Balbriggan RFC vs. Garda RFC Post-Match Report
Venue: Westmanstown
The eagerly anticipated showdown between Balbriggan RFC and Garda RFC unfolded in a thrilling
encounter that had high stakes for both teams. Balbriggan was on a mission to secure promotion to
2B, while Garda RFC had similar aspirations, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
In the lead up to the game, an injury to Jamie Kinnott forced Balbriggan to make some personnel
changes. Notable shifts included James Gibbs moving from the wing to scrumhalf and Jack Scannell
taking his place on the wing. Adjustments in the forward pack saw Callum Breeds replacing Stephen
Dowling in the back row, and Graham Reynolds transitioning to the hooker position.
Balbriggan began the first half with the determination to put up a dominant performance and secure
early promotion. The forwards, including stalwarts like Adam O’Connor, Ciaran O’Donoghue, Ciaran
Hannigan, Conor Caldwell, and Mark Faye, combined seamlessly with Michael Walls and Paul
O’Connor to set the stage for their backline, featuring Jack Scannell, Kyle Healy, and Captain Tomas
Murphy.
This early pressure resulted in a strong scrum, and Paul O’Connor’s determination led to an early try
for Balbriggan RFC. His successful conversion bolstered Balbriggan’s confidence, and they continued
their attacking onslaught. Just five minutes in, Adam O’Connor’s raw strength allowed him to carry
two defenders over the line, securing Balbriggan’s second try. Unfortunately, the conversion attempt
was unsuccessful, but Balbriggan was in control with a 12-0 lead.
However, Garda RFC wasn’t ready to concede. A penalty against Callum Breeds for a high tackle
provided Garda with an opportunity to gain a foothold in Balbriggan’s territory. They capitalized on
this sustained pressure, showcasing their teamwork between forwards and backs, and successfully
converted their try. Balbriggan found themselves under their posts, bewildered by the sudden turn
of events.
As the first half progressed, both teams began to cancel each other out, and Balbriggan gave away a
series of penalties, particularly at the ruck, which favoured Garda. Despite resolute defence from
players like Graeme O’Reilly, Brian Mollohan, and Adam O’Connor, Balbriggan momentarily lost
concentration, allowing Garda RFC to score another try, making it 12-12 after 31 minutes.
Balbriggan restarted the game with renewed determination but continued to give away penalties,
particularly for high tackles. With some backchat to the referee, these penalties were marched
forward by 20 meters, giving Garda RFC a chance to end the first half 15-12 in their favour.

Despite the penalties, Balbriggan had alot going for them with strong performances in set pieces,
defence, and attack. The second half kicked off with Balbriggan showing a chip on their shoulder.
Strong carries from forwards like Conor Caldwell and Graeme O’Reilly laid the foundation for a
beautiful try by hooker Graham Reynolds in the corner. Fullback Tomas Murphy and Paul O’Connor
orchestrated this well-executed move, with Brian Mollohan’s jinking run down the right-hand side
being a highlight. Balbriggan regained the lead after Paul O’Connor’s conversion, and they didn’t look
back.

Garda RFC managed to secure a penalty in the middle of the second half, narrowing the gap to 18-19
with 25 minutes left. The stakes were high, and both teams fought hard for victory.
Ciaran Hannigan, who had displayed excellence in the loose and lineouts, was replaced by Fiachra
Tuckey due to a facial injury, and Jack Scannell, who had been solid and dangerous on the wing, was
substituted by Josh McNamee with 19 minutes to go.
Balbriggan RFC applied relentless pressure, earning a penalty that Paul O’Connor confidently
converted, extending their lead to 18-22. A subsequent penalty made it 25-18 with only nine minutes
remaining.
Garda RFC rallied with just five minutes left. Balbriggan conceded a penalty, which Garda kicked to
the corner. From the resulting lineout, Garda utilized a powerful maul to crash over the line, but their
conversion attempt hit the post, leaving the score at 23-25 in Balbriggan RFC’s favour.
With three minutes to go, Garda RFC had to work their way up the pitch and pushed hard to mount a
final challenge. In their desperation, they conceded a costly kickable penalty at the ruck on their 10-
meter line. After a brief consultation with the referee, Captain Tomas Murphy instructed kicker Paul
O’Connor to go for the posts.
In a dramatic conclusion to the game, Paul O’Connor maintained his composure and converted a 41-
meter penalty, securing a crucial victory for Balbriggan RFC at Westmanstown. This victory proved
decisive and guaranteed Balbriggan’s promotion to 2B.
With unwavering courage and relentless effort, Balbriggan RFC demonstrated their determination to
emerge victorious against a formidable Garda RFC side.

