KINSALE Community School has reached a landmark moment in its rugby history, qualifying for the qualifier finals of both the senior and junior Munster schools cup.

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.

Next Tuesday, December 17th, the U16 boys will compete in the junior cup qualifier final against Midleton CBS at 11am in Virgin Media Park. Following that, the U19 boys will contest the senior cup qualifier final against Hamilton High School Bandon at 12.45pm, also in Virgin Media Park.

‘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 Virgin Media Park, with an opportunity to reach the senior cup, is a challenge we all want,’ said Conor Looney, U19 captain and head boy.

U19 captain Conor Looney and U16 captain Will Brugger.

Reaching both qualifier finals in the same season underlines the rapid rise of the Kinsale school’s rugby programme and signals a significant shift in its competitive standing.

‘The last six to seven years have been a fantastic journey for rugby in the school,’ explained Eddie Farren, who, as well as being a teacher and assistant principal, is the school’s Head of Rugby.

‘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.’

Hannah Murphy, Lucy Kelleher and Sophie McCarthy are with the Munster U16 development squad.

This latest 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 due to defend their McCarthy Cup B title in this week’s final, while 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), and Erin Ridgeway (Munster Senior Ladies Development).

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.

The work of Eddie Farren (Head of Rugby), Clíona O’Shaughnessy, Killian Barry, Rob Keane, Elisa Fenton, and Clíodhna Denny, alongside the continued support of Kinsale RFC, remains central to the ongoing growth and success of rugby within the school.