Ardscoil Rís face Charleville challenge in Harty Cup

Six of the eight places in this year’s Dr Harty Cup (Munster PPS U18½AHC) are set to be decided today as the competition enters its knockout stage.

The Harty changed in format this year, with eight two-team and three-team groups replacing the previous system where there four groups of either four or five. As a result, two teams have advanced from each group to the last 16, with group winners having been seeded in the draw.

Holders Ardscoil Rís enjoyed a 15-point win over Bandon’s Hamilton HS in their group game and will be favourites against Charleville CBS, who lost by four points against St Francis College Rochestown in their outing. Brian Ryan is the jewel in the Ardscoil attack, ably assisted by Will Henn and Rory Duff, while Charleville will look to Cormac O’Brien to lead their scoring charge and keeper David Jones will also be key as they look to spring a surprise against the champions.