Dr Harty Cup U19 A Quarter Finals.
The Dr Harty Cup now moves into knockout territory, where form, scoring power and defensive resilience all come under the sharpest scrutiny. Group-stage margins disappear, reputations count for little, and one bad quarter can undo weeks of solid work. Wednesday January 7th throws up four fascinating quarter-finals, each with a very different profile.
Below is a full, data-driven preview of each tie, factoring in scoring output, concession rates, key individuals and match-up trends, before a clear prediction on each outcome.
Quarter-Final A
Thurles CBS v De La Salle College Waterford
Wednesday January 7th, 1:30pm, Castlelyons
This is the tie that immediately draws the eye, the holders against one of the most physically imposing sides left in the competition.
Thurles CBS form profile
Thurles arrive with the strongest overall numbers in the competition. Three wins from three, 89 scored, just 45 conceded and a scoring difference of +44 underline a side that are both ruthless in attack and miserly in defence. They have averaged close to 33 points per game while keeping opponents to an average of 15.
Cillian Minogue remains the metronome, his consistency from frees setting the platform, but the real danger for opponents is how many different sources Thurles have for goals. James Butler, Leelan Donoghue and Tomás Ryan all bring genuine goal threat, while Jack Cahill and Eoghan Hickey ensure there is no let-up when frees are on offer. Defensively, they have not been dragged into shootouts, controlling tempo and territory superbly.
De La Salle Waterford form profile
De La Salle qualified early from Group 2 and still finished with a +12 scoring difference, 77 for and 65 against. Their two wins showed their strength, particularly the 0-25 return against St Colman’s, but the Round 3 loss to Midleton exposed a vulnerability when pressure is sustained for long periods.
Eoin Burke has been their most reliable scorer, supported well by Shane Power and Jamie Shanahan, but they have not posted a goal tally to match Thurles’ output. Conceding 2-14 to Midleton, while also hitting 19 wides, suggests that efficiency will be critical if they are to live with the champions.
Match-up verdict
Thurles’ balance is the key. They can win tight games, but they can also pull clear decisively, something De La Salle have not yet shown at this level. Over 60 minutes on heavy January ground, Thurles’ depth and defensive structure should tell.
Prediction: Thurles CBS by 6 points
Projected score: Thurles CBS 2-20, De La Salle Waterford 1-17
| School | Player | Total Score | Total (G-P) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackwater CS | Ben Cummins | 35 | 2-29 |
| Tulla | Matthew Corbett | 34 | 0-34 |
| Nenagh CBS | Eoghan Doughan | 34 | 3-25 |
| HS Clonmel | Aaron Cagney | 30 | 0-30 |
| St. Flannans | Harry Doherty | 30 | 3-21 |
| Our Lady’s T’more | Jack Bevans | 29 | 1-26 |
| CBC Cork | Eoghan O’Shea | 28 | 1-25 |
| St. Colmans Fermoy | Cormac Barry | 26 | 0-26 |
| Midleton CBS | Fionn Daly | 25 | 1-22 |
| JTB Hospital | Tiernan Ryan | 23 | 1-20 |
| Gaelcholáiste Mhuire | Gabhán O’Ceallachain | 22 | 1-19 |
| Gaelcholáiste Mhuire | Craig O’Suilleabhán | 19 | 1-16 |
| Ard Scoil Rís | Jack Cosgrove | 17 | 0-17 |
| Nenagh CBS | Paul Cahalan | 17 | 3-08 |
| Thurles CBS | Cillian Minogue | 16 | 0-16 |
| Thurles CBS | Tiarnán Ryan | 16 | 0-16 |
| STN Doon | Diarmuid Crowe | 16 | 1-13 |
| De La Salle | Eoin Burke | 15 | 0-15 |
| Nenagh CBS | Patrick Ryan | 15 | 3-06 |
| Ard Scoil Rís | John O’Keeffe | 14 | 1-11 |
| HS Clonmel | Conal Morrisson | 14 | 1-11 |
| Cashel CS | Senan Mackey | 12 | 2-06 |
| De La Salle | Jamie Shanahan | 12 | 1-09 |
| Thurles CBS | Jack Cahill | 11 | 1-08 |
| Cashel CS | Shane Cooney | 11 | 0-11 |
| Our Lady’s T’more | Philip O’Dwyer | 11 | 2-05 |
| De La Salle | Shane Power | 11 | 0-11 |
| Thurles CBS | James Butler | 10 | 1-07 |
| St. Flannans | Patrick Finneran | 10 | 0-10 |
Quarter-Final B
Midleton CBS v Nenagh CBS
Wednesday January 7th, 1:30pm, Bansha
Arguably the most explosive contest of the four, pitting the most consistent side in Group 2 against the most devastating attack in the competition.
