Campbell College pay perfect John McKinney tribute with Schools' Cup triumph over RBAI

The Schools’ Cup, which was first contested in 1876, remains one of the biggest occasions on the Northern Ireland sporting calendar with former pupils returning from far and wide to throw their support behind an institution which helped shape their current lives.

Tuesday’s event was steeped in emotion for Campbell with it being their first final since the sad December passing of McKinney, who enjoyed a proud 43-year association with the Belfast school, serving as senior coach and later Master in Charge of Rugby.

McKinney had a profound impact on thousands of pupils who passed through the school gates, including the current crop of players, and he was never too far from their thoughts with his initials etched onto their shirts as they took to the pitch.

Proceedings started with a minute’s applause in McKinney’s memory and ended with jubilant Campbell scenes.

The Schools’ Cup final is the pinnacle for every young rugby player in Ulster, the reward for years of hard work, and also a proud moment for their families who have offered support throughout the journey.

Scott Edmondson was present to watch son Reuben, who was named on the RBAI bench, and is well aware of the significance of the moment.

"My son is playing,” said Scott ahead of kick-off. “This is the last day they're going to play for their school so it's massive.

"Some of these guys have been playing since primary three so this is the last day of getting to play for their school.

"Campbell and Inst are both very strong rugby schools and the ethos has been instilled into them about the Schools' Cup, so it's do or die and it's one of the biggest days in their school and rugby lives. It's paramount for them."

For Hilton McGregor, an alumnus of RBAI, his school loyalties were placed to one side for the afternoon due to the fact his grandson was part of the wider Campbell squad for the showpiece event.

"My grandson is in the squad of 28,” he said. “I went to Inst myself.

"It's a massive day for the kids, it will be the biggest day of their rugby careers to date and I hope they all do well. My grandson is at Campbell so I have to support them!"

Mr Edmondson was in a similar situation – he’s a self-confessed “proud” former Ballymena Academy pupil, but with teenage son Reuben turning out for RBAI, he was at the Affidea Stadium pledging his allegiance to the Belfast school.

"The Schools' Cup is the second-oldest rugby competition in the world, I think, so it's a huge event and the support is phenomenal,” he added. “I know of people coming down from Coleraine Grammar, Ballymena, so it's amazing how rugby brings everyone together, even if their school has been knocked out.

"It's something which binds all the boys together.

"I'm a Ballymena Academy man, and a very proud one, albeit I'm supporting RBAI. I've put my loyalties to one side!"