All eyes were on Donnybrook last Saturday and Sunday for the Bank of Ireland Leinster League Finals days for boys and girls at U15, U17 and U18 levels.
Saturday April 9th had near perfect rugby conditions for the Bank of Ireland Leinster League Girls U15 and U18s finals day.
Up for decision at both levels were the Bowl, Plate and League Titles. The U15 Bank of Ireland Bowl Final saw MU Barnhall take on Navan, with MU Barnhall winning out a tough battle. The U15 Bank of Ireland Plate Final was contested by Clane and Tullamore. Tullamore proved too strong and took the silverware, laying down a marker for their U18 club-mates who were playing later. In the U15 Bank of Ireland Premier League Final Naas faced Mullingar and Mullingar came out victorious.
At U18 level the U18 Bank of Ireland Bowl Final saw Ardee/Boyne take on Portdara, Ardee/Boyne proving the stronger side and winning. The U18 Bank of Ireland Plate Final was contested by Gorey and Wicklow, Wicklow were the winners. Tullamore faced Portlaoise in the U18 Bank of Ireland Premier League Final, geed up by the U15’s performance earlier they fought hard for their reward, ultimately completing the double for Tullamore by beating Portlaoise.
All change for Sunday 10th when the boys took over Donnybrook. A cold day, the threat of rain and a bitter wind meant kickers would need to be brave. Would we see a double here today?
The U17 Bank of Ireland Division 2 Final was between Athy and New Ross. It was a close game, both teams battled hard and there was only 1 point in it when the referee blew time. New Ross had won.
The U17 Bank of Ireland Premier League Final was between Mullingar and Skerries. Skerries proved too strong for the Mullingar men on the day and were worthy winners. Would their older teammates be up to their opposition?
The U18 Bank of Ireland Division 1A Final was between Kilkenny and Wexford. A tough match, with end to end runs and intercept try’s on both sides but it was Wexford who prevailed.
The U18 Bank of Ireland Division 1B Final was between Clane and Portarlington and was a real humdinger. Clane came out hard with a dream start, it looked grim for Portarlington, how and ever they dug deep and fought back. The second half was mighty, it was a close game and there was only 1 point in it when the referee blew time. Portarlington had won.
The U18 Bank of Ireland Premier League Final was between Co. Carlow and Skerries. Shortly after kick-off Co. Carlow made a break up the centre field, and, only for a text book tap-tackle would have been first on the scoreboard. Skerries were on fire, they amassed a total of 20 points to no response by half time. Co. Carlow had a mountain to climb in the second half and fought bravely, they were rewarded with a try, but Skerries struck back, and only for heroic defending where a try was adjudged held up Skerries would have added to their tally. Despite the rally by Co. Carlow Skerries had the momentum and won.
Both days saw doubles, with Tullamore showing the way in on Saturday in taking silverware at U15 and U18 and Skerries proving strong at U17 and U18.
Congratulations to all teams and supporters in making these finals days a happy occasion for all. The clubs and players are to be commended for the standards and skills displayed.
