SACRED Heart Clonakilty stand on the brink of an unprecedented Munster schools rugby treble-double.

Having dominated the girls’ schools rugby scene in recent seasons, Sacred Heart are closing in on a third successive Munster Schools senior and junior cup double.

Standing in Clon’s way in both finals is fellow West Cork school Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí.

Either way, the silverware will be heading west after the double-header at Virgin Media Park next Tuesday, March 24th. The junior final kicks off at 12.30pm, followed by the senior decider at 2.15pm.

Sacred Heart head coach Jack Phelan knows he is presiding over a golden generation and credits the elite pathway that has helped turn the school into a provincial powerhouse.

‘I feel very lucky and privileged to be where I am, having the calibre of girls we do. Clonakilty Rugby Club is fantastic in the talent they produce and the work they put into the girls from a young age. That work is evident now,’ Phelan told The Southern Star.

Both senior and junior squads are chasing a third consecutive Munster title after victories in 2024 and 2025, and the school is looking forward to another big finals day.

‘There is excitement building and we are very proud of the girls for playing these big games. This is the school’s fourth year in the competition and the girls love it. The younger students in the school see that. They see the school spirit it brings. It brings everyone together,’ the head coach added.

‘The girls are sharp. They are consistently training and when they play matches they perform well. The hope is they bring those elements into the finals.’

Kate Burton lifts the senior trophy in 2025.

Experience will be key for the senior side. Sacred Heart retain the majority of the squad that defeated St Anne’s Killaloe in last year’s decider.

‘We only lost around four or five from last year. A lot of our team are sixth-year students. There is a lot of inspiration for the first years who will move up to junior next year and likewise for the juniors stepping up to senior. Hopefully, the calibre of girls coming through doesn’t slow down,’ Phelan said.

With it also a West Cork derby, Phelan knows Bantry will provide a serious test in both finals.

‘We’re under no illusions about the challenge ahead. Bantry will be gunning for us, seeing as we’ve won it the last two years. We’re lucky in that the girls know how to compose themselves and they have experience of tight games. That will help settle the nerves before the big match,’ he explained.

‘It’s great to see Bantry doing well too. West Cork rugby is really on the rise. We even saw Bandon Grammar lose a senior boys’ semi-final narrowly to St Munchin’s. It’s great to see where West Cork rugby is at.’

Sacred Heart’s juniors booked their final place with a 30-7 semi-final win against Ardscoil Mhuire, while the seniors received a walkover from Coláiste Mhuire Ennis. Bantry also advanced by walkover after Ursuline Thurles conceded their semi-final.

While the lack of competitive action before the final was disappointing, Phelan remains optimistic about the competition’s future.

‘We never want a game to be conceded. That’s not great for the competition. What I will say is the tournament is going the right way. I’m a big believer in the development of the women’s game. In the next couple of years we could have a competitive senior cup with 12 or 15 teams.

‘Schools are busy places and unfortunately some schools struggle with numbers. We’re really lucky where we are. The girls are playing consistent rugby with their clubs week in, week out, so in a way it did no harm for them to have a bit of rest and bring more intensity into the school final.’

With many of the players also preparing for exams, rugby provides an important outlet.

‘Obviously academics are first and foremost in school and always will be. But sport is something the girls can cherish far beyond their school days. They can say they won a couple of senior cups. They made those memories and bonded on the pitch. It’s important that they have that release,’ Phelan concluded.