AIL 25/26 Round 10 – Lansdowne FC V St Mary’s College RFC
Lansdowne FC V St Mary’s College RFC
7 13
AIL Division 1A
Lansdowne Road
Friday 9th January 2026
Overall
As the goodly crowd awaited this match on a cold January night, a still, misty, almost mystical aura seemed to envelope the grounds, as though a portent of an explosive exposition. One could almost hear Thor growling. It was an accurate portent, for soon such unfolded on the pitch, with one of the finest, closest and exhilarating explosions of rugby rivalry. Explosive and intense it may have been, but never was it bitter or unsporting, as fortunes and balance swayed. It demonstrated how two friendly clubs can compete with ultimate effort and determination, without rancour. It was, in fact, a match of equality of sublime skill and rivalry. Once again, it demonstrated the quality that has evolved in Club rugby. The game was preceded by a minute’s silence for Mark McCormack, one of six brothers who have been top-class players and very fine Mary’s men.
The 2oC temperature of the night may have caused some handling errors throughout the game, sometimes in critical situations, but these made the game almost more exciting with, oohs and aahs. And the near reckless and relentless speed of play for 80+ minutes showed the near impossible fitness level of both squads. Indeed, with the speed and quality of play, it would be expected to have been a high scoring game but with the brilliant kamikaze defensive play, it ended as it did, and it was probably the (almost literally) staggering, esurient, hermetic and infrangible defence of the visitors in resisting Lansdowne’s final, blistering blitzkrieg that made the result even more deserved and cherished. It was good for Mary’s too, to note that their line was not crossed in conceding the seven points, as it was due to a penalty try. The competition in the set pieces was exact, with lineouts often a test of guile, Jones’ Gregorian chant, edging it. The scrums were a vital area of joust, with Mary’s dominant in the first half and the spoils more even in the second. The wrangle for the breakdown was ferocious, a vortex of clash, with an awe inspiring display by rampaging Ronan, jumentous Josh and flying Finn (and Exocet Ethan). The pack was at its zenith with Greg and Daniel brilliantly binding it all together and the front row, Oisin, Jack (Richie) igneous rock. Speaking of the front row, Oisin who had a personal challenge was superb and in every way excelled, he will have been vindicated.
Then there is Mighty Mick McCormack. He has been the Force for nigh on a decade now. He has turned down professional rugby and fame, to support his close St. Mary’s teammates and his club. He has always been a beacon for his colleagues, on and off the field. He is a most admirable young man, undemanding, yet fiercely competitive and highly talented in play. His devoted loyalty made the last week a heart rending time for him, and an emotional trial. His closest pal, James Marshall, died suddenly and left his friends and family stunned and heartbroken. Michael played tonight with James as his inspiration and raison d’ȇtre. When playing in Ollie Campbell Park two years ago, January 27th in that famous (Deano) game, the report when referring to Michael was:- Mighty Mick McCormack, what team would not pawn half their squad to have Michael. Week after week, he plays a full 80 minutes, rare in modern rugby and especially a tighthead. He lifts like an Otis, he carries like low loader and scrummages like a Berserk Bison. He is a true leader and he is fearless. What a contribution, today his unselfish support stood out. (See report on website.)
Well tonight he was at full race pace all 80+ minutes with tumultuous hits and carries as well as clever back-ups and crushing scrummaging. He scored the try (49 mins), after a lineout, maul having made the initial powerful break through cover, giving on to Rob, and then making the final plunge to touch down. He was to the fore too, in that last dramatic stand and he received the Manverton MoM Award.
Behind the pack, there was a magnificent seven, in symphonic unison, led by the pancratic Captain Conor, who revelled in the pace and was at his most commanding and animated best. He was ever at hand, covering slips, kicking for space, breaking with exquisite vectors, urging his men constantly, with the odd Deano Dink added. Rob Gilsenan was a perfect partner, often taking the hit, probing and sending out long accurate passes. He is a fine defender and tackled strongly throughout. He was importantly involved in the try. Possibly the most consistent and altruistic performer of the squad is Mick O’Gara, once more he sacrificed himself constantly carrying. He takes fine vectors, and also when required, he rams up to make ground. His kicking is outstanding in the league, which of course makes him a top scorer, and this evening his two penalties (23 mins, 68 mins) and were the difference. It was a boost to all to have Myles Carey back and he came back to the same stratospheric level as he left off (injured). He seems to glide over the ground with an athleticism and velocity that makes him so difficult to deal with, he eats the metres. The back three were vital parts of the machine. Leandro was busy, he is a titanium tiger, he is fearless and unerring in taking high balls. He covers brilliantly and always makes forward progress. He had a notable game as did his counterpart on the right wing, Aaron O’Sullivan, who is a big powerful, rapid man, who like Leandro, was highly motivated and work searching today. He had some exhilarating breaks and put heavy pressure on the defence, he had a fine game. Another who was welcomed back having been absent for a considerable time, is popular and accomplished Steven Kilgallen. He was kept busy and settled in well. He is a natural fullback and covered his area well today. Ruairi Shields showed his quality and potential too, when joining the fray. And Aaron O’Neill, Ciaran Scott and Oisin Kearney were there in important support.
St. Mary’s College RFC is fortunate to have such a superb squad. Tommer, Mark Fogarty and Andrew Sparrow (Andrew was on Leinster duty) were unavailable and two other star players, Dan Goggin and Conor Hayes, were out injured. There are too several very promising young players developing.
Post-Match
After the game, the energy-glow and vibrations of realisation emanated from the surrounds, and remained long. Head Coach Mark McHugh, who brilliantly designed the win, was deeply satisfied, but as he always is, gracious. This could well be a defining win for his squad. It was an unusual corollary, for last year we won away firstly, and Lansdowne prevailed on the return. The look of relief on the face of coach, Jack McGrath after prowling the touchline all game with advice and supplies, had to be seen. The President, who not too long ago was playing in AIL, was there to greet his team and share with them their outstanding victory and later to enjoy an evening with his Lansdowne counterpart, along with his VP Stephen, and JVP Gerry. The DoR Alan Shirley, who has been essential over ten years, to the building of teams leading to the current one, happily soaked it up. Great credit must be afforded the Management under Paul Pender and his group, Conor O’Neill, Paul Conlon and Harry Ebbs, They arrange the logistics, and administer to the squad’s needs; they were glowing.
The rest were just letabund.
We now have a visit from our good friends from Ballynahinch with whom we have close relations and close results. So tough game ahead. We also entertain the alickadoos on 23rd, so much to look forward to. Then, for next away visit, which is the first one ever, is to Nenagh Ormond in Tipperary. We must be careful now as they are fast improving and will demand respect, yet we should travel with a degree of confidence. You had better do likewise; arrange to get there, however you do, and just do it for Deano!
Team (12 changes during the game)
15 S Kilgallen, 14 A O’Sullivan, 13 M Carey, 12 M O’Gara, 11 L Ramirez, 10 C Dean (Capt.), 9 R Gilsenan, 8 R Watters, 7F Burke, 6 J Gimblett, 5 D Leane, 4 G Jones, 3 M McCormack, 2 J Nelson-Murray, 1 O Michel, 16 R Bergin, 17 O Kearney, 18 C Scott, 19 E Baxter, 20 A O’Neill, 21 R Shields
D O’Brien.
