All Ireland League Roundup

The weekend saw the much anticipated start of the 2022/23 Men’s All Ireland League season.

In Division 1A Cork Constitution edged out Young Munster 19-18 in a thrilling contest at Temple Hill. Young Munster led 8-6 at halftime, but it was only in the final 10 minutes when Con hit the front for the first time when a try from James Murphy converted by Aidan Moynihan put the home side 16-15 ahead. Evan Cusack restored Young Munster’s advantage with a penalty but in the final minute, a Moynihan penalty sealed the victory for the home side.

Moynihan also added two penalties and George Coomber also kicked a penalty for the winners. Conor Hayes replied with two tries for Young Munster and Cusack kicked a conversion and a penalty.

Shannon back in the topflight suffered a heavy 39-3 home defeat to last season’s beaten finalists Terenure College. Michael Cooke kicked a penalty for Shannon.

Garryowen lost 50-14 to Dublin University at Dooradoyle. It was 12-6 to the visitors at halftime. Bryan Fitzgerald scored a try for Garryowen and Tony Butler kicked three penalties.

In Division 1B UCC relegated from 1A last season began with a 36-12 bonus point win away to Malone.

Highfield were pushed all the way at Woodleigh Park to see off the challenge of Banbridge on a 26-20 scoreline. Cian Bohane scored two tries for the winners and Miah Cronin and Aidan Keane got one each. James Taylor kicked three conversions.

Nenagh Ormond’s good start to the season continued at the UL Arena, where they defeated UL Bohemian 20-5. A try from Kevin O’Flaherty, and a conversion and two penalties by James Finn had Nenagh 13-5 ahead at halftime. Their other score was a penalty try late in the game.

Despite trailing 15-5 at halftime, a last-minute try denied Cashel victory in Navan. Josh Pickering, Conor Cashman, and Richard Moran scored tries for Cashel and Josh O’Dwyer kicked two conversions.

Old Crescent lost 44-27 away to  MU Barnhall but did pick up a point as they scored four tries. Stephen Kiely scored two tries for the Rosbrien side and Rob Magill, and Eoin Murphy got one each. Aaron Cosgrove kicked two conversions and a penalty.

There was no joy for Dolphin at Dub Lane as they lost to Queens University 69-12.

Paul Collins was Bruff’s hero in their 20-18 home win over Omagh Academicals. He scored two tries, two conversions, and two penalties.

Clonmel defeated Midleton 18-8. Jason Monua and Andrew Daly scored tries for Clonmel. Albert Fronek kicked two penalties and a conversion. Mark  Corby replied with a try for Midleton.

Indiscipline proved costly for Sunday’s Well who lost 30-21 away to Bangor. Leading 21-9 at halftime with tries from Jack McHenry, Andrew Mintern, and Kieran Maye all converted by Josh Featherstone. Having to play with thirteen players for a period in the second half Bangor capitalised to run out nine-point winners.

Results

All Ireland League Division 1A: Cork Constitution 19, Young Munster 18;

Garryowen 19, Dublin University 50;

Lansdowne 31, Ballynahinch 34;

Shannon 3, Terenure College 39;

U.C.D. 19, Clontarf 24;

Division 1B: City of Armagh 22, Buccaneers 20;

Highfield 26, Banbridge 20;

Malone 12, U.C.C. 36;

Old Belvedere 32, St. Mary’s College 28;

Old Wesley 37, Naas 7;

Division 2A: Blackrock College 38, Ballymena 24;

M.U. Barnhall 44, Old Crescent 27;

Navan 20, Cashel 19;

Queen’s University 69, Dolphin 12;

U.L. Bohemian 5, Nenagh Ormond 20;

Division 2B: Belfast Harlequins 26, Sligo 9;

Dungannon 33, Galwegians 7;

Enniscorthy 15, Greystones 26;

Galway Corinthians 34, Rainey Old Boys 33;

Malahide 17, Wanderers 14;

Division 2C: Ballina 21, Skerries 29;

Bangor 30, Sunday’s Well 21;

Bruff 20, Omagh Academicals 18;

Clonmel 18, Midleton 8;

Instonians 39, Tullamore 21;