The Preview: All-Ireland Schoolboys Tournament
October 21, 2025
The All-Ireland Schoolboys Tournament takes place this week, from Wednesday, 22nd October to Friday, 24th October, in Limerick. The 16-team competition features five Leinster schools competing for the prestigious title of All-Ireland School Champions, promising three days of exciting and competitive hockey.
The tournament brings together the top school hockey talent from across the country, with eight Ulster teams, five Leinster teams, and three Munster teams participating. Leinster’s most recent winners were The High School, while St Andrew’s College holds the record for the most Leinster victories. Wesley College are perennial contenders, having come close to lifting the trophy in recent years, while Newpark School last won in 1996. The King’s Hospital will also be chasing their first-ever title.
Tournament Format
Teams are divided into four groups of four, with each team playing the others in their group.
- Group winners will advance to the semi-finals on Friday.
- Teams finishing second will compete in the Herbie Sharman competition to determine 5th–8th places.
- Teams finishing third and fourth will play friendly matches against each other.
Leinster Schools Competing
Newpark School
Based in Blackrock, County Dublin, Newpark are preparing for their first away All-Irelands since 2018. They are in Group D alongside Ashton, Wallace, and Cookstown, with matches taking place at Laurel Hill, Catholic Institute, and University of Limerick.
The team qualified in September, defeating Sutton Park 4–0 in the semi-final and overcoming Kilkenny 4–1 in the final. Coached by Ben Marnell and Mark Cullen, the side is captained by Ryan Adams, whose tireless work rate drives the team. Forward David Rankins has also been in superb form, scoring nine goals in his last four games.
Squad List: Newpark Comprehensive Squd List.xlsx
St Andrew’s College
Based in Booterstown, Dun Laoghaire, St Andrew’s College return with nine players from last year’s Herbie Sharman Cup-winning squad. This year, their focus is on a strong start in the opening match to give themselves the best chance of progressing from the group stage.
Despite a stop-start season, the team remains confident that their form will build as the full squad becomes available.
The team is captained by Zach Bailey, playing in his third All-Irelands, supported by experienced players Ethan McGrath, Toby Slye O’Connell, and Henry Rhys-Thomas. Five TY students will also make their tournament debuts, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to the group.
Squad List: All Ireland Squad 2025.docx
Wesley College
Based in Sandyford, Dublin, Wesley College enter the tournament with a dynamic, hardworking squad known for their energy, focus, and determination. The team has enjoyed a strong period of preparation leading up to the competition, working hard to fine-tune tactics and build confidence. Excitement is high within the camp as the players look forward to testing themselves against the best schools in Ireland.
Squad List: Wesley College Senior Boys All Ireland Team.pdf
The High School
The High School squad began their preparations in early August under coach Paul Fitzpatrick and captain Jason Robinson.
A demanding preseason helped the team build cohesion and consistency, with valuable matches against Banbridge, Wesley College, and St Andrew’s College refining their tactics and teamwork.
Since the league season began, the squad has faced three competitive fixtures, using each one to build momentum and sharpen their edge ahead of the All-Ireland Tournament. The group now heads to Limerick eager to perform and determined to deliver a strong, united display.
The King’s Hospital School
The King’s Hospital School is proud to have qualified for this year’s All-Ireland Tournament in Limerick. The squad begins its campaign with a tough opener against Villiers School and approaches the week in high spirits.
After a strong finish in last year’s Leinster competitions, King’s Hospital enter as one of the seeded teams in a challenging group. The squad features players from Third Year through Sixth Year, including several Leinster and Irish representatives, and benefits from valuable club experience across Weston, Corinthian, Three Rock Rovers, and North Kildare.
Head Coach Angus Dunlop expressed his excitement for another competitive year, highlighting the team’s focus on playing good hockey and representing the school with pride.
Captain Felix Campion shared:
“This is a great tournament for our boys to be part of. We’re really looking forward to the challenges ahead against tough opposition down in Limerick and will be putting our best foot forward.”
Squad List: 
You can keep up to date with the competition through Leinster Hockey’s communication channels and the Hockey Ireland platforms.
Best of luck to all five Leinster schools competing this week — wishing every team a memorable few days of hockey in Limerick!
