Round three of the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Divisions delivered a strong weekend of sports Ireland action, with Old Belvedere making the biggest statement in Division 1A. Their impressive away win over Railway Union was one of several results that underlined the growing quality and competitiveness of women’s club rugby across the country.
Blackrock College and UL Bohemian also recorded convincing victories in Division 1A, while MU Barnhall maintained their excellent home form in Division 1B. Further north, Enniskillen produced the round’s only comeback win, overturning a half-time deficit to defeat Cooke.
Old Belvedere set the standard in Division 1A
Old Belvedere left Park Avenue with a 33-20 victory over Railway Union after a five-try performance that combined attacking variety with a powerful second-half response from the hosts.
Railway Union started sharply, with Sydney Davis opening the scoring in the 16th minute. Old Belvedere answered almost immediately through Katie Corrigan, and Ellen Jane O’Sullivan Sexton’s conversion put the visitors in front.
Clare Gorman added a second try before Katie Whelan crossed shortly before the interval. O’Sullivan Sexton converted again, giving Belvedere a commanding 21-5 lead at half-time.
Railway showed plenty of fight after the restart. Aimee Clarke reduced the deficit, but Elisa McGabhann restored Belvedere’s momentum in the 55th minute. Poppy Garvey replied for the home side before Whelan completed her double in the closing stages. Ava Usanova added a late try for Railway, but the visitors had already secured a notable victory.
Blackrock and UL Bohemian deliver attacking displays
Blackrock College produced the most emphatic result of the Division 1A round, defeating Galwegians 48-7 at Stradbrook.
Maggie Boylan and Kate Farrell McCabe crossed during a dominant opening half, while replacement Ava Fannin added another try before the break. Blackrock led 19-0 at half-time and continued to control the contest after the restart.
Meabh Deely and Sarah Delaney extended the advantage before Galwegians responded through Gemma Faulkner, converted by Siofra Hession. Blackrock, however, finished strongly, with Brogan Mior scoring twice and Destiny Moses adding a late try.
UL Bohemian were similarly impressive in a 43-19 win away to Wicklow. Ciara O’Dwyer scored twice, while Claire Bennett, Chisom Ugwueru, Kate Flannery, Aoife Corey and Stephanie Nunan also crossed for the visitors.
Wicklow remained competitive through Jamie Church’s two tries and a late score from Usha Daly O’Toole, with Beth Roberts converting twice. UL Bohemian’s sustained attacking pressure ultimately earned them a bonus-point victory.
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MU Barnhall maintain home momentum
MU Barnhall continued their excellent home form with a 36-7 win over Tullow at Parsonstown. Tullow made the brighter start when Roisin Kinch crossed after five minutes, with Hilary Fitzgerald adding the conversion.
That early advantage did not last. Amy Rushton brought Barnhall back into the contest, Emma Brogan added another try and Holly Leach crossed just before half-time. Abby Healy’s conversion helped the hosts take a 19-7 lead into the interval.
Leach completed her double five minutes after the restart, before Emer Sweetnam scored twice in six minutes to put the result beyond doubt. The six-try display again showed why Barnhall have been so effective on home soil.
Late drama and a comeback in Division 1B
Ballincollig edged Ennis 23-14 in a competitive encounter at Tanner Park, with Brighid Twohig’s stoppage-time try finally settling the contest.
Ennis led twice during the first half through Lyndsay Clarke, who scored both of their tries, with Fia Whelan converting each time. Ballincollig replied through Erin Ridgway and captain Amelia Green before Emma Connolly’s penalty and Grace Kingston’s try put the home side ahead.
Ennis stayed within reach until Twohig crossed six minutes into added time, ensuring Ballincollig took the win.
At Shaw’s Bridge, Enniskillen recovered from a 5-0 half-time deficit to beat Cooke 12-5. Molly Boyd’s early try gave Cooke the lead, but Zara Flack levelled shortly after the restart and Eve Balfour’s conversion put Enniskillen ahead.
Leah Irwin added a second try in the 51st minute. Cooke pushed for a response, but Enniskillen’s defence held firm to complete a valuable away victory.
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What to watch next in Irish club rugby
The third round has already created early momentum for several teams. Old Belvedere’s away win will attract attention in Division 1A, while Blackrock College and UL Bohemian have shown that their attacking games can trouble any opponent. In Division 1B, Barnhall’s home record remains a major strength, with Ballincollig and Enniskillen also gaining important victories.
The next round of fixtures will reveal whether these early trends develop into a wider title race. For supporters following irish sports, women’s club rugby is providing plenty of competitive matches, emerging players and compelling local rivalries.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby