Nothing can rival a Pres and Christians cup game

I NEVER properly understood the Pres-Christians thing until I met Podge.

I had been in Pres a couple of years and we were playing Christians in the semi-final of the under-14 cup.

Back then, I was a tighthead prop and the Christians' loosehead was this huge kid called Podge.

At that age, every team seemed to have one enormous young fella who basically practised bully-boy rugby.

These Leviathans loved to hog the ball and swat aside anyone foolish enough to get in their way.

All the while, his crisp-guzzling parents would stand on the touchline bellowing encouragement and providing a strong hereditary case why their boy should enjoy sport while it was still possible.

Anyway, that day I made the mistake of running full belt into Podge and quickly found myself flat on my backside.

For about 30 seconds I lay there dazed while the play moved away to the far side of the pitch.

Eventually, I made an effort to rejoin the action when I suddenly realised one player had lingered behind with me.

It was Podge. He stood there smiling down at me and then extended his hand in what I took to be a sporting gesture.

In that spirit, I put out my own hand and waited to be pulled to my feet.

But Podge ignored it and then, quite deliberately ... kicked me between the legs. Right bang into me marble halls.

There are those among you who will know what this feels like. A searing white pain which comes at you in waves until you think you are going to pass out.

It was an act of pure malevolence, and in that agonising instant Podge was transformed from simply a large chap on the opposing team to 'Christians scum'.

The game ended in an epic 0-0 draw but we were later disqualified for fielding an over-age player (Ben O'Sullivan where are you now?).

However, from that day on, I don't think I ever spoke to anyone from Christians until I left Pres.

I was fortunate enough to go on and play Christians four times in the Senior Cup (two draws, a loss and a win) and those games were the most intense I have ever experienced.

It is a wonderful rivalry, far surpassing anything else that exists in the schools game or even the club game and it is that rivalry that makes Monday's Senior Cup derby final such a mouthwatering prospect.

Of course, everyone mellows with age and in college it quickly became apparent that Christians boys were just like ourselves.

But you can never truly shake it off and the old warring instincts will reawaken in Musgrave Park on Paddy's Day as battle is commenced out on the pitch.

The horns, the chants, the mascots, the flags and painted faces make it an occasion like no other in rugby.

It's also wonderfully refreshing to see and hear fans who have no inhibitions about raucously supporting their team as opposed to many of the silent socialites currently snapping up international tickets.

For 95% of the boys playing on Monday, it will be their biggest day in rugby and one that should be cherished by all present.

For there is quite simply nothing to compare with a Pres-Christians Senior Cup final.

And as for Podge?

I hope he married the bitch from hell and invested his life savings in Eircom shares.

On a more fraternal note, I am informed that there is a special function in the Dolphin pavilion at 2pm on match day for old boys of both schools (from any era).

Entry is free with food, drink and banter guaranteed.