Should Ard Scoil Rís win the title for the first time today they will become the first school since Rockwell in 1930 to win the Dr Harty Cup (senior hurling) and the rugby in the same season. They face a major task with Crescent Comprehensive out to retain their title. It will be the first all-Limerick final since the competition began in 1909 and Crescent have not won twice in a row since 1990.
Both teams have impressed on their way to the final for which Crescent, who have 13 of the squad involved last year, are hot favourites though they almost slipped up in the quarter-final when they drew 21-21 in Limerick against Pres Cork.
Replay
But the fact they went to Cork and won the replay 15-3 and had the benefit of an extra game steeled them for the semi-final when they beat Castletroy College 23-8.
In their semi-final Ard Scoil beat St Munchin's 11-7 with a late drop goal by David O'Mahony. The outhalf is very talented and he, Stephen Fitzgerald, Brion Moriarty and Paul McNamara are key backs. Up front Jack O'Halloran, Shane Fenton, Jerry McCabe and Kelvin Brown will offer stern opposition to a Crescent pack in which Cormac Blake, Sean Fitzgerald and Liam McMahon will be key. Fionn McGibney at outhalf and centres Will Leonard and JJ O'Neill can be match winners for Crescent.
Verdict:
Crescent Comprehensive.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IMNWKIX5DFFCFE5CD5NLBU6EVY.png)