1st XV v UCD (H) by D. O’Brien – 07.03.2026
St Marys College RFC V UCD RFC
59 12
Energia AIL Division 1A
Templeville Road
Saturday 7th March 2026
Overall
This team has reached a stage where they play at a consistently high level. Head Coach, Mark McHugh and his colleagues have developed a sustainable model. The players bought into it and worked exceedingly hard to attain this brilliance. Now, no matter who they play, their level of confidence and ability is such that they play with the same verve and élan, which is currently an unmatchable symphony. The innate intercommunication is highly tuned, leading to this unstoppable flow. Additionally, if there are cry-offs or injuries the squad member who comes in, fits in seamlessly without loss of efficacy. This requires an extremely high level of work, commitment and talent from all. The squad has developed into a group that has attained a balance in all respects. There were over the years, except for the 90s, concerns that Marys had the skills, but were often short of bulk in the pack. This is not so now, with a formidable front row group, a lithe second row mix and a big athletic back row cohort, able to mix it with the best. The final ingredients to make this a unique amalgam, are compatibility and close friendship between all players, management and coaches. The ready support for all their needs from the club presidential, executive and supporter groups helps further to ensure competitive outcomes. The team has amassed 144 points over the last three games.
Today, again was a day of dazzling rugby. UCD who, playing a university style game joined in the zeitgeist with flying style. Although they could not reach the same level as the hosts on the day they contributed handsomely to a most entertaining performance and sporting occasion. It would be our fervent hope that they remain in 1A. We always have a delightful day together.
We scored nine tries and Mick O’Gara converted seven of them. UCD scored two with one converted. We had achieved the bonus point try after only 18 minutes gone, when Richie Bergin went over. Richie who had a very fine game, scored again in the second half. Five tries were scored in the first half with Zip-Along Zach scoring the fifth. Earlier Rob Gilsenan who is in top form, scored; and Ruairi Shields scored two. Ruairi who was with his university UCD, last year, has come back and has been playing some sparkling rugby. His pace and acceleration are remarkable and give him confidence to use the width of the pitch, look for space and join the line frequently. His kicking too is sharp. Today he revelled in the pace of the game. His defence too was excellent, overall he was outstanding and was awarded the Manverton MoM Award. (See photo of Coach Mark McHugh presenting the MoM Award to Ruairi).
The second half continued at the same sizzling pace and as well as Richie, the ubiquitous and highly talented Dan Goggin scored, as did the Skipper and overall conductor Conor Dean, when he timed acutely, a superb intercept and sprint from 40M. Michael Silvester later also scored a fine try.
It was a day when the coach alternated players during the game to keep the edge, and players fresh. It was good to see Andrew Sparrow back after this signal start for Leinster. His first scrum, St Marys won a penalty. Hooker Jack Nelson-Murray was not available, due to his having been selected and playing for Switzerland as they beat Germany 35-25. Congratulations to Jack. Ethan Baxter had a cameo coming back from injury and we welcomed back brilliant winger Michael Silvester and young promising Cillian Jacobs at hooker. Craig Kennedy also got valuable time. The game ended 57-12.
Internationals or not there was a very decent attendance, with the parents and supporters milling round after the match on a beautiful spring afternoon. Later there was much sociability and bavardage. The universally popular, UCD President Willie Burns was as ever, most amiable as he happily conversed with our much loved Pop-Pres Logie and his super lieutenants, Stephen and Gerry. There was too, great excitement watching TV as Italy achieved its first victory over England in more than 30 matches.
The evenings are getting longer the season is getting shorter, so excitement is growing as we await a visit to the Lodge (Ollie Campbell Park) you mustn’t miss it,
Do it for Deano!
Team (12 changes during the game) 15 R Shields, 14 Z Hopkins, 13 A O’Sullivan, 12 M O’Gara, 11 L Ramirez, 10 C Dean (Capt.), 9 R Gilsenan, 8 D Goggin, 7 R Watters, 6 J Gimblett, 5 D Leane, 4 G Jones, 3 M McCormack, 2 R Bergin, 1 O Michel, 16 C Jacobs, 17 T O’Reilly, 18 A Sparrow, 19 E Baxter, 20 M Silvester, 21 C Kennedy.
D O’Brien.