Midleton CBS form profile
Midleton topped Group 2 unbeaten, scoring 83 and conceding just 59, for a +24 return. They have built momentum steadily across the rounds, improving with each outing. The Round 3 win over De La Salle was particularly impressive in its control and composure.
Fionn Daly has been central, finishing the group phase on 1-22, combining dead-ball accuracy with a knack for big moments. The spine of the team is strong, with Tom C Walsh contributing from goal, Senan Carroll driving play, and Cormac Deane providing a direct threat inside. Importantly, Midleton have shown they can absorb pressure and still finish strongly.
Nenagh CBS form profile
Nenagh’s numbers are frightening. Ninety-three scored, just 54 conceded, and a +39 scoring difference, with seven goals in one game against Cashel underlining their firepower. Eoghan Doughan has been operating at a different level, finishing the group phase with 3-25, a blend of frees, 65s and scores from play.
Patrick Ryan and Paul Cahalan add further goal threat, while Emmet Jones and Hugo Healy ensure Nenagh are never reliant on one player. Their risk is obvious too, when games open up, they can concede, as seen in the draw with St Flannan’s.
Match-up verdict
This feels like a game that could swing on discipline and shot selection. Nenagh will look to turn it into a scoring contest, while Midleton will want to control possession and limit goal chances. If Nenagh get early goals, they could blow this open, but if Midleton keep it tight into the final quarter, their composure may edge it.
Prediction: Nenagh CBS by 3 points
Projected score: Nenagh CBS 2-21, Midleton CBS 1-21
| School | Player | Score from Play (G-P) | Total from Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBC Cork | Eoghan O’Shea | 1-14 | 17 |
| Nenagh CBS | Paul Cahalan | 3-08 | 17 |
| Nenagh CBS | Eoghan Doughan | 3-07 | 16 |
| St. Flannans | Harry Doherty | 3-07 | 16 |
| Ard Scoil Rís | Jack Cosgrove | 0-15 | 15 |
| Thurles CBS | Tiarnán Ryan | 0-14 | 14 |
| HS Clonmel | Conal Morrisson | 1-10 | 13 |
| Gaelcholáiste Mhuire | Craig O’Suilleabhán | 1-08 | 11 |
| Our Lady’s T’more | Philip O’Dwyer | 2-05 | 11 |
| De La Salle | Shane Power | 0-11 | 11 |
| Thurles CBS | James Butler | 1-07 | 10 |
| Blackwater CS | Ben Cummins | 1-07 | 10 |
| Midleton CBS | Fionn Daly | 1-07 | 10 |
| Nenagh CBS | Patrick Ryan | 3-01 | 10 |
| St. Flannans | Patrick Finneran | 0-10 | 10 |
| Tulla | Matthew Corbett | 0-09 | 9 |
| Tulla | M Vaughan | 1-06 | 9 |
| De La Salle | O Fives | 0-09 | 9 |
| St. Flannans | Eoin O’Connor | 1-06 | 9 |
| Thurles CBS | Leelan Donoghue | 1-05 | 8 |
| Tulla | J O’Donnell | 1-05 | 8 |
| Ard Scoil Rís | Ian O’Brien | 1-05 | 8 |
| HS Clonmel | Mikey McGuire | 2-02 | 8 |
| Midleton CBS | Cormac Deane | 2-02 | 8 |
| Thurles CBS | Chris Dunne | 1-04 | 7 |
| JTB Hospital | Tiernan Ryan | 1-04 | 7 |
| STN Doon | Conor Kenny | 2-01 | 7 |
| Cashel CS | Senan Mackey | 2-01 | 7 |
| St. Colmans Fermoy | D Fitzgerald | 2-01 | 7 |
| St. Colmans Fermoy | R Donovan | 2-01 | 7 |
| Nenagh CBS | Eanna Tucker | 1-04 | 7 |
| St. Flannans | Darragh McNamara | 1-04 | 7 |
Quarter-Final C
St Joseph’s Secondary School Tulla v Blackwater Community School Lismore
Wednesday January 7th, 1:30pm, Kilmallock
A fascinating clash of styles, the most efficient side in Group 4 against a team capable of huge scoring bursts.
Tulla form profile
Tulla were quietly outstanding in the group stage. Unbeaten, top of Group 4, 84 scored and just 61 conceded for a +23 difference. Their consistency stands out, with Matthew Corbett delivering an extraordinary 0-34 across three rounds.
What separates Tulla is not just Corbett’s scoring, but their ability to win different types of games. They drew a tight opener, then beat Templemore in a high-scoring shootout, and finally showed composure and patience against CBC. Michael Vaughan’s leadership and their strong middle third make them very hard to disrupt.
