Ronan Coffey Set To Retain U18 Schools Title

26th August 2015 By Munster Rugby

We catch up with Munster U18 Schools second row Ronan Coffey who looks towards the Interprovincial Series which kicks off in September.

Originally from Limerick, Ronan began his rugby career aged 6 at Shannon RFC and last March was part of the Ard Scoil Rís team that reached the Munster Schools Senior Cup final at Thomond Park Stadium.

Heading into his final school year, this will be Ronan’s second consecutive season representing the Munster U18 Schools and he hopes to emulate last season’s success – going undefeated in claiming the Interprovincial Championship.

The Munster U18 Schools will travel to Donnybrook on 5th September to take on Leinster in their opening Interprovincial fixture and Ronan said their prime focus will be on retaining the coveted title.

“Our main goal is to retain our title. Up to last season we hadn’t won the interpro for a long time so to hold on to it for two years in a row would be incredible.”

As part of the selection process that began last year Ronan said he is delighted to have achieved his place in the squad and credits the coaching team for their dedication.

“The coaches are very professional and have been great at interacting with the players. They are all very open and always encouraging. They pin-point everything from basics to their finer details and if you’re not up to scratch they’ll let you know.

“As a unit we’re definitely very strong – the squad is made up of the best schools players in Munster and we know each other pretty well.

“We’ve come across each other many times in school competitions and may have had a wrestle or two on the pitch – but once you come together as part of the Munster squad you become best friends. You trust the guy next to you, you know that he will do his job and that’s what you really need to be strong as a team.

As part of their Interprovincial preparations the Munster U18 Schools will travel to Gloucester this week-end to take on the Gloucester Academy and Ronan is confident the experience will stand to them.

“We travelled to France last year ahead of the interpros and played Aquitane in our warm-up fixture. It was a huge benefit to us as individuals and definitely helped us become tighter as a squad.

“I have no doubt this year’s tour will do the same. The Gloucester game will be our last match before the interpros and that’s when everything will come together. Going to Dublin to take on Leinster will be tough but we’ll definitely be ready for it.”

As Ronan looks forward to representing the province for his second year he is confident the experience will benefit him heading into the new schools season and is hopeful his performance will lead to his selection on the Ireland U18 Schools squad.

“After the interpros my goal is to win the Munster Senior Schools Cup for Ard Scoil Rís as it will be my last school year.

“For now I hope to go out there and represent Munster to the best of my ability, make my mark and hopefully do enough to get selected on the Ireland Schools.

“As a squad our goal is to have a great interpro series and fight to retain our title.”

Getting To Know Ronan Coffey

Age: 17

School: Ard Scoil Rís

Favourite Food: Have been working in McDonalds so better give them a plug and say double cheeseburger!

Favourite TV programme: Dexter

Favourite Film: The Warrior

Favourite Actor/Actress: Will Farrell

Most enjoyable holiday location: Canada

Marooned on a desert island what could you not be without: My memory foam mattress

Favourite sport other than rugby: Soccer

The sport you least like: I like all sports