On Thursday our Senior rugby team made history as the first ever CPB team to win a Senior Cup game against a very good Glenstal Abbey side. The game was played in windy conditions on the UL 4g pitch. It was an excellent team display all around with every member of the panel providing crucial input both on and off the pitch. CPB opened the scoring with a well taken penalty from Dylan Hicks. Glenstal’s Sam O’Farrell put the opposition ahead with a try. CPB regained the lead when Ciarán O’Sullivan scored a great try. At half time CPB trailed 12-10 after Glenstal’s Harry Gleeson scored their second try. Dylan kicked two more penalties in the second half to put CPB 16-12 up but Harry Gleeson scored his second try of the day for Glenstall in injury time to almost crush CPB’s hopes. However, Michael O’Donovan who was phenomenal defensively all game was the hero when he crossed the line to score a try at the final whistle which Dylan converted. Final score was CPB 23 Glenstal Abbey 19. Defensively CPB were strong all over. Oran Wiseman made plenty of excellent tackles and Joey O’Sullivan showed his strength from start to finish. Fionn Barry played a captain’s role, carrying lots of ball. Unfortunately, he was forced off due to injury but provided an inspirational talk to his teammates to ensure they got the job done. Stephen O’Donovan had a very consistent game with brilliant, accurate passing. Dara McSweeney and carried lots of ball for CPB while Cillian O’Brien impressed making consistently great runs for the team. Dylan Hicks scored 3 penalties and 2 conversions which were crucial in ensuring CPB came away with the win. He was outstanding in the tackle and gained important possession back for CPB with vital turnovers throughout the game. Daire Kingston made a great contribution when he came on after returning from a long injury layoff. Well done to all the players and mentors on this historic win. It is well deserved. A big shout out to all the supporters who travelled to Limerick also which buoyed the team on. CPB play Junior Cup v Glenstal Abbey next week and the Senior Cup team play Rockwell College in the coming weeks.
Report and photos by TY students: Elaine McSweeney, Emma Kelly and Molly Harrington
