Glenstal look for another big win

GLENSTAL ABBEY bid to build on the promise of their maiden Limerick City Cup win when they meet Crescent College Comprehensive in the Avonmore Milk Munster Senior Schools Cup quarter-final at Clanwilliam today.

The Murroe school have been punching above their weight in recent seasons, despite having far lower playing numbers than the established big guns, and reached last year’s semi-final which they lost to Christian Brothers College.

But they downed one of the old guard in admirable fashion before Christmas, defeating St Munchin’s 18-6 to claim bragging rights in Limerick for the first time in their history. They meet Crescent in a repeat of last year’s quarter-final, which Glenstal took on a 6-5 scoreline, but must do without star flanker Brian Costigan, who dislocated his ankle and broke a bone in his leg against Munchin’s.

Nonetheless, a side led by Munster U19 schools front-rower Duncan Casey will be hoping to have a big say in this year’s tournament, expected to be one of the closest-run affairs in recent years.

For their part, Crescent will be hoping for dry conditions to unleash a potent backline which includes an Ireland U18 10-12 axis of Gareth Quinn-McDonagh and Ben Sargent. Lurking out wide will be Munster U18 wing Jurgen Quinlan, a proven finisher who dismantled Connacht practically on his own in October’s interprovincials, scoring a hat-trick in a 22-0 win.

A new format, which gives each school two games and provides a second bite at the cherry for tomorrow’s losers, has added to the intrigue this season.

The loser of the Glenstal/Crescent tie will face off against the winner of CBC’s clash with Munchin’s, which is likely to set Musgrave Park alight this afternoon.

A Munchin’s outfit boasting nine representative players — including powerhouse number eight Ger Burke and playmaker Robert Guerin — will be keen to prove the Glenstal loss was an aberration.

CBC won’t lack motivation either after losing last year’s final to surprise package Castletroy College, and coach Peter Melia has a wealth of expertise to call upon in his backroom team, with alumni and Munster players past and present – John Kelly, Billy Holland and Darragh Hurley – all involved. Holland’s younger brother Joe is a mainstay of a side coming off a mixed season.

It’s also a family affair at Presentation Brothers College, where current Ireland coach Declan Kidney will be hoping his son and budding out-half Kevin can guide his side to victory over Ard Scoil Rís (Crosshaven, 3pm)

This younger than usual Pres side is skippered by Irish Schools hooker Niall Scannell, and while they face an Ard Scoil outfit very much in transition, experienced coach Don Buckley will ensure nothing is taken for granted.

The final clash sees Castletroy, who upset the old order by claiming a senior and junior cup double in just their eighth year of existence last term, lock horns with Rockwell at Clonmel.

The Limerick school, who have seven players back from last year, will rely on classy scrum-half Peter Murray to oil the wheels of their machine.

But Rockwell, led by Munster U19 number eight Patrick Butler, boast one of the most formidable packs in the tournament, and the Tipperary school will be quietly confident of their chances of claiming their first title since 2001.