Throughout Division 1A, only Clontarf and Young Munster remain undefeated following the initial two rounds of the Energia All-Ireland League. This early evidence suggests an intensely competitive season in the premier league.
For the consecutive fourth year, Young Munster defeated Terenure at Tom Clifford Park, ending the game with a tight but thrilling win of 34-30. The match was marked by a dizzying exchange of leads, totalling five times throughout. Harrison Brewer scored an outstanding try early in the second half, converted by Aran Egan, taking the lead at 22-14. However, the Munsters retaliated with an impressive try from winger Hubert Gilvarry. Julian Leszczynski, an accurate Argentinian outhalf, successfully converted this from the touchline.
Further points were scored through the exchange of penalties between Leszczynski and Egan, following which Leszczynski converted a try from Manuel Covella. Egan then missed his own try conversion. Leszczynski added another penalty kick before finalising a victory as the Munsters defended against another onslaught on their line.
Leading on 10 points, thanks to a second bonus-point victory of 29-21 at home against Garryowen, Clontarf scored through Dylan Donnellan, Tadhg Bird, Louis O’Reilly, and Seni Reilly Ashiru. The match marked the first time all three of Keith Wood’s sons – Gordon, Tom, and Alex – teamed up for Garryowen. Despite Gordon’s scoring, the Limerick side left with nothing to show for their efforts.
Winning the defending champions Cork Constitution bounced back with a resounding 51-21 victory over Ballynahinch, with Scott Buckley, their Munster fullback, scoring two tries. Newly elevated St Mary’s climbed to third in the ranks after a 32-22 bonus-point victory away to the City of Armagh. Meanwhile, Lansdowne triumphed over UCD 25-10.
In Division 1B, Nenagh Ormond, with winger Conor McMahon scoring 23 points, and Old Belvedere, both secured decisive bonus-point victories away to Blackrock and Trinity. Both teams are the only ones to have won both of their two matches in the second tier.
In division 2A, home teams enjoyed four high-scoring victories, with Barnhall scoring 11 tries against Buccaneers. Navan’s centenary-season opener at home resulted in a 22-22 draw against Old Crescent.
These were the results of the Energia All-Ireland League matches.
In Division 1A league games, Armagh City was overpowered by St. Mary’s College, scoring 32 to their 22. Clontarf triumphed over Garryowen by 29 to 21, while Cork Constitution solidly beat Ballynahinch with a score of 51 against 21. Lansdowne defeated UCD by 15 points, and Young Munster edged out Terenure College in a tight game ending at 34 to 30.
Turning to games within Division 1B, Nenagh Ormond narrowly snatched victory from Blackrock College by two points. Old Belvedere convincingly won over Dublin University, tallying 43 to 19 as the final score. Queens was soundly defeated by Naas in a stunning 61 to 21 point game while Shannon beat Old Wesley by 23 to 13 points. UCC topped Highfield in a 39 to 14 encounter.
In the Division 2A, Cashel earned a win against Banbridge, 38 to 24, while Corinthians of Galway took down Greystones by a wide margin of 40 to 10. Instonians outperformed Ballymena, scoring 48 against their 24. MU Barnhall made a strong statement by trouncing the Buccaneers with 76 points to 21. Navan and Old Crescent ended in a draw, both teams scoring 22 points apiece.
As for Division 2B, Wanderers had a notable victory over Clogher Valley, with a final scoreline of 38 against 15. Malahide lost to Malone by 19 to 48 while Rainey narrowly won over Galwegians in a close match, 17 to 15. Skerries beat UL Bohemian by 32 to 26, and Dungannon secured victory over Sligo with a score of 19 to 7.
In the league games of Division 2C, Ballyclare bested Enniscorthy by 31 points, and Belfast Harlequins drew with Midleton, each team recording 22 points. Clonmel outscored Tullamore in their encounter, creating a 24 point gap. Dolphin held a commanding lead over Omagh Academicals, scoring 53 to their 15. Monkstown earned a narrow victory over Bruff with a final three-point difference.
For the Women’s Division, UL Bohemian toppled Blackrock College with a final result of 31 to 15. Galwegians won over Ballincollig by 22 to 17, while Old Belvedere was shut out by Railway Union, who scored 57 points in the game. Suttonians beat Cooke scoring 29 to their 7, and Wicklow defeated Tullow with 34 to 14.