AIL 2025-2026 Round 9 – Lansdowne FC v First XV

St Mary’s College RFC V Lansdowne FC
0 – 14
Energia AIL Division 1 A
Templeville Road,
Saturday, 13th December 2025

Preamble.
Coming in past John Stapleton and Santa’s helpers at the gate, minds turned to Gary Croke, whose father sadly died earlier in the week and who was part of a tribute to a number of Mary’s and Lansdowne members who were remembered by a pre-match minute’s silence. Included also was Brian Cotter, a renowned Clubman, who won an SCT medal at St. Mary’s College in 1961 (first win for school) he played at the club and became a highly successful schools’ international coach and of his own old school with a famous team win 1994. We are indebted to his memory for all the great young players he directed towards his club. The group honoured also included Sean Quinn, brother of Mick and Charlie of Lansdowne FC. Deaths seem to wound deeper at Christmas time.

The array of exciting gaiety within the clubhouse was beautifully startling. One was met with a warming hubbub and every space crammed with humanity of the blue and white or Black, red and yellow hues, vying with the splendour of Gillian’s décor and preparations. A feast of festive fare followed with over 330 indulging.

The Vice President Stephen Shirley emphatically welcomed all from Lansdowne and Mary’s and particularly the 1974-75 LSC and Bateman (Centenary) Cup winning team and the 2005 Leinster Cup winning teams. It was exciting to see so many great Mary’s players there. He also had a particular and deserved mention for the Logan family, especially Bronagh, who is a committee member and Comms director. After a well-appreciated Christmas Meal, our superb and young President, Gareth Logan, welcomed in a compelling speech, Lansdowne’s young President, Gavin Lee (who had played a match earlier that morning). Gavin pointed out the achievement of our brilliant Club Captain, Conor Dean in recently receiving his 100th AIL cap and also referenced Gareth’s achievement of a career which encompassed 137 AIL caps. There was a sense of real companionship between them as they swapped mementos.

Then, VP Stephen called up John Moloney, former scrumhalf and arguably the greatest Mary’s international player ever, to give his recollections of that 1975 win, when he captained the team in Limerick. He swapped some amusing banter with his former international outhalf partner (close friend) and raconteur, Mick Quinn. John recounted some details on the four vital games, played over nine days and the pivotal role played by the great Tom Grace in that final win. It was a real treat to have Tom there, looking almost ready to come on later if needed. John’s most interesting presentation was received with acclamation. You can only imagine the vivid activity, chatter and sociability after the match.

Overall
The charcoal grey clouds swirled ominously, as the wind flexed its gale-force muscles. It directed its ire, slantwise down towards Carvill Corner with a challenging whine. It was clear straight away, this was a severe challenge as the visitors had a big strong pack, a combative scrum and aggressive driving and carrying. It also transpired that they had a highly organised cover defence which challenged the offside line in lightening defensive strikes. They also adapted well to the conditions.

Lansdowne played towards the Road End and put us on the defence from the kick-off. The home defence was impressive as a deep line of defenders faced the attack and for four minutes were imperious. Then the visitors lost the ball forward from for a scrum, we took the scrum and ran the ball out. Unfortunately, in trying to clear the lines, the ball was blocked and Lansdowne’s outhalf, James Tarrant, scored. 0-7. Mary’s continued to defend well throughout the half. On halftime we lost the ball in attack, and from the halfway line, they put the ball up on the wind which carried it into the Gate Corner. The defender was caught with the ball. Lansdowne battered the line and eventually, when playing advantage, prop Greg McGrath, got over. 0-14.

That is how the half finished 0-14. There was a fair bit of optimism with a half to come and a very strong wind to help. It was there to be won and in truth no one could be found wanting in effort. The coaches had clearly advised frequent and judicious use of the wind. For some reason it seldom happened, once it did, from a fine penalty into Carvill Corner from Ruairi Shields, when we came close. The players were anything but otiose, but it was not a simple task as Lansdowne held the ball well, and when we were in possession, and the backs received the ball, their aggressive defence was so quickly up, passing or taking it on were the only options open to the home side. It might on occasions have been possible to take the ball deeper, but that option was not always available. Our efforts to play out were thwarted by a fine defence. Therefore, although we came close on a few occasions, we narrowly failed to get back seven points for the losing bonus point, we probably deserved. Therefore, the game finished 0-14.

There was disappointment, but not disconsolation. To be, as we are, second at Christmas would have seemed to be a very satisfactory position at the commencement of the league. We have only had one loss at home. We can reset and proceed in January with great optimism. It was a day for the pack, and they did their job. Until he was injured, Dan Goggin carried out of defence very well and tackled with venom, Mighty Mick worked in defence and attack, in scrum and lineout, lifting all his time on. And as is the norm, Ronan Watters was coruscating, indefatigable, with piercing carries and terrifying tackles.

However, Daniel Leane who was impressive in the lineout on a very difficult day, covered enormous space, tackled hard and caused that strong Lansdowne defence an amount of difficulty with his rapid ranging breaks. He is exceptionally athletic and has been showing high form all season deservedly, he received the Manverton MoM Award.

Epilogue.
Club Rugby has always been a sporting brotherhood and Mary’s and Lansdowne have ever had a friendly swashbuckling rivalry. Last year Mary’s visited Lansdowne first and won, and Lansdowne prevailed on the visit to Templeville Road. Without arrogating the result, we would be planning for a similar outcome. Whatever, post-match, both the players and supporters all mingled happily with persiflage and with gracious acceptance all round. However, the vast crowd made inter-chamber locomotion difficult but enjoyable, as the atmosphere was lambent, with music and song; a terrific night was there.

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

D O’Brien.