Connacht Schools Senior Cup 2013

connaughtlad

Draw released about a week ago with a new format this year. thoughts?

Pool 1
Marist College
Colaiste Iognaid
Rice College

Pool 2
Sligo Grammar School
Garbally College
The Bish

CatFromHue

Is The Bish the real name for that school or just a nickname?

f1dan

CatFromHue wrote: »

Is The Bish the real name for that school or just a nickname?

Bit of both really http://www.bish.ie

What's the reasoning behind only having 6 teams? Weren't the development cup finalists in the quarter finals last year?

connaughtlad

yes but i think the reason behind the development cup teams not getting a chance in the proper cup is because of the gap between the teams. for example the bish won the deveopment cup last year and were then beaten by 35 points in the quarter final. Although i think they should always be given a chance in the cup making it 8 teams rather than 2 groups of 3.

connaughtlad

The Bish have pulled out of the cup apparantly, meaning Sligo Grammar and Garbally will be through to the semi finals

Utopia Parkway

connaughtlad wrote: »

The Bish have pulled out of the cup apparantly, meaning Sligo Grammar and Garbally will be through to the semi finals

Has rugby gone a bit downhill in The Bish recently? They used to be quite strong but seem to have fallen way behind their city rivals in The Jes.

Dave Joyce

Disappointed to see that along with Calasanctius not fielding a senior team this year either, not good

connaughtlad

I think the Bish pulling out is mainly down to the fact there is no transition year in the school, therefore meaning they are essentially an under 18 team in an under 19 competition. The same can be said about calasanctius with very small numbers doin TY. Also heard Marist v Jes game was called off, anyone know why?

rugbylad13

connaughtlad - Id say its because of the interpros that weekend im not sure ?

Gambas

connaughtlad wrote: »

I think the Bish pulling out is mainly down to the fact there is no transition year in the school, therefore meaning they are essentially an under 18 team in an under 19 competition. The same can be said about calasanctius with very small numbers doin TY. Also heard Marist v Jes game was called off, anyone know why?

Doesn't make sense. Bish was always 5 year and Jes six even before transition year was introduced and they managed to have the upper hand for a long time.

They have at least twice as many boys in the school as there are in the Jes so it isn't as simple as blaming it on TY.

connaughtlad

Well the fact that the date of birth for u19 has moved from 1st July to 1st January means older players are now eligible. And if you need proof to suggest that it is the lack of TY in Calasactius and the Bish that is preventing them from Senior success, all you have to do is look at their junior records. Calasanctius won Junior cups in 2009 and 2010 (I think) and them competed in the 2011 final and has never even looked like doing well at senior level. The same can be said about the Bish, they are very competitive at Junior level each year and never turn that into senio succes.

connaughtlad

Results from earlier today: Marist College 16 Colaiste Iognaid 3 which was held in Athlone

petebricquette

Hoping the Jes can pull through against Rice now. Most likely gonna be playing Sligo in the semis then almost certainly Marist in the final. That Marist team are very very good.

connaughtlad

As it stands:
Pool A
Marist College: P1, +13, 4Pts
Rice College: P0, 0, 0Pts

---

Colaiste Iognaid: P1, -13, 0Pts


Pool B
Sligo Grammar School: P1, 0, 5Pts*
Garbally College: P1, 0, 5Pts*

---

The Bish: P2, 0, 0Pts*


Marist look to have secured top spot in Pool A wit Jes/Rice playing for second. Sligo Grammar and Garbally both qualify for the Semi-Finals after Bish pulling out and will play each other for a home semi-final.

connaughtlad

Also,

Senior Development Cup
Pool B: St Endas 8 HRC 6
Pool C: Gallen CS 14 St Geralds 7

Junior Cup
Pool A Garbally College 18 Summerhill 10
Pool C Marist College 3 St Geralds 0

SCT13

In my Opinion, it's going to be a Garbally - Mairst Final.
Garbally have not yet fielded their full team due to injury, and with the home advantage and long journey down to be taken into account, it will be very close.
Mairst on the other hand, seem to be swiping away the opposistion.
(which reminds me, they have not played garbally yet, contrary to what the connacht website says.

