AIL 2025-2026 Round 2 – First XV v Young Munster (A) by D. O’Brien – 04.10.25
Young Munster RFC V St Mary’s College RFC
8 15
Energia AIL Division 1A
Tom Clifford Park
Saturday 4th October 2025.
Overall
Last week it was the high speed red-hot Ferrari all the way, this week it was necessary, in the second half, to bring out the heavy machinery.
This was a well-deserved and hard-earned victory, at a club and a ground we respect. In fact, just getting there often feels like a considerable achievement. Today, it required added respect for nature, as the tail end of Amy sashayed across Tom Clifford Park.
There was fair supporter presence, with a bus load of St Marys’ support-plus, there to mingle with the ultra-fervent Young Munster (YM) followers. Memories of 90’s AIL bitter, brittle battles echoed eerily across the windswept grass, as all awaited the forthcoming joust.
One could see the Parents Brigade in little knots, chatting, backs to the gale, while Prof Mick Farrell paced the perimeter, the club hierarchy chatted as the clubhouse disgorged the satiated “lunchers” to join the fence huggers and vantage seekers.
First half, against a strong diagonal wind, the confident handling and sharp vectors of the visitors left YM grasping and gasping. The scrum was ascendant, the lineouts coped and mauls were efficient and telling. Marys’ two scores succeeded considerable maul movement up the pitch, following penalties and lineouts, before release. The first was after 15 minutes, when lineout, maul, line attacks in twos and threes, then release across the line, left to right. Ruairi Shields coming into the line at zoom pace, then, split the wide-out defence to score in the corner. That made it 0-5 and a similar build up, saw Mick O’Gara take the ball from Colm Reilly from the maul, and rocket over in the left hand corner. He converted exceedingly well from far out and against the wind, to see the score go to 0-12, on 22 minutes. The pace against the squally wind was breath-taking, and YM found it hard to deal with it. YM got little possession to use the wind and failed to so do when they did have the ball. Marys looked comfortable with the ball and in defence, handling all efforts made by the home side.
The second half saw a changed Munsters, they are doughty men and took the challenge. For some time then, it was role reversal with YM holding possession, and running at their visitors. It took them six minutes to score wide out. A determined cover tackle by Mark Fogarty appeared to have foiled Hubert Gilvarry, however the touch judge’s flag stayed down and so the score was 5-12. The Marys’ boys dug in, then on the hour mark it was clear the tide was turning back. A long range penalty effort was tantalisingly close, then another attempt from closer in, saw Mick convert it, and bring the score to 5-15 an important damper score. It ding-dong. YM are renowned fighters and they were not giving up. With five minutes to go YM made their way up field and they converted a penalty from close in. It was then tension all the way, but let it be said, Marys were not holding on, but strike for strike, effort for effort, then the whistle went for no side, and Marys had a famous and well deserved victory.
Wasn’t it just right that the visitors should prevail, even without Greg Jones, Tommer and Ronan Watters etc; for it was a special day for Skipper, Conor Dean. He was playing his 100th AIL game for his club. And how well he played, with calm authority and vision. His kicking was tailor made to suit the conditions and a major factor in the win. His all round game was to his usual highest of standards. The club had a specially tailored Century Cap for him and with his celebrated parents Lorraine and Paul present, Paul proudly presented the cap to Conor; Deano to Deano (See photo) amid uproarious applause from his teammates, coaches, management and supporters. He gave an emotional and evocative speech to enormous applause.
If last week the pack played a slightly less prominent role to the backs, the opposite was so today.
The entire 21 put their bodies on the line, never giving an inch, and punched through at every opportunity. First half in particular, the speed off the mark in defence was stunning and disconcerting for the home side. They ran straight and arrow-hard against the defence driving holes in the lines.
It was great to see Mighty Mick McCormack back. Besides being indomitable in the scrum, he carried hard all game. Welcome back Mick.
Another to come back was Conor Pierce. He partnered the admirable Daniel Leane in the second row, and both excelled. Conor showed his back rower credentials too as he covered a remarkable amount of ground. He showed inexhaustible energy and drive. He was seen shoring up rucks and mauls as well as being impressive in the lineout. He is a powerful man, with timely, powerful lifting. His carries were frequent too, and he was a real nuisance to YM. He was outstanding and received the coveted Manverton MoM Award. Niall Rynne (Chair of IRFU Management Committee), was invited to present the Award (See Photo). Conor received it, to the delight and cheers of all present.
The President Gareth Logan, hailed the win with real pride for as a former star player he appreciated the significance and difficulty of achieving a win at TCP.
So, a very satisfying result for Head Coach Mark McHugh, his colleagues and management, the fruit of outstanding coaching and strategy. St Marys are second on the table with same points, 9 as Old Belvedere who are top with a slightly better points’ differential. Incidentally, next week Old Belvedere come to Templeville Road and that will be something very special so make sure to get there, winner to head the table. a titanic battle is expected.
The win added wings to our supporters and squad, making light of the joyous journey home.
I have been asked, why you are stuck with me for an unexpected further season as your reporter. So, I must explain The answer is that all who would like to help are too busy with their own roles, and with their outside life.
Enjoy the week ahead and savour the anticipation. But, make sure to turn up and;
Do it for Deano
Team (12 changes during the game)
15 R Shields, 14 M Fogarty, 13 M Carey, 12 M O’Gara, 11 L Ramirez, 10 C Dean (Capt.), 9 C Reilly, 8 D Goggin, 7 F Burke, 6 J Gimblett, 5 C Pierce, 4 D Leane, 3 M McCormack, 2 J Nelson-Murray, 1 O Michel, 16 C Jacobs, 17 O Kearney, 18 L Corcoran, 19 David Leane, 20 R Gilsenan, 21 A O’Sullivan.
