This Friday sees the final of The Anne McInerney Cup take place between Ardee Community School and Colaiste Bhride, Carnew in Donnybrook at 3pm.
Formally known as The Senior Schools Development Cup, the competition has been renamed after Anne McInerney, a Leinster branch stalwart, who sadly passed away last year.
Anne served as Leinster schools administrator for 15 years. She loved rugby and this was obvious through her work, especially the unenviable task of organising the schools calendar for the ever growing number of schools competitions throughout the year. Whether it be trying to find a new venue at late notice (sometimes even an hour before kick off!) or dealing with any number of issues schools rugby throws up, Anne approached her job with a passion and professionalism which was evident to all that encountered her. She worked tirelessly to advance Leinster schools rugby.
The renaming of this cup is a small gesture to acknowledge Anne’s contribution over the years. The Leinster School’s Development Cup is the entry level rugby union competition for secondary schools newly or recently affiliated to the Leinster Branch of the IRFU. Senior Schools Cup Rugby is divided into 4 tiers in two sections and each cup competition bears a name as follows: Section A Leinster Schools Rugby Anne McInerney Cup, Section A Leinster Schools Rugby McMullen Cup, Section B Leinster Schools Vinnie Murray Cup and the Section B Leinster Schools Senior Cup Challenge Cup. Each competition provides a pathway to the next through qualification for the semifinalists or finalists depending on each level.
This year’s competition has been the biggest yet and has seen some sensational encounters. The two finalists have had impressive runs to the final. Ardee CS began their campaign by running up 51 points against Ardgillan Community School and Gormanston College. Things were tighter in their last sixteen encounter with St Ciarans CS, Kells as they put their shoulder to the wheel to advance to the quarter finals. Their next opponents were Dunshauglin Commuinty College who resisted bravely before succumbing to a more clinical opponent. Ardee’s semi-final against Salesian College was an epic tussle by all accounts with the Louth school prevailing 36-32 to book their place in the final.
Ardee’s opponents on Friday, Colaiste Bhride had an equally impressive run to the final. They also scored over 50 points in their opening match against Scoil Chonglais Baltinglass before moving on to defeat Presentation De La Salle Bagenalstown. Colaiste Bhride managed to maintain this high level of performance in the Mc Mullen cup and so they were fighting on a number of fronts as the season continued. Their quarter final against Ardscoil na Trionoide saw them kick on in comprehensive fashion to a semi-final meeting with Moyne CS. A close match saw Colaiste Bhride prevail 18-7 and take their place in the final.
