Leinster Schools Senior Cup Final: Blackrock College V Terenure College – The Irish Examiner – March 18 2025

Posted on March 17, 2025 by admin

Paddy Clancy kicks Blackrock to Leinster Schools Senior Cup glory

Blackrock hooker Harry O’Neill scored the only try as Rock beat Terenure to claim their 72nd Leinster Schools Senior Cup title. 
DAIRE WALSH, ENERGIA PARK

Leinster Schools Senior Cup final: Blackrock College 14 Terenure College 9 

It is a school that has produced a plethora of provincial and international stars in the past and Blackrock College once again offered a glimpse into the future as they claimed their 72nd Leinster Schools Senior Cup title on St Patrick’s Day.

Playing in the novel venue of the Tallaght Stadium due to the ongoing redevelopment of the RDS Arena, defending champions ‘Rock had to fight tooth and nail for their latest success in this competition. 6-5 adrift at the interval after Terenure College’s Gareth Morgan had slotted over a brace of penalties in response to an early Harry O’Neill try, out-half Paddy Clancy kicked nine points off the kicking tee to ensure Blackrock came through a titanic battle with their fellow south Dubliners.

Clancy had already showcased his qualities en route to Monday’s showpiece as he accumulated a combined total of 21 points across games against St Mary’s College, St Michael’s College and Cistercian College Roscrea.

With the Ireland U20s having completed an underwhelming Six Nations Championship on Friday with just one win from five games played, he is someone who could very well feature at that particular age grade in the near future.

Of course, his ambitions may well extend beyond the underage provincial and international ranks and for an indication of how quickly a player can progress from this level up to the professional game, you need look no further than one of Blackrock’s more recent Senior Cup winning captains. Back in 2022, Gus McCarthy led the Dublin school to an impressive final victory against Gonzaga College at the RDS.

After playing an integral role for the Ireland U20s on their march towards a Six Nations Grand Slam in the spring of 2023, McCarthy made his Irish senior debut in an Autumn Nations Series clash against Fiji in November of the following year and he also enjoyed a short cameo for Ireland in their Championship clash with Italy in Rome on Saturday.

Blackrock’s current starting hooker Harry O’Neill will likely have a desire to follow in his footsteps and while not all of his line-out deliveries were inch perfect, the Blackrock number two rounded off a maul move for the game’s breakthrough try on seven minutes.

Given there are 18 former students of Blackrock College between the senior and academy squads in Leinster, a number of players from this success will be hoping to take giant strides in their careers over the next 12 months or so.

By contrast, Terenure College graduates have been few and far between since their last appearance in a senior cup showpiece in 2009, but this could be about to change.

He took this time to grow into the game, but ‘Nure captain Ben Blaney ultimately exerted a strong influence from the back-row for the 10-time champions. Inside centre Alvaro Swords was also prominent throughout with some powerful carries into enemy territory and thanks to fly-half Morgan’s place-kick accuracy, they were within sight of a first senior title in 22 years at the midway stage.

Yet the history of Blackrock in this competition meant that a one-point advantage was always going to be precarious and Clancy penalties in the 42nd and 50th minutes had the title holders very much back in the driving seat.

Terenure were perhaps unfortunate not to be awarded a try heading towards the final-quarter – referee Robbie Jenkinson ruled out a potential five-pointer for Swords following consultation with his match officials – but the play was brought back for Morgan to knock over his third penalty of the tie.

This left the game delicately poised, but even though they came under severe pressure after another Clancy place-kick had restored their five-point cushion, Blackrock ultimately held out for another memorable Senior Cup triumph.

Although try-scoring opportunities were largely at a premium on Whitestown Way, the defensive displays produced by both teams were extremely impressive and ‘Rock had to withstand a series of Terenure attacks before the final whistle was blown almost four minutes into stoppage-time.

After the retirements of Cian Healy, Conor Murray and Peter O’Mahony from international duty over the weekend – and with a number of others in the Ireland squad now in their 30s – there might well be a need to inject some fresh blood into the provincial and international systems over the next few years.

It remains to be seen what kinds of careers the players in Tallaght on Monday will end up having, but finals like these have often served as launchpads for some of Leinster and Ireland’s brightest prospects of recent times.

Scorers for Blackrock College: Tries: H O’Neill Pens: P Clancy 3

Scorers for Terenure College: Pens: G Morgan 3

BLACKROCK COLLEGE: J Reddan; J Browne, J O’Sullivan, B White, A Vetjens; P Clancy, A Lindner (L Coffey 63); B Guerin (L Golden 70), H O’Neill, S Bishti; G Wall, A Smykovskiy; M Walsh, M O’Sullivan, B Walsh.

TERENURE COLLEGE: G O’Sullivan; E Balamash, M Kennedy A Swords, B Dohnal (N Fallon 67); G Morgan, J Coleman; P Kelly (E McMonagle 45), L Zelman (C Hyland 60), A Cooper; L McNiff, F Maher; J Mooney (S Gavin 57), M Smyth, B Blaney.

Referee: R Jenkinson (LRR).

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Leinster Schools Senior Cup Final: Blackrock College V Terenure College – The42.ie – March 17 2025

Posted on March 17, 2025 by admin

Clancy kicks Blackrock to Leinster senior cup glory in tight battle with Terenure

Blackrock were 14-9 winners in the Bank Holiday Monday decider at Tallaght Stadium.

