Sports Ireland has plenty to celebrate after an entertaining second round in the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s divisions. Old Belvedere delivered the standout performance with a commanding win in Wicklow, while UL Bohemian, Galwegians, Ennis and Tullow all strengthened their campaigns.
The weekend also produced one of the closest games of the round, as Ballincollig and Enniskillen RFC finished level at 31-31 in a thrilling Division 1B contest. With early-season momentum already beginning to matter, the latest Ireland sports news points to a competitive campaign across both divisions.
Sports Ireland: Old Belvedere make a powerful statement
Old Belvedere remain unbeaten in Division 1A after an emphatic 64-0 victory away to Wicklow at Ashtown Lane. The visitors led 26-0 at half-time and continued to control the contest after the break.
Katie Corrigan and Katie Whelan both crossed twice, while Hannah Wilson also scored two tries. Naoise Smyth, Clare Gorman, Laura Carty and Jade Gaffney added further tries in a ruthless attacking display. Ellen Jane O’Sullivan Sexton contributed five conversions, with Clare Gorman and Amy Larn also landing successful kicks.
For Wicklow, the challenge now is to regroup quickly after a difficult afternoon. Old Belvedere, meanwhile, have made a clear early statement in the women’s AIL standings.
Galwegians recover to defeat Railway Union
Galwegians opened their winning account with a 33-12 bonus-point victory over Railway Union at Crowley Park. Railway Union made a fast start, with Rebecca Cahill and Ailsa Hughes crossing inside the opening 12 minutes, but Galwegians responded decisively.
Siofra Hession, Ellen Connolly and Grainne Moran helped the Galway side establish a 21-12 half-time lead. Ailish Quinn added a second-half try before Grace Browne Moran completed the scoring deep into added time. Hession’s accurate kicking also played a major role in the result.
The bonus point gives Galwegians valuable early momentum, while Railway Union will take encouragement from their bright opening spell despite fading later in the match.
UL Bohemian bounce back against Blackrock
Defending champions UL Bohemian responded to their opening-round defeat by edging Blackrock College 22-14 at Annacotty. The Limerick side led 17-14 at the interval after a tightly fought first half.
Chisom Ugwueru scored twice for UL Bohemian, with Stephanie Nunan and Teni Onigbode also crossing. Kate Flannery added a conversion. Blackrock stayed in contention through tries from Brogan Mior and Maggie Boylan, both converted by Abby Moyles, but UL Bohemian’s defence held firm after the break.
The result gives the champions an important platform as they look to build consistency during the early rounds.
Division 1B delivers a dramatic draw
Ballincollig and Enniskillen RFC shared the points after an absorbing 31-31 draw at Tanner Park. Ballincollig led 19-12 at half-time, but Enniskillen repeatedly fought back and secured parity with a late score.
Grace Kingston was Ballincollig’s standout finisher with two tries, while Niamh Crotty, Lily Byrne and Kate O’Sullivan also crossed. Enniskillen responded through India Daley’s brace, Amelia McFarland, Zara Flack and a penalty try. Eve Balfour added two conversions.
The result leaves both teams with plenty of positives, although each will know that small defensive improvements could have turned an exciting draw into a victory.
Ennis and Tullow claim important wins
Ennis RFC made it two wins from two with a 33-17 victory over MU Barnhall at Drumbiggle. MU Barnhall led early after two tries from Emer Sweetnam, but Ennis established control before half-time and pulled clear in the final quarter.
Emily Murphy, Aisling Heapes, Ella Buckley and Abi Kelly, who scored twice, supplied the Ennis tries. Fia Whelan added four conversions. MU Barnhall’s Órfhlaith Murray scored late, but Ennis had already secured a deserved win.
Tullow also opened their account, edging Cooke 22-19 at Rathoe Road. Tullow led 12-5 at half-time and held their nerve in a tense finish. Lauryn Faulkner, Lilly Murphy, Roisin Kinch and Grace Kelly scored for the winners, with Anna O’Neill adding a late conversion. Cooke replied through Katie Gilmour, Molly Boyd and Shola Iluyemi.
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What to watch next in women’s rugby
Round two has already highlighted contrasting themes: Old Belvedere’s attacking strength, UL Bohemian’s ability to respond under pressure and the growing competitiveness of Division 1B. The next set of fixtures will show whether the early leaders can maintain their pace and whether the chasing teams can close the gap.
For supporters following Irish sports, the women’s AIL is providing strong club rugby, emerging talent and close contests across the country. The next round should bring further clues about promotion ambitions, championship credentials and the teams facing a battle to recover ground.
Article/Image Courtesy: Irish Rugby