Blackwater CS form profile
Blackwater’s path has been anything but smooth. They scored 80 points but conceded 71, and that heavy defeat to Thurles left scars on their numbers. However, their Round 3 performance against John the Baptist CS was excellent.
Ben Cummins is the obvious headline act, with 2-29 across the group phase, including a staggering 1-14 in the decisive game. When Blackwater click, they score heavily and quickly, but defensively they have shown they can be opened up by organised opposition.
Match-up verdict
If this becomes an open game, Blackwater have the firepower to cause real problems. However, Tulla’s structure, discipline and ability to slow games down should frustrate them. Corbett’s reliability from placed balls gives Tulla a huge edge in a tight contest.
Prediction: St Joseph’s Tulla by 4 points
Projected score: Tulla 1-19, Blackwater CS 1-15
| School | Games | Total Goals Scored | Avg Score per Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thurles CBS | 3 | 6 | 32.33 |
| Nenagh CBS | 3 | 12 | 31.00 |
| St. Flannans | 3 | 7 | 28.00 |
| Tulla | 3 | 3 | 23.33 |
| Ard Scoil Rís | 3 | 3 | 23.00 |
| Our Lady’s T’more | 3 | 6 | 22.00 |
| De La Salle | 3 | 1 | 21.33 |
| Gaelcholáiste Mhuire | 3 | 4 | 21.33 |
| St. Colmans Fermoy | 3 | 5 | 21.33 |
| HS Clonmel | 3 | 3 | 21.00 |
| Midleton CBS | 3 | 5 | 21.00 |
| CBC Cork | 3 | 3 | 20.33 |
| Blackwater CS | 3 | 5 | 19.33 |
| STN Doon | 3 | 5 | 17.33 |
| JTB Hospital | 3 | 2 | 15.67 |
| Cashel CS | 3 | 3 | 14.67 |
Quarter-Final D
St Flannan’s College Ennis v Our Lady’s Secondary School Templemore
Wednesday January 7th, 1:30pm, TUS Moylish
A repeat of a classic Clare–Tipperary schools rivalry, with both sides hardened by demanding group campaigns.
St Flannan’s form profile
Flannan’s finished unbeaten, scoring 103 and conceding 75, the highest scoring total of any quarter-finalist bar Nenagh. Harry Doherty has been immense, posting 3-21 across three games, including the decisive late goal against Ardscoil Rís.
They are not just about Doherty though. Patrick Finneran, the Ball brothers and Ronan Ralph provide constant support, and they have shown an ability to find goals when momentum is slipping. Their concern will be defensive lapses, particularly when teams run directly at them.
Templemore form profile
Templemore scraped through, but that should not be underestimated. They scored 67 and conceded 66, a narrow margin, but their wins were built on resilience and mental toughness.
Jack Bevans’ placed-ball accuracy has been crucial, while the influence of Shay Gleeson at centre back gives them real authority. They showed against The Mon that they can absorb pressure and still produce late scores when it matters most.
Match-up verdict
This has all the makings of a tight, physical contest. Flannan’s scoring ceiling is higher, and over the course of 60 minutes that may be decisive, but Templemore will not go away easily. Expect swings in momentum and a nervy finish.
Prediction: St Flannan’s College by 5 points
Projected score: St Flannan’s 2-18, Our Lady’s Templemore 1-16
| School | Games | Total Goals Conceded | Avg Score Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thurles CBS | 3 | 3 | 15.00 |
| Midleton CBS | 3 | 0 | 17.00 |
| Nenagh CBS | 3 | 3 | 18.00 |
| St. Flannans | 3 | 2 | 18.67 |
| Tulla | 3 | 5 | 18.67 |
| JTB Hospital | 3 | 3 | 20.33 |
| De La Salle | 3 | 6 | 20.67 |
| Our Lady’s T’more | 3 | 2 | 20.67 |
| St. Colmans Fermoy | 3 | 1 | 20.67 |
| Gaelcholáiste Mhuire | 3 | 3 | 21.33 |
| Blackwater CS | 3 | 3 | 21.33 |
| Ard Scoil Rís | 3 | 7 | 24.33 |
| HS Clonmel | 3 | 7 | 26.33 |
| CBC Cork | 3 | 6 | 26.33 |
| STN Doon | 3 | 9 | 28.00 |
| Cashel CS | 3 | 13 | 35.33 |
Final word
The quarter-finals bring together the most complete teams with the most dangerous individual scorers. Thurles remain the benchmark, Nenagh look the most explosive, and Tulla the most efficient. By Wednesday evening, the shape of the championship will be far clearer, but expect drama, goals and fine margins across all four ties.