Blackrock College 14
Terenure College 9

Daire Walsh reports from Tallaght Stadium

PADDY CLANCY KICKED three crucial second-half penalties as defending champions Blackrock College squeezed past a formidable challenge from Terenure College to earn their 72nd Leinster Schools Senior Cup title.

Playing in the somewhat novel venue of the Tallaght Stadium due to the ongoing redevelopment of the RDS Arena, Terenure (playing in their first senior cup decider since 2009) lead by a single point at the midway stage after Gareth Morgan had responded to an early try from ‘Rock hooker Harry O’Neill with two penalties of his own.

Try-scoring opportunities were largely at a premium during a second half that was dominated by some excellent defensive work from both teams, but Clancy’s prowess from the kicking tee eventually got Blackrock over the line.

While Terenure found themselves inside the opposition half on a couple of occasions during the early exchanges, it was ‘Rock who ultimately drew first blood with a little under seven minutes gone on the clock. The lineout had proven to be a significant attacking weapon for Justin Vanstone’s outfit en route to this showpiece affair and after out-half Clancy kicked a penalty to touch, O’Neill rounded off the ensuing maul move for his third try in this year’s competition.

Yet Clancy’s sole bonus strike of the game drifted past the target and with fly-half Morgan expertly splitting the posts from a penalty at a left-hand angle, 10-time champions Terenure were just two points in arrears on the first-quarter mark.

Sean Skehan’s side kept Blackrock on the back foot for an extended spell in the wake of this score and when referee Robbie Jenkinson awarded another penalty within kickable range on 27 minutes – this time from a central position – Morgan once again found the range to edge Terenure into the lead.

Having started the contest with a maul try, ‘Rock elected to kick another brace of penalties to touch in the closing stages of the opening period. Terenure were penalised for a lineout infringement from the first of these set-piece moves, but they subsequently stole the ball off another O’Neill delivery moments later.

This helped to ensure that ‘Nure brought a slender 6-5 cushion into the dressing rooms at the end of an intense first half of action. While this had their vocal supporters dreaming of a first Senior Cup crown in 22 years, Blackrock quickly regained the initiative on the resumption with a 42nd-minute penalty from Clancy.

The same player added another successful effort off the kicking tee on the stroke of 50 minutes – from an awkward angle on the right-hand side – before Terenure displayed their attacking intent just shy of the third quarter.

Some strong surges from influential skipper Ben Blaney and inside centre Alvaro Swords had them within inches of the post, and it looked like the latter was about to be awarded a try when he made a break for the left corner on 52 minutes. It was ultimately ruled out after the match officials penalised Terenure flanker Michael Smyth for being in the front of the ball carrier, but the play was eventually brought back for Morgan to coolly convert his third penalty of the tie.

This left the tie delicately poised heading into a tension-filled final quarter, but the dependable Clancy restored Blackrock’s five-point advantage with another penalty seven minutes from the end of normal time.

Terenure pushed hard for a game-changing try after Clancy had dropped an ambitious long-range place kick short, but almost four minutes into stoppage time, Blackrock forced a knock on to ultimately seal another memorable Senior Cup triumph.

Blackrock College scorers:

Tries – Harry O’Neill

Conversions – Paddy Clancy [0/1]

Penalties – Paddy Clancy [3/4]

Terenure College scorers:

Penalties – Gareth Morgan [3/3]

BLACKROCK COLLEGE: Joe Reddan; James Browne, Johnny O’Sullivan, Bernard White, Aiden Vetjens; Paddy Clancy, Albert Lindner (Luke Coffey ’63); Ben Guerin (Lorcan Golden ’70), Harry O’Neill, Sami Bishti; Geoffrey Wall, Artur Smykovskiy; Michael Walsh, Michael O’Sullivan, Brian Walsh.

TERENURE COLLEGE: Geoff O’Sullivan; Ethan Balamash, Michael Kennedy Alvaro Swords, Benedict Dohnal (Niall Fallon ‘67); Gareth Morgan, Jamie Coleman; Pearse Kelly (Evan McMonagle ’45), Leo Zelman (Cian Hyland ‘60), Adam Cooper; Luke McNiff, Frank Maher; Josh Mooney (Senan Gavin ’57), Michael Smyth, Ben Blaney.

Referee: Robbie Jenkinson (Leinster Rugby Referees).

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AIG O’Connor Cup Final: DCU Dóchas Éireann V UCC – Ladiesgaelic.ie – March 15 2025

Posted on March 15, 2025 by admin

Duggan leads the way as DCU win AIG O’Connor Cup for third year in succession

AIG O’Connor Cup final

DCU Dóchas Éireann 2-11

UCC 1-9

By Daire Walsh

Meath star Emma Duggan amassed an impressive personal tally of 1-5 at Queen’s University in Belfast on Saturday as DCU Dóchas Éireann claimed their third consecutive AIG O’Connor Cup crown with a five-point victory over UCC.

In a repeat of last year’s decider, Emily Lacey edged UCC in front with a fourth-minute free. The Laois attacker also curled over a point from play in response to a similar effort by Leah Fox at the far end of the pitch, but DCU DÉ (who are managed by Lacey’s inter-county boss Stephen Duff) kicked into life when wing-forward Clodagh Lohan poked the ball to the net from close range on nine minutes.

