Ulster will be hoping to win the FAI Schools Under 18 Boys’ Interprovincial Tournament for a second time this weekend.
Ulster, under the charge of Paul Browne of St Eunan’s College and Martin Cavanagh from Carndonagh Community School, begin on Frifay evening with a game against Munster.
Among the Ulster number is Finn Harps U17 captain Daragh Ellison, who led the young Harps to U17 League and Mark Farren Cup success recently.
The Interprovincial series will be the first step in the process of selecting the FAI Schools International 18 man squad – managed by Cockhill Celtic man and Finn Harps coach William O’Connor – which will compete in the Centenary Shield competition.
The Republic of Ireland’s 2018/19 campaign will kick off with an exciting International friendly when Australia visit Dublin in mid-January.
Their Centenary Shield defense will see the squad travel to Scotland in their opening fixture on March 28. Following this, the scholars will be in action for three consecutive weeks as the team are at home to England on April 12, away to Northern Ireland on April 18 and their season concludes with a home game against Wales on April 25.
Ulster won the Interprovincial Tournament two years ago, but were pipped by Leinster last year.
Ulster squad: Kyle Burns (Mulroy College, Milford), Jack Parke (Royal & Prior Comprehensive School, Raphoe), Darragh Ellison (St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny), Lee McLaughlin, Jack Doherty, Corey McBride, Mikey Friel (Carndonagh Community School), Stephen Black, Conor Black, Ronan Gallagher, Ronan Boyce (Loreto Community School, Milford), Seán McEvoy, Aaron McCabe (Virginia College, Cavan), Oisin Cannon (PCC Falcarragh), Jamie Doherty, Patrick Ferry (Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair)
U18 BOYS’ INTERPROVINCIAL TOURNAMENT: AUL COMPLEX, CLONSHAUGH
35 mins per half. No extra time. 10 min h/t interval
Friday, November 9
4.00pm Munster v Ulster
5.30pm Connacht v Leinster
Saturday, November 10
3.00pm Draw will be made on Friday evening
4.30pm Draw will be made on Friday evening
Sunday, November 11
10.00am Fixtures TBC
11.30am Fixtures TBC