Mixed results for Limerick teams in the AIL

By Diarmuid Kearney
IT was another pivotal weekend across the Energia All-Ireland League, with the early pace-setters in several divisions reinforcing their credentials and a number of relegation battles tightening. From heavyweight clashes in 1A to eye-catching statements in the Women’s Division, and from drama in Division 2 to knockout drama in the Junior Cup, the latest round delivered no shortage of storylines.
In 1A, Clontarf laid down the biggest marker of the round with a 29-24 win over Terenure College at Castle Avenue. A fast, physical opening half saw tries from Alex O’Grady and a Dylan Donnellan brace, while replacement David Ryan delivered what proved the decisive score. Terenure struck through John Devine, Patrick Ryan, Chris Cosgrave and Harrison Brewer, but Tarf’s defensive steel in the closing minutes secured a signature victory.
Lansdowne strengthened their top-four claim with an 18-10 win over Ballynahinch on the Aviva back pitch, early scores from Harry Van Eaden and Jack Matthews doing enough despite sustained pressure from Hinch. Cork Constitution came out on top in a 29-26 thriller at Young Munster, Eoghan Smyth’s double and Aidan Moynihan’s 14-point haul outweighing Hubert Gilvarry’s hat-trick for the Cookies. St Mary’s were in free-scoring form as they swept past Nenagh Ormond 49-15, while Old Belvedere proved too strong for UCD in a 36-12 victory, moving them clear of the drop zone.
In the Women’s Division, holders UL Bohemian produced another standout result, defeating Wicklow 43-10 with Lily Brady and Beth Buttimer sharing five tries. Eabha Nic Dhonnacha added two more as Bohs broke the game open after the interval. Blackrock’s recent unbeaten run continued with a commanding 44-12 win at home to Ennis.
Railway Union delivered the most extraordinary scoreline of the weekend, a 105-0 win away to Cooke. Old Belvedere staged a superb second-half comeback to overturn Galwegians 22-19, and Ballincollig impressed at Tullow, taking a 31-10 win thanks to Brighid Twohig’s brace.
UCC climbed off the bottom spot in the 1B table as they took a valuable away win, beating Blackrock 19-14. Leaders Old Wesley continued their winning run, while Instonians had a Belfast derby win over Queen’s. City Of Armagh moved to fourth following their win at home to Naas, with Garryowen dropping points elsewhere.
In 2A, Shannon shut out Corinthians 21-0 to move third, Greystones closed the gap to fourth with a win away at Cashel, leaders MU Barnhall remained unbeaten with a big win at home to Ballymena, while Dungannon and Old Crescent picked up key wins at either end of the table.
Sligo returned to winning ways at home to UL Bohemian in 2B, Galwegians again impressed, growing their lead to 11 points at the summit, while Malone and Clogher Valley picked up key wins in the top four race. Buccaneers picked up their second of the season elsewhere.
In Division 2C, Clonmel are the new leaders after a 29-21 win away to Midleton, Thomond dropped to second after their second loss of the season away to Monkstown, while Bective Rangers, Bruff and Dolphin also secured wins.
There was knockout intensity in the Junior Cup ties. Seapoint booked their ticket to the Energia Men’s Junior Cup Semi-Final with a 30-20 win over Wicklow, aided by Oisin McKenna’s hat trick. While in the Energia Women’s Junior Cup Semi-Finals, MU Barnhall’s dream of four in a row lives on as they delivered late on for a 36-27 win at home to Queen’s setting up a final with Enniskillen, who secured a 27-14 win away to Tuam, Sophie Barrett and India Daley crossing for a brace of tries.
Results:
Energia All-Ireland League Division 1A
Clontarf 29-24 Terenure College, Castle Avenue
Lansdowne 18-10 Ballynahinch, Aviva Stadium Back Pitch
Old Belvedere 36-12 UCD, Ollie Campbell Park
St Mary’s College 49-15 Nenagh Ormond, Templeville Road
Young Munster 26-29 Cork Constitution, Tom Clifford Park
Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division
Wicklow 10-43 UL Bohemian, Ashtown Lane
Blackrock College 44-12 Ennis, Stradbrook
Cooke 0-105 Railway Union, Shaw’s Bridge
Galwegians 19-22 Old Belvedere, Crowley Park
Tullow 10-31 Ballincollig, Rathoe Road
Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B
Blackrock College 14-19 UCC, Stradbrook
City Of Armagh 47-33 Naas, Palace Grounds
Garryowen 21-27 Dublin University, Dooradoyle
Highfield 17-21 Old Wesley, Woodleigh Park
Queen’s University 7-40 Instonians
Energia All-Ireland League Division 2A
Shannon 21-0 Galway Corinthians, Thomond Park
Banbridge 25-28 Dungannon, Rifle Park
Cashel 19-25 Greystones, Spafield
MU Barnhall 41-20 Ballymena, Parsonstown
Old Crescent 22-17 Wanderers, Takumi Park
Energia All-Ireland League Division 2B
Sligo 24-13 UL Bohemian, Hamilton Park
Clogher Valley 33-15 Navan, The Cran
Galwegians 41-24 Enniscorthy, Crowley Park
Malone 22-27 Buccaneers, Gibson Park
Rainey 33-21 Skerries, Hatrick Park
Energia All-Ireland League Division 2C
Ballyclare 38-48 Dolphin, The Cloughan
Bective Rangers 33-7 Malahide, Energia Park
Bruff 30-25 Belfast Harlequins, Kilballyowen Park
Midleton 21-29 Clonmel, Towns Park
Monkstown 40-28 Thomond, Sydney Parade
Energia Men’s Junior Cup Quarter Final
Seapoint 30-20 Wicklow, Kilbogget Park
Energia Women’s Junior Cup
MU Barnhall 36-27 Queen’s University, Parsonstown
Tuam 14-27 Enniskillen, Tuam RFC

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