🏑 Dr Harty Cup Power Rankings,After Round 1 (16 → 1)
Updated following the opening round results, Wednesday 15 October 2025
Round 1 of the 2025–26 TUS Dr Harty Cup reminded everyone why this competition holds such a special place in schools’ hurling.
Late frees, comeback kings, brilliant individual displays and serious early markers — it had the lot. Eight matches across Munster served up drama, defiance, and no shortage of skill.
The holders, Thurles CBS, looked ruthless. Nenagh showed flashes of brilliance. Flannan’s refused to die. And a few underdogs made sure nobody could take anything for granted this early.
We’ve reshuffled the deck after those opening results. Here’s how the sixteen contenders now stand heading into Round 2.
16. Scoil na Tríonóide Naofa (Doon) ⬇️1
Doon’s opener against Blackwater CS in Goatenbridge showed their usual honesty and heart, but they were undone by the power and pace of the Lismore outfit. Captain Darragh Coughlan led by example, while the Hanly brothers fought to the finish, yet conceding three goals left too much to do. Their structure is sound, but without a consistent scoring edge they’ll struggle to turn possession into pressure.
Verdict: Honest and combative, but already under pressure to get something in Round 2.
15. CBS High School Clonmel ⬆️1
First day at A-grade level and they nearly pulled off a shock. A two-point loss (1-24 to 2-19) away to De La Salle is no disgrace. Paddy Spelman marshalled the defence well, while Aaron Cagney led the line with real class. Their structure, intensity and ambition showed they belong.
Verdict: Spirited and lively, a performance to build serious belief.
14. John the Baptist CS (Hospital) ⬇️1
Facing the holders in your first game is a mountain, but Hospital never hid. They worked tirelessly, matching Thurles early, before the Tipp side’s depth and conditioning took over. Tiernan Ryan clipped 0-6 and Riain McNamara added 0-4 to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Verdict: Brave and honest, but they’ll need to take points from the next outing to stay in touch.
13. Cashel Community School ⬇️1
Up against a slick Árdscoil Rís in Cappamore, Cashel stayed fighting until the finish but couldn’t live with the Limerick side’s tempo. Two goals kept them in range, yet the gap in depth told. Tipp minors Senan Mackey and Shane Cooney impressed along with Charlie Hall on placed balls.
Verdict: Plenty of effort and pride, but need sharper link play and more scores from open play.
12. St Joseph’s Tulla ⬆️3
One of the stories of the round. Their 1-16 to 0-19 draw with Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG felt like a win. Matthew Corbett’s 0-14 haul, including 12 frees and a 65, was sensational. Ryan Hayes and Jerry O’Connor anchored a defence that refused to buckle.
Verdict: Structured, spirited, and much improved on last season — firmly in the mix for a quarter-final place.
11. St Colman’s College (Fermoy) ⬆️1
A cracking Rebel derby finished 0-19 apiece, and Colman’s were full value for their draw. Cormac Barry’s injury-time free snatched a deserved share of the spoils after Denis Fitzgerald’s standout display at wing-back. The Bride Rovers core gives this team identity and bite.
Verdict: Improved and gutsy, and if they can convert tight games into wins, knockout hurling is achievable.
10. Gaelcholáiste Mhuire A.G. (Cork) ⬇️2
Will feel they left one behind. Led Tulla for most of the afternoon before indiscipline crept in and Corbett punished every free. Gabhán Ó Ceallacháin’s 1-8 — including a sideline goal — was electric, and Craig Ó Súilleabháin looked lively, but they conceded too many easy scores. Sean Óg Ó hAilpín’s young side still have pace, cohesion, and ambition in abundance.
Verdict: Quality all over the field, but need cooler heads late on. The potential for a semi-final run remains real.
9. Blackwater CS (Lismore) ⬆️2
A statement victory to open. The Waterford school took control of their 3-17 to 1-14 win over Doon with relentless running and ruthless finishing. Ben Cummins produced a masterclass (1-11), Billy Murphy saved a penalty, and Fintan O’Connor’s side looked exceptionally well-coached. After last year’s heartbreak, the hunger is obvious.
Verdict: Strong, skilful, and smart — very capable of taking a big scalp in Group 3.
8. Midleton CBS ➖
What a comeback. Trailing Colman’s by four late on, they rattled off six of the final seven points to grab a 0-19 each draw. Fionn Daly’s frees were ice-cool, Cian Stack’s leadership immense, while Tom A Walsh commanded the middle. Their fitness and belief were evident.
Verdict: Resilient and clever — a team that never knows when it’s beaten.
7. Our Lady’s Templemore ⬆️2
A strong start in Knocklong as they beat CBC Cork 2-19 to 0-20. Both goals came at key moments, with Paudie O’Dwyer and Jack Bevans delivering the killer blows. Behind them, Seán Walsh and Mark Conroy ran the show. Their shape and composure under pressure impressed, and this felt like the performance of an experienced, streetwise group.
Verdict: Balanced, clinical and confident — a top-tier contender again.