In addition to the official IRFU przies, Balbriggan RFC have 4 hampers to be won. You can purchase your tickets from the link below, or by scanning the QR code on the poster. You can also buy them in the coffee shop in the clubhouse.

Please remember, ALL proceeds from the sale of these tickets stay in the club, so we need your support.

Link for tickets: https://app.galabid.com/balbrigganrfc

Busy Sunday at the Club, 5 matches, a “Try It Out” session and blitz matches for minis, and on top of that the Stingers were away at a Blitz in Wicklow. A minutes silence was held at the start of the senior matches and Stinhers Blitz in Memory of Patricia Early, wife of Club Stalwart Mick, and grandmother of Stingers player Cormac.

Busy day and overall great results.

The U6/7s were at their first blitz of the season in Skerries, they had a great morning in the sunshine.

The U12 girls were away at a blitz in Navan RFC, with many girls playing for the first time.

The U181/2 won their cup semis final and now await the final on the bank holiday weekend.

Next up were the ladies who were playing the early pace setters in Div 2, New Ross. It was the Balbriggan girls who came out on top with a bonus point 32 – 18 win. Shannon Campbell playing her first home game with the senior team was very accurate with her boot converting all but 2 of her conversions and most being out on the sideline. Another making her home debut was second row Kate Murphy, who had to leave the game early with a wrist injury – we wish her a speedy recovery. With a growing injury list, Tracey Mcfadden was persuaded out of retirement for this match, and her experience was evident in keeping the pack in order and ensuring they dominated the scrum.

The last match of the day was the IXV league game against Arklow. After their loss to North Meath the team were left with no option but to win their remaining games to ensure that they qualify for Div 2b. It was evident that the team were aware of this as they stared with a determination to ensure that they didn’t come unstuck again. There was very fluid movement across the backs which had Arklow scrambling to keep up with the pace. The try line was beckoning, but Paul O’Connor tried to go himself when James Gibbs would have been in. He did redeem himself by getting over after the ensuing ruck. He then added three points from a penalty which was cancelled out by Arlow. They had been attacking but the Balbriggan defence held firm. While it was all Balbriggan at the early stage, Arklow defended well. Graham O’Reilly was making some good runs and gaining ground and the ball was then let out across the backs but they were just not able to finish. Brian Mollahan changed this when he ran from deep and with some inter-passing got himself over the line. Paul O’Connor converted. His namesake Adam was having no success at the scrum when he was penalized three times in a row when the more experienced observer would think that his elder opposite number was pulling the wool over the refs eyes. Luckily, it did not cost Balbriggan points. Fiacra Tuckey replaced Grambo who had to come off with a shoulder injury and he made his presence felt with the third try before the break.

Jamie Kinninmont got over for a try when he had talked the pack over the final fiver metres, Paul O’Connor added the extras from the sideline. Graham Reynolds finished off the scoring with a lovely try off the back of a scrum down the blindside. O’Connor again added the points from the corner. This was a much better display. The last ten minutes also gave the opportunity to give some of he younger players a run. Final score 35 – 3. Next week, the men are away to Garda – all support would be welcome.

A reminder that training is on for both seniors teams on Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm – all welcome.

