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History For Hamilton High As They Make Senior Cup Knockout Debut

15th January 2025 By The Editor

History For Hamilton High As They Make Senior Cup Knockout Debut

On a wet and windy December afternoon Hamilton High School Bandon wrote themselves into the history books after a second half comeback saw them defeat fellow Cork side Colaiste Choilm Ballincollig punching their ticket into knockout senior cup rugby for the first time ever.

We caught up with the school’s head coach Anthony Hutchinson at the Pinergy Munster Schools Boys Senior Cup launch in St. Munchin’s College earlier this week.

Speaking about their journey to Senior Cup knockout rugby coach Hutchinson said:

“I’ve been in the school for over 20 years and we got a new principal a very short time ago and because she found that I was interested in rugby she asked would I take it on and since then it has just exploded. It has gone from nothing to qualifying for the senior cup.”

The team began their journey only last year when they entered the O’Brien Cup and Bowen Shield B competitions. They soon went on to win both competitions and earned themselves a place in the Senior Cup qualifier.

The team continued to perform well in the qualifier rounds as they beat Midleton 19-29, Villiers 28-19 and finally in a nail-biting finish Colaiste Choilm 20-22.

Speaking about what it means for not just the boys on the team but also the school and the town, Hutchinson said:

“It just means so much to the lads. It is fantastic for the school and it puts us on the map.

“It is also good for the town of Bandon and it is good for rugby in the town as well. We have a population of around 8,000 and now you’ve got two senior cup teams. It is absolutely fantastic.”

But Anthony quickly noted that it was not a feat he took on alone. Bandon RFC were on hand throughout the year to provide support for whatever the school needed. From pitches to jerseys the club were always there to lend a hand. Speaking about the support they received Hutchinson said:

“I could not have done it without Bandon Rugby Club because they have been so helpful, when we had nothing at the start they gave us pitches, jerseys and this year they are helping with the coaching as well and it had just been such a fantastic and helpful partnership.”

The countdown is on to their opening knockout fixture as they line out against five-time winners St Munchin’s College. As they ready themselves to take to the hallowed turf in Thomond Park Hutchinson has made it clear that anything after the qualification was a bonus and that all he wants now is for the boys to enjoy the occasion.

“This has been a bonus for me.

“I just want them to go out and give it 100%. Enjoy the day and the atmosphere and have a good day out.”

To check out all of the fixtures for this season’s Pinergy Munster Schools Boys Senior Cup click here.

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