Match Preview | Clayton Hotels Munster Schools Senior Cup Final

Another piece of history will be added to the many epic duels that have occurred between local Cork rivals; Pres and Christians in Sunday’s Clayton Hotels Munster School Senior Cup final.

It is the first final between these two Cork schools since 2007 when a Simon Zebo try helped the Mardyke based school to victory.

They have had many encounters since then; including last year’s semi-final. Pres looked to be in control with a 15 point lead but Christians produced an outstanding comeback to secure the win. The memory of that game will live in the mind of many of the players who take to the field today. Christians will still have plenty of hunger as they went on to lose that final to a superb Glenstal Abbey side.

Both schools have had a mix of results to get to this stage. Having to dig deep in some games while managing to pull away in others.

In their quarter-final; Pres managed to overpower Rockwell. The Tipperary side did get a lead early on; with Captain Louis Bruce getting an early try and conversion to keep his side in the game at 9-7 down. The Cork schools’ pack took control with tries from Eoin Quilter and Darragh Murphy giving them a 19-9 lead at the break. Alex Kendellen added two further tries in the second-half to secure a 31-9 win.

Their semi-final against Bandon Grammar needed a last gasp comeback to secure the win; 19-18. Again it was Kendellen who was to the fore with the winning try which Bruce dutifully added the extras. Their defence had to withstand a late onslaught to ensure their place in the final. Peter Cunningham scored an early try while a Michael Hand score kept them in the game in the second-half.

For Christians; it was the quarter-final where they were pushed all the way against Crescent College Comprehensive. In a real nail-biter they held on for a 21-19 win. They started the game on the front-foot with tries by John Willis and Harry O’Riordan with Billy Cain converting one. Cain also kicked a penalty in the midst of a Crescent rally that saw the Limerick school lead 19-15.

Cain showed great composure as his side earned penalties to kick two more; nudging his side into the lead and they showed immense defensive determination to hold out.

The semi-final was much more comfortable against Ardscoil Rís. They stamped their authority on the game inside the opening ten minutes courtesy of two Harry O’Riordan tries and one from Cian Hurley. Aaron Healy, Dylan McAuliffe and Cian Whooley also touched down with Cain finishing the game with 16 points.

Sunday promises to be another epic encounter. Both sides have an abundance of talent throughout. Whether it is Louis Bruce for Pres’ or Scott Buckley of Christians that lifts the coveted trophy; no doubt every single player will have given their all and should provide their fanbases with another intense and tight clash.

Clayton Hotels Munster Schools Senior Cup Final | Christian Brothers College v Presentation Brothers College, Irish Independent Park, 4pm

Tickets

Tickets are sold on a general access basis for this fixture.

Please note that prices increase on matchday with Family Tickets not available on matchday – Click here to buy tickets

Current Ticket Prices

Adult: €10; Junior: €5, Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Junior): €25;

Matchday Ticket Prices

Adult: €15; Junior: €10; Family Ticket: Not available on matchday;

Tickets can be purchased from the Thomond Park and Irish Independent Park ticket offices or on the gate from 3pm on matchday.

Click HERE to read more matchday info.

Watch semi-final highlights HERE.