Grammar to face Banbridge Academy in Schools’ Cup

Pictured at the first round draw of the Danske Bank Schools Cup are (l-r) Ivan McMinn, Head of Corporate Banking at Danske Bank, Rory Thompson, Banbridge Academy captain, and Mark McAlister, his Larne Grammar School counterpart. Photo by John Dickson

The Grammar’s First XV captain, Mark McAlister, was at the revamped Ravenhill for the draw earlier this week.

With two new stands already built and the main grandstand nearing completion ahead of the St. Patrick’s Day final at Ravenhill, the Schools’ Cup captains will compete to showcase their skills in front of a large crowd at the world class venue.

Last season, Ross Kane became the 36th Methodist College captain to lead his team to success in the Danske Bank Schools’ Cup.

The world’s second-oldest rugby competition was first won by Royal School Armagh back in 1876.

Ivan McMinn, Head of Corporate Banking at Danske Bank and John Robinson, President of IRFU (Ulster Branch), made the draw for the first round of the competition, which included five previous winners: Foyle College, Grosvenor Grammar School, Regent House, Royal School Dungannon and Wellington College.

The draw for round one is as follows:

Foyle College v Friends’ School Lisburn

Carrickfergus Grammar School v Portadown College

Royal School Dungannon v Omagh Academy

Banbridge Academy v Larne Grammar School

Lurgan College v Antrim Grammar School

Regent House v Wellington College

Grosvenor Grammar School v Cambridge House

The fixtures are scheduled to be played on Saturday, January 11.