Thrilling week-end as Women’s Division hits high spot
- Updated: 10/11/2025
By Diarmuid Kearney
A thrilling weekend of Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division and Bateman Cup action saw plenty of impressive performances in what proved a high scoring weekend of action.
Clontarf and Ballynahinch will contest this season’s Bateman Cup final on January 3rd after coming through their semi-finals in very different fashion.
At New Ormond Park, Clontarf were made to work hard for a 34-29 victory over a spirited Nenagh Ormond side. The Dubliners surged 22-7 ahead at halftime through tries from Peter Maher, Tadhg Bird, and Conor Kelly, who also kicked a penalty and three conversions.
Nenagh never stopped battling, with second-half tries from John Brislane, Niall O’Gorman, Kevin O’Flaherty, and Robbie Tynan keeping the game alive right to the final whistle.
Meanwhile in Ballymacarn Park, Ballynahinch produced a staggering display of attacking rugby to defeat Sligo 78-0. The County Down club ran in 12 tries, with Sam Warwick bagging a hat-trick and Aaron Sexton rounding off the rout in the final minute. Conor Rankin contributed 16 points with the boot as Ballynahinch stormed into the final in irresistible form.
The clash between the reigning 1A champions and the Ulster powerhouse promises to be another exciting clash when the Bateman Cup final rolls around.
In the Women’s Division, the powerhouses continued to assert their dominance. UL Bohemian continued their winning run alongside Galwegians, Blackrock College hold down third spot, while Old Belvedere and Railway Union gained ground in the table.
UL Bohemian who hit Cooke for 98 unanswered points at the UL 4G. Aoife Corey and Aoibhe O’Flynn both scored hat-tricks, while Alana McInerney and Chloe Pearse added doubles in a stunning 16 try display that kept the Red Robins unbeaten near the summit of the table.
Railway Union recorded their second win of the season to sit in fifth spot but were pushed far harder in Tanner Park, where they overcame a determined Ballincollig side 31-19. Megan Collis and Niamh Byrne were among the try scorers for the visitors, while Grace Kingston’s brace kept the hosts in contention until Claire Boles’ late score sealed it for Railway.
At Crowley Park, Galwegians made it five bonus point wins in succession with a 39-0 victory over Ennis RFC. Emily Foley’s hat-trick led the way in another well executed team performance that keeps the Blue Belles in top form.
Old Belvedere were in rampant form once again, overwhelming Tullow RFC 79-0 in Rathoe Road. Katie Corrigan’s hat trick, along with a brace for Hannah Clarke, Katie Whelan and Robyn O’Connor helped Fiona Hayes side move into the top four.
Blackrock College rounded off the weekend’s action with a solid 29-8 away win over Wicklow. Tries from Maggie Boylan (2), Hannah O’Connor, Nikki Gibson and Megan Burns secured the points for Rock, who remained firmly in the title hunt having continued their recent winning form.
Results:
Energia Bateman Cup
Ballynahinch 78-0 Sligo, Ballymacarn Park
Nenagh Ormond 29-34 Clontarf, New Ormond Park
Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division
UL Bohemian 98-0 Cooke, UL 4G
Ballincollig 19-31 Railway Union, Tanner Park
Galwegians 39-0 Ennis, Crowley Park
Tullow 0-79 Old Belvedere, Rathoe Road
Wicklow 8-29 Blackrock College
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