AIL 2025-2026 Round 4 – UCD RFC V First XV

UCD RFC V St Mary’s College RFC
24 45
Energia AIL Division 1 A
The Bowl, Belfield
Saturday 26th October 2025

 

Overall
There seemed to be an upsurge of light and vivacity on entering the campus, youth, bicycles, joggers and bright buildings all jab one’s senses. These feelings grow as you enter the pre-match lunch venue. These lunches put persons together and nurture the humanity of sport and friendships for life. Club rugby is an enclosure of life and companionship, of often fierce competition yet acceptance of outcomes and diversity. Long may it thrive.

Seeing some of the great characters of the sport, reminiscing was a further uplift of spirit. Amongst pictures of some of UCD’s fallen heroes such as the wonderful Finbarr Costello there was the UCD President, former top player and most popular Willie Burns who later gave a most entertaining and informative dissertation was exceptionally welcoming. Our Vice President, Stephen Shirley, (representing President Gareth Logan, who is away on business) was most impressive in his reply to Willie. His VP, Dr Ray Power has of course close Mary’s links, was chatting with one of our own and one of club rugby’s greatest all round paladins, Frank Kennedy, along with brothers International Terry, and former winger John. Barry Sheehan (father of Dan) was there, as was Brian Gilsenan mingling happily along with our Barney who was slagging away. Ubiquitous and hard-working Mossy Davin and Lorcan Byrne were there. Billy Murphy great UCD stalwart, was reminiscing about true wonders, like the late Eddie (Ned) Thornton. With this special light, yet sincere atmosphere, it was easy to feel comfortable and relaxed and able to enjoy the top class speeches of Willie and Stephen; and in those it was very good to hear of our shared and inextricably linked history. Particularly apt it was to hear the names John and Marie Hammond, two of the greatest Marys/UCD members. John, received thespecial IRFU Medal for exceptional services to Irish Rugby, and Marie who gave the most exceptional service to St Mary’s over 15 years and continues to even after her retirement. VP, Stephen showed himself, to be a convivial and fine orator and a most personable ambassador. He paid tribute to and referenced many of our cross-over members from brilliant players, like Jimmy Kelly and Seamus Deering (both Irish Captain V NZ) to brilliant members like pioneering former president, Bobby O’Connor and Prof Peter Boylan and the Gilsenan family. There was a packed hall of alicadoos and many recognisable faces, such as Brent (Popey) Pope, Brendan Spring, who as former, Mary’s DoR, President and recently retired Chairman, Aoife O’Donnell former Hon Secretary, Ronnie McBrien former President, and former outhalf Peter
McGiolla Ri. The Hernan (Ray and David) brothers were there, as were the O’Kellys. Also to the fore was the “big” super fan, over from Scotland, celebrating his new free status, the most affable, Tony Flynn. As everyone went towards the action, there was that unique excitement of a match in the Bowl, as it always gives that frisson of playing in “the Cup”.

The Game
If there was vivacity on campus, there was effervescence in the game. UCD, like Mary’s, have running rugby in their genetic core, ever since their marvellous Don Hingerty and his Firbolgs. It is likewise our destiny to ever run and run, and with a team such as now the running is breath-taking and bewilderingly brilliant. To see the fluidity of the backline sweeping forward en-bloc with the ball synchronously in harmony with the move, would give a glow to a partly sighted snowman. Mark McHugh can be very proud of his endeavours and artistry.

Today, one of our top running backs, Myles Carey, was unavailable today. Even so, the backline was like a Shelbourne Park Race line-up. From the off, the ball was almost ever in motion. A feature of today for the visitors was the enormous contribution and effort by every player to play at express rate, but with a concentration that was an apotheosis. The handling and accuracy of action was commendable. The weather was less mild than of late but otherwise perfect for this fascinating and swaying display. This was a coruscating contest. Unfortunately, Mary’s lost two fine opportunities early on due to a forward pass when a gash had been rent in the UCD defence and the impressive Leandro Ramirez was released.

Then the kick ahead by Aaron O’Sullivan was just excruciatingly too long for his fast follow up. Aaron fully metamorphosed from Sevens to full metal rugby, today. Not only did his play led to a super try, but was hunting and hurtling all over the pitch, esurient and fervent. On a day of joy, there was so much to enjoy and love and many top-class performances. It was disappointing to allow in three tries from close in, but that said, UCD have a fine pack and an adventurous backline. The set pieces were fairly even. Our loose play was sharp and fast and forward play powerful and confident, with the pack’s back five constantly marauding, with Ronan and Josh in the van. This squad has a high alteration capacity without performance dip, having so many elite and emerging players within it. One of outstanding ability is undoubtedly Mensa Man, Greg Jones, who puts his cousin, Indiana in the shade. His leadership and direction are signal, and his strategic perception is baffling. His general play is constant and highly effective. Today his lineout work and loose and support play were excellent. At a critical juncture, when close to the UCD line he read the runes, so broke off hard, pirouetted, and fed Richie Bergin on an acute vector to score the neatest of tries. His overall effect on the game earned him the Manverton MoM Award. (See Photo of presentation by Vice President Stephen
Shirley).

