THIS season’s Danske Bank Girls’ Ulster Schools’ Cup will kick off on September 18, marking the 20th year of Danske Bank’s partnership with Ulster Rugby.
The Danske Bank Girls’ Ulster Schools’ Cup was retained for the second year by Enniskillen Royal Grammar School whose winning captain, Leah Irwin, was present at the launch. In last season’s final, they showed a dominant display of rugby as they defeated Assumption Grammar School, from Ballynahinch, 48-5.
At the competitions launch, Ulster Schools’ Committee Chairman, Richard Clingan, said: “We have had an exciting summer with the Ulster Under 18 Schools team, sponsored by Danske Bank, winning all four of their Interprovincial matches to claim the Kevin Kelleher Cup for the first time since 2017.
“The schools’ competition season gets underway in the next couple of weeks with the U16 Schools’ Cup, which has an increased entry this year.
“It will be great to see some of our most talented schools’ players in action over the months ahead, and we thank Danske Bank for its support for our schools’ competitions over the years.
“This is a notable year for schools’ rugby, with Danske Bank celebrating its 20th year supporting schools’ rugby competitions whilst two of our participating schools, Enniskillen Royal Grammar and Friends’ School Lisburn celebrate 150 years of rugby and 250th anniversary respectively.”
Head of Homebuying at Danske Bank, Ian Russell, added: “In 2024, Danske Bank is marking 200 years of helping support Northern Ireland people, business and society. Not only that, but this new season of schools’ rugby marks our 20th year of partnership with Ulster Rugby.
“Over that time, we’ve seen the opportunities to play great quality rugby increase, and we’re so proud to not only support the Boys Schools’ Cup but also now the Girls Schools’ Cup, the High Schools’ Cup, the U16 Cup, the Medallion Shield, and a whole host of other competitions – giving more young people in schools across the country the chance to get together, meet new friends, learn new skills and foster a real love for rugby.
“We’re passionate about helping our local communities and young people thrive, and supporting youth sports across Northern Ireland is one way we do that – through our partnerships with Ulster Schools’ Rugby, Ulster Schools GAA and the NI Schools’ Football Association. We’re looking forward to an exciting season of rugby ahead, and want to wish everyone taking part the very best of luck.”
2024/25 Competition Schedule
Danske Bank Girls’ Ulster Schools’ Cup
Round 1: 18/19/25/26 September 2024
Round 2: 9/10/16/17 October 2024
Round 3: 4/5/11/12 December 2024
Round 4: 29/30 January & 5/6 February 2025
Finals Day Qualifiers: 26 February
Final: Details to be confirmed
The dates for each competition round are on a Saturday, however schools have the option to play ‘on or before’ each round’s date.