UCC kept themselves in contention thanks to Emma Morrissey and Lacey trading points with Kildare defender Ruth Sargent and team captain Duggan, before the latter kicked a fine score from play just past the first-quarter mark.

DCU DÉ’s Maria Cannon and Morrissey proceeded to swapped points, in advance of Duggan’s speculative effort on 26 minutes slipping through the fingertips of opposite netminder Caoimhe Richmond for the title holders’ second goal of the action.

While this was a set-back for Joe Carroll’s outfit, Leah Hallihan and Lacey kicked further points to leave DCU DÉ just four to the good (2-5 to 0-7) at half-time.

It was an initially tentative start to the second half, but DCU DÉ eventually increased their lead when the multi-talented Kate Kenny, player of the match in the 2023 decider, swung over a point off her trusty left boot on 37 minutes. Yet UCC were certainly not out of the reckoning and when Morrissey gathered the ball close to goal moments after Kenny’s point, she rattled the net with clinical precision to bring fresh life to the game.

Although DCU DÉ settled again with a point from two-time TG4 All-Ireland senior football championship winner Duggan, the industrious McMaugh squeezed a shot over the bar in the 47th minute to keep alive UCC’s dreams of securing a first O’Connor Cup success since 2012.

Yet Waterford star McMaugh soon found herself in the sin bin and in her absence DCU DÉ tagged on points through substitute Aisling Hanly and Duggan. UCC did remain in the hunt with another successful Morrissey free, but DCU DÉ ultimately replicated the college’s three in-a-row team of 2009-2011 with the help of late points from the excellent Duggan and Lohan.

Scorers – DCU Dóchas Éireann: E Duggan 1-5 (0-2f), C Lohan 1-1, R Sargent, M Cannon, L Fox, K Kenny, A Hanly 0-1 each.

UCC: E Morrissey 1-3 (0-3f), E Lacey 0-4 (1f), B McMaugh, L Hallihan 0-1 each.

DCU Dóchas Éireann: R Murray; N Donlon, L Lenehan, C Durkan; S Reynolds, R Sargent, C Charters; K Owens, H McGinnis; C Lohan, E Duggan, M Cannon; L Fox, K Kenny, F McLaughlin. Subs: A Cullen for Owens, A Hanly for Fox (both 46), J Mortimer for McGinnis (55), J Lyons for Cannon (57).

UCC: C Richmond; D Kiniry, E Power, R Sheehan; A Corcoran, R Corkery, R Ennis; A Healy, A Harrington; A O’Neill, B McMaugh, E Lacey; L Hallihan, E Morrissey, A Ring. Subs: S McGoldrick for Harrington (41), J Gill for Ring, E Twomey for O’Neill (both 55), K Redmond for Ennis, A McDonagh for Corkery (both 60).

Referee: Eddie Cuthbert (Down).

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AIG Lynch Cup Final: MTU Cork V UCD – Ladiesgaelic.ie – March 15 2025

Posted on March 15, 2025 by admin

MTU Cork claim Lynch Cup crown as Morrissey finds the net in either half

AIG Lynch Cup final

MTU Cork 3-10

UCD 0-6

By Daire Walsh

Shannon Morrissey scored goals in either half at Queen’s University on Saturday afternoon as MTU Cork sealed the AIG Lynch Cup with a convincing final triumph at the expense of UCD 2.

Playing a little over 30 minutes after the college’s first team lost out to MIC Limerick in the AIG Giles Cup decider at the same venue, UCD created a number of scoring opportunities during the early stages of this contest. A Lauren Shanagher goal chance drifted agonisingly wide of the mark, but when MTU Cork wing-forward Morrissey was picked out close to the target in the fifth minute, she fired home with considerable aplomb.

This increased the confidence levels of the Leesiders, who proceeded to move seven points clear courtesy of 0-2 salvos from inside forwards Maeve Daly and Ava Looney. Yet UCD persevered with their challenge as the action wore on and Roscommon’s Shanagher finally opened their account with a point on 17 minutes.

Meath duo Lauren Woods and Katie Bermingham also raised white flags and while Katie O’Driscoll knocked over a close-range free at the opposite end, UCD wing-back Hannah Crowley kicked a fine point deep into stoppage-time to ensure MTU Cork’s interval cushion stood at 1-5 to 0-4.

This was far from being an insurmountable deficit for the Dublin college, but their Munster counterparts created a powerful platform for victory with a bright start to the second half. After Looney converted her third free of the action, Morrissey secured her second goal of the game when she coolly slotted a 36th minute penalty to the back of the UCD net.

The sin-binning of Bermingham moments later left UCD with a temporary numerical deficiency during a difficult period in the tie and while Shanagher kicked their first point of the second half, MTU Cork, who lost last year’s final to neighbours UCC, moved into an unassailable position when O’Driscoll fired home their third goal on 43 minutes in between points from Daly and Looney.

Waterford native Daly and Shanagher traded scores inside the closing-quarter before MTU’s Aoife Cummins added her name to the scoresheet and even though Daly dragged a penalty past the posts at the very end of normal time, the Cork side ultimately eased their way over the line.

Scorers – MTU Cork: S Morrissey 2-0 (1-0 pen), A Looney 0-4 (4f), M Daly 0-4, K O’Driscoll 1-1 (0-1f), A Cummins 0-1.

UCD: L Shanagher 0-3 (1f), K Bermingham 0-1 (f), H Crowley, L Woods 0-1 each.