As indicated, there were many admirable performances. A special mention should be made again of Dan Goggin at 8, who is another with profound influence. During the second half he went back to his other position 12, and in both excelled, with one cross kick inside his own 22, finding Aaron O’Sullivan on the far wing. Aaron, like an Ethiopian Express, exploded past his markers and seared the turf; he had Ruairi
Shields perfectly up in support to score. Mick O’Gara too continued in his fantastic all-round form, con brio; and from the tee. The influence, as player and leader of the Skipper, Conor (Deano) Dean, is pivotal to the performances of his team. Unfortunately, he had to go off in the second half with a knock. It was fortunate to have talented Aaron O’Neill at 15 who was there to take on the 10, role. Again, it needs to be stressed that never more was it more evident of the overall affect of having such a wide talented squad, and it wise application by Head Coach, Mark.

Great credit too to UCD, who contributed pro rata in this fine match. They have a good balance and high skill levels. One could note that against St Mary’s College RFC over the last three games, UCD, RFC has had a resurgent second half their game improved noticeably as it progressed this was evident again today, although at all times the visitors looked a smidgeon stronger. Overall, it was a magnificent contest played with the highest sportsmanship. We shall be hoping that UCD are well placed before we meet again nearing the end of the league programme.

Scoring
Both teams started with intent and pace. After the first two misses, on 12 minutes Mary’s took a quick lineout near halfway and Rob Gilsenan swung it out long, Dan drew and gave to Aaron O’Sullivan who burst through the middle and whizzed 30 metres, to score a fine try and Mick O’Gara did what he does so well, converted, 0-7. It was 18 minutes when after some sharp defending by Mary’s, UCD did get a penalty to make it 3-7. On 28 minutes Richie Bergin from Greg scored that beauty, 3-14. Then, 31 minutes, from a lineout 35 metres out, a maul made good progress, drew in support, Rob Gilsenan, took the ball swung blind and gave the ball to Dan on a loop and Dan drilled through, straightened and Rob ran a lovely vector, Dan gave it back to him and he scored, a very sweet try. The score was then 3-21. Shortly afterwards, 38 minutes, UCD scored a penalty try after a maul taken down and brought the score to 10-21. Mary’s got a yellow card. Just before half time, Mary’s worked really hard, with everyone involved. They worked their way to nearly halfway, Mark Fogarty broke through and when closed on, gave the ball to Leandro who scudded down the line went inside last defender and scored a super try, 10-26. And that was halftime.

The second half was only five minutes gone, when UCD on the Marys line, broke back in direction from their rumbling maul, to score and make it 17-26. After a period of attack and counter attack, the visitors had a scrum inside UCD half, Dan still at 8 broke and when the ball was recycled the ball came to him again and he broke the tackle, sped towards the line and gave it to fast following Adam McEvoy now at 9.
He whizzed over and it was 17-33. UCD had a period of strong pressure coming near to the end game. The visitors had a maul from a lineout near their own line, and when Adam fed Dan he saw his far winger Aaron free and sent a kick right across, 25 metres, and Aaron took off he zoomed down the left wing he had Ruairi Shields up with him and from halfway Ruairi went turbo, and left the cover to score a dinger. After Aaron O’Neill’s conversion it was 17-40. UCD came right back and scored another mauled try on 82 minutes. 24-40. One minute later, after a ruck, Adam fed Ruairi and he sent it on to Ronan who surged though the cover and scored fine try. The game ended 24-45.

The referee is due much credit for allowing the players express their flair and produce a classic club joust. And we owe all the players and the managements, big thanks. Excited Mary’s supporters milled around the concourse, chatting to players and other supporters of both blues.
It was good to see the animated and happy faces of the players and particularly those of Mark and Jamie, Marcus and Tommer. Also of Paul’s and Harry and Ian. In the background, Alan et al. were also beaming while VP, Stephen has a special life memory.

Now with 19 points and four wins, five points ahead of our friends Ballynahinch, Terenure and Clontarf. Cork Con with two wins and two losses are fifth and it is they we face next Saturday. This will be a serious challenge from a big strong team and the team which beat us at Templeville Road, April in the semi-final of AIL. We will need be at our best and have all of you in heavy voice.

Recently Tommer O’Reilly has been recruited as scrum coach (fortunately, he will also continue to play), and has impressed greatly. The club has also been fortunate in securing the services of our own Lion, Jack McGrath, who is going become part of the coaching group, particularly on forward play.

Do it for Deano

Team (12 changes during the game)
15 A O’Neill, 14 L Ramirez, 13 M Fogarty, 12 M O’Gara, 11 A O’Sullivan, 10 C Dean (Capt.), 9 R Gilsenan, 8 D Goggin, 7, 6 J Gimblett, 5 C Pierce, 4 G Jones, 3 M McCormack, 2 R Bergin, 1 O Michel, 16 J Nelson-Murray, 17 T O’Reilly, 18 D Leane, 19 F Burke, 20 A McEvoy, 21 R Shields.

D O’Brien.