Anger as PBC only allowed limited number of fans at Junior Cup final over use of smoke bombs at senior match

A general view inside Thomond Park. Photo: Sportsfile

Cian Tracey

The number of student supporters from Presentation Brothers College (PBC) will be limited for tomorrow’s Junior Cup final against Ardscoil Rís at Thomond Park.

The development comes on the back of a decision by the Munster Branch after PBC students were alleged to have set off smoke bombs at last week’s Senior Cup final win over Cork city rivals Christian Brothers College (CBC).

It is understood that PBC planned to send approximately 500 student supporters to Limerick tomorrow, however, a Munster spokesperson confirmed that ‘a derogation of up to 100 students from the Junior Cycle only are permitted to attend.”

The directive has caused major outrage in PBC, with many parents angry that their sons will not be allowed to attend the Junior Cup final due to the actions of others.

They also deem Ardscoil, who will bring a large local support, to have an unfair advantage on what is the biggest day of these young players’ sporting lives.

“It’s not the case that PBC supporters are not allowed into the Junior Cup final tomorrow,” a Munster spokesperson said.

“Supporters are permitted but there is a limit imposed on the school as a result of the school breaching Munster Branch regulations. It was due to smoke bombs (deemed a safety risk) being let off in the designated PBC supporters’ area during the Pinergy Munster Schools Boys Senior Cup final. A derogation of up to 100 students from the Junior Cycle only are permitted to attend.

"Given the timing of tomorrow’s game an objection would need to be submitted later today in accordance with regulations of the Munster Branch IRFU."

PBC may decide to lodge an appeal against the Munster Branch’s ruling, but with the game kicking off at 2.0 tomorrow, time is against them.