astute out-half, the physically imposing Adam Curry.

Read the Full Article on LeinsterRugby …

Posted in 2016, Castleknock, FINAL, LEINSTER, SENIOR CUP, Vinnie Murray, Wesley College

Senior Cup Preview Roscrea v Clongowes

Posted on March 1, 2016 by administrator

Finnian Wycherley, Cistercian College Roscrea, is tackled by Adam Browne and Alex McEvoy, Gonzaga College Matt Browne © SPORTSFILE

The holders Roscrea have been content to bide their time, working beneath the radar, in moving past Kilkenny College and Gonzaga College with two unflashy, workmanlike performances.
Their issue will be whether to start Aaron Browne or use him from the bench as he battles the clock to regain full match fitness.

Should the tall, athletic second row make it to the starting line, Roscrea will have no less than five of the forward pack that drove them to their first Senior Cup last year.

Hooker Eoghan Maher, prop Dylan Murphy and lock Fineen Wycherely would give them four of their front five with the knowledge of what it takes to win this competition.

Interestingly, their best long-term prospect could well be their loose-head prop Michael Milne, a flanker from their runaway Junior Cup back row last year.

Captain Simon Meagher, moving from blindside to number eight, would complete the quintet in what is a sure indicator of where their greatest strengths lie.

VIEW THE FULL LEINSTER SENIOR CUP FIXTURES

However, there is ammunition in behind this formidable eight with scrum-half Keith Kavanagh, last year’s out-half Alan Tynan, used at full-back this season, and wings Joe Murphy and Daniel Keane, one of their try-scorers in the final, all present and accounted for in what could be a returning roster of nine starters.

In addition, Brian Diffley played out the last half-hour as a replacement for Meagher in the final last year in what is further evidence of a serious bid to make it back-to-back titles.
For all of that, Roscrea’s style of play is based around a powerful set of forwards, who look better when the pace of the game drops a gear or two.

This is where Clongowes can benefit from their intention to speed the game up, take the big men off their feet, stretch their strategy wide and pick off isolated defenders.

Read the Full Article on LeinsterRugby.ie …

Posted in 2016, Cistercian Roscrea, Clongowes Wood, LEINSTER, Semi-Final, SENIOR CUP