St Michael’s and Clongowes gearing up for showdown
Tomorrow, at the RDS, St Michael’s College face a Clongowes Wood College side seeking a third cup win in a row.
St Michael’s needed a replay to dispose of last year’s finalists, Cistercian College, Roscrea, before overcoming Presentation College, Bray and Kilkenny en-route to the final with captain Dan Leavy, Rory O’Loughlin and Rory Kavanagh impressing throughout the campaign.
Clongowes, with their fearsome front-row of David O’Byrne and twin brothers Edward and Bryan Byrne, disposed of BelvedereCollege and Castleknock in their opening rounds.
Terenure College proved a tough semi-final challenge but coach Noel McNamara’s young side won out 13-10.
McNamara said: “Terenure put in a fantastic performance and we struggled as a result. They had a very aggressive line speed and put us under pressure.
“We asked a lot of the lads on the day and they came through. But St Michael’s have threats all over the pitch.
“They have a dangerous backline and a forward pack that have gone toe-to-toe with Roscrea and Kilkenny and come out the other side.”
The Clongowes squad contains eight players that claimed the cup last season and captain Edward Byrne bids for a third successive senior cup medal.
Five players on duty for the Irish national sides this weekend have experienced the cut and thrust of Schools Cup action for these two sides.
Gordon D’Arcy and Fergus McFadden are alumni of the Kildare school.
Speaking at the Schools Cup draw back in December, McFadden was happy to reminisce about moments of glory with Clongowes.
“Probably my finest memory was after the first senior cup match. We beat Michael’s in the first round.
“Going back to the school, being carried in on people’s shoulders and seeing the effect you have on people (was amazing). I’ll never forget it,” he said.
Clongowes Wood College versus St Michael’s College at the RDS kicks off at 3.30pm and is televised by Setanta Ireland.
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