To round off the day the Stingers were undefeated in their Wicklow blitz with Skipper Andy scoring three tries, along with Oisin Matthews, who also scored a hat-trick!

Club membership for Season 2023-24 is open. Thanks to all our members who have already paid their membership.

Membership can be paid through our club payment system on Clubforce through the following link – https://balbrigganrfc.clubforce.com/products/membership

Balbriggan mens team went on thier annual trip to Bilbao last weekend.

A great weekend was had in the lovely Spanish sunshine.

Balbriggan would like to thank Gernika Rugby Club for a great match and amazing hospitality, and we hope to see them again soon.

Balbriggan Senior Ladies team kicked off their Leinster league campaign with a narrow defeat on the road against Wicklow. 

In conditions so wet the local animals were seen walking around 2 by 2, both teams put on a fantastic display of rugby. 

After some early home pressure Balbriggan dominated the first half and got their reward when debutante centre Rachel Fanning forced her way for a thoroughly deserved try. Laura McDonald’s conversion gave us a 0-7 lead at the break. 

Wicklow’s greater squad size told in the second half when, despite a Herculean defensive effort by Balbriggan, they were able to cross for 2 tries to seal the victory. Final score: Wicklow 12 Balbriggan 7.

A great performance from all 14 ladies who traveled with Rachel deservedly voted player of the match for her excellent performance on both sides of the ball. A special mention also to our other debutantes Lou McCleery playing in the unfamiliar position of out half and Tilly Meade playing her first ever game of rugby. 

Next up for the ladies is a home game against UCD, next Sunday. All support is very welcome. 

Notice is hereby given of the upcoming Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of Balbriggan RFC. The AGM will be held in the Clubhouse of Balbriggan RFC on Thursday 22nd June 2023 at 8pm.

As per Article 10 of the Constitution of Balbriggan RFC “Voting Members” entitled to attend and vote at the AGM are those members who have paid their membership in full by 1st November 2022. The Constitution of Balbriggan RFC can be accessed on the club website: http://balbrigganrfc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/2014.10.21-Balbriggan-RFC-Club-Constitution.pdf

Nominations to the Executive Committee should be received by the Honorary Secretary no later than 8pm on Wednesday 14th June 2023.

If you intend to be at the AGM, please reply to me by email on kevincolman68@gmail.com.

Kevin Colman

Honorary Secretary

Balbriggan RFC

Balbriggan 12     Newbridge 17

It wasn’t to be but a valiant display by Balbriggan saw them come up just short.   There will be a few what might haves but they did themselves proud on the day.  A big thanks to the travelling support from the Club

Balbriggan kicked off and Newbridge returned with a kick deep into the Balbriggan half which was fielded by Andrew Brown.   He evaded the first tackle and made a great run up the touch line, he kicked ahead and forced Newbridge to concede a line out on the 22.   Unfortunately, Balbriggan messed the lineout and allowed Newbridge to clear but it was only to Andrew again and he ran the ball straight back at them.  Newbridge conceded two penalties in quick succession and Balbriggan were able to maul the ball over for the first score.

Soon after the kick-off Mark Fay was penalised at a ruck and allowed Newbridge get back into the Balbriggan half, they then won a further penalty which they decided to kick to reduce the score to 3-5.   Balbriggan looked better when they started to run the ball, Andrew Browne was always open to attack and a good attack was stopped when the referee determined that Balbriggan had gone off their feet at the tackle.   On twenty minutes Cal O’Connor was nearly away when he intercepted the ball but a last gasp tackle put him into touch.    The Newbridge No 8 who was their go-to player made a break but was downed by Graham O’Reilly but again Balbriggan were penalised at the ruck.   Newbridge kicked to the 5 metre line.  Conor Caldwell stopped the advance on the goal line but was deemed offside and perhaps a little fortunate not to see yellow.   Newbridge kicked to touch but then made the cardinal error of a crooked throw.  Balbriggan won the scrum and Mike Walls made a good clearance kick.   Newbridge ran this back and what they would call in the professional game a system error in the centre let Newbridge in under the posts and allowed them to take the lead 10-5.  , though Balbriggan attempted a kick from the ten metre line and whilst in had the distance it stayed out to the left.  A further attack saw Tomas Murphy make a good run but his pass was knocked on by Rian Kavanagh.  It was these little errors that were expensive for the Balbriggan side.  Overall Newbridge were having the better of the game in the second quarter but the Balbriggan defence was resolute and halftime came with no further scores.