MTU Cork: M Murphy; S Callanan, M Burke, M Collins; C Brosnahan, R Evans, E Moore; A Cummins, K O’Driscoll; L Quane, K McGlashan, S Morrissey; M Daly, A Looney, R Shanley. Subs: C McTaggart for Quane (24), E Maguire for Collins, I Maher for Morrissey (both 50), E Boland for Looney (54), M Fitzpatrick for O’Driscoll (57).

UCD: G Glavin; R McKenna, S Murphy, R Bell; H Crowley, O Devlin, S Cunningham; M Brady, K Bermingham; S Milne, L Woods, L White; L Shanagher, A Briscoe, C Ni Nuallain. Subs: L Corbally for Milne (h-t), S Gorman for Ni Nuallain (54), L Cronin for Brady (57), I Liu-Lyons for Briscoe (58), J Clancy for Bell (62).

Referee: Sinead McHugh (Donegal).

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AIG Giles Cup Final: MIC Limerick V UCD – Ladiesgaelic.ie – March 15 2025

Posted on March 15, 2025 by admin

McDonagh goals propel MIC Limerick to fourth AIG Giles Cup title

AIG Giles Cup final

MIC Limerick 3-9

UCD 1-8

By Daire Walsh

Player of the match Lydia McDonagh struck a brace of second half goals at Queen’s University on Saturday as MIC Limerick claimed their fourth AIG Giles Cup title with an excellent final victory over UCD.

In a fast-paced opening to the contest, UCD full-forward Meadbh Monaghan traded an early point with her opposite number – current Kerry panellist Rachel Dwyer. The latter went on to add a second point in response to a free from Ella Parke, before UCD, who had defeated DCU at the semi-final stage of the competition on Friday, created some daylight with back-to-back scores from midfielder Sarah Mulroy and Parke.

Yet MIC subsequently settled into the stride and edged in front for the first time courtesy of three points in succession by Caoimhe McNamara, Laura Griffey and Dwyer (free). Southern Gaels attacker Dwyer was proving to be a thorn in the side of the UCD defence and she burst through for a superb goal on the stroke of 20 minutes.

This came as a blow to their south Dublin counterparts, but even though Ella Thompson found the target for MIC, three points from the reliable Parke – including two efforts from play – left UCD just two in arrears at 1-6 to 0-7 at the interval.

While Sara Doyle split the uprights within 60 seconds of the restart to reduce the gap to the bare minimum, MIC Limerick clinically re-established their authority when centre-forward McDonagh from the Naomh Aban club in Cork fired to the net on 32 minutes. Although this appeared to be a major set-back for UCD, Ian Kealy’s charges immediately responded with a goal of their own from Ballyboden St Enda’s footballer Karrie Rudden.

It looked to be anyone’s game to win at this stage, but thanks to quickfire efforts from substitute Sarah Ryan and McDonagh, MIC, who overcame the challenge of Maynooth University in the last-four, brought a three-point advantage into the final-quarter and ultimately pushed on for victory.

After Erin Murray moved them even further in front with an excellent score at a right-hand angle, the final outcome was placed beyond all doubt when McDonagh bagged her second goal at the end of a lung-bursting run in the 54th minute.

Scorers – MIC Limerick: L McDonagh 2-1, R Dwyer 1-3 (0-1f), S Ryan, E Thompson, E Murray, L Griffey, C McNamara 0-1 each.

UCD: E Parke 0-5 (2f), K Rudden 1-0, S Mulroy, S Doyle, M Monaghan 0-1 each.

MIC Limerick: D Creed; E Hickey, I Claffey, N Dunne; S English, A Dillane, M MacNamara; E Murray, N Towey; E Thompson, L McDonagh, A Ryan; C McNamara, R Dwyer, L Griffey. Subs: R Hyland for Dunne (h-t), S Ryan for Griffey (36), A Brazil for English (51), C Hynes for Towey (60), K Donoghue for C McNamara (62).

 UCD: A Dunlea; K McCaffrey, S Lally, B Cotter; C Crowley, C Lawlor, L Dunne; E Reape, S Mulroy; A Walls, K Rudden, S Doyle; A Madden, M Monaghan, E Parke. Subs: S Hamilton for Monaghan (38), KA Walsh for Reape (41), C Kennedy for Cotter (43), O Keon for Parke (53), L Bourke for Mulroy (56).

Referee: Shane Curley (Galway).

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The Big Interview: Aishling Sheridan (Cavan/Mullahoran) – Media West Ireland – March 15 2025

Posted on March 15, 2025 by admin

Cavan star Aishling Sheridan says she will always treasure her DCU O’Connor Cup success

Cavan are now back in the second-tier following their relegation from the All-Ireland senior championship two years ago, and the now 28-year-old Sheridan will be a big part of their bid to reclaim the Mary Quinn Memorial Cup.

Daire Walsh

She has achieved a considerable amount in her career. However, Cavan footballer Aishling Sheridan still regards her O’Connor Cup success with DCU Dóchas Éireann back in 2018 as one of her ‘favourite sporting memories’.

After suffering semi-final defeats to the same opposition in the previous two seasons, Sheridan and the capital college were determined to get the better of the University of Limerick when the two sides clashed in an O’Connor Cup showpiece at the National Games Development Centre in Abbotstown a little over seven years ago.

