FOLLOWING on from the anticipated appearance by the seniors in the Munster Schools final this Wednesday (March 18), it will be the turn of the juniors of St Munchin’s College in the decider against Christian Brothers College, CBC, at Virgin Media Park, Cork on Wednesday March 25 (1.30pm).
In front of a passionate home support, James O’Neill-coached Munchin’s easily accounted for holders Bandon Grammar School in the semi-final at Thomond Park, 44-8.
Impressive tries came from Cian Angley, Caleb Crofton-O’Riordan and Oscar Madden (2), Tristan Easles and Jack Goode, who was also in fine kicking form.
In the other semi, CBC came through against Rockwell College, 26-15.
The 2026 final is a repeat of the scheduled 2020 decider, which never happened due to the Covid-19 pandemic and instead the title was shared.
Munchin’s have won the title on seven occasions, 1970, ‘87, ‘89, ‘93, ‘98, ‘18 and ‘20 (shared with CBC).
Rivals Crescent College Comprehensive are on the same mark in a Roll of Honour headed by Presentation Brothers Cork (32).
The outing to Leeside could possibly represent a chance of an historic Schools double for the Corbally education hub.
Back in ‘18, Munchin’s beat CBC, 15-10 in Limerick. It was a winning team which tries arrived from Graham Kirwan and Alex Wood, while kicking points were accounted for by current Shannon captain Harry Long.
St Munchin’s College (v Bandon): Oscar Madden; Alex O’Brien, Dara Giltenane, Cian Angley, Rory Jones; Jack Goode, Liam Kiely; Hamza Awaga, Caleb Crafton-O’Riordan, Elliot Stokes; Phelim Hennelly, Darren Meaney; Aaron Cowhey, Charlie Doran; Anluan White.
Replacements: Noel O’Connor, Paraic Landers, Tristan Eales, Dean Siebert, Ashton Kenny, Conor Tobin, Paddy Ryan, Caolan Pepper.