Brian Mollahan replaced Rian Kavanagh at half time.  Newbridge kicked off and Ian Murphy returned the ball to the half way line.  Another good Balbriggan break by Mark Fay was halted when Balbriggan were penalized coming in from the side.    Balbriggan then got a good break with Graham Reilly and Andrew Brown making great ground up the left hand side.    Balbriggan got to the five metre line but Andrew Brown was injured and Rian Kavanagh returned to the field.   Balbriggan now spent the next 10 minutes close to eh Newbridge line but got nothing despite all the pressure piled on.  A series of penalties must have had Balbriggan near a penalty try.   The crowd thought it was coming when Newbridge got a yellow for pulling a ruck down but Balbriggan only got another penalty, the ball was spilled forward and the siege was lifted.   Balbriggan just seemed to be their own worst enemies with a number of silly errors.   This allowed Newbridge back up the field but great Balbriggan defence kept them out and repelled them to nearer the halfway line where they were awarded a penalty.   Balbriggan were discussing their tactics as the kick was taken and the only player alert was jack Scannell for when the ball came back off the post but he was no match for the Newbridge number 8 who crashed over to score.    So having been knocking on the door for the previous 10 minutes they now ended up 12 points behind.

Balbriggan took a couple of quick penalties but they were too hurried and no real progress was made.   Cal O’Connor tried his best to find a gap to no avail.  Conor Caldwell and Fiachra Tuckey had expended all their energy and were replaced by Jonny Davis and Andrew Miller.    Conor Colman replaced Rian Kavanagh.   Miller’s bulk made an immediate difference and perhaps he should have been introduced earlier to act as a third line of attack with Caldwell and O’Reilly.    Eventually Brian Mollahan made the breakthrough and powered his way through a gap and scored at the posts.  Scannell added the extras but time was against Balbriggan and a further knock-on allowed possession back to Newbridge who after one false attempt when they put the ball out but the match wasn’t over got it away with the next kick.

T Murphy, A Brown (B Mollahan), C O’Connor, R Kavanagh (C Colman), J Scannell, I Murphy, M Wall, A O’Connor, G Reynolds, C O’Donoghue (R Mooney), G O’Reilly, D Sweeney , M Fay, F Tuckey (J Davis), C Caldwell (A Miller)

As manager Cathal Myles said after “It was not our day but the learnings will make us a better side next year”.

A big thank you to Manager, Cathal, Coaches Mike Wall and Graham Reynolds, Skipper Ian Murphy and all who featured in the season.   We may not have gone up but it was a joy to watch the team for the season.  It was also great to see members of the youths making their break through.    We have beaten all the other teams in the league, Portlaoise and North Meath will be joining us next season so we know what needs to be done.   If we can maintain this years team and continue to integrate more youths coming through all augurs well.  Getting a competitive second team out there will also be a good marker for the future.  Roll on the new season but in between the players deserve a good break.

