AIL 2025-2026 Round 5 – Terenure College RFC v First XV

Terenure College RFC V St Mary’s College RFC

14 12
AIL Division 1 A
Lakelands Park
Saturday 15th November 2025

Overall
After a 24 hour deluge across Leinster, donated by munificent Claudia, not only were the grounds Lakelands, but the entire area was effectively lake-lands; so, great credit must go to the Nure volunteers for having the main pitch playable, though soft. Our dedicated President, Gareth Logan, was there to lend a hand. If one stopped and watched the throngs pouring onto the terrace and pitch surrounds, a feeling of latent energy infused and swelled. Tots, through teens, middlers and beyond, all agog; a marvellous melange of colour-clad humanity, mixing with the autumnal hues, the purples and blues, blacks and whites in a heaving, kaleidoscope. That erg-centric mass, accentuated how sport fulfils the kinetic, dynamic, dissipation necessities in the community, in the most exciting and benign way. Throughout the game, the swaying, baying, partisan crowds, engaged and eagerly interacted amiably. Certainly, there was immense emotion, but never any sign of intertribal animosity.

It was redolent of the early days of the rivalry in the 50s, 60s, and 70s when matches and blood boiled and the two teams went head to head in near mortal combat, with the crowds swaying up and down the touchlines in time with the play; and decibels slashed the air. Emotional supporters were tempted to enter the contest. Then the final roar would sound, and soon the stillness of the end. Arms were wrapped and
pints devoured and smiles wreathed, and later songs of good fellowship were sung. How we need each other. It was uplifting to note the respect for the kickers.

Although, sadly, everywhere nowadays there is a tendency to cheer or jeer misses or errors. As expected, it was a gargantuan test of quality rugby, compelling in its intensity and emotional output. Maybe that joust between the irresistible and the immovable made the game slightly less fluid or flamboyant, but nonetheless enthralling. Taking that the home side scored two tries and had slightly more possession,
especially in the first half, indicated that they deserved the win. However, if the return is played on a firmer surface, it is quite possible that the blues may well prevail. It was also notable that the visitors had a long-range (50M) penalty chance from the masterful Mick O’Gara, who had already converted four penalties. It was just off. Mick should be commended for having the courage and belief to go for it.

There were times during the game, it seemed almost too important to the players and so it was a little less adventurous than expected, however it was a highly skilled contest of great need for both sides. The set pieces were closely contested and understandably, under the conditions, a feature of the game was defence, which for both sides was for the most part locked. Greg had his lineout working well and the
maul defence was excellent, the two tries came from post maul heavy sustained line attacks. Due to the conditions, there were more scrums in the first six minutes (5), than normally would be in the total half. The amount of work done by the pack was exceptional. Each one, courageously put their heart and head into every situation to make a difference. Josh Gimblett has joined us this year and has been a telling
success, with that blindside, hard graft done selflessly every week, as part of a phenomenal backrow. With the particular exigencies of this derby match his enormous power and persistence made him invaluable as he carried hard, rammed runners and worked incessantly and effectively in lineouts, mauls and scrums. He was outstanding. A true team man, his fellow pack members appreciated greatly his unselfish commitment. He received the Manverton MoM Award.

There were some fine back moves, but it was difficult with the slow, heavy surface and with the greasy ball. there were a number of handling errors. That all led to several stoppages and penalties conceded, especially in the second half. The visiting midfield and back three looked potent on occasions but got limited opportunities.

Scores
It was 25 minutes of close combat, before the first score, a well struck penalty forty metres out, by Mick O’Gara. Then, 27 minutes on the clock, Nure made a strong attack down the wing. Near the line, Mary’s conceded a penalty, which Nure chose to put into the corner and maul. The maul was repelled, but after a series of picks and drives they got over and converted 7-3. Shortly later it went 7-6, with a penalty by MOG and that was how it was at half time.

Second half, the game broke up a bit more and the crowd continued to urge on their particular heroes. When the half was four minutes gone, MOG made it 7-9 and on 64 minutes, Mary’s won a scrum penalty (making it even in scrums successes) it was 7-12 thanks to MOG. The game became more open and Nure put on heavy pressure and won a penalty then assailed the line, Mary’s stood firm with superb defence. Nure won another penalty then two scrums and a tapped penalty. Eventually, they breached the blue line, and it was 14-12. Mary’s came back, our wingers probing and hitting hard. At the end, they got a penalty just inside their own half. Mick, like the man he is, said yes I will, he hit it true but it just drifted off. The end was 14-12.

As there was no clubhouse available due to impressive renovations, the Mary’s supporters and the players and management made their way to Templeville Road, after chats and interactions with their counterparts. It was good to see the management in their impressive Columbia Coats, which were sponsor negotiated by diligent RC member, and head of Sponsorship, David Lyons.

Obviously, Head Coach Mark, was disappointed but sporting, and proud of his players. He will make necessary adjustment before hosting, Nenagh Ormond (our first ever meeting with them). Likewise, President Gareth was seen graciously chatting with his counterpart.

Mary’s remain first with 24 points, one ahead of Terenure and Clontarf, so are still in the happy position, long may it so be.

Come to cheer andDo it for Deano

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

D O’Brien.