UL Bohemians Women and Blackrock reach decider

By Diarmuid Kearney
THE Energia All-Ireland League Women’s semi-finals delivered two compelling contests, as UL Bohemian and Blackrock College booked their places in the league decider in the Aviva Stadium, while Wicklow and Galwegians advanced from the Conference last four with commanding wins.
At Annacotty, UL Bohemian edged past Old Belvedere 24-17 in a hard-fought semi-final that only fully opened up in the closing stages. The hosts led 7-5 at half-time after Caoimhe Murphy’s try and Kate Flannery’s conversion gave them a narrow advantage, with Clare Gorman responding for Belvedere just before the interval.
UL Bohs struck quickly after the restart through Ciara O’Dwyer, but Old Belvedere remained firmly in contention and drew level in spirit through Hannah Wilson’s try, converted by Hazel Simmons, to leave the game finely poised entering the final quarter.
It was then that UL Bohs found their decisive edge. Captain Chloe Pearse crossed on 68 minutes to push them back in front, before Eabha Nic Dhonnacha added another four minutes later, with Flannery converting to create crucial breathing space.
Jess Keating’s late try came at the final breath of an absorbing tie, UL Bohemian had done enough to secure their place in a third final in a row after a composed finish under pressure.
Blackrock College produced another impressive display to overcome Railway Union 18-10 at Stradbrook and continue their strong campaign. In a contest shaped by defensive resolve as much as attacking execution, Blackrock led 5-0 at half-time thanks to Maggie Boylan’s try, keeping Railway scoreless through a disciplined opening forty minutes.
The second half brought more urgency. Lauren Farrell McCabe crossed early after the restart and Ella Durkan’s conversion extended Blackrock’s lead to 12-0. Railway Union responded through Caoimhe O’Sullivan Roche and later Sarah O’Donnell, threatening a comeback cutting the gap to two points as the game entered its closing stages.
But Blackrock held their nerve, and two late Durkan penalties in the 74th and 79th minutes sealed a deserved eight-point victory and a place in the showpiece.
In the Women’s Conference semi-finals, Wicklow powered into the final with a 62-10 win over debutants Ennis at Ashtown Lane.
Clara Dunne was the standout performer, scoring four tries in a devastating attacking display, while Dannii Masters, Erin McConnell, Faye O’Neill, Laura Newsome, Robyn Johnston and Jamie Church also crossed.
Beth Roberts added six conversions as Wicklow turned a 24-5 half-time lead into a one-sided result. Ennis had moments through tries from Annie Lynch and Patricia Coote, but Wicklow’s pace and clinical finishing proved overwhelming.
Galwegians also booked their place in the Conference final with a 38-5 victory over Ballincollig at Crowley Park. Grace Browne Moran scored twice, while Orla Dixon also grabbed a brace in a powerful second-half display.
Elizabeth McNicholas and a penalty try added to the tally, with Nicole Fowley contributing three conversions. Ballincollig’s only reply came through Aoife Fleming in the first half, but Galwegians took control after the break and pulled clear with authority.
Results
Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division Semi-Finals
UL Bohemian 24-17 Old Belvedere, Annacotty
Blackrock College 18-10 Railway Union, Stradbrook
Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division Conference Semi-Finals
Wicklow 62-10 Ennis, Ashtown Lane
Galwegians 38-5 Ballincollig

You must be logged in to post a comment Login