6. St Flannan’s College (Ennis) ⬆️2
Ten points down at half-time and seemingly finished, but they refused to die. Harry Doherty (0-8) led from the front, John Barry and Thomas O’Connor hit the goals, and they out-worked Nenagh in every department in the final twenty minutes. That comeback to draw 2-18 to 1-21 will feel like a win inside the Ennis dressing room.
Verdict: Character in spades. Showed they can dig deep when the tide turns.
5. De La Salle College (Waterford) ➖
Survived a spirited Clonmel challenge to open with a 1-24 to 2-19 win. Jamie Shanahan’s 1-8 was pure class, Oisín Fives contributed 0-5, and the Powers — Jack and Shane — added drive. They conceded soft goals but looked composed when the pressure came on late. Experience told.
Verdict: Well-balanced, well-coached, and still on course for a long winter.
4. Árdscoil Rís (Limerick) ⬆️1
Serious intent shown in their 2-23 to 2-15 win over Cashel. Ten different scorers, pace all over, and huge work rate. Jack Cosgrove (0-6) looked unmarkable at times, while Ian O’Brien and John O’Keeffe both netted. The wides (19) remain an issue, but when they click, they look unstoppable.
Verdict: Rejuvenated, athletic, and aggressive. A clear championship front-runner.
3. Christian Brothers College (Cork) ⬇️1
They’ll be frustrated but not despondent after the 2-19 to 0-20 loss to Templemore. Eoghan O’Shea’s 0-13 was top drawer, and their late surge showed real mettle. A handful of missed chances and early rust cost them, not a lack of quality.
Verdict: Still among the elite. If they find a goal threat, they’ll challenge the very best.
2. Nenagh CBS ➖
For half an hour they were untouchable, racing into a ten-point lead over Flannan’s. But the injury to captain Eoghan Doughan changed everything. Without their talisman they lost tempo and struggled to contain Flannan’s revival. Still, drawing 1-21 to 2-18 in the toughest group is no disaster.
Verdict: Classy and composed, but will need Doughan fit to remain at full tilt.
1. Thurles CBS ➖
The holders opened like a side that fully intends to stay holders. A 0-24 to 0-15 win over Hospital was built on structure, pace and precision. Cillian Minogue hit 0-10, Tiernán Ryan and Tony Ryan buzzed around him, and Ryne Bargary anchored the defence. The Dan Breen of schools’ hurling right now.
Verdict: Ruthless, balanced, and still the gold standard of Harty hurling.
🗣️ The Takeaway
Round 1 delivered everything the Harty Cup promises — intensity, tradition, and drama.
Thurles CBS are still the gold standard, Nenagh’s class remains clear, Árdscoil Rís and De La Salle are primed, while Templemore and Flannan’s reminded everyone that heritage still counts for plenty.
For the rest, Round 2 now becomes defining.
Can Midleton, Colman’s or AG find that extra edge? Can Tulla turn their heart into a win? And will someone finally make Thurles blink?
Either way, the 2025–26 Harty Cup is shaping up to be one for the ages.
8 Things We learned from Round 1, Click HERE
| Rank | Player | School | Total | From Frees / 65s / Pens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew Corbett | St Joseph’s Tulla | 0-14 | 0-12 frees + 0-1 65 |
| 2 | Ben Cummins | Blackwater CS | 1-11 | 1-0 pen + 0-8 frees + 0-1 65 |
| 3 | Eoghan O’Shea | CBC Cork | 0-13 | 0-6 frees |
| 4 | Cillian Minogue | Thurles CBS | 0-10 | 0-6 frees |
| 5 | Cormac Barry | St Colman’s | 0-10 | 0-8 frees |
| 6 | Jamie Shanahan | De La Salle | 1-8 | 0-5 frees |
| 7 | Gabhán Ó Ceallacháin | Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG | 1-8 | 0-6 frees + 1-0 sideline + 0-1 65 |
| 8 | Fionn Daly | Midleton CBS | 0-9 | 0-5 frees |
| 9 | Harry Doherty | St Flannan’s | 0-8 | 0-6 frees |
