Squads Announced For Ardscoil v Glenstal Semi

It’s an all-Limerick clash at Thomond Park later this afternoon as Ardscoil Rís face Glenstal Abbey, who are hoping to reach only their ever

The shock of the quarter-finals saw holders Christian Brothers College dumped out in dramatic circumstances by Ardscoil Rís at Irish Independent Park. A brawn-filled first half saw little in the way of attacking opportunities, but the Limerick side benefitted from a strong wind behind their backs in the first-half to net two Craig Casey penalties for a 6-0 lead at the interval.

Christians’ second-half pressure finally tolled, however, as substitute Scott Buckley – who had just come on to the pitch – pounced on a ball from an Ardscoil scrum on their own 22 and went in for a try which Eoin Monahan converted.

It was a huge score in an extremely tight game, and as time ebbed away the Sydney Hill side hoped the scare was over; however in the ninth minute of injury time, the touch judge flagged for foul play, earning Ardscoil a penalty on the CBC 22. Maurice Noonan, who took over the kicking duties from the injured Casey, held his nerve and duly slotted over the match winning score.

That has earned the City side an all-Limerick showdown with Glenstal Abbey, after they expended little energy in dispatching Tipperary’s Rockwell College on a scoreline of 18-0.

Ben Healy settled Glenstal's early nerves with a penalty and was again on target mid way through the half to make it 6-0.

Just on the stroke of half time a great break up the winger by Robert Quinn saw him touchdown in the corner for an 11-0 half time lead for Glenstal.

Rockwell were unable to break down a solid Glenstal defence and in the final few minutes and intercept by Andrew Hogan saw him score Abbey's second try and Healy converted to book their semi-final place.

It was Glenstal’s second large victory of the tournament, having beaten qualifying tournament winners St Clement’s 27-10 at the 4G at the University of Limerick in the first round, while Ardscoil suffered a heavy 40-5 defeat at the same stage.

Ardscoil last reached the final of the tournament in 2015, losing to Rockwell 23-13 at Thomond Park having beaten both Cork sides. Glenstal meanwhile are still searching for their first ever Munster Senior Schools Cup title.

The last time these two sides met was in in the first round in January 2014, with Ardscoil defeating their Limerick neighbours 17-13.

Glenstal Abbey Senior Cup squad v Ardscoil Rís

1. Sean Scanlon-Garry
2. George Downing
3. Eoin Bergin
4. Conan O’Sullivan
5. Shane Downes
6. Conor Booth
7. Mark Fleming
8. Rory Clarke (Captain)
9. Thanade McCoole
10. Ben Healy (Vice-Captain)
11. Ronan Quinn
12. Luke Fitzgerald
13. Jamie Mawhinney
14. Tim Molony
15. Jack O’Mahony

Replacements from: 16. Padraic Mulligan, 17. Patrick Prendergast, 18. Henry Downing, 19. David Kelly, 20. Mark Walsh, 21. Andrew Walsh, 22. Aran Egan, 23. Declan Floyd, 24. Eoin Callaghan, 25. Andrew Hogan.

Ardscoil Rís Senior Cup squad v Glenstal Abbey

1. Alex O’Callaghan
2. Colin Slater
3. Ferdia Lyons
4. Darragh O’Grady
5. Roy Whelan
6. Luke Clohessy
7. Ian Brown
8. Odhran Ring
9. Craig Casey
10. Evan Cusack
11. Michael Gorman
12. Glen Clancy
13. Colin Madden
14. Cian O’Rahilly
15. Darragh O’Gorman

Replacements from: 16. Rhys Tucker, 17. Matthew Gaule, 18. Conor O’Brien, 19. John Taylor, 20. Sean Hanley, 21. Maurice Noonan, 22. Hugh Fenton, 23. Cian Murphy, 24. Brian Noonan., 25. Lloyd Mulcahy.

Clayton Hotels Munster Schools Senior Cup Semi-Final Draw
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)