1st XV v Terenure (A) LSC – by D. O’Brien
Terenure College RFC V St Mary’s College RFC
21 29
LSLC
Saturday 5TH September 2026
Lakelands Park
Overall
For the more mature Marys and Nure folk the Leinster Senior Cup has a puissance of resonance that brings out the tremor; as before Leinster League and All Ireland League, the LSC was the grand prix and for many in Leinster rugby, their raison d’ȇtre. Much of that came back today on a serenely sunny September Saturday at revamped Lakelands. Now, there never was rugby rivalry that approached the intensity of that between our clubs. The essence of that remains although, now it is underpinned by deep respect and friendship.
What a joyous start to the season for President Stephen and his entourage, 5th of September and his men are already in a top final.
There was a modest entry charge, which Terenure, very kindly shared with St Marys for their two special needs teams, Terenure Tigers and Marys Stars
It was a fast entertaining and competitive game that held the sizeable crowd in thrall. It must be said, that the visitors were value for their victory. It was good to see most of our championship side out and it was also good to relate that all those players showed why they are champions, with their application and performances, well led by their brilliant Skipper, Conor Dean. It is also a pleasure to report that all the new recruits who joined the joust, showed that they will enjoy their club and they contributed handsomely to the victory. In the pack, hooker Stephen McLoughlin, a substantial gentleman, showed his mettle with a powerful game, he uses that power in a most positive manner and scored the first try of the game with an almost unstoppable vector to the line from five metres out. Also, in the pack newcomers and extra-large citizens, Braemar Murray (no he is not from Churchtown nor is he known as Rooms) and Max Egan (from last years’ Marys SCT) both were effective in the lineout and lent their avoirdupois in a most productive manner. a special mention has to be made on two newcomers with prior familial connections to the club, Mark Hernan at 7, who is son of Ray Hernan former outstanding centre and Club Captain; and Conor Cantwell, 12/13, a cup winner last year at St Marys College and son of former backrow, Gordon, himself a school’s SCT winner and senior St Marys College RFC backrow.
Mark, who had played last with UCD and has been out for two years with a serious injury showed, why he is so highly rated. His positional play, his reading of the play and his delivery in defence and in attack were, impressive. And young Conor, likewise, fitted in seamlessly, his tackling was crushing, obviously chip off etc.
Coaches, Mark, Jamie, Jack and Greg will be heartened by the response of their players after the loss to Trinity in the previous LSLC match. They started well getting on the attack from the off. Their overall effect was evident. And although Greg was missed on the field, his coaching effect on the lineout and maul was clearly seen. After only six minutes, when attacking the Nure line, the ball came to Stephen from a ruck the hooker exploded over the line 0-7. In a similar situation just before half time, leader and former iconic captain, Ronan Watters, flashed through the close cover and, with Mick O’Gara’s kick again, made it 0-14. In injury time Nure, who were coming more into the game, cleverly slipped through the defence to score a nice try. So, at half time it was 7-14.
The pace of the game remained high, with lots of movement and fast rucking on both sides. When the half was 14 minutes gone, Myles Carey who was enjoying himself, slalomed through and under the posts, and with Mick’s kick it was 7-21. Five minutes later from a long distance break a Nure try made it 14-21. Unfortunately, Myles was injured and had to withdraw. On 65 minutes Mick O’Gara converted a long-range penalty to make it 14-24. With 70 minutes up, Daniel Leane showed his versatility, and he used his pace, power and athleticism along the wing to get over in the corner. It was then 14-29. Nure got a breakaway converted try before the end and it finished 21-29.
The outcome meant that both clubs ended on same points but as St Marys beat Nure in the head-to-head, we have made to the final. That will be next Saturday 12th in a triple header starting 1-.30 PM, with the Cup final between Lansdowne, who won the other side of the league, and St Marys at 5.30PM.
Well done to all !
Team15 R Shields, 14 a O’Sullivan, 13 M Carey, 12 M O’Gara, 11 L Ramirez, 10 C Dean (Capt.), 9 R Gilsenan, 8 C Pierce, 7 M Hernan, 6 R Watters, 5 B Murray, 3 M McCormack, 2 S McLoughlin, 1 O Michel.
16 R Bergin, 17 T O’Reilly, 18C Scott, 19 M Egan, 20 David Leane, 21 R Fahy, 22C Cantwell, 23 Z Hopkins.
