Munster Schools Senior Cup: Key match-ups, players to watch and paths to the final

Munster’s top rugby schools face high-stakes knockout ties as form, history and ambition collide in a defining week

READY FOR ACTION: At the launch of the Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup were team captains (from left): Garreth Murphy (Ardscoil Rís), Mark Whelton (Bandon Grammar), Robert O’Donnell (Castletroy College), David McCoitir (CBC), Tom Shanahan (Crescent College), John Kerr (Glenstal Abbey), Conor Looney (Kinsale Community School), Rian MacFarlane O’Shea (PBC), Mateo Gutierrez (Rockwell College) and Jack Meaney (St Munchin’s College). Pict: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Crescent College Comprehensive

Knockout punch: The Dooradoyle school meet Limerick rivals St Munchin’s at Thomond Park on Wednesday (2pm) with progress to the Senior Cup semi-finals on the line. The game will also double up as the Limerick Schools Charity Cup match, which didn’t get played before Christmas, so silverware is also on offer. Yet local bragging rights may carry even more value. The losers have the safety net of a quarter-final against whoever wins between CBC and Glenstal Abbey. That may lead to a tougher route through the competition, though.