Donegal Town RFC was the venue for this year’s U14 Ulster Branch Qualifier for the High Schools Cup. 12 teams involving over 200 players were taking part in the competition which also acts as the first round of the Donegal School Cup with the second round and finals being played in March. The standard of the competition once again stepped up a level from the previous year with 4 or 5 teams in the running for the top spot. After 15 games in the pool stages it was St Columba’s, St Eunans, St Columbs and Carndonagh CS who battled it out in the semi finals.
After some very competitive games it was St Columba’s and St Columbs that reached the final a repeat of a previous pool game. St Columba’s got off to a very good start with 2 early tries but a late rally by St Columbs made the last few minutes very entertaining for onlookers. With two minutes to go a great team try from St Columba’s sealed the victory and a place in the Ulster Finals this Thursday in Belfast.
From the Donegal Cup perspective it will be St Eunans, St Columba’s, Magh Ene and Carndonagh who will be in pole position for the U14 Cup at the finals in March. The other schools will have the opportunity to play for the Plate and Bowl so there is still plenty of silver wear top play for.
Donegal U14 High School Photos
Thank you to the following schools and teachers for your efforts in a great day of rugby – St Catherine’s, Mairead Mc Guire; Ballinamore, Annette Gildea; Magh Ene College, John Reilly, Keith Mc Gloin, Mark Rooney; Colaiste Colmcille, Emma O Mally, Michael Doherty, Ray Gallagher; St Columba’s, Gerard Doherty; Carndonagh CS, Mark Spencer, Brian Mc Nally; Rosses CS, Raghnall Quinn; St Eunan’s, John Fox, Johnny Kennedy; Loreto Milford, John Lynch; Mulroy College, Evelyn Crampsie, Frank Boyce; St Columbs, Lee Mosby.
Thank you to YDO’s Adam Keys, Philip Brady, Stephen Corr and Jonathan Quigley and for assisting with the school training session and finally thank you to referees Paul Mc Carroll and Jarryd Bennett and Donegal Town RFC for the use of the facilities at the Holmes.
Good luck to St Columba’s in the Ulster Finals on Thursday in Belfast, the whole county is behind you!
