The inaugural Energia Women’s All-Ireland League final held at Aviva Stadium staged a thrilling match between the two leading club teams, UL Bohemians and Railway Union, with the Bohemians emerging victorious 48-38. UL Bohemians collected their 14th title as well as completed a league and cup double, having previously defeated Railway in the All-Ireland Cup final. Their winning performance, marked by seven tries against six, was orchestrated through the successful trifecta by right-winger Chisom Ugwueru.
The team’s impressive play, led by Fiona Hayes, spanned a broad spectrum of strengths including superior on-field attacking methods and bench-depth, and they asserted this dominance in the final quarter. Standout performances appeared across the pitch with Kate Flannery pulling controls at outhalf and Aoife Corey at fullback scoring a duo of tries and crucial interventions to halt opponent runs.
The Railway Union’s resilience was exemplified by Lindsay Peat’s remarkable performance, as the 43-year-old consistently contributed through solid carrying. She was part of the initial scoring drive for Railway, charging through from outside the 22 line after a well-structured strike play, a pass from Nikki Caughey, who also converted.
The game saw a series of lead changes before half-time with UL Bohemian responding to Railway tries from Kayla Waldron and Maddy Aberg through well-placed tries by Éabha Nic Dhonnacha and Aoife Corey. Corey’s score marked her 20th campaign try following a successful crosskick by Flannery.
UL Bohs extended their lead with Ugwueru’s exemplary second try at the corner, but Railway’s captain Niamh Byrne responded quickly. Another massive effort by Peat helped narrow the gap to 34-33 but Corey’s crucial defensive play finally thwarted Railway’s Ava Ryder, stamping UL Bohemian victory.
Ugwueru’s thrice-scored goals was the game-changer, as she capitalised on Flannery’s skilful cross kick from midfield. Flannery additionally contributed to Corey’s successive goal and secured both the conversions. Hughes’ final minute sneaky goal was a minor triumph for Railway, albeit offering a more equitable final tally.
The game timeline is as follows: O’Shaughnessy initiates the scoring at the 4-minute marker with a try, converted by Flannery (7-0), then Peat equalised at 8 minutes (7-7). The momentum was regained by Ugwueru’s manoeuvre at 17 minutes (12-7). Waldron’s effort at 24 minutes, as well as Nic Dhonnacha’s attempt, brought the score to 17-14. Within the 36th minute, Aberg scored, yet Corey’s contribution brought the score to 22-21 before half-time. The second half witnessed tries from Ugwuero (27-21), Byrne (27-26), Heylmann (34-26) and Peat (34-33). Ugwuero’s final two scores at 69 minutes, coupled with Corey’s at 78 minutes, widened the gap further (48-33). Things concluded with Hughes’ score, ending at 48-38.
The UL Bohemian team comprised players such as Aoife Corey; Chisom Ugwueru, Stephanie Nunan, Alana McInerney, Aoife O’Shaughnessy; Kate Flannery, Muirne Wall; Ciara O’Dwyer, Beth Buttimer, Fiona Reidy; Clodagh O’Halloran, Claire Bennett; Jane Clohessy, Brianna Heylmann, Chloe Pearse (captain). Incidences of substitutions included Nic Dhonnacha replacing McInerney (9 minutes), Brady for Clohessy (59 minutes), and Garrett replacing Haylmann (64 minutes) among others.
The match bore witness to a yellow card for Bennett at 35 minutes.
In the Railway Union team, Aimee Clarke was chosen, along with Maddy Aberg, team captain Niamh Byrne, Kayla Waldron, and Ava Ryder. The squad also included Nikki Caughey and Ailsa Hughes, supported by Grainne O’Loughlin, Meabh Keegan, and Megan Collis. Keelin Brady, Faith Oviawe, Katie O’Dwyer, Molly Boyne, and Lindsay Peat also joined ranks. The replacement list featured Emily Gavin who substituted Keegan, Sophie Barrett in O’Loughlin’s place, and Patricia Doyle took over from Brady in the 49th minute. Leah Tarpey subbed for Clarke at the 57th minute, and Claire Keohane replaced Waldron in the 66th minute. Dani Franada came in for Caughey at the 70-minute mark. Kirstie Stevenson and Salome Trauth were on the roster but didn’t get a play. The match official was Stuart Douglas, representing IRFU.