Part of a star-studded forward line that also included Niamh Kelly, Sarah Rowe (both Mayo), Aishling Moloney (Tipperary), Aoibhin Cleary and Vikki Wall (both Meath), Sheridan contributed 1-1 to help DCU squeeze over the line on a final score of 2-12 to 0-17.

Speaking ahead of the O’Connor Cup extravaganza at Queen’s University in Belfast this weekend, Sheridan described the DCU side – which also included established Dublin stars Leah Caffrey and Lauren Magee – as one of the best she has played on.

“I still highlight that as probably one of my favourite sporting memories. It was my final year in DCU, and it was such a special year, I think, for our team. We lost the year before, and I think it was always tight between us and UL, or UCC was always knocking on the door as well,” Sheridan explained.

“It was a really special year for that team in DCU. It really is probably one of my highlights in my sporting career because I got to play with such unbelievable athletes and footballers that year. It’s probably one of the best teams I’ve ever been a part of. Definitely a really good memory to have.”

Just a few months on from that O’Connor Cup triumph, Sheridan graduated from DCU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic Therapy and Training. While she initially focused on the former by working with a number of football teams, her playing commitments with Cavan and Mullahoran were always going to make this a difficult pursuit in the long run.

This ultimately led to her going down the training route, and in addition to securing a personal trainer degree, she also obtained a certification in nutrition.

She subsequently signed terms with Aussie Rules outfit Collingwood ahead of their 2020 campaign in the AFLW, but after finding herself back home in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sheridan launched her own online coaching business.

Through tailored workout routines, progress tracking and continuous support, At Aish Fit offers a holistic approach that integrates fitness training with personalised meal plans and nutritional advice. It has come on in leaps and bounds in the past few years, and Sheridan credits social media for helping her business grow to its current level of strength.

“I started doing online classes during Covid, and that is then where it brought me into the space I’m working in now. Being able to do a bit more coaching, and I’ve done Pilates now since, really expanded that whole health, fitness and wellness area.

“I think social media is so important. Especially for any business growth. Being able to post maybe recipes or workouts online is a big part of my job as well. I just love to help people; really, that’s where my passion comes from. I’m so, so grateful to have this as my job because it is truly something that I enjoy and love.”

Despite operating her own business, Sheridan continued to maintain a professional career with Collingwood – featuring regularly for them from 2021 to 2023. However, after opting to put herself on the inactive list for last year’s edition of the AFLW, she was back on home soil for the vast majority of 2024.

Although she also decided to take a break from inter-county duty during this period, Sheridan did line out at club level and was a key figure for Mullahoran as they claimed intermediate club championship honours in both Cavan and Ulster.

“I took the year out last year, and I think it just gave me a chance to experience different things. I got to travel a bit more than I ever have. I got to visit family and relations in South Africa, which we had never met before. It just gave me that bit of freedom and that bit of time off playing inter-county or playing AFLW, which then allowed me to play club.

“I hadn’t played club championship in three years, so I was kind of excited to get back playing with my club and a lot of the girls that I had grown up with or coached from a very young age. Didn’t know we’d have such a successful year with Mullahoran. I think it ended up just being a really good year, which I’m very, very grateful for.”

Sheridan has also enjoyed success on the inter-county front as she was a teenage panellist when Cavan won the TG4 All-Ireland intermediate football championship in 2013. Joining her on the Breffni squad back then were her sisters Mona and Geraldine, while their father Gerry was also joint-manager of the team for their final success over Tipperary.

Cavan are now back in the second-tier following their relegation from the All-Ireland senior championship two years ago, and the now 28-year-old Sheridan will be a big part of their bid to reclaim the Mary Quinn Memorial Cup.

In the wake of officially ending her time with Collingwood last December, Sheridan returned to the Cavan fold and has started all five games they have played to date in Division 3 of the Lidl National Football League.

The Ulster outfit is currently leading the way in the NFL third-tier ahead of their sixth round meeting against Laois tomorrow week (March 23rd), but Sheridan believes nothing is set in stone when it comes to claiming the two promotion spots in the division.

“I think we’re kind of exactly where we want to be at this stage of the league, but I think if you even look at the top of the table, it’s anyone’s final. There’s a lot of teams quite close. We’re happy where we are, but still, the next two games will be extremely important for us,” Sheridan added.

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O’Connor Cup Semi-Final: DCU Dochas Eireann V Ulster University – Ladiesgaelic.ie – March 14 2025

Posted on March 14, 2025 by admin

REPORT: DCU Dóchas Éireann remain on course for third successive AIG O’Connor Cup title

AIG O’CONNOR CUP SEMI-FINAL

DCU Dóchas Éireann 2-10

Ulster University 0-9 

By Daire Walsh

Defending champions DCU Dóchas Éireann maintained their push for a third consecutive AIG O’Connor Cup title after recording a seven-point triumph over Ulster University (Belfast Campus) at Queen’s University on Friday afternoon.

With Kate Kenny, Leah Fox and Emma Duggan very much to the fore, Stephen Duff’s side held off a strong challenge from their northern counterparts to set up a repeat of last year’s final in Queen’s tomorrow.

Determined to stamp their authority on this contest, DCU raced into an early four-point lead courtesy of unanswered contributions from Fox, Hannah McGinnis, Duggan (free) and Kenny – who was a key figure for the college in their 2023 and 2024 successes in this competition.

