AIL Semi-Final 2025/26 St Mary’s College RFC V Terenure College RFC
St Mary’s College RFC V Terenure College RFC
20 – 13
Saturday 18th April 2026
Energia, AIL Division 1A
Semi-Final
Templeville Road
Prequel
The week that is, started and finished in a tumult of action. Visiting the campus midweek, was like a visit to a vibrant village centre, with tradesmen and women, Barman, Groundsman and Administrator, volunteers, club officers, committees and Comms, PR and H&S and even gawkers, all vying for space and action. One could see the sites for mobile loos and coffee docks and burger barns. Hammering and humming and asks and tasks, could all be noted; One could almost hear the nervous heartbeats of the top-pop-pals, President, VP and JVP, Logie, Shirls and Hass, as they gave it their brilliant all, this wonder week. They made it all possible. Meanwhile, the squad was following the programme as set out by sagacious Head Coach Mark McHugh and DoR Alan Shirley, with their logistic needs being supplied by diligent Senior Manager Paul Pender and colleagues.
There had been 4,000 tickets sold, so the greatest crowd ever experienced by St. Mary’s College RFC for the most important home match the club has ever played was expected. Arriving today, a bright breezy one, it was akin to Mardi-Gras with a kaleidoscope of colours, mainly of the blue and white, and purple and black hues. Odours of coffee and burgers and tacos and pizzas assaulted nostrils. A swirling horde of zealots, singing and swinging, chatting and chanting, shuffling and zig-zagging, elbowing to coffee splashing and slopping, as they sought vantage points, 8s to 80s, tremulously hoping. It was worth observing the keepers of the gate (Gary Croke, Johns, Bainbridge and Stapleton et al.) patiently and efficiently checking all entrants. These members generously spend hours each AIL match in this valuable chore. The appeal for volunteers was heeded by many, and without them all would have been impossible. It is noteworthy that parents over the past number of seasons have not only supported their son’s team, but more. Peerless Ronan Watters’s dad, Brian Watters, has been to the fore. This week, he was working hard as a volunteer and was a steward today. The president expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation to all those who answered his call for volunteers, including the 25+ members who, during the week, deep-cleaned the club, tidied, power-washed, removed every scrap of rubbish and waste, and much more.
Nothing that was to take place later could detract from the scene that was, that beautiful, clamorous human melange, sampling the open hospitality of the club and the outstanding aesthetic results of the cumulative efforts on the part of all the marvellous volunteers. The pitch too was in pristine condition, pitch perfect from the meticulous care and expert attention of Martin Blacker, who with Pokey’s help, ensured a surface fit for royal croquet. Martin does much unseen important work. He is on a sabbatical from Australia, much to our benefit. Vinnie Murray, spent the week tirelessly working, organising, with meetings and work parties, dispersing important information and answering queries. He was invaluable.
Patches of patrons swelled to swathes and then to copses, then to accumulations and then a jammed and heaving mass of social humanity. Marys-Marys-Marys; Nure-Nure-Nure, murmurs, cheers and roars. It was all upon us like a vibrant vortex of feelings. Fears and hopes. Meanwhile, inside, the place was in pristine condition due to Gillian’s assiduous directions, a gigantic lunch was in delectable consumption, amid chatter and fun. Then the two presidents exchanged gifts and compliments, by now nigh on blood brothers, David Lynagh, Terenure College RFC and Gareth Logan St Mary’s College RFC. Their clubs have already met twice this season and having been on the Leinster Rugby Clubs Presidents Dinner Circuit, has drawn them together in close friendship. They are both excellent orators, well versed in entertainment and information dissemination. When it was time for action, the clubhouse disgorged the 300+ diners to join the mere hoi polloi, and their drumming din on the terraces; sharp elbows winning out. An almost febrile hush hit the ears as all assembled stood in a sad minute’s silence in respect of a former Mary’s man, Stephen Bailey, who had very recently died. He was the son of Robin and Kay Bailey. Robin is a highly respected member and former fine centre three quarter, who won a schools senior cup medal, 1966.
There were 200-250 of our cheering young mini players forming an avenue of blue and white waving flags and banners for the players coming on to the pitch, A tunnel of love. Behind them was the ubiquitous John Pyne and his St Mary’s Flag. Then the epic joust unfolded.
