Excitement is rising throughout Munster as schools’ rugby teams across the province prepare for an action-packed season ahead.
Captains participating in both the boys and girls cup gathered at St. Munchin’s College, Limerick for the launch of the 2024/25 Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup competitions this week.
Pinergy, returning as sponsor for the fourth year of the Munster Schools Boys Senior Cup and second year of the Munster Schools Girls Senior Cup, are excited to celebrate the unity of all captains for a joint competition launch for the first time.
For over a century, the Munster Schools Senior Cup has been a cornerstone of Munster Rugby, fostering exceptional talent and fierce rivalries. This historic competition has served as the starting point for countless Munster legends, including Ronan O’Gara and Keith Earls.
The legacy continues with current Munster stars and Pinergy ambassadors Jack Crowley (Bandon Grammar School) and Kate Flannery (Rockwell College), recognising the competition’s vital role in developing future elite players in the men’s and women’s game.
This year, the competition welcomes Hamilton High School from Bandon to the boys’ competition and Ursuline Secondary School in Thurles to the girls’ competition, further expanding the reach and growth of the tournament.
Pinergy is proud to continue powering the development and sustainability of the game for young players throughout the region and this year, Pinergy has introduced the “Own the Moment” campaign, encouraging players, coaches, and fans to seize every opportunity, both on and off the field.
Pinergy’s sponsorship goes beyond simply supporting the tournament; it’s about fostering sustainability within the sport, ensuring its continued growth and accessibility for young players across the province, including emerging rugby areas like Clare and West Cork.
Presentation Brothers College, having secured back-to-back Garrett Fitzgerald Cup victories, enter the season aiming for a historic three-peat. Their recent triumph over Christian Brothers College Cork, bringing their total title count to an impressive 32, puts PBC one title ahead of CBC in the all-time standings and sets the stage for another intense rivalry.
In the girls’ competition, Sacred Heart Clonakilty head into the tournament as reigning champions after their victory over Coláiste Muire Ennis. This season, they will strive to defend their title amidst growing competition.
“Pinergy is incredibly proud to support the Munster Schools Senior Cups, a competition that embodies the spirit of rugby and fosters the next generation of talent,” said CEO Enda Gunnell at the launch.
“This year’s joint launch signifies our dedication to inclusivity and growth within the sport. We believe in empowering young players to ‘Own the Moment,’ not just on the field, but also by promoting sustainable practices and building a brighter future for the game. We are delighted to play a role in championing a sustainable rugby future for these players and we wish all schools involved the very best of luck.”
“The Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cups are some of our premier age-grade competitions that takes place in the province each year and are a crucial pathway for developing young talent within Munster,” added Brendan Foley, President of Munster Rugby.
“Pinergy’s support enables us to provide a platform for these athletes to excel and create lifelong memories. The boys and girls schools competitions are more than just a tournament; they embody the growth of the game and the introduction of future stars, and we’re excited to see what this season holds. We are really looking forward to seeing the teams and players take to the field throughout the season.”
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Boys Schools Rugby is rooted in tradition and it is great to see that sticking now with the girls game. Giving equal prominent through a shared launch is a small but significant step towards equality of interest.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The schools competitions will be taking place across the coming weeks.
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
Pinergy and Munster Rugby are both among the 300 member organisations that make up the Sport for Business community.
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The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.