While Ulster University finally opened their account with a fine individual point from Armagh’s Caitriona O’Hagan, Fox immediately responded at the opposite end and DCU created even further daylight when marauding half-back Ruth Sargent bagged a goal via excellent approach work by Duggan.

Sargeant was temporarily replaced in the wake of this score after she fell heavily on the turf, but DCU continued to pick off points through the boots of Fox, Duggan and Mayo’s Fionnuala McLaughlin.

An Amy Garland point cut the Ulster University deficit to eight points at the break (1-8 to 0-3) and a second effort from the Monaghan wing-back sparked a strong fightback by her side on the restart.

With DCU attacker Clodagh Lohan in the sin-bin, two points apiece from Emma Conroy (moments after her introduction as a second half substitute) and Lauren Garland ensured Ulster University had reduced the gap to three points by the third-quarter mark.

DCU had seemingly weathered the storm when Kenny kicked superb points either side of a Sorcha Gormley effort for Ulster University, but the college’s supporters breathed a sigh of relief when goalkeeper Robyn Murray produced an outstanding penalty save from Niamh King.

This was a let-off for the title holders, but their victory was officially secured when Kenny released McGinnis for a close-range goal in stoppage-time.

DCU Dóchas Éireann previously completed three in-a-row in this competition from 2009 to 2011 and now the college’s current crop of players are just 60 minutes away from achieving the same feat.

Scorers – DCU Dóchas Éireann: H McGinnis 1-1, R Sargent 1-0, K Kenny 0-3, L Fox 0-3 each, E Duggan 0-2 (2f), F McLaughlin 0-1.

Ulster University: L Garland 0-2 (1f), A Garland, C O’Hagan 0-2 each, E Conroy 0-2 (2f), S Gormley 0-1.

DCU Dóchas Éireann: R Murray; N Donlon, L Lenehan, C Durkan; S Reynolds, R Sargent, C Charters; K Owens, H McGinnis; C Lohan, E Duggan, F McLaughlin; L Fox, K Kenny, A Hanly. Subs: J Mortimer for Sargeant (18-h-t), A Cullen for Hanly (38), J Mortimer for Owens (54), J Lyons for Fox (60).

Ulster University: C Bradley; L Kavanagh, E Sands, M Ferguson; S O’Neill, C Brown, A Garland; B Quinn, N McClory; E Hagney, C O’Hagan, L Garland; H McQuaid, M O’Neill, N King. Subs: A Gough for Quinn, E Conroy for Hagney (both 38), S Gormley for M O’Neill (40), A Sherlock for O’Hagan (50), C Doyle for McClory (59).

Referee: Shane Curley (Galway).

Posted in Colleges GAA, Ladies GAA | Comments Off on O’Connor Cup Semi-Final: DCU Dochas Eireann V Ulster University – Ladiesgaelic.ie – March 14 2025

O’Connor Cup Semi-Final: UCC V University Of Galway – Ladiesgaelic.ie – March 14 2025

Posted on March 14, 2025 by admin

REPORT: Morrissey to the fore as UCC return to AIG O’Connor Cup Final

AIG O’CONNOR CUP SEMI-FINAL

UCC 3-15

University of Galway 2-7 

By Daire Walsh

Emma Morrissey kicked eight points at Queen’s University this afternoon as 2024 finalists UCC booked their spot in Saturday’s AIG O’Connor Cup final with an impressive victory over University of Galway. 

While the Munster side hit the ground running with points from Morrissey (who, along with her team-mate Roisin Ennis, won this competition with DCU in 2024) and Aine O’Neill, University of Galway responded at the opposite end with quickfire scores from Eva Noone and raiding centre half-back Saoirse Wynne.

This left the tie delicately poised during the early exchanges, before UCC subsequently flexed their muscles either side of the first-quarter mark. After unanswered points from Morrissey (two), Abigail Ring (two) and Waterford’s Brid McMaugh had created daylight between the teams, Cork attacker Ring rattled the net from close-range on 19 minutes to move the Leesiders into a 1-7 to 0-2 lead.

Further points arrived through the boots of Emily Lacy and Morrissey (free), but thanks to clinically secured goals from Muireaan Devaney and Kate Slevin – former team-mates at Athlone Town in the Women’s Premier Division – University of Galway came roaring back into contention.

However, UCC bagged a second major of their own from Lacy in the 27th minute and this propelled them towards a 2-10 to 2-5 interval lead.

Another place-ball effort by reliable Aherlow and Tipperary ace Morrissey kept UCC in the driving seat on the resumption and although Aoife Staunton raised a white flag for University of Galway, the Connacht college suffered a hammer blow on 43 minutes.

After picking up possession at a right-hand angle, Kerry native Amy Harrington unleashed a fierce strike into the top corner of the net that opposite netminder Joanne Reilly was powerless to stop. This left University of Galway with a mountain to climb inside the final-quarter and with McMaugh and Morrissey finding the target either side of Slevin’s pointed free for the Tribeswomen, UCC remained very much in control of their own destiny.

UCC manager Joe Carroll opted to introduce some fresh legs late on ahead of their final against the winners of today’s other last-four clash between DCU Dochas Eireann (who defeated the Leesiders in last year’s final) and Ulster University, but it was the first-choice duo of McMaugh and Morrissey that rounded off the scoring with late points. 