200 AIL Caps
For two star players, there was an added special significance in the match, for both were winning their 100th AIL Cap. The two most commendable players who have contributed an extraordinary amount to their team and their club. Mark Fogarty, outstanding back three and outside centre, full of adventure, who was the top try scorer 2024-25 and a star of this year, with a gap due to a hip injury, is now happily returned to full fitness. How proud and elated his late and sadly missed dad, the most popular and kindest of members and former fine outhalf, Patsy, would have been.
Mick O’Gara, top AIL points scorer this season, and invaluable inside centre, also gains his 100th Cap. He is an iconic team man, with icy nerve and precise accuracy as he adds on penalty after penalty conversion (sometimes from nigh on impossible positions) after conversion. He takes sharp vectors, scoring tries and willingly sacrifices his safety for his team as he carries.
Both are admired greatly at all levels within the club and are willing to coach and mentor junior and younger players.
The Denouement
A restless shuffle hit the terraces as the Nure boot hit the ball; game on. This was a high-tension, heavy-duty joust mainly between two exceptional defences and two powerful packs driven by two near irresistible sets of wills. Blue versus purple, white versus black. The set pieces were fiercely contested. The defences were up so fast you would find more space in an Asian Bazaar. In the first half, St. Mary’s played
towards the Road End and with a slanted wind towards Carvill Corner. There was almost a gasping urgency in attack and defence as deadly Dan Goggin, who had a superb high-powered game, drove through the slightest slits in defence. Myles, back after an injury break, used his gliding vectors to test the defensive set-up. Having 23 man squads for the semis and final allowed Mark et al. to make judicious alterations during the match. For Mary’s having Greg Jones at his wizardous best gave an edge, especially in set pieces and spinoffs. During the game, there were periods when both teams faced fierce attacks where they needed contumacious determination in defence, with white sparky flashes from clashes. It was evident that every athlete on the field gave of his very existence to try to swing the game in his team’s direction. The intensity of action was breathtaking. There were many distinguished performances and so it was close to call for the Manverton MoM Award. Daniel Leane’s game has grown in every facet, with his mentor and partner, Greg Jones, beside him, and has reached a high zenith. Once again his lineout work was soaring as he and colleagues spoiled the opposition ball or took it cleanly. His oft unseen, close-in work is particularly noteworthy and productive and his carrying is clever and effective; his defence is highly reliable and destructive. His work rate today was esurient. He received the Manverton MoM Award. (see photo of Jack McGrath presenting the Manverton MoM Award to Daniel).
After 11 minutes, Mary’s gave away a penalty for offside, so Nure were 0-3 up, through Chris Cosgrove. The home side had a penalty, Ruairi put the ball into Carvill Corner, Daniel took it well and it was fed to Rob, who fed Mick O’Gara on a fine vector; he was almost over with the aid of Mighty Mick McCormack, who had an outstanding shift. The mass swung around, then the ball came to Daniel again, and he used his athleticism and steely strength to make it 5-3. On 33 minutes, Nure kicked ahead with a brilliant follow-up and a slight error by the home side, allowing Adam La Grue to kick ahead and follow up to score. It was 5-10. Mary’s put on heavy pressure and eventually, just on half-time, after a penalty to Carvill Corner and take the ball came out and when Super Skipper Deano saw a slight gap, he dummied and went through, swerved past tacklers and scored in the Gate Corner. Mick O’Gara converted and it was 12-10 at half-time.
During the half-time break, the St Mary’s College Leinster Senior Schools Cup winning squad paraded the cup to wild happy cheering from all the St Mary’s supporters. Big Congratulations.
The second half saw a tense match of attack and counterattack with both defences so tight and fast up that there was little room to shake a hip. It wasn’t until 67 minutes when Richie Bergin scored from an irresistible maul, following a lineout in the Cabbage Patch corner, he leverly stayed concealed before diving over. 17-10. Six minutes later Nure scored an Aran Egan penalty, 17-13. Nure attacked hard but eventually, Mary’s got a turnover and put on sustained pressure, resisted commendably by Nure. Mary’s got a penalty by Mick O’Gara on 39 minutes and so it ended 20-13. A close game. The terraces told a story with blue and white ecstasy and purple and black despair. Marys-Marys-Marys. However, as with all good rugby jousts, players and supporters of both persuasions mingled. Praise must be given to the referee, Andrew Cole who was unobtrusive and efficient.