connaughtlad

well Garbally-Sligo match will be extemely close, neither of which will fancy an away trip to "The Dragons Den" but Garbally would be more likely to pull a result off there due to the fact sligo would face a 4 hour round trip to Athlone. That said, you never what can happen in cup rugby, but one thing looks certain; the Jes will find it very tough to overcome either Sligo/Garbally away from home, even after a good 7-5 win over Rice during the week. This has not been helped by the loss of Centre Conor Lowdnes.

petebricquette

Anyone get word on the Rice/Marist match today?

Dave Joyce

Hmmm, managed to get to see the Leinster schools game today between Roscrea and Terenure. Bit disheartening to see 3 Connacht lads (Sean O'Brien Galwegians/ex-Calasanctius, Daniel Trayers Corinthians/ex-Calasanctius and I presume it was Dwayne Corcoran from Westport/ex-Rice College) on the Roscrea starting line up and a Connacht lad (Ciaran Gaffney Galwegians/ex-Bish) come into the game as well.

Please don't pick me up wrong, its a great opportunity for the lads themselves and who would blame them as you'll certainly get more notice playing schools rugby OUTSIDE Connacht than playing in the province :mad: but considering TWO schools (Bish/Calasanctius) couldn't field senior teams, this kind of thing is depressing

connaughtlad

Also, Jacob Walshe playing for Roscrea, ex-Garbally.

Meanwhile while the focus was on Terenure and Roscrea, Garbally pulled off a 14-12 win against Sligo Grammar

con 212

Does anyone know where to get I can read some match reports, Cant seem to find anything on yesterdays match anywhere.
The domestic side to the Connacht rugby website is a disgrace, There might be a Match report on it in about 3wks time!!!!!!!!!

Robbo

connaughtlad wrote: »

I think the Bish pulling out is mainly down to the fact there is no transition year in the school, therefore meaning they are essentially an under 18 team in an under 19 competition. The same can be said about calasanctius with very small numbers doin TY. Also heard Marist v Jes game was called off, anyone know why?

Did they do away with Transition Year altogether in the Bish? In my day, it was there and about 15-20 would do TY. Wasn't really the done thing though and they were generally the waifs and strays who needed a bit of space.

It is quite alarming how much the school has slid in rugby terms in the last 12-14 years. Time was when the nailed on Senior final was Bish-Garbally.

Rickwellwood

TY no longer at the Bish Robbo. Rugby not quite what it used to be there and over time footy and rowing have become more prominent. A few of the teachers who also were rugby heads moved on with knock on (excuse the pun !) effect on the kids. Recently a junior side did well in their cup, last year I think, so it may be a few seasons before it feeds thorough.

connaughtlad

Con 212, i would agree with you about how much of a disgrace the Connacht Domestic website is at the moment. 3 senior cups games have been played to date with only 1 report on the site (only because jes and rice got covered in sh*t) This is not good enough as in the other 3 provinces everything is kept up to date regularly. What has particularly angered me is that yesterday a Senior cup match in connacht was on at the same time as one in Leinster. Most of the Connacht age grade selectors made the treck to dublin to watch at most 5-10 potential connacht players while every player in yesterdays Sligo-Garbally match is eligible for Connacht. This, along with the report on the Roscrea match on the connacht website highlights that not enough work is done on the branches behalf to develop the schools cups. IMO it needs a total revamp. Schools Rugby in Connacht has gone a long way back in the last 5 years!!!

its_phil

Dave Joyce wrote: »

Hmmm, managed to get to see the Leinster schools game today between Roscrea and Terenure. Bit disheartening to see 3 Connacht lads (Sean O'Brien Galwegians/ex-Calasanctius, Daniel Trayers Corinthians/ex-Calasanctius and I presume it was Dwayne Corcoran from Westport/ex-Rice College) on the Roscrea starting line up and a Connacht lad (Ciaran Gaffney Galwegians/ex-Bish) come into the game as well.

