Energia AIL Division 1A · Templeville Road · Saturday 24th October 2026

Full time: St Mary’s College RFC 12 – 17 Terenure College

Overall

Wedged in between Storms Austin and Boelo with winds whipping up and squalls threatening, we approached the fourth game of AIL 2026-27. This did not deter the often unnoticed, admirable volunteers on the gate, led by Gary Croke and John Stapleton. The work of Martin, Pokie, Paul Pender and helpers had the pitch in verdant and firm condition. The weather had some effect on the attendance, which was a little down on expected, although the capacious clubhouse was sardine full.

It was evident from the kick off that our fast passing, running game would not be accommodated and it would be a mainly forward battle. Not that our forwards would not relish the joust nor that the backs would have a free afternoon, au contraire. Whichever team was playing up towards the Cabbage Patch End and against the gale would be battling toe to toe, inch for inch and having made ground would, if they lost the ball, often find themselves back 50+ metres. There was of course respite when playing down towards the Road End, and with the wind veering towards Carvill Corner it was an invitation to steer kicks in that direction. However, erratic gusts added to the travails, making kicking unpredictable and ball retrieval a lottery.

It was mentioned that playing against the wind was hazardous; it was also a herculean and sometimes a Sisyphean task. Both teams deserve tremendous credit for astonishing determination and resolution. They were relentless in the tackle with both sides tearing into each other fairly, but shatteringly. Vital link players such as scrum-halves had a very difficult task. Our 9, Rob Gilsenan, coped extremely well and his clean-up and defensive work was commendable. It was good too to welcome back flanker Finn Burke.

First half

In the first half, Nure faced that wind, and each member of their team threw themselves into defence like a herd of hyper-hyenas and they tackled hard and guarded the ball with their lives. Anyone new to a D6W Derby will have learned what the rivalry is about. There was not a smidgeon given by either side. Marys kept the pressure on and most of the game was played in the Nure half. There were a number of assaults on the Nure line but they held out until 24 minutes, when we laid siege on the Nure line, with players driving in twos and threes time and again, as the attack assaulted along the width to the posts. Mighty Mick McCormack, who had been to the fore, took the ball and flung his mighty frame through a slight sliver of space and scored close in. Mick O’Gara converted and we were ahead, 7-0.

We tried to push on but the tenacity of the defence and the fickle weather caused lost balls and penalties. It was Nure who scored next when they worked their way up and with picks and drives levelled on 33 minutes, 7-7. Against the run of play Nure got into the home half and, having won two penalties in a row, they had a lineout and maul followed by drives and they got over to make it 7-14 on 41 minutes.

From the kick off Myles, who was hungry for work and probing when he got a chance, hurtled up after the kick, rose like a steeplechaser, snatched the ball and flicked it on to Aaron, who rocketed along the touchline to Carvill Corner, leaving flailing hands, to score a brilliant try, so we went into half time 12-14 down.

Second half

The Marys coaches and the supporters could not but admire their team in the second half when they faced rain and an increased storm into their faces. Everyone who took the white starred blue shirt today threw their bodies into the fray in an almost existential effort. Playing with that gale, Terenure failed to break the impenetrable groyne or our will. A handsome well done to all! Leading the line, as is his wont, with constant torpedo tackles and shuddering drives and carries, was rampant Ronan Watters, and he was awarded the Manverton MoM, presented by DoR Alan Shirley.

There was only one score recorded in the second half, a 54-minute visitor penalty from a collapsed scrum. Two kicks, a conversion and a penalty, were all that divided the sides. So, the final score was 12-17.

This was a true picture of inter-club intense rivalry played with almost frantic fervour and resolve, where the elements and brilliant humanity clashed and cancelled. No one could begrudge Nure their spoils, but they will know that we will come looking once again to level things in this nuclear rivalry. President Stephen was no doubt dejected, but like Head Coach Mark, extremely proud of his players and all those who made it happen. They both know there is a long way to go.

When the on-field rivalry subsided, the nature of club rugby took the floor, with revelry instead of rivalry, stretching into the long night. President Stephen and his Terenure counterpart John Cadell had a most convivial night together.

Next up

Next, we head off on the short route to Old Wesley, newly promoted and seemingly brim full of new talent and settling down well into Division 1A. We have many happy connections to Old Wesley, remembering that their most affable and amiable President, Wayne Sheridan, has had a long friendship with our club and with many members, going back to his refereeing times and when his son played U20s with St Mary’s College RFC. It should be a very exciting meeting.

JB Sweeney

The weekend was, later on Sunday, to bring news to deeply sadden every Marys member and supporter: the death of one of our greatest ever members, James (JB) Sweeney, former Club Captain and President, revered and admired by all; father of great former players and Club Captains, Robert and Richard. Read about his outstanding contribution and career at his club in our tribute to JB Sweeney.

St Mary’s team

15 R Shields, 14 A 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 S McLoughlin, 5 B Murray, 4 D Leane, 3 M McCormack, 2 R Bergin, 1 O Michel.

Replacements: 16 T O’Reilly, 17 A Sparrow, 18 C Pierce, 19 F Burke, 20 M Icely, 21 C Kennedy.

D O’Brien