The first round proper of the John Minnis Burney Cup gets underway this weekend, marking the beginning of the 100th edition of the historic schoolboy competition.
Currently held by Royal Belfast Academical Institution, the competition was launched in 1920, but due to WW2 and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it is only now entering its 100th year.
The first final took place on 22 April 1920 at the Ormeau Road grounds of North of Ireland Rugby & Cricket Club. The final was marked by future Irish rugby union and cricket international A.C. Douglas of Royal Belfast Academical Institution scoring all six goals in his team’s victory.
Ahead of the 100th edition of the competition, Ulster Hockey CEO said;
“The Burney Cup is one of our most prestigous competitions in Ulster and we are delighted to be able to celebrate its 100th edition this year.
Over the last century this competition has been a staple of schoolboy hockey in the province and I am sure it has provided many happy memories for those of have participated in it.
There is also a long history of success stories from those who have both played in and won the Burney Cup with former Olympians, international athletes and of course hockey stars of the past and present all competing down the years.
I would also like to thank our sponsors, John Minnis who are entering their third year of sponsorship and have shown us tremendous support over that time. I would also like to extend our congratulations to them as they enter their 20th year of business in 2025.”
Throughout its long history, the John Minnis Burney Cup has been won by many well-known names across the province from many International hockey players such as the Gleghorne brothers and 2024 GB Olympic captain David Ames – but also successful athletes from other sports such as 2024 Olympic Bronze medallist in double sculls Philip Doyle (2010 & 2011 Banbridge Academy) and Northern Ireland football legend Aaron Hughes (1996 & 1997 Cookstown High School).
It is the Lisburn sides who have prevailed most often in the competition with Friends’ School Lisburn Wallace High School (19) being crowned champions most often whilst the sides have reached a combined 55 finals.
Last season, a brace from RBAI’s John Cunningham saw his side crowned winners of the John Minnis Burney Cup for a 14th time, ending a 20 year wait for the Belfast school to get their hands on the coveted prize, last winning it in 2004 with future GB player and current coach Mark Gleghorne in the squad that day.
Speaking on the prestigious cup, the 244 capped International said;
“The Burney Cup is the showpiece event for schoolboy hockey in Ulster and that always excites those who are competing in it.
Last year we beat Banbridge in an excellent final, ending a 20 year drought for the school in this competition and we know we will face tough opposition again this year, but will be doing everything we can do to retain the title come March time.”
The first-round fixtures are as follows:
Royal & Prior School vs Friends’ School Lisburn
Bangor Grammar School vs Portadown College
Sullivan Upper School vs Methodist College Belfast
Cookstown High School vs Kilkeel High School
Campbell College Belfast have already progressed to the quarter-finals with a midweek 4-0 victory over Grosvenor Grammar School.
Furthermore, R.B.A.I, Banbridge Academy and Wallace High School were all given a ‘bye’ into the next round.