Thomond Park return for Glenstal’s class of 1970

Senior Cup final day invariably draws past-pupils together in fierce shows of pride. Today, most of the Glenstal Abbey side of 47 years ago will reconvene at Thomond Park, memories still sharp of the only other occasion the school made a senior final.

Glenstal Castle is to be found on the outskirts of the village of Murroe about 12 miles from Limerick. It was built by the Barrington family in the 1830s and acquired by the Benedictine Order in 1928.

Rugby quickly became its first sporting love but with student numbers invariably limited to fewer than 200 they rarely threatened at the business ends of the various competitions. Opponents loved visiting this delightful college and grounds, happy the welcome was warmer and the sandwiches and cakes appreciably tastier than might be on offer elsewhere. And, of course, there was always a decent chance you would depart with a satisfactory result.