Niamh Byrne to captain Railway Union for fifth Women’s AIL Division 1 final
While she admits it still feels ‘a little bit surreal’, this Sunday will see Niamh Byrne captaining Railway Union in a Women’s All-Ireland League Division One final for the fifth time.
After leading the south Dubliners to glory against UL Bohemians and Blackrock College in AIL showpieces at Energia Park in the 2018/19 and 2021/22 seasons, Byrne was also the skipper when Railway lost out to Blackrock at the same venue in a 2022/23 decider. She also led the Sandymount side into battle when they lost out to UL Bohs in a final held at the Aviva Stadium a little under 12 months ago.
Byrne is set to be joined in the Railway ranks by experienced figures like Lindsay Peat and Aoife McDermott when they renew acquaintances with UL Bohs at Irish Rugby HQ this weekend, but there will also be a youthful look to their set-up.
“A little bit surreal. I think it’s something [captaincy] I’ve gotten a bit more confident with over the past few years. Still a bit nerve wracking especially when you think of some of the people that you’re trying to captain,” Byrne said.
“We have a good balance now. We have a few experienced girls who played international, interprovincial, all those levels. Also a good mix of younger talent coming in. A few 18 year olds scattered in there, who bring the excitement and the wow factor.”
Despite crossing the whitewash for one of their six tries on the day, Byrne and Railway Union ultimately fell to a 48-38 defeat at the hands of UL Bohs in last season’s final. While there will be a clear motivation to regain their crown on Sunday, Byrne also recognises how important it will be to put on a good spectacle in what will be just the second Women’s AIL showpiece to take place at the Aviva.
“I hope it’s just an exciting game, because obviously from a Railway point of view and from the captain, you want to win. You have put in a lot of work this year, you’d like to see your season end on a high,” Byrne added.
“I also think for the broader picture of women’s rugby, another exciting game where people are actually interested and it’s a one-try game for most of it, will be the best outcome. I think it will be really good if we can bring that energy and excitement to the Aviva again this year.”