The Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Divisions saw intense action on March 21, with Round 16 delivering thrilling matches across various divisions. Cork Constitution emerged as a dominant force in Division 1A, even as other teams fought hard to secure critical wins and positions in the league standings.
In a standout performance, Cork Constitution defeated Nenagh Ormond with a score of 42-19 at Temple Hill. The home side showcased their attacking prowess with tries from Seán French, Adam Maher (2), Peter Hyland, George Good, and Aidan Moynihan, who also contributed six conversions. Nenagh Ormond attempted to rally with tries from Davey Gleeson, Fionn O’Meara, and Luke Kerr, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit. At halftime, Cork led 21-12.
Division 1A Highlights
Other notable matches in Division 1A included Old Belvedere’s narrow 21-14 victory over St. Mary’s College at Ollie Campbell Park. Old Belvedere’s tries came from Jayden Beckett, Andre Ryan, and Morgan Meredith, with Meredith also converting three times. St. Mary’s responded with tries from Rob Gilsenan and Greg Jones, but could not secure the win.
Lansdowne continued their strong campaign with a 22-3 victory against Terenure College. Bobby Sheehan, Paul Wilson, and Cathal Eddy scored tries for Lansdowne, with Stephen Madigan adding two conversions and a penalty. Terenure’s Chris Cosgrave managed to score a penalty but was unable to find the end zone.
UCD also had a thrilling encounter, winning 28-21 against Ballynahinch. Both teams were level at halftime, but UCD pulled away in the second half thanks to tries from Thomas Quinn, Oisin Spain, Ben Brownlee, and Oran Handley, alongside four conversions from Daragh Gilbourne.
In a high-scoring affair, Clontarf triumphed over Young Munster with a score of 50-33. Clontarf’s offensive display included multiple tries, with Noah Sheridan leading the charge alongside Aaron Coleman and others. Young Munster’s Kelvin Langan and others fought valiantly but ultimately fell short.
Division 1B Action
Across in Division 1B, Blackrock College secured a solid 29-21 victory over Queen’s University at Stradbrook. Blackrock’s Jamie Rogan, Jack Deegan, Barry Galvin, and Matthew Dwan crossed the line, while Tim Corkery contributed with three conversions and a penalty. Queen’s efforts were bolstered by tries from Josh Stevens, Evan McGonigle, and James McKillop.
City of Armagh defeated Highfield 25-12, with Connor Neary, Rocky Olsen, and James Anderson scoring tries, while Rocky Olsen also added two conversions and two penalties. Highfield’s Shane Buckley was effective with the boot, scoring four penalties but could not lead his team to victory.
Naas faced a tough challenge against Dublin University, ultimately falling 26-40. Despite tries from Donal Conroy, Charlie Sheridan, Paddy Taylor, and Muiris Cleary, Naas could not match Dublin University’s scoring power, which included six tries, five of which were converted by Matty Lynch.
In a tightly contested match, UCC lost 35-40 to Old Wesley, with both sides showcasing their attacking capabilities. UCC’s Dawid Nowak and Jack Casey were among the try-scorers, but Old Wesley’s Kieran O’Shea and Evan Kenny ultimately secured the win for their side.
Division 2A and Beyond
In Division 2A, Galway Corinthians claimed a decisive victory over Ballymena, winning 28-5. Eoin Conlon, Tom Waters, Joey Tierney, and Mark Boyle all scored for Galway, with Billy Cross converting four times. Banbridge suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Shannon, who won 38-0, showcasing their dominance throughout the match.
Meanwhile, Dungannon engaged in an exciting battle against Wanderers, ultimately losing 32-38 in a match filled with tries from both sides. The Wanderers, led by Jamie Kavanagh and Val McDermott, kept their composure to secure the win.
In Division 2B, Enniscorthy’s impressive performance resulted in a 52-19 victory over Skerries, while Clogher Valley defeated Galwegians 31-0, demonstrating their strong defensive and offensive strategies. Navan narrowly lost to Malone in a thrilling 34-35 encounter, with both teams exchanging tries throughout the match.
Sligo achieved a hard-fought 31-21 victory against Rainey, with tries from Finn Young and Cameron Griffith leading the charge. UL Bohemian also had a significant win, defeating Buccaneers 70-22, with a staggering number of tries and conversions showcasing their attacking strength.
Malahide vs Clonmel
In Division 2C, Malahide faced a tough challenge against Clonmel, ultimately falling 36-42 at Estuary Road. The match featured an array of tries, with Malahide’s Oisin Power and others putting up a fight, but Clonmel’s strong performance, highlighted by multiple tries from Ben O’Dwyer, ensured their victory.
This round of the Energia All-Ireland League has set the stage for exciting matchups in the coming weeks, with teams jockeying for position as they aim for playoff spots. The competition remains fierce as teams strive to improve their standings and make a mark in the league.
With the season progressing, fans can appear forward to more thrilling encounters in the weeks ahead. Don’t forget to stay updated on the latest scores, standings, and news from the #EnergiaAIL.
