Munster Schools Senior Cup: Key match-ups, players to watch and paths to the final
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
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.
John Bateman (head coach), Conan Doyle (backs coach), Alan Kennedy (forwards coach), Richie McNamara (forwards coach), Darragh Droog (strength and conditioning).
: The Garryowen clubman was called up to the Munster U19s last summer and played all three interpro games in the second row, being noted in reports for some dominant tackles. His maturity as a good talker in the dressing room and a leader on the field make him captain material.
For the third year in a row, CBC defeated Crescent at the semi-final stage, with a 29-17 victory for the eventual champions. Crescent’s losses came against the Cork city giants, Pres and Christians, but they did see off Bandon Grammar in a quarter-final cracker.
As well as captain Shanahan, converted winger Ryan Scanlon will add some power to the Crescent pack. He showcased his lightning speed and a wicked sidestep to score two tries in his rookie year at this level. Now, the 6’ 3” sixth-year has been recast into a back-row and is calling the Crescent line-out.
The half-back pairing of Andrew Clery and Alan Cleary has been retained. Both players have featured for the Munster U18 Schools team, as has centre Harry O’Halloran.
Scrum-half Clery is in the role for a third campaign and is equipped with quick feet and a wide range of passing. Fly-half Cleary is reliable off the tee and possesses a game-changing 50-22 kick.
: After three years of semi-final heartbreak, Crescent would love to make the breakthrough to the showpiece event. If the 2022 champions can avoid Pres en route, they’ll maximise their chances. They exited at the quarter-final in the 2023 Junior Cup, but their group-stage form (a late draw against Bandon and three wins) indicates their potential. Their expansive rugby ethos saw them collect a bonus point on each outing, with a dynamic pack and a backline which are largely on the age after gaining experience last year.
If they can get Munster U19 winger Gerry Joyce back fit from a shoulder injury, it would add another string to their bow.
St Munchin’s eliminated Crescent College Comprehensive from the corresponding Munster Schools Junior Cup in 2023, and they open their Senior Cup campaign against the same opposition, albeit both sides have evolved over the intervening years.
The Corbally school’s second-placed finish behind PBC in Group A pits them against the Group B table-toppers from across the city on Wednesday at Thomond Park.
Win and an easier route to the final awaits. Lose and a quarter-final clash against holders CBC or Glenstal Abbey is next.
: Andrew O’Byrne (head coach), Evan Maher (backs coach), Kealan McMahon (forwards coach), Riann O’Dwyer (forwards coach), Ben Dawson (S&C), Stephen Corridan (physio), Ben Hynes (manager/assistant coach).
: A lesson in perseverance and dedication as Jack Meaney went from not making his Junior Cup team to becoming the school’s Senior Cup captain. A member of the Parteen-Meelick GAA club, the flanker didn’t come from a rugby background when he entered St Munchin’s, but has reaped the rewards for his leadership qualities, relentless tackling, and breakdown work ethic.
Defeated Hamilton High School in the first round before stunning Ardscoil Rís by overturning a 13-point half-time deficit for a one-point victory. Fell to Castletroy College by 17-11 in a hard-fought quarter-final.
On top of Meaney’s influence, Munchin’s also feature Dan Foley and Brendan Minogue, the son and nephew of Munster legend Anthony Foley. Both are excellent players in their own right.
Minogue, the younger brother of Ireland U20 Oisín, is a returning starter from last year’s team. The inside centre also helped Smith O’Briens to win the Clare Intermediate Hurling title in October, scoring a late point in the last-gasp success.
Dan Foley’s recovery from injury offered a huge boost in the group stage. After two early defeats, his comeback to the number 8 jersey coincided with victories over Rockwell and Castletroy.
Vice-captain and hooker Michael Landers is another rising talent and a strong ball-carrier who is involved in the Irish U18 Schools set-up.
: Munchin’s arrive with a well-rounded team, who bring good discipline, high energy, and no shortage of talent. They have blended a handful of last year’s Junior Cup team with a half-dozen returning Senior Cup starters.
Many of those more experienced players were part of a Junior Cup team which came close to toppling PBC, only to cough up a 17-point lead in the semi-final. They were a good distance off of Pres in their early group-stage encounter, but improved as the rounds progressed.
They will hold no fear of any opposition and would position themselves well for the spring if they can get off to a winning start.
It doesn’t get much harder than an opener against high-flying PBC on Wednesday at Virgin Media Park (2pm). That said, Bandon Grammar belong in such company, given their historic Junior Cup triumph last March and their unbeaten Senior Cup group stage in the autumn. They finished one bonus point shy of pipping Crescent for top spot.
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Were they to defeat Pres, Bandon Grammar would be vaulted right into the conversation for overall honours. Should they fall short of a direct path to the semi-final, the safety net on offer is a quarter-final against Rockwell or Castletroy.
: Régis Sonnes (head coach), Santiago Gonzalez (backs coach), Eugene McCarthy (forwards coach), Guillermo Castex (strength and conditioning), Brian O’Connor (manager).
