CBS bid for five in a row

LIMERICK CBS bid to win an unprecedented fifth Munster Senior Schools Soccer Cup title in-a-row when they face Colaiste Mhuire (Cobh) in Buttevant today (kick-off at 1.00).
Multiple Munster and All-Ireland champions Limerick CBS could have to plan without the services of the injured Jason Hughes for the decider. The exciting midfielder was injured playing for the Irish Schoolboys in their 3-1 Carnegie Under-18 Centenary Shield victory over Wales at Ferrycarrig Park earlier this month. Eoin Hanrahan, who replaced Hughes in the Centenary Shield game, is also a key member of the Limerick CBS squad. Hughes, Hanrahan and Craig McMarlow were all members of the Sexton Street side’s Munster and All-Ireland-winning side in 2008.
Limerick CBS have enjoyed an impressive run to today’s decider. The Sexton Street side overcame city rivals Crescent College 6-0 in the semi-final with Derek O’Hanlon firing home a second half hat-trick.
Earlier, Limerick CBS had seen off the challenge of a fancied St. Fachtna’s, Skibbereen side as well as Colaiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Borrisokane Community College and Desmond College of Newcastle West. Up to 50 schools, from each of the six Munster counties, compete in the prestigious under-18 competition.
CBS’ final opponents, Colaiste Mhuire, defeated PBC, of Cork city, 1-0 to reach today’s final. They had earlier defeated De La Salle of Waterford and Colaiste Choilm of Ballincollig.
It will be a busy couple of days for Limerick CBS duo Hughes and Hanrahan.
The pair were yesterday named in Ireland’s under-18 FAI Schoolboys side to play against Scotland in their second competitive fixture of the Carnegie Centenary Shield on Friday in Scotland.
They will be joined in the international squad by Ian Storan of Crescent College Comprehensive.
The Republic of Ireland will be hoping to reproduce the magic of last season and retain both the Celtic Cup and Carnegie Centenary Shield this season with a win away to Scotland on Friday. The Republic have another difficult away fixture to Northern Ireland on March 20 which takes place in Riada Stadium, Ballymoney. The final game of the series for Ireland will see them host England at the RSC, Waterford on April 24 which will be live on Sky Sports.

Jerome O'Connell