Jes strong enough

Date Published: 04-Mar-2008

COLÁISTE Iognáid go in search of an amazing fourth Connacht Tribune Senior Schools Cup title of this decade when they clash with rivals Marist College of Athlone in the Sportsground tomorrow (2:30 pm).

The current Connacht Senior League champions are unbeaten this season and they will be firm favourites to account for 2007 Cup finalists Marist — who they defeated in that league decider — in this mouthwatering encounter.

In many respects, the final is what it should be. Perceived to be the two strongest outfits at the beginning of the Cup, their respective journeys to this stage of the competition have been for the most part effortless.

This was reflected in the semi-finals, when the Jes accounted for a plucky but young Sligo Grammar side 24-6, while Marist booked their place in a second consecutive final with a comfortable 24-0 victory over St. Joseph’s, The Bish.

Those two semi-finals, while one-sided to some extent, have really set the scene for tomorrow’s Cup final. “It has been a great few weeks for the school because the girls have already won the Connacht Senior Cup in the hockey,” says Jes’ Head Rugby Coach Paul Kilraine.

“That brought prestige to the school and has kind of encouraged the lads as well. They don’t want to leave their chance behind. “We have…..