Scorers – UCC: E Morrissey 0-8 (5f), A Ring 1-2, E Lacy 1-1, A Harrington 1-0, B McMaugh 0-3, A O’Neill 0-1.

University of Galway: K Slevin 1-2 (0-1f), E Noone 0-3 (2f), M Devaney 1-0, S Wynne, A Staunton 0-1 each. 

UCC: C Richmond; D Kiniry, E Power, R Sheehan; A Corcoran, R Corkery, R Ennis; A Healy, A Harrington; A O’Neill, B McMaugh, E Lacy; L Hallihan, E Morrissey, A Ring. Subs: E Twomey for Lacy (40), K Brosnan for Hallihan (44), S McGoldrick for Corcoran (53), K Redmond for Harrington, J Gill for Ring (both 57). 

University of Galway: J Reilly; A Flanagan, M Jordan, C Hogan; M Barek, S Wynne, E O’Connor; M Walsh, S McCarney; A McDonnell, A Staunton, M Devaney; E Noone, M Mulryan, K Slevin. Subs: E O’Riordan for Flanagan (18), R McLoughlin for Mulryan (40), S McGuinness for McDonnell (49), M O’Neill for Hogan (56).

Referee: Eddie Cuthbert.

Posted in Colleges GAA, Ladies GAA | Comments Off on O’Connor Cup Semi-Final: UCC V University Of Galway – Ladiesgaelic.ie – March 14 2025

Leinster Schools Junior Cup Semi-Final: St Michael’s College V Clongowes Wood College – The Kildare Nationalist – March 11 2025

Posted on March 12, 2025 by admin

Semi-final disappointment for Clongowes Wood

LEINSTER SCHOOLS JUNIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL 

ST MICHAEL’S COLLEGE 52 

CLONGOWES WOOD COLLEGE 14 

By Daire Walsh

There was disappointment for Clongowes Wood College at Energia Park on Monday afternoon as the Clane-based side’s Leinster Schools Junior Cup journey for 2025 ended in a comprehensive semi-final reversal at the hands of an impressive St Michael’s College. 

Seeking to reach their first final at this grade since 2008 – when they resoundingly defeated Michael’s 36-0 – Clongowes were unchanged from the side that overcame county rivals Newbridge College in the previous round of the competition.

The north Kildare outfit couldn’t have asked for a better start to the action as winger Victor Lamph pounced on a handling error from Michael’s centre Mark McNally to break over for a try on the left-flank with less than three minutes gone on the clock. Lamph dotted down as close as he could to the centre of the posts to offer Tom English the best possible chance of knocking over the resulting conversion and the Clongowes number 13 duly split the posts with the minimal of fuss.

This threw down the gauntlet to Michael’s, but the south Dubliners ultimately responded with a dominant spell of attacking pressure. Despite being forced into touch moments earlier, Michael’s were back on the front in the 10th minute and hooker Joshua Neville was on hand to drive over the whitewash from close-range.

A wayward Sam Dunne bonus strike ensured Clongowes remained in the ascendancy, before Michael’s eventually squeezed in front courtesy of a routine finish by Sebastian Perry off an extended move inside the opposition ‘22’.

While Clongowes won a defensive turnover against a rampant Michael’s moving into the second-quarter, the Ailesbury Road boys extended their cushion when Neville doubled his tally by rounding off an elongated set-piece attack.

Dunne applied the extras for the first time in the wake of this score and did likewise after he claimed a try of his own on 25 minutes. Clongowes were facing into a 24-7 interval deficit as a result and their chances of forging a second half fightback were effectively halted just five minutes into the second half as No 8 Herbie Doyle crashed over after Michael’s broke off a five-metre scrum.

This latest effort coincided with the departure of Clongowes back Daniel Maguire with what looked like a serious-looking injury, but in his absence, the inside centre’s team-mates finally disrupted the momentum of their opponents. After they had attacked at pace down on the left-wing, the ball was worked inside for tighthead prop Eze Nwike to dive over for a 39th minute try.

A superb touchline conversion followed from English, but Clongowes remained adrift by a substantial total of 17 points.

They did their best to stem the Michael’s tide inside the final-quarter, but the six-time champions ultimately cruised into a forthcoming junior showpiece against either Blackrock College or Castleknock College with late tries from Neville (to complete his hat-trick), Perry and Austin Currivan.

ST MICHAEL’S COLLEGE: Sebastian Perry; Austin Currivan, Mark McNally, Sam Dunne, Toby O’Leary; Matthew McKenna, Ryan O’Sullivan; Conall Farrell, Joshua Neville, Harry McCafferty; Oliver Maybury, Sam Kennedy; Dara Elliott, David Fingleton, Herbie Boyle. Replacements: Keelan Coogan, Jamie Gilsenan, Conor Synnott, Hugh Draper, Patrick Ryan, Dylan Thomas, Will Hennessy, Hugo Kirkham.

CLONGOWES WOOD COLLEGE: Robert Wyse; Ryan Mahon, Tom English, Daniel Maguire, Victor Lamph; Michael McCormick, Sean Crowe; Daithi Behan, Shaun Priede, Eze Nwike; Luke Ryan, Lucas Aveling; Philip Kenny, Senan Walsh, Harry Lawlor. Replacements: Luca Blessing, Ifeanyi Emmanuel, Igor Mazur, Edmond Cogan, Scott Morrissey, Odhran Doyle, Patrick Hassett, Fionnan Boyle.