: A notable appointment as last year’s Junior Cup-winning captain, Whelton steps straight up as Senior Cup skipper. The second-row/flanker, who has two years left at this grade, also led Grammar to a Bowen Shield (U18) triumph over CBC in December. An exceptional line-out operator and a natural leader, Whelton is like having an extra coach on the pitch.
Achieved comfortable victories over Glenstal and Rockwell before playing their part in a classic quarter-final against Crescent. Grammar came from behind four times to lead entering the closing stages, but slipped to a 33-29 defeat.
Lewis Linehan is involved in the Irish U18 Schools set-up after eye-catching performances for Munster. The scrum-half is a fine technical player and sublime footballer, who can kick off of both feet.
Zach Piper is a go-to option in the forwards. The hooker was on the Munster U19 team last summer and has filled in at number 8 at times for his school. He scored two tries in that quarter-final loss to Crescent and one against Glenstal.
Aodhán Brennan is a bustling ball-carrier and physical presence in the number 8 jersey, who has also provided second-row cover due to injuries.
: The decision to make Whelton captain is a signal of ambition to transplant their Junior Cup success to Senior Cup level. He is an exception in making the step straight into the starting team, though, given Grammar also possess a strong crop who got to the 2024 Junior Cup semi-finals. Of those, a cruciate injury to centre Illan Smith is a blow.
They enjoyed their best group-stage campaign in a while before Christmas, but Pres are a formidable first test in the competition proper. The big-picture ambition will be to set themselves up well for the rest of the spring campaign and keep moving in the right direction.
Presentation Brothers College face Bandon Grammar School at Virgin Media Park in round two of the Munster Senior Schools Cup. While anything but a Pres win would be a major upset, head coach Ger Burke noted recently that, while there will inevitably be ‘outside noise’ and expectations, they won’t be reading too much into it. Instead, they’ll focus on honouring a competition, to quote the head coach, “they adore”.
“The Munster Senior Cup is the most beautiful competition,” Burke said. "It's why we do what we do. It's why we train as hard as we do. When it comes to January, it'll be all focus on that.”
Ger Burke (head coach), Don Buckley (assistant coach), JP Curtin (assistant coach), Ian Lehane (manager), Ciaran O’Regan (S&C).
: Rian McFarlane O'Shea.
One of the premier back-rows in the competition. The Munster and Ireland underage representative is a real leader for Burke’s side. A try-scorer in last season’s semi-final win over Castletroy College, he’ll be desperate to be the part of a PBC that wrestles the Garrett Fitzgerald Cup from Christian Brothers College’s clutches.
Beaten finalists. Burke’s outfit – winners as recent as 2024 - lost out 17-10 to arch-rivals, Christians at Virgin Media Park. That win brought CBC level with PBC on the all-time winners list.
So much choice here, but we’ve gone for two forwards and a back. The two forwards being McFarlane O’Shea as captain and Frankie Óg Sheehan - son of former Munster and Ireland hooker Frankie - as vice-captain. Both have been vital for PBC of late, and will be important leaders, alongside Tom Murray, and Conor McLoughlin in the pack. With PBC’s backline, we could have picked one of a number of Munster and Irish representatives. Daniel Murphy gets the shout, but watch out for Bobby O’Callaghan and David Nolan too.
: Expectation are ultra-high, as ever for Pres. Their prospects are not too shabby either, especially given recent exploits at the NextGen Global Schools Challenge Premier Rugby Series in Salou, Spain prior to Christmas. That they managed to win a competition featuring many of the world's top schools and elite programmes, beating major Springbok-producing school Grey College of Bloemfontein in the final means they will wear the favourites’ tag. With both PBC and CBC sitting on 32 Senior Cup crowns each, can this talented PBC side guide the school to number 33?
Will face Castletroy College in Fethard Town Park on Wednesday in a Rd 2 knockout clash. The winner of Wednesday's Rockwell v Castletroy tie will play the loser of Bandon v PBC in the quarter final at Musgrave Park.
Steve McMahon (head coach), Cillian Corkery (assistant coach), Aidan Butler (assistant coach), Kevin O'Hora (manager), Padraig O'Connor (S&C), Cliona Cotter (physio), Annie McCarra (head of athletic development).
: Mateo Gutierrez. He is a sixth-year boarder hailing from Laois and he is part-Colombian. This will be Mateo's third year in the senior squad, and he plays in the backrow. He has been described as an extremely passionate Rockwell man whose organisation and commitment are at an outstanding level while he is also very respectful which the school believes makes him a great asset to Rockwell as a player but also as example to others.
Rockwell College were knocked out of the Senior Cup last year in their first game v Bandon Grammar.
Playing at tighthead prop Daithi is an extremely abrasive ball carrier. He is very strong across his position specific roles and also leads the team very well in defence and attack. He adds a substantial power aspect to an otherwise extremely mobile pack.
