At Templeville Road, it was something of a dogfight between hosts St. Mary’s and Galwegians in a set piece and forwards-dominated game. The hosts had first half scores from Ireland-capped back rower Carol Staunton and full-back Gillian Dufficy, who has played inter-county Ladies Gaelic football for Roscommon.
Galwegians number 8 Emma Clery broke through to score on the stroke of half-time. The visitors immediately increased the tempo after the interval and scrum half Mary Healy crossed for a try inside 10 seconds.
However, when ex-Galwegian Staunton broke from a 60th minute lineout to run in from halfway, beating three defenders along the way, the tide turned in St. Mary’s favour at 17-12. A Saidhbhe O’Riordan penalty sealed the result for the Dubliners.