Referee: Sam Holt (Leinster Rugby Referees).

Posted in Schools Rugby | Comments Off on Leinster Schools Junior Cup Semi-Final: St Michael’s College V Clongowes Wood College – The Kildare Nationalist – March 11 2025

Updated National Hurling League Odds Piece: Gambling.com – March 11 2025

Posted on March 12, 2025 by admin

GAA Betting: Limerick Favourites For National Hurling League Glory

By Daire Walsh

It is coming towards the end of the regular phase of the competition, and last weekend produced some interesting results.

Limerick are now favourites with betting sites to win the Division 1A title, but there are still plenty of other teams in the mix.

Cork, Clare and Kilkenny are waiting in the wings if the Treaty County falter.

Here we look at the story of last weekend and bring you the best odds available with GAA betting sites.

Limerick, Tipperary And Cork Victorious

Despite losing out to All-Ireland champions (and 2025 league winners) Clare the previous weekend, Limerick were still very much in the reckoning for Division 1A of the NHL due to them having games in hand on every other team in the top tier.

Last Saturday, they faced Galway in the Gaelic Grounds. With Shane O’Brien (1-3) and Aaron Gillane (0-6) in fine scoring form, the Treaty emerged victorious on a final scoreline of 1-27 to 0-18.

While Conor Cooney was dismissed for Galway for a second yellow card offence in the second half of that game, the two fixtures in Division 1A on Sunday also produced a significant number of red cards.

At Nowlan Park, Darragh McCarthy registered 0-12 as 14-man Tipperary overcame a 12-man Kilkenny by a margin of nine points (2-25 to 1-19).

Over at Cusack Park in Ennis, Brian Hayes (3-1), Declan Dalton (2-6) and Shane Barrett (1-4) all ran riot as Cork defeated Clare on a final score of 6-20 to 0-23.

Although it all happened after the Rebels had contributed their sixth goal of the contest, three players were given their marching orders in this contest.

Clare lost Peter Duggan and David Fitzgerald, while Cork’s Cormac O’Brien was also issued with a red by referee Liam Gordon.

Despite being the two sides to contest last year’s NHL decider, Kilkenny and Clare are both out of the running for a league title in 2025.

The same goes for Wexford, and should Kilkenny pick up at least a point in a refixed encounter against Limerick in Nowlan Park this weekend, then the Slaneysiders and Clare will be consigned to Division 1B hurling for 2026.

That leaves four teams in contention for not only a league final spot but the overall prize in this springtime competition.

Limerick And Cork Head The Betting

In more recent weeks – even though their playing schedule had been restricted – Limerick were seen as favourites for an NHL Division 1A title.

They are still strongly favoured by Boylesports at 11/4 in the wake of last weekend’s win over Galway and in advance of the aforementioned clash away to Kilkenny this Saturday afternoon.

Following the latter game, Limerick will also face Wexford at home in the final round of the group stages on March 22.

Wins in both of their upcoming matches will not necessarily get them back to the league final, but it will give them an excellent chance.

Hell-bent on a big year after losing out to Clare in the 2024 All-Ireland senior hurling championship final, Cork are next best with betting apps at 3/1.

The Leesiders lost to Tipperary in their third game of the campaign, but subsequent wins over Kilkenny and Clare restored their confidence in a timely fashion.

On March 22, Pat Ryan’s side will welcome Galway to Pairc Ui Chaoimh in the final round-robin game of the league for both teams.

You have to go back to 1998 for the last time Cork won a hurling league crown, and they might see success as the perfect platform moving into the summer months.

Tipperary Still In The Reckoning

Tipperary last tasted NHL glory 10 years after Cork’s most recent triumph, when the Premier County held off the challenge of Galway in a compelling affair.

They currently find themselves at the summit of the Division 1A table with four wins from five games.

While Limerick had the measure of them in their all-Munster clash on February 9 in the Gaelic Grounds, Tipperary still came out of that contest with plenty of credit.

Their place in the league final isn’t yet secured, and regardless of how they have been performing thus far in 2025, Clare (7/2) will look to make life difficult for Tipp at Semple Stadium on March 22.

Liam Cahill previously guided Waterford to a league title in 2022, and Ladbrokes are currently offering odds of 10/1 on him, adding another NHL crown to his list of achievements.

Galway Have An Outside Chance

Though last weekend saw them falling to their second 12-point defeat of the season, Galway are still in the running for a decider spot heading into a final-round showdown with Cork.

Between heavy losses to Tipperary and Limerick, the Tribesmen earned consecutive wins against Kilkenny, Clare and Wexford.

This year’s league has been mainly about experimentation for Micheal Donoghue, who is in the first year of his second stint as Galway manager.

The Clarinbridge man has used almost 40 players across their five games in Division 1A.

The team he selects to face Cork mightn’t necessarily be his line-up for the start of the Leinster senior hurling championship, but there remains a competitive streak whenever they take on the Rebels.

Victory at Pairc Ui Chaoimh could get them into next month’s league final, so Galway can’t be easily dismissed.

At the time of writing, they are behind Limerick, Cork and Tipperary in the league betting, but are still a healthy 12/1 for a potential league final success.

Posted in Gaelic Games, Hurling | Comments Off on Updated National Hurling League Odds Piece: Gambling.com – March 11 2025