Please don't pick me up wrong, its a great opportunity for the lads themselves and who would blame them as you'll certainly get more notice playing schools rugby OUTSIDE Connacht than playing in the province :mad: but considering TWO schools (Bish/Calasanctius) couldn't field senior teams, this kind of thing is depressing

Sean O'Brien did first and second year in Roscrea and then went home to Galway and back to Roscrea for last two years. If those two teams can't field senior teams, what difference does three players make to a squad? There is a reason Roscrea has a connection with Connacht rugby and it is down to all the players being produced there. You can't underestimate playing in the best senior cup in the country, one of the top academic schools in the country and being just over an hour from home while boarding.

connaughtlad wrote: »

Con 212, i would agree with you about how much of a disgrace the Connacht Domestic website is at the moment. 3 senior cups games have been played to date with only 1 report on the site (only because jes and rice got covered in sh*t) This is not good enough as in the other 3 provinces everything is kept up to date regularly. What has particularly angered me is that yesterday a Senior cup match in connacht was on at the same time as one in Leinster. Most of the Connacht age grade selectors made the treck to dublin to watch at most 5-10 potential connacht players while every player in yesterdays Sligo-Garbally match is eligible for Connacht. This, along with the report on the Roscrea match on the connacht website highlights that not enough work is done on the branches behalf to develop the schools cups.

There was 9 Connacht players on show yesterday. As well as that, not every player in that very impressive and talented Terenure team will go on to Leinster sub-academy, could be a great chance to get quality players into our own sub-academy. Also getting to look at Rory Maloney from Roscrea to perhaps convince him join Connacht seen as their an embarrassment of backrow riches in the Leinster academy.

I can't comment on Connacht schools in general, because I don't know enough but I can count Calasanctius as part of my alma-mater. Unfortunately I was taken by the dark side in Leinster. I'm sure it will get better and the riches will come through eventually

Dave Joyce

Unfortunately I was taken by the dark side in Leinster. I'm sure it will get better and the riches will come through eventually

Are you serious, when even you yourself said "

You can't underestimate playing in the best senior cup in the country

" you honestly think things will improve with players from Connacht been enticed to play in Leinster schools?? Not that the same kind of crap isn't happening within Connacht as well mind :mad:

As regards the Connacht website don't talk to me. Their Facebook page put up a photo of Sean O'Brien and Daniel Trayers from yesterday (are they fecking proud that Connacht lads go to Leinster????) and credited both of them as Galwegians players even though Daniel plays for Corinthians and they should have known that as both of the lads are in the youth Academy???:(

opinionatedfan

Dave Joyce wrote: »

they should have known that as both of the lads are in the youth Academy???:(

you can't be in the academy and be in school.

its_phil

Dave Joyce wrote: »

Are you serious, when even you yourself said "" you honestly think things will improve with players from Connacht been enticed to play in Leinster schools?? Not that the same kind of crap isn't happening within Connacht as well mind :mad:

Like I said Dave, I don't know enough about Connacht schools because I moved after first year for academic reasons, not rugby reasons.

Garbally boarding shutting down was a massive reason for more Connacht guys heading there. Roscrea have been churning out Connacht players since Gavin Duffy it is nothing new. Duffy is a big reason behind a lot of parents from Mayo sending their sons there as there is no rugby dedicated school there. Gerards and Rice I think now, but it is a few years behind yet just guessing. Perhaps it is all about installing rugby tradition in the school.

con 212

connaughtlad wrote: »

Con 212, i would agree with you about how much of a disgrace the Connacht Domestic website is at the moment. 3 senior cups games have been played to date with only 1 report on the site (only because jes and rice got covered in sh*t) This is not good enough as in the other 3 provinces everything is kept up to date regularly. What has particularly angered me is that yesterday a Senior cup match in connacht was on at the same time as one in Leinster. Most of the Connacht age grade selectors made the treck to dublin to watch at most 5-10 potential connacht players while every player in yesterdays Sligo-Garbally match is eligible for Connacht. This, along with the report on the Roscrea match on the connacht website highlights that not enough work is done on the branches behalf to develop the schools cups. IMO it needs a total revamp. Schools Rugby in Connacht has gone a long way back in the last 5 years!!!