Sequel
As it was a pleasant day many stayed chatting with families and friends before heading into the clubhouse. It was good to see so many former Marys’ greats there, like Hugh Hogan, who led his team brilliantly to our last Senior AIL title in 2012. The Warrior Nick McCarthy, was breathless with excitant for his former teammates. Mick (the Medium) O’Connor was seen checking the pitch surface. Then there was a massive incursion into the clubhouse, and there was distinct similarity to a giant enwrapped, compressed straw bale for there was at some stages standstill blockages, with arms pinned by sides. The bar staff were exceptional in catering for so many so efficiently, well done Padraig and colleagues. Nostalgia and sweet memories of other days were elicited by the sight of high numbers of players of other days and top Mary’s families. The Potts were there, the marvellous Muckers (McCormacks) were there as were the Gibney brothers, with Simon asserting that he
will be the first St Marys Padel Champion. The Rynnes, the Quinns, the Fanagans, both St Mary’s Fanning families and the Conboy families were all there. It was good to note and Enda Riordan and Johnny Everington, the two players who played more games over weekends than any other players in the club. Dr Tim O’Flanagan and Prof Mick Farrell were there. The Campion brothers Fergal and Neill were in attendance. Neill’s son who plays for Barnhall was also along. Rob Ryan was enjoying the company. Barney, with Peter Horgan were going against the flow (Nothing new for Barney). Aoife O’Donnell former Honorary Secretary and Templeogue Principal was home from Spain. Our top long distance fan Tony Flynn was there from Scotland and Paul Glynn had returned that morning from China, Jamie Harding our popular former hooker was over from England.
Eventually, President Gareth found space and silence in the Centenary Bar to present Mark Fogarty and Mick O’Gara with their exceptionally well deserved ceremonial Century Caps, with fitting encomiums to rapturous applause. The crowd then sang Jerusalem with full gusto, a tradition started in the 1950s, by Dick Blake. It has become a second anthem and is sung on most special occasions. It was entirely fitting that Mark should receive his cap then, for the President put up, in the Sean Lynch Bar, a photo of Kitty Fogarty (mother of Patsy and gran of Mark) and Eileen Ebbs (mother of Eileen Fanning, Jack Ebbs etc.). They were pioneering Mary’s women who were volunteers and great favourites with all the members, and especially all the player. Both ladies regularly attended matches and supported all the functions. They met all with smiles, hugs and kisses. It was a pleasure to meet them. How excited and proud they would have been to see the club now, and its
successes. It is only right and just that their memories should be honoured, celebrated and preserved.
The letabund celebrations went on late, as might be expected. The committee and all subcommittees and groups can be exceptionally happy with how they did and how all was achieved in harmony and efficiency. The membership must be grateful for the wonderful organisation.
The final
During the week ahead there will be much to do for all involved. After a meeting with IRFU on Monday, the stand area in the Aviva where St Marys’ supporters will be advised to muster will be made known. As the match is on at 4.00PM the club will apprise us as to the arrangements for pre-match lunch, and if appropriate, transport. It is important for all of us to support with flair and great volume, but never in a boorish or aggressive manner, our good name depends upon it. Our club still adheres emphatically to the time trodden traditions of never booing nor cheering errors; also of respecting with silence, efforts to convert penalties or conversions.
This is a time of great joy for our club and so we approach with happiness the week ahead and the day. Although we beat Clontarf twice during this season, finals are different and Tarf are recently conversant with finals and how to play them. So, it shall be a tough encounter, but there is a depth in our squad and balance in the team that augurs well. So let us go into the game with confidence but not complacency. We know our coaches will ensure that the players are perfectly prepared. We will all get back to our much loved clubhouse to celebrate. Remember we are the boys (and girls) who wear the blue and white, so make sure to get there for the match, even if it means coming by wheelbarrow or hang glider. Do it for Deano !
Team (12 changes during the game) 15 R Shields, 14 Aaron O’Sullivan, 13 M Carey, 12 M O’Gara, 11 L Ramirez, 10 C Dean (Capt.), 9 R Gilsenan, 8 D Goggin, 7 R Watters, 6 J Gimblett, 5 Daniel Leane, 4 G Jones, 3 M McCormack, 2 J Nelson Murray, 1 O Michel 16 R Bergin 17 T O’Reilly, 18 A Sparrow, 19 C Pierce, 20 F myuhbbBurke, 21E Baxter, 22 M Fogarty, 23 S Kilgallen.
D O’Brien.
