Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Divisions – Round 12 Highlights
Saturday, January 25 saw intense action across all divisions in the Energia All-Ireland League.
Division 1A
City of Armagh Claimed a Narrow Win Against Young Munster
In an exciting match at Palace Grounds, City of Armagh edged out Young Munster 16-15. Kyle Faloon proved pivotal for City of Armagh, scoring 16 points with two tries, a conversion, and three penalties. Young Munster fought hard, with scores from Hubert Gilvarry and Ihechi Oji, as well as Julian Leszczynski’s conversion and penalty. The half-time score was closely contested at 10-12 in favor of Young Munster.
Clontarf Overcame Lansdowne in a Thrilling Encounter
The Castle Avenue clash saw Clontarf dominate with a 49-46 victory. Fionn Gilbert, Tadhg Bird, Dylan Donnellan, and John Vinson all contributed tries for Clontarf, with Conor Kelly superbly scoring four conversions and three penalties. Lansdowne fought back with tries from Andy Marks, Ruairi Clarke, Rory Parata, Juan Beukes, and Hugo McLaughlin, along with Stephen Madigan contributing five conversions and two penalties. Both teams were level at the break, 24-24.
Garryowen Importantly Defeated Terenure College
Garryowen secured a 9-26 win at Dooradoyle with strong penalty-shooting from Jack Oliver, while Terenure College capitalized on turnovers and powerful forwards to score five tries. Chris Cosgrave had an outstanding game for Terenure, scoring five conversions. The halftime score saw Garryowen with a small 3-21 lead.
Cork Constitution Outscored St. Mary’s College
In a closely contested match at Templeville Road, St. Mary’s College initially led 10-11. However, Cork Constitution fought back with tries from George Coomber, Jack Kelleher, Louis Kahn, and Adam Maher, along with two conversions and two penalties from James Taylor. Mark Fogarty’s impressive four tries were countered by George Coomber’s efforts. Half-time saw St. Mary’s College in the lead 10-11, but Cork Constitution slipped ahead in the second half to secure a 30-29 win.
Ballynahinch Surprised UCD at Home
The match at UCD Bowl ended in a 10-22 victory for Ballynahinch. Matthew Booth and Kelvin Hamilton’s three tries were crucial, while UCD only managed a try from Bobby Sheehan along with a conversion and penalty from James Tarrant. The halftime lead for Ballynahinch was 10-7, which they extended after halftime.
Division 1B
Blackrock College Maintained Their Formative Victory over Naas
At Stradbrook, Blackrock College overcame Naas with a 36-29 scoreline. Brian Colclough, Liam McMahon, Barry Galvin, Kaylam Tytherleigh, and two penalty tries secured Blackrock’s victory. Naas earned tries from Jack Sheridan, Cormac King, Ryan Casey, and Cillian Dempsey, along with contributions from Peter Osborne. The halftime score saw Blackrock College in the lead 24-17.
Dublin University’s Triumph over UCC
College Park witnessed Dublin University’s 24-21 triumph over UCC. Noah Byrne and Mark Walsh scored tries for Dublin University, with Matty Lynch contributing three conversions and a penalty. UCC’s Michael Cogan, Sean Condon, and Sean Dunne managed tries, countered by Harry Murphy’s three conversions. Dublin University led 10-14 at halftime but overcame UCC in the second half.
Old Wesley Found Dettol Force in Highfield
The Woodleigh Park game saw Highfield edge out Old Wesley with a narrow 13-6 win. Richard Cassidy’s try and Shane O’Riordan’s consistent scoring helped Highfield dominate the half, leading 3-3 at halftime. Shane O’Riordan’s three penalties gave Highfield the final victory. Old Wesley managed only two penalties from Ian Cassidy.
Nenagh Ormond Backed Up Their Reputation Against Shannon
At New Ormond Park, Nenagh Ormond Triumphed 24-18 against Shannon. Dylan Murphy and Kevin O’Flaherty’s tries, supported by Conor McMahon’s two conversions and a penalty, led Nenagh Ormond. Shannon’s Matt Te Pou managed a try, with only a penalty try conversion from John O’Sullivan. Both teams were level at halftime, 3-3, before Nenagh Ormond pulled ahead.
Old Belvedere Outshone Queen’s University
Old Belvedere demonstrated overwhelming dominance in their match at Ollie Campbell Park, beating Queen’s University 71-14. Multiple tries from Jack Keating, Andre Ryan, Calum Dowling, Jayden Beckett, Joe White, and Joshua Ericson secured Old Belvedere’s success. Johnny Kiely and David Wilkinson’s freckle-filling conversions were pivotal. Queen’s University’s Bryan O’Connor and Josh Stevens managed tries, yet fell short against Old Belvedere’s onslaught. Old Belvedere led 33-7 at halftime and capitalized on their second-half momentum.
Division 2A
Old Crescent Triumphed over Ballymena
Ballymena’s match against Old Crescent ended in a surprising 10-27 defeat at Eaton Park. Old Crescent’s strong performances from Timmy Duggan, Jamie Duggan, and the consistent conversion shooting from Ronan McKenna proved decisive. Ballymena managed three tries from Daniel Vercoe Rogers, Dean Millar, and Rodger McBurney, with Tristan Ferguson’s contributions. The half-time score was closely contested, 10-10.