I'm presuming there is someone there in the connacht branch whos job it is to keep the website up to date, I honestly feel like they dont really care or they are just down right lazy. Its really annoying

SCT13

Mairst decided not to play this week, and their opponents cant play next week...so it looks like the final will have o be changed, which means amongst other things, it wont be taped live which could show some of the talent on show

Suckfisher

Garbally college are bringing back boarding next year.
The principal Stephen Reilly used coach and also played senior rugby for ballinasloe before they amalgamated with athlone to form Buccaneers.

Hopefully he can turn round the fortunes.
When i was in 3rdyear we had done 7 seniors in a row.
Its good that rugby developes in other school and the Bish would hve been main rivals and then against player from Weigans and Corinthians.

Dave Joyce

you can't be in the academy and be in school.

I DID say the YOUTH Academy!!! So yes you CAN be in school and play for Connacht Youths!!!

Garbally boarding shutting down was a massive reason for more Connacht guys heading there. Roscrea have been churning out Connacht players since Gavin Duffy it is nothing new. Duffy is a big reason behind a lot of parents from Mayo sending their sons there as there is no rugby dedicated school there. Gerards and Rice I think now, but it is a few years behind yet just guessing. Perhaps it is all about installing rugby tradition in the school.

I understand that Phil and I really didn't want to say this as I have no problem with a young lad or his parents deciding to go to Roscrea BUT when they offer a place in there school in return for playing Rugby then I DON'T LIKE THIS as its totally unfair and who would turn down a chance like that. Chances are if they're good its Leinster that will come calling and I doubt ANY young lad would turn down that chance from Connacht or not :mad:

cupwinner

SCT13 wrote: »

Mairst decided not to play this week, and their opponents cant play next week...so it looks like the final will have o be changed, which means amongst other things, it wont be taped live which could show some of the talent on show

Marist did not decide not to play. Marist are waiting to play this fixture since the end of January and Rice College could not facilitate due to Mocks.

Marist have been facilitated at short notice by schools in other provinces with regard to challenge games while they wait for Rice to make fixture.

By the way as the Connacht Schools Cup is 100 years old this year(Yes i hear you all the PR is absolutely brilliant) who is the sponsor of the Cup competition this year....

connaughtlad

Supermacs sponsor it as far as i know?

connaughtlad

Semi Finals Update:
Senior Cup
Garbally College 11 Colaiste Iognaid 8
Marist College v Sligo Grammar (Thursday, 1pm, Athlone)

Junior Cup
Marist College v Garbally College
Sligo Grammar v St Gerards, Castlebar

connaughtlad

Marist 25 Grammar 23

Senior Cup Final
Garbally College v Marist College (Next Tuesday, 4pm, Sportsground)

cupwinner

Final Score Marist 28 Sligo Grammar 19
League and Cup holders secure final place
Roll on Wednesday

con 212

I heard a rumour that the match is going to be on setanta Ireland, Anyone know anything about it???

Stanza2

With all the coverage of the Leinster cup, it would not surprise me that the finals of the other provinces get shown, proving very popular watching on setanta.

freyners

Marist won it 23-12 over Garbally FYI anyone who doesnt know

There was mentions of marist receiving fines, anyone hear anything about this

swiftman

freyners wrote: »

There was mentions of marist receiving fines, anyone hear anything about this

why? what did you hear?

freyners

swiftman wrote: »

why? what did you hear?

there was something thrown at the Garbally kicker during a conversion attempt.

Dave Joyce

Worth noting that the Development Senior Cup was won by St Enda's against Cliften Community School, two schools not really known for the rugby but congrats to both for making it to the final and to Enda's for winning it.

f1dan

Why is it that the Connacht senior schools final was held during the middle of last week when the other three provinces are holding their final today?