Thurles Women Suffer Defeat To St. Marys

Thurles Women took on St Marys last weekend in the All Ireland Plate Final at Old Belvedere RFC, Dublin.

Match Report Courtesy of: Brian Scanlon, Thurles PRO

Thurles Women’s Rugby travelled to Old Belvedere in Dublin on Saturday to play St. Mary’s in the All Ireland Plate Final. The women’s team have gone from strength this year and are having a very successful year after winning promotion to Division One only a year ago, therefore securing a place in an All Ireland final was an amazing achievement for players and coaches alike. Unfortunately, Thurles could not see off the strong St. Mary’s side and lost on a 0 – 18 scoreline.

Right from the outset it was clear that the Dublin side had some strong and experienced players and Thurles saw themselves defending quite early in the game. Despite St. Mary’s winning a few penalties in advantageous positions time and time again they failed to score against a Thurles side that were holding firm. Niamh Coman, Linda Ryan and Miriam Harrison led a strong defence and showed the tackling power of a determined Thurles side.

For much of the first half St. Mary’s looked threatening but Thurles held them scoreless for much of the half. Only one try was scored in the opening forty minutes of the game, a true testament to the defensive skills of Thurles. The try was not converted but gave St. Mary’s a 0 -5 lead. A penalty right in front of the posts allowed St. Mary’s to extend their lead going in at half time.

The second half saw Thurles on the attack more and on a number of occasions players such as Jean Ryan, Megan Callanan and Laura Carroll made good carries and gave Thurles some good attacking phases. Joanne Harrison from a penalty made great ground and Thurles looked certain for a score but it wasn’t to be as the experience of St. Mary’s secured a turnover ball only yards short of the line.

St. Mary’s went in for two further tries in the second half and converted one of them to give them a 0 -18 lead. Even though Thurles were behind with a quarter of an hour to go, every player, including the replacements used gave it their all and defended with skill and determination. Players such as Maria Woodlock, Aisling O’Hagan and Ciara O’Dwyer putting their bodies on the line to pull off some amazing defensive play.

In the end Thurles Women came be proud of their efforts, hard work, determination and skill. All Ireland’s don’t come around every day and Thurles proved themselves worthy opponents to St. Mary’s. The supporters who travelled in massive numbers to Dublin were a huge support on the day. Thanks to all who travelled. For coaches Sean Lanigan Ryan and Sean Flanagan who have brought the team to amazing highs this year they have one week to prepare for the final game of the League. The League decider will be played in Tralee on Sunday and we wish the girls all the best as they prepare for yet another big day.