Kinsale Community School Rugby
Kinsale Community School has reached a landmark moment in its rugby history, qualifying for the finals of both the Junior Cup and the Senior Cup Qualifier. In the first year competing in the B Grade (Mungret) pathway at U16 and U19 level, the school has secured places in both finals — a significant breakthrough for rugby in Kinsale.
On Tuesday, 17 December, the U16 Boys will compete in the Junior Cup Qualifier Final against Midleton CBS at 11:00 in Independent Park. Following that, the U19 Boys will contest the Senior Cup Qualifier Final against Hamilton High School at 12:45, also in Independent Park. Reaching both qualifier finals in the same season underlines the rapid rise of the school’s rugby programme and signals a significant shift in its competitive standing.
This milestone continues a development arc that began in 2018–19, progressing from emerging school blitzes to C Grade success, then B Grade titles at U15 and U18, and now into the A-Schools qualification pathway. Securing both finals in the first year at B Grade highlights the strength of coaching, player development, and the school–club partnership with Kinsale RFC.
The U15 Boys are defending their McCarthy Cup B title this season and currently top their group after decisive wins over Clonmel CBS and Villiers. The U16 and U19 squads have shown depth, consistency, and strong tactical discipline throughout their campaigns. Girls’ rugby continues to expand, with the U16 Girls competing in recent 7s tournaments and building momentum through the support of Kinsale RFC.
Kinsale Community School is also proud to recognise the following players who have earned provincial honours this season:
• Finn Harris – Munster U16
• Darragh Tracey – Munster U17
• Ivor O’Riordan – Munster U17
• Seán O’Sullivan – Munster U17
• Hannah Murphy – Munster U16 Development
• Lucy Kelleher – Munster U16 Development
• Sophie McCarthy – Munster U16 Development
• Erin Ridgeway – Munster Senior Ladies Development
Eddie Farren, Teacher, Assistant Principal, Head of Rugby: “The last six to seven years have been a fantastic journey for rugby in the school. Kinsale RFC has a strong underage system, and Kinsale Community School is reaping the benefits of the hard work by club coaches — we work closely together. Bringing rugby into the school gives more students the chance to represent their school and compete against opposition they would not meet in the clubs. We are delighted to be competing in B Grade competitions; the qualifiers on the 17th are just an added bonus that our students are relishing.”
Will Brugger, U16 Captain: “This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication, talent, and resilience shown by every player and coach involved. The entire school community is buzzing with pride as they prepare to support their teams on this landmark occasion.”
Conor Looney, U19 Captain and Head Boy: “It’s exciting to be playing in the B Grade Mungret, and doing well in that is our goal. But the chance to play in a final against Hamilton High School in Independent Park, with an opportunity to reach the Senior Cup, is a challenge we all want.”
Reaching the finals for the qualifiers at both the U16 and U19 levels marks a defining moment for Kinsale Community School Rugby and confirms the programme’s continued upward trajectory.
Eddie Farren (Head of Rugby), Clíona O’Shaughnessy, Killian Barry, Rob Keane, Elisa Fenton, and Clíodhna Denny. Their work, alongside the continued support of Kinsale RFC, remains central to the ongoing growth and success of rugby within the school.