Garda 32              Balbriggan 22

An exciting, all action game of rugby at Westmanstown saw Garda come out on top. Garda attacked from the kick-off and Adam O’Connor was tackled into touch, from the line-out the large Garda second row came straight through the middle of the line and was only taken down short of the line by a brave tackle from Andrew Browne. Garda recycled a couple of times before their openside flanker crashed over in the corner for the opening score with less than five minutes gone. Garda attacked back straight from the kick off and Mark Fay, despite his valiant efforts to get out of the way, was penalized for not rolling away and Balbriggan were 8-0 down. Garda weren’t done as the siege continued and this time despite some heroic tackling on the line Garda managed to keep their hands on the ball and then they were 15-0 up.   Balbriggan appeared to be in a bit of a haze but slowly they started to come around and Tomas Murphy in particular made some good runs out of defence. From one of these runs Balbriggan got into the Garda 22 and whilst they lost the line out managed to get the ball back and a good move across the line saw Rian Kavanagh get in and Scannell added the points.   Garda then lost their flanker for 10 minutes after a deliberate knock-on.  Garda didn’t really appear to miss the man as Balbriggan battled on.  Mark Fay made great ground and managed to get the ball back after being tackled only for Balbriggan to be penalized for sealing off a the ruck. The penalty didn’t find touch and Scannell counter-attacked and after the next ruck it was flashed across the line. Cal O’Connor took on a couple of defenders before letting the ball out to Browne who scored in the corner. The half ended with Balbriggan training 17-10.

Garda came out all fired up for the second half and in the first scrum blasted Balbriggan backwards and then fed the ball for their winger to score those important first points of he half. A mix up in the Garda line saw Mark Fay claim the kick off and burst his way into the home team’s 22. The ball was fed across the line and from a distance it looked as if Scannell was over the line but was held up just short.   Balbriggan got a scrum and won a penalty from it. Conor Caldwell looked to go quickly but was held up on the line, Balbriggan knocked on and the pressure was relieved.   Garda then had another yellow card for a second deliberate knock-on. Murphy started another move  and some great running from Cal O’Connor and Browne saw good ground made before knocking on a the ruck.  Balbriggan continued to pressure but were not able to break the Garda defence so at the next penalty they took the three points. Calamity struck when on the next Garda attack they seemed to suck all the Balbriggan players in to a ruck to give their winger the easiest of scoring opportunities.

Conor Caldwell was then pinged for encroaching into the 10 metre zone at a line out.  A great kick had Garda with a lineout 5 metres from the line and they duly added another try. Balbriggan did hit back with a good break by Brian Mollahan which Scannell converted to bring the score to 32-22. With time running out Balbriggan knew they needed at least a penalty to ensure there place in the playoffs however it was not to be. Thankfully Champions Edenderry squeezed home 17-7 against Roscrea to leave balbriggan in second place and a playoff against Newbridge.

The Balbriggan side will be disappointed with their display, they appeared a little lethargic and too many plays broke down. To stand a chance in the playoff they will have to up their game to the level they had against Roscrea in their previous match. Reilly and Caldwell did a lot of damage in mid field but Balbriggan struggled to progress from it.  Graham Reynolds had a good game and made a lot of tackles and overall the scrum held up well and apart from a couple had the upper hand.  Adam O’Connor was in better from than the last match and younger brother Cal had probably his best game of the season. Tomas Murphy also had another good game. Man of  the match though was Mark Fay who never stopped going both in attack and defence for the whole match.

Some work to do but Coach Walls will be confident that his squad can give it one last big effort.

The Leinster League Play-Off takes place at Coolmine RFC this Sunday, KO 3pm.

Balbriggan 38     Roscrea 22

Well, it was worth waiting for!  At last Balbriggan put on a display like they have been promising all season and on Sunday it came together for much of the time.   There will be some reviews of the tries conceded but overall great satisfaction can be taken from the tries scored.   The win puts Balbriggan in the driving seat for the play-off spot. At worst 2 points in two weeks time against Garda would secure it. Roscrea through their 4 try bonus point are still only 4 points behind so can still catch us.  Edenderry have already won the league but hopefully will want to win their final home game.  If we were to finish level they would have a better record against us!