Banbridge Dominated Navan
Rifle Park hosted Banbridge, who decisively defeated Navan 29-21. Michael Cromie, Peter Cromie, Alexander Weir, and Matthew Heasley’s tries powered Banbridge, with Jack Hart adding three conversions and Nathan Hook one penalty. Navan’s Harry Devlin, Mathijs De Wit, and Ben McEntagart’s tries were countered by Tom Gavigan’s two penalties. The first half saw Banbridge leading by 14-11.
Cashel RFC’s Victory over Corinthians
Spafield saw Cashel RFC overcome Corinthians with a 13-5 scoreline. Tom Tobin’s try and Timothy Townsend’s two conversions and penalties proved decisive. James Nicholson’s sole try was countered inadequately by Corinthians, giving Cashel RFC a 10-5 half-time lead, which they capitalized on.
MU Barnhall Managed a Narrow Victory over Instonians
Parsonstown hosted MU Barnhall in a closely contested match, ending in a 35-31 victory. The strong defensive prowess and tries from Greg Edogun, Matt Grogan, Cathal Duff, and Jack Hannon secured MU Barnhall the lead, along with Adam Chester and Jack Hannon’s conversions and penalties. Bevan Prinsloo, Glen Faloon, Josh Eagleson, and Oli Clark’s tries and Josh Eagleson’s three conversions kept Instonians in contention. Half-time saw MU Barnhall leading 15-14.
Division 2B
Clogher Valley’s Narrow Victory over Sligo
The Cran in Fivemiletown hosted Clogher Valley, who narrowly edged Sligo 11-6. Clogher Valley’s Callum Smyton managed a try, supported by David Maxwell’s penalty. Sligo’s two penalties from Euan Brown were insufficient to secure a win. Clogher Valley led 6-0 at halftime and maintained their lead.
Galwegians Defeated Dungannon
Galwegians triumphed at Crowley Park with a 10-8 victory over Dungannon. Steven Mannion’s try and penalty were crucial for Galwegians. Dungannon’s James Gamble managed a try supported by Ben McCaughey’s conversion and penalty. Both teams were tight at half-time, 0-7, and Galwegians pulled ahead in the second half.
Rainey RFC’s Impressive Victory over Skerries
Skerries’ challenge at Hatrick Park was overcome by Rainey RFC’s 34-5 dominance. Killene Thornton, Jack Hardy’s two tries, and Jody McMurray’s try were key to Rainey RFC’s success, with Scott McLean adding two conversions and a penalty. Kevin McGrath’s sole try for Skerries gave them minimal standing. The half-time score gave Rainey RFC a comfortable 19-5 lead.
Malone’s Resilient Comeback against UL Bohemian
UL 4G’s match against Malone saw UL Bohemian leading 7-17 at halftime. Joe Johnson, Oisin Fagan, and Liam Neilan’s tries for UL Bohemian were counterbalanced by Dara Gaskin, Sam Green’s two tries, and Matty Rea’s two conversions and eleven penalties. The second-half resilience of Malone secured their 20-19 win.
Wanderers Easily Defeated Malahide
At Merrion Road, Wanderers showcased their superiority over Malahide with a 38-5 victory. Jamie Murphy, Jamie Kavanagh, Aaron O’Callaghan, Connor Fenlon, and JJ McIlwraith’s tries were bolstered by David Fitzgibbon’s five conversions and a penalty. Daniel Hayes’ try was the lone contribution from Malahide. Wanderers took an early 21-5 lead at halftime and continued their dominance.
Division 2C
Ballyclare RFC’s Marginal Victory over Dolphin
Ballyclare RFC secured a 25-22 win at Ballyclare RFC against Dolphin. Joel McBride’s two tries and Matthew McDowell’s two conversions and two penalties led Ballyclare. Cameron O’Shaughnessy, Cian Scott, and Karl Waterman’s tries for Dolphin were countered by Jordan Soli’s two conversions and one penalty. Ballyclare’s half-time lead was 10-7.
Belfast Harl. Demonstrated Mastery over Monkstown
At Deramore Park, Belfast Harl. secured a 22-17 win over Monkstown. Thomas Armstrong, Ross Cadzow, and Stephen Hunter’s tries bolstered by Ben Power’s two conversions and one penalty were pivotal. Cian O’Donoghue’s try and a penalty try conversion for Monkstown were insufficient to overshadow Belfast Harl.’s offensive might. The half-time score had Belfast Harl. ahead 12-14.
Bruff’s Edged Win over Tullamore
Kilballyowen Park’s match ended with Bruff securing a 20-15 result against Tullamore. John Sheehan and a penalty try gave Bruff an insurmountable lead, which was bolstered by Paul Collins’ two conversions and two penalties. Josh Huddleston and Scott Milne’s tries from Tullamore were insufficient. Bruff led 17-3 at halftime.
Enniscorthy’s Dominant Victory Over Clonmel
At Alcast Park, Enniscorthy obliterated Clonmel with a 31-25 result. Rhyan Whelan, Ivan Jacob, Nick Doyle, Liam Stamp, and Tony Ryan’s tries were bolstered by Rhyan Whelan’s three conversions. Michael Connellan and Luke Hogan’s tries for Clonmel were countered by Joey O’Connor’s five penalties. Enniscorthy led 10-12 at halftime, making a strong comeback in the second half.
Omagh Acad. Surprised Midleton
Omagh Acad. secured a 15-7 win against Midleton at Midleton RFC. Fintan Lagan, Matty Eccles, Josh Kyle, Connor Watherston-Spencer, Ryan Mitchell, Scott Elliott, Sam Beattie, David Braden, Phil Ewing, Simon Creane, David