Hosts Villiers face a daunting opening encounter with defending champions Cookstown High as the All-Ireland Schoolboys tournament gets underway across four Limerick venues today.
The Co Tyrone school, who boast four Ireland U18 squad members and a full international in David Ames in their side, are likely to be vying with Leinster powerhouses St Andrews, who take on Kilkenny College, for the top spot in Group A.
Elsewhere, 2005 champions Bandon Grammar begin their campaign with a tricky clash with Sutton Park, as they look to erase the memory of last season’s final, which they lost to Cookstown despite being 3-0 up at half-time.
Fellow Munster giants and two-time winners Ashton take on Ulster’s Regent High in Group B, while Group D favourites Wesley meet Kilkeel. *See Digest for fixtures
All-Ireland Schoolboys Tournament, Limerick
1pm: Villiers vs Cookstown (Villiers); Midleton/Newtown vs RBAI (UL); Sutton Park vs Bandon Grammar (Rosbrien); Regent High vs Ashton (Crescent Comprehensive).
2.30pm: St Andrews vs Kilkenny (Villiers); Wesley vs Kilkeel (UL); Raphoe vs Wallace High (Rosbrien); Banbridge vs High School (Crescent Comprehensive)