| 10 | Eoghan Doughan | Nenagh CBS | 1-5 | 0-2 frees + 0-1 65 |
| Rank | School | Change | Result | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Scoil na Tríonóide Naofa, Doon | ⬇️1 | lost 1-14 to 3-17 v Blackwater | Struggling for spark |
| 15 | CBS High School Clonmel | ⬆️1 | lost 2-19 to 1-24 v DLS | Brave showing |
| 14 | JTB CS Hospital | ⬇️1 | lost 0-15 to 0-24 v Thurles | Outgunned |
| 13 | Cashel CS | ⬇️1 | lost 2-23 to 2-15 v Árdscoil | Effortful but limited |
| 12 | St Joseph’s Tulla | ⬆️3 | drew 1-16 to 0-19 v AG | Better than expected |
| 11 | St Colman’s College | ⬆️1 | drew 0-19 each v Midleton | Improved and gutsy |
| 10 | Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG | ⬇️2 | drew 1-16 to 0-19 v Tulla | Indiscipline costly |
| 9 | Blackwater CS | ⬆️2 | bt Doon 3-17 to 1-14 | Fast and fierce |
| 8 | Midleton CBS | ➖ | drew 0-19 each v Colman’s | Resilient and mature |
| 7 | Our Lady’s Templemore | ⬆️2 | bt CBC 2-19 to 0-20 | Balanced and confident |
| 6 | St Flannan’s | ⬆️2 | drew 2-18 to 1-21 v Nenagh | Gritty and relentless |
| 5 | De La Salle | ➖ | bt Clonmel 1-24 to 2-19 | Calm and composed |
| 4 | Árdscoil Rís | ⬆️1 | bt Cashel 2-23 to 2-15 | Slick and physical |
| 3 | CBC Cork | ⬇️1 | lost 0-20 to 2-19 v Templemore | Still contenders |
| 2 | Nenagh CBS | ➖ | drew 1-21 to 2-18 v Flannan’s | Classy but injury hit |
| 1 | Thurles CBS | ➖ | bt JTB CS 0-24 to 0-15 | Ruthless and efficient |
All Scorers, grouped by school , on mobile , touch to expand
Thurles CBS Thurles CBS
- C Minogue0-106f
- Tiarnán Ryan0-4
- Tony Ryan0-3
- J Butler0-2
- D Barry0-2
- D Hickey0-1
- D Doyle0-1
- J Cahill0-1f
JTBCS John the Baptist CS, Hospital
- T Ryan0-65f
- R McNamara0-4
- S O’Dea0-3
- M Hanly0-1
- C O’Dwyer0-1
Blackwater Blackwater CS
- B Cummins1-111 pen, 8f, 1×65
- A Cummins1-1
- S Óg Costin1-1
- J McDonnell0-2
- H Quann0-1
- J Twomey0-1
Doon Scoil na Tríonóide Naofa
- D Crowe0-62f, 1×65
- R McGrath0-44f
- J McLoughlin1-0
- J Dawson0-3
- C Kenny0-1
GCM AG Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG
- G Ó Ceallacháin1-86f, 1×65, 1 sdl
- C Ó Suilleabháin0-42f
- L Ó Muirthile0-2
- E Mac Eochán0-1
- S Ó Cathaláin0-1
Tulla St Joseph’s Tulla
- M Corbett0-1412f, 1×65
- L Murphy0-1
- A O’Driscoll0-1
- C Leamy0-1
- M Vaughan0-1
- J O’Connor0-1
ASR Ardscoil Rís, Limerick
- I O’Brien1-4
- J Cosgrove0-6
- J O’Keeffe0-4f
- E Brosnan0-2
- S Waters0-2
- M McKenna0-1
- J O’Connor0-1
- D O’Keeffe0-1
- G O’Brien0-1
- C Conlon Ryan0-1
Cashel Cashel CS
- S Cooney0-76f, 1×65
- S Mackey1-0
- W Colville1-0
- C Hall0-3f
- C Walsh0-2
- C Fogarty0-2
- T Meracre0-1
Templemore Our Lady’s Templemore
- J Bevans1-91-7f
- P O’Dwyer1-2
- B Coffey0-2
- S Gleeson0-2
- B Collier0-1
- C Broderick0-1
- S Walsh0-1
- J Ryan0-1
CBC CBC Cork
- E O’Shea0-136f
- C Lawton0-3
- B Hegarty0-2
- M Quill0-1
- M T Brosnan0-1
DLS De La Salle College, Waterford
- J Shanahan1-85f
- O Fives0-5
- T Ryan0-3
- C O’Brien0-3
- S Power0-3
- J Power0-1
- M Moloney0-1
Clonmel CBS High School Clonmel
- A Cagney0-85f, 1×65
- C Morrisson1-3
- M McGuire1-0
- F Napier0-2
- B Roche0-2
- J Yousif0-2
- H Lawlor0-2
Midleton Midleton CBS
- F Daly0-95f
- C Stack0-3
- E Connolly0-2
- S Ring0-2
- S Murtagh0-1
- B Geary0-1
- D Heavin0-1
Colman’s St Colman’s College, Fermoy
- C Barry0-108f
- S McCarthy0-3
- J O’Keeffe0-21f
- O Hegarty0-1
- J Counihan0-1
- M Kenny0-1
Nenagh St Joseph’s CBS Nenagh
- E Doughan1-50-2f, 0-1×65
- P Ryan0-5f
- P Cahalan0-3
- P Hackett0-2
- E Tucker0-2
- P McCormack0-1f
- S Cleary0-1
- A Duff0-1
- L McKeogh0-1
Flannan’s St Flannan’s College, Ennis
- H Doherty0-86f
- T O’Connor1-2
- J Barry1-0
- P Finneran0-3
- J Cullinan0-1
- C Daly0-1
- D Kennedy0-1
- E O’Connor0-1
- D McNamara0-1