BGS set for Bann battle

Bandon Grammar School will feel they have drawn the short straw ahead of next week’s All-Ireland Schools competition at Campbell College, as they were paired with hot favourites Banbridge Academy in Pool C. With just one team emerging from each pool to make up the four semi-finalists, Munster’s top seeds face an uphill battle to oust a Bann side boasting nine of the Ulster U18 panel that triumphed at the recent interpros in Dublin, including top marksman Stephen Dowds, who hit nine goals in four games that weekend. A new-look Grammar side – who will be without last year’s talisman Karl Lynch as he has moved schools for his Leaving Cert year – will also have to tackle the hosts, plus Mount Temple.

Conversely, Ashton have received a much more favourable draw on paper. Although the likes of Dan Hobbs and Philip Sweetnam have moved on, players such as Stephen Swanton and Munster U18 skipper Peter Catchpole have the ability to take up the slack, and they will fancy their chances of seeing off Kilkenny College, Kilkeel HS and Friends School. Midleton – whose challenge will be anchored by Nick Burns and the Colton brothers Andrew and Adam – have been lumped in with two of the tournament’s big guns in holders St Andrew’s and John Waring victors Cookstown, and Ulster’s Wallace HS. While neither Andrew’s or Cookstown look as strong as they have been in previous seasons, it is likely they will be battling it out for qualification, reprising a rivalry from last season, when the Leinster school dumped the Co Tyrone side out in the group stages. Last year’s beaten finalists Wesley are tipped to emerge from the remaining pool, which is completed by Sutton Park, Sullivan Upper and Royal and Prior Raphoe. The competition will get underway with group matches on October 21 and 22, with the semi-finals and finals on Friday, October 23. All-Ireland Schools, Campbell College, October 21-23 Pool A: Ashton School, Kilkenny College, Kilkeel HS, Friends School Pool B: Cookstown HS, Wallace HS, St Andrew’s College, Midleton Pool C: Bandon GS, Banbridge Academy, Campbell College, Mount Temple Pool D: Wesley College, Sutton Park, Sullivan Upper, Royal and Prior Raphoe