The Energia All-Ireland League emboldened significant victories on its opening day, particularly at Lakelands Park where Terenure College notably squared off their April’s final defeat against four-time champions Cork Constitution, registering a 25-15 win. The match witnessed Terenure’s command, backed by powerful gusts, and took charge with a formidable 19-0 lead influenced by their young Leinster academy pair, Fintan Gunne and Henry McErlean.
McErlean effectively began the scoring run with a clean try off a backline offensive, originated from a lineout. This was soon followed by Gunne making his mark with two striking performances. The initial try resulted from Terenure’s winger Craig Adams engaging in a goal line drop out, passing the ball inwards to Gunne at the 10-meter line who then artfully bypassed the encroaching white line, caught the ball, outstepped the final man and scored. The second try seemed an astounding effort of Gunne as he navigated the blind side, executed a grubber kick that was then picked up by McErlean and fed to Conall Boomer. Although Boomer’s effort fell short right before the line, Gunne was there to pick up the pieces and score another try.
On the other hand, Con managed to hit back with maul tries through their players Scott Buckley, a Munster hooker, and Alessandro Heaney, dominating the second half. However, their efforts weren’t enough to turn the tide as Terenure managed to sustain their momentum, owing to two penalties delivered by outhalf Aran Egan.
In another match, Garryowen, freshly returned to Division 1A after an 11-match winning streak, showcased their ambitions quite clearly with a riveting 29-27 win over Lansdowne at Dooradoyle. After falling behind 27-24, Garryowen decided to corner-kick a penalty – seven rounds later, their young outhalf from the Munster Academy, Dylan Hicks, made a cross-kick that was seized by Gordon Wood, son of Keith Wood, to score a decisive corner try. The opening day turned out to be a strong start for several teams in the Energia All-Ireland League.
After a six-year hiatus from the top division, St Mary’s once again led Clontarf 24-10 in the early stages of the second half, courtesy of a try by their fullback Conor Hayes. However, two bonus points had to suffice as Clontarf’s famous assault tactic paid off. With two tries from catch-and-drives by hooker Dylan Donnellan, attempts by wingman Andrew Smith and last-minute close-range scoring by replacement hooker Barry Gray, a 29-27 victory by Clontarf was sealed.
A notable 24-22 victory was celebrated by Young Munster in the Belfield Bowl, while Ballynahinch managed to win 7-0 against City of Armagh, an unexpected result compared to the day’s domestic and international games. 1B division’s new addition, Nenagh Ormond, had an overwhelming bonus-point triumph over the demoted Trinity in front of a massive home audience, a clear sign of Trinity treading the water of another fresh cycle.
Meanwhile, decisive home victories were enjoyed by Old Wesley and Old Belvedere against Old Wesley and UCC respectively, with Queen’s achieving a win over Shannon. In division 2A, the newly promoted Corinthians won their first game as backs coach JJ Hanrahan led them to a bonus-point victory against Ballymena.
Energia All-Ireland League Results:
Division 1A: Ballynahinch 7, City of Armagh 0; Garryowen 29, Lansdowne 27; St. Mary’s College 27, Clontarf 31; Terenure College 25, Cork Constitution 15; UCD 22, Young Munster 24.
Division 1B: Old Wesley 29, Blackrock College 13; Highfield 19, Naas 17; Nenagh Ormond 27, Dublin University 3; Old Belvedere 43, UCC 17; Queens 19, Shannon 13.
Division 2A: Ballymena 10, Galway Corinthians 27; Banbridge 26, MU Barnall 31; Buccaneers 24, Instonians 52; Greystones 16, Navan 13; Old Crescent 34, Cashel 38.
Division 2B: Dungannon 45, Malahide 14; Galwegians 35, Skerries 36; Malone 20, Clogher Valley 24; UL Bohemian 34, Sligo 25; Wanderers 38, Rainey 10.
In Division 2C, various rugby matches took place with the following results: Dolphin emerged victorious against Bruff with a score of 20 to 15. Belfast Harlequins beat Enniscorthy 29 to 20. Midleton narrowly edged out Monkstown in a thrilling game, ending 34 to 28. Omagh Academicals managed a tight win over Clonmel with a scoreline of 31 to 28. Lastly, Ballyclare defeated Tullamore 27 to 14.