SG Senior Cup Final Preview: Rathdown School v Wesley College
January 30, 2026
The SG Senior Cup Final takes place on St Brigid’s Day, Monday February 2nd, and will see Rathdown School face Wesley College at Three Rock Rovers Hockey Club, with pushback at 2:00pm.
This much-anticipated final promises to be a fantastic occasion, as two in-form teams go head-to-head with the aim of being crowned SG Senior Cup Champions. A large crowd is expected on the day, with gates opening at 1:00pm. For those unable to attend, the match will also be broadcast live and free on Leinster Hockey +.
Both teams arrive at the final in excellent spirits, having delivered a series of impressive performances to book their place in Monday’s decider. Ahead of the big day, we take a look at each team’s journey to the final and hear from inside the camps as preparations continue.
Rathdown School
It has been a memorable and dramatic cup run for Rathdown School, who have entertained throughout their Senior Cup journey. Since the last-16 stage, Rathdown have recorded three consecutive victories, all of which were decided via 1v1 shuttles.
In the last 16, Rathdown defeated Loreto Beaufort in a tightly contested match that finished 1–1, before emerging victorious in the shuttles. Phoebe Ford and Emma Holdes played key roles during sudden death.
The quarter-final followed a similar script against Muckross Park, ending 1–1 in normal time, with Sienna Boucher on the scoresheet. Rathdown once again showed composure in the shuttles, with Phoebe Ford outstanding in goal and Sienna Moore scoring the decisive effort in sudden death.
The semi-final against Mount Anville was equally dramatic. Trailing 1–0 with just two minutes remaining, Sienna Boucher continued her fine form by scoring a superb equaliser to force another shootout. Boucher then delivered the decisive moment in the 1v1 shuttles, lifting the ball over the Mount Anville goalkeeper to send Rathdown into the final. Phoebe Ford was again pivotal, producing crucial saves throughout.
Reflecting on the semi-final and looking ahead to the final, Head Coach Sarah Scott said:
“The semi-final against Mount Anville was an incredibly tough game against a very strong side. We showed great resilience, particularly late on, and Sienna’s goal to level the match was a huge moment, while Phoebe was outstanding in goal throughout.
This group has shown fantastic character to reach the final, and the atmosphere in the squad is really positive. We’re focused, excited, and very much looking forward to what will be a special occasion for the school on Monday.”
This is Rathdown’s first Senior Cup final since 2014, and the atmosphere in the group is fantastic. The team is focused, determined, and really looking forward to what will be a special occasion for the school. I’m incredibly proud of them.”
Captain Ruth Leon Ryan and Vice-Captain Anna Ford also shared their thoughts ahead of the final:
“The team has grown so much over the season, and every match has tested us in different ways. The energy around the squad right now reflects everything we’ve put into reaching the final.
To be in a Senior Cup final is something special, and it means a lot to represent the school on such an occasion. We’re really looking forward to playing in front of our supporters and focusing on doing the simple things well as we aim to deliver our best performance.”
Wesley College
Wesley College have also produced a series of strong performances on their route to the SG Senior Cup Final, showcasing a consistent attacking threat throughout the competition.
They opened their campaign with an impressive 6–2 victory over Loreto Dalkey, immediately demonstrating their attacking intent. In the quarter-final, Wesley faced Holy Child Killiney in an entertaining contest, eventually securing a 3–2 win after a hard-fought battle.
The semi-final against Kilkenny College proved to be a high-quality encounter, with both teams playing excellent hockey. Wesley took the lead early, before Kilkenny responded to level the match. As the game progressed, Wesley continued to press for a winner, and with just three minutes remaining, they found the decisive goal to secure their place in the final.
Wesley College have shown a consistently high level of performance throughout the competition and will arrive at Monday’s final full of confidence.
Speaking ahead of the final, Wesley College captain Lucy Fox said:
“Every team in Leinster aims to make it to the Cup Final, so we’re delighted to be in this position. We’re really eager to get out on the pitch and give a performance that we can be proud of. The mood in the squad is very positive and we’re all extremely excited for the occasion.”
Head Coach Colm Blennerhassett added:
“It’s a massive credit to the squad and the work they’ve put in throughout the season to reach the Cup Final. While the weather has disrupted our preparation slightly this week, we’re really looking forward to the challenge that Rathdown will pose. Hopefully, we can put everything in place to deliver a strong performance for our supporters, families, and the wider school community.”
We would like to wish both Rathdown School and Wesley College the very best of luck ahead of Monday’s final. We are very much looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic match and a great occasion for school hockey.
Supporters are advised to arrive early, with gates opening at 1:00pm, and are kindly reminded not to park on the grass verge in front of Three Rock Rovers HC.
The match will be available to watch live and free on Leinster Hockey +, with live updates also shared across Leinster Hockey’s social media channels.
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