Presentation v Bandon Grammar Squads Announced

The Clayton Hotels Senior Schools Cup semi-finals get underway tomorrow, as an all-Cork derby sees Presentation Brothers College play Bandon Grammar School at Irish Independent Park (KO 2pm).

This year’s Senior Cup brings a new face to the fray, as Bandon Grammar take their place in the final four for the first time in the schools' history after a memorable 17-13 victory over St Munchin’s at Bandon RFC. Sean Hudson scored 12 points, including converting his own first-half try, though Munchin’s scored a late try through Shane Kelly.

Facing the West Cork side in the county v city clash will be Presentation Brothers College, looking to capture their first Senior Cup crown since 2010, when a certain Niall Scannell was co-captain. Pres have been going well in the competition, and are tipped by some to lift the trophy on St Patrick’s Day.

The Mardyke outfit comfortably defeated Crescent at Lansdowne in a miserable day on Cork’s Northside. Billy Scannell opened the scoring with a pushover try as Crescent were down to 14, and just after half-time Paul Buckley crossed to give the Corkonians a seven point lead.

Peter Sylvester executed a clever drop-goal to make it a two score game, and despite losing two players to the bin late on Pres always looked in control.

This is the second time in consecutive years the two Cork outfits will have faced off in this competition, with Pres taking the spoils in the quarter-finals that time around in a 39-10 against the Grammar. However, under the tutelage of Denis Collins, James Collins, Philip Murphy and former Bordeaux-Bègles forwards coach Régis Sonnes, they look a much steelier outfit this season.

Many have still made Pres their favourites, however. A crushing 40-5 defeat of Ardscoil Rís in the first round was followed up with a comfortable dispatching of last year's beaten finalists Crescent College Comprehensive in the quarters, and the Mardyke outfit will be eyeing to tie their city rivals Christians once again on 29 titles.

Presentation Brothers College Senior Cup Squad v Bandon Grammar

1. Conor Burke
2. Billy Scannell
3. Brian O'Conor
4. Adam McAuliffe
5. Mark McCarthy
6. Cian Fitzgerald
7. David Hyland
8. Jack O Sullivan (Captain)
9. Gary Bradley
10. Peter Sylvester (VC)
11. Tom Fitzgerald
12. James Broderick
13. Seán French
14. Paul Buckley
15. Jonathan Wren

Replacements from:16. Alex Keating, 17. Kieran Nugent, 18. Eoin Burns, 19. Cathal Browne, 20. Darragh O'Callaghan, 21. David Harrington, 22. Sam O'Donovan, 23. Harry Dillon, 24. Louis Bruce, 25. Paul Kennedy.

Bandon Grammar Senior Cup Squad v PBC

1. James French
2. Travis Coomey
3. Ashley Deane
4. Conor Scully
5. Jason Bradfield
6. Billy Hayes
7. Colin Deane (Capt)
8. Robin Stokes
9. Jack Crowley
10. Evan Palmer
11. Jan Donnelly
12. Ethan Greene
13. Ben Gur
14. Victor Lovell
15. Sean Hudson

Replacements from: 16. Michael Archer, 17. Alex O’Connor, 18. David Ogden, 19. Paul Jackson, 20. Niall Beamish, 21. Soren Minihane, 22. Sean Madden, 23. Harry Hall, 24. Nicco Bakker, 25. Joshua Brady.

Clayton Hotels Munster Schools Senior Cup Semi-Final Draw
PBC v Bandon Grammar – Wednesday 1st March, Irish Independent Park, 2pm – Live on eir Sport
Ardscoil Rís v Glenstal – Thursday 2nd March, Thomond Park, 2.30pm – Live on eir Sport

The finals of both Senior and Junior competitions will be held on St Patrick's Day – Friday, March 17 at Thomond Park.

Ticket Prices
Semi-final: €;8 Adult, €;5 Juvenile (Gate), €;4 (Schools)