Another third-year senior cup veteran Aidan will be looking to build upon his brilliant form so far this season. Playing at nine, Aidan guarantees Rockwell quick ball, and his physicality can often get them on the front foot in both defence and attack. When Rockwell are playing well often most things are started or finished by their experienced scrum half.
In his first year with the senior cup squad Noah is a fifth-year centre. Although still learning his role Noah possesses a lot of strength, power and size not too often seen at senior cup level. He often gets Rockwell over the gain line in attack but on the back of that his subtle skills have improved over the course of the season, and he has the ability to cause opposition a variety of headaches on both sides of the ball.
: Rockwell have a very young squad this year mixed in with a handful of 3rd year senior cup veterans. With that they have discovered a style of play that suits their squad as a whole and they are extremely confident in their ability. It's just up to the Tipp outfit to put it together on the day. Rockwell certainly have the ability to improve on results in past years.
Facing Rockwell College in Fethard Town Park on Wednesday. The winner secures safe passage to the quarter final.
Jamie Heuston (Head Coach), Kevin Seymour (Forwards Coach), Michal Osiak (Team Manager), Lars Linnenbank (S&C).
Ben O'Connell and Robbie O'Donnell (Co-captains). Both have represented Munster at Underage Level during the summer. Ben with the U18 and Robbie with the U19. Ben is younger brother of Munster 2nd Row Evan O'Connell.
Lost in the Semi Final to PBC 24-10.
has represented Munster at U18 and U19 level and will co-captain the side from 13. will do the same from the 2nd row after representing Munster at U18 level last summer. is an outstanding backrow that could tour South Africa with Irish Schools in the summer but is currently injured. He should be back if they reach the quarter-final stage.
: After a great run to the SF last year, many of last year’s team have departed the school. This is a start of a new cycle for the squad but a fantastic win over Ard Scoil Ris in Round 1 bodes well for the future with no less than 11 5th years starting in that game. A quarter final appearance would be a successful campaign.
Glenstal Abbey recently overcame a gallant effort from rookies Kinsale Community School in the first-round knockout tie. Their reward for that victory now is a quarter final eliminator against the champions, Christian Brothers College on Thursday.
: Craig Quinlan (Head Coach) Yasin Brown (Forwards) Anthony Flyn (Asst) Abbie Salter-Townshend (S&C).
: John Kerr. To the credit of Kerr, he has embraced the role as captain both on and off the pitch. As always as consistently producing excellent performances for the team, he has also used his position to become an impressive role model, not only for his teammates, but across the school community in general.
Glenstal Abbey were beaten by Bandon Grammar School 35-3 in their first round of the knockout stages at Virgin Media Park.
(Hooker, Ireland U18 Clubs), Wing/FB, Munster U19) (Prop, Munster U18). Heagney’s call-up to the Ireland U18 Clubs shows how good a performer he has been at hooker while Roche and Smith have also shown immense quality to earn call ups to the Munster u19s and u18s respectively. All three players have bright futures ahead of them.
: The Glenstal squad have enjoyed a good season so far. Abbey experienced a successful group stage campaign where they won two from four matches, with their victories coming against St Munchin's College and Castletroy College. In addition to that, they also produced a strong showing in their fixtures against Leinster Schools including Terenure College at the start of January. Eleven of the main squad played in the cup last year and six of their players had Inter-Pro representation in 2025. So, there is a good level of ability and experience in the group which they will take into this campaign where they will at least be aiming to be as competitive as possible.
Defending champions Christian Brothers College play Glenstal Abbey in a quarter final eliminator on Thursday at Musgrave Park. If CBC win, they play the loser of Crescent v St Munchin's in Limerick.
: Dave Lee (head coach). Conor Quaid (assistant coach), Duncan Williams (assistant coach), Dominic Crotty (assistant coach), Russell Foley (assistant coach), Cian Barry (assistant coach). Stephen Casey (S&C), Dennis Lyons (manager). John O Sullivan (physio).
: A member of last year’s successful Senior Cup winning side. Not only that, he started and played the full game as CBC reclaimed the Munster Senior Cup by defeating their arch rivals in the showpiece occasion. More recently though he has also represented the Munster Schools U19 team this season.
Winners of Munster Senior Cup 2025, defeating old rivals PBC 17-10 after a sterling comeback from 10-0 down. The final turned on Darragh Prenter’s try-saving intervention to stop PBC from probably going 17-0 in front.
All three were members of last year’s squad, and they will be looking to bringing their experience from that memorable campaign, which ended with a 17-10 victory over Pres at Musgrave Park, into this year’s cup journey.
: Following last year’s success this year’s team are very much in transition, and their hope initially will be to just be as competitive as possible in the Senior Cup knockouts. But given that they have featured in the last three finals, all against Pres, they may quietly fancy their chances of making that four in a row if they hit their straps. And given that they are now tied at the top of the competitions’ roll of honour with Pres on 32 titles apiece, there may be an extra incentive to reach 33.
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