Balbriggan had made a couple of tweaks to the team following the Portarlington debacle.   Andrew Brown came in at full-back.  Jack Scannell was restored to the wing with Rian Kavanagh going to nine and the backs all moving out one.  The combination of Walls at out half, Murphy at 12 and O’Connor at 13 gave the backs a much better look.  In the pack Conor Caldwell came in at 8.

Balbriggan won a penalty just after the kick-off and from the kick were able to secure good field position in the Roscrea half.   The ball was run across the line and it was Brian Mollahan who made the decisive break and then off-loaded well to Jack Scannell who had trailed across and finished the job.  Jack then added the two points.

Roscrea were certainly not here to make up the numbers and went all out to prove that they were worthy of second place.  Mike Walls was, yet again, charged down and this put Balbriggan under pressure, only a great tackle by Mollahan saved them from conceding.  The relief was only momentary as the Roscrea out-half noted that the Balbriggan defence was very narrow and sent a lovely cross kick which looked as it had beaten their winger but he somehow managed to gather and score in the corner.  The conversion was missed.  However, it was not long until Roscrea added a second try under the posts when they intercepted a Balbriggan move and their centre went the length of the pitch to leave it set up for an easy conversion.

Minutes later it was balbriggan’s turn for the intercept when Brain Mollahan got his hands on the ball and sent Cal O’Connor away.  15 Minutes gone and the score was tied at 12 all.   Roscrea were next to score when they broke through some weak defensive play by Balbriggan.

Balbriggan were on the attack but were pulled up for a forward pass but they won the ball when they blew Roscrea off the scrum.   Again, it was Mollahan who put balbriggan up to the line They kept the pressure up and won a five metre penalty when Roscrea came off side.  Balbriggan got over the line put the ref deemed the ball was held up even if it looked as Grambo had grounded.   The ref was on the wrong side and by the time he had got around a Roscrea player had inserted his arm under the ball!   That’s the rub of the green.

Eventually the pressure paid off and Cal O’Connor found the gap to equal the scores and Jack Scannell added two to put the home side marginally in front.

From the kick-off Conor Caldwell caught the ball and charged up field before unloading to Ian Murphy who put Mollahan away, as Brian was tackled he off-loaded to Andrew Brown who was steaming up the wing and his speed and power kept him going right into the corner, to stretch the Balbriggan lead just before half-time.

Balbriggan started the second half at pace and Caldwell was making good yards, he put a good pass put to Scannell who nearly got in but play was called back for a penalty as the Roscrea winger had attempted to trip Scannell and was rewarded with a yellow card. Balbriggan went to the corner but Roscrea defended well. Balbriggan lost Ian Murphy to an injury and he was replace by Tomas Murphy, fresh back from Holiday. At this stage it was all Balbriggan and Cal O’Connor got over yet again in front of the posts to give Scannell an easy conversion to bring the score to 31 – 17. Roscrea were by no means done and put the home side under a lot of pressure and the Balbriggan defence held up well but eventually the pressure told and a try was conceded wide out.  31 – 22. Balbriggan probably had the stronger bench and in particular were able to bring on Andrew Miller to replace Tuckey who had a very comfortable game at 2. Reynolds went to 2 from 7 and Miller replaced him on the flank. Great to be able to make a change like that in the final quarter. Balbriggan won a scrum 5 metres out and were driving Roscrea back and scrum-half Kavanagh was able to take the ball and fall over the line for the final try of the afternoon.

A pulsating game, credit to both teams for putting up such a good display.  The return of Caldwell made a big difference and gave a double carrying threat of Grambo and himself. Dan Sweeney also put in some good carries. Adam O’Connor was much more noticeable than the previous week gaining good yards in his carries. His front row colleagues Tuckey and O’Donoghue go about their work quietly but all season have been giving Balbriggan that edge in the scrum. Reynolds and Fay were making a nuisance of themselves all afternoon. The change in the backs seemed to deliver with Murphy having a good game at 12. This gave Cal O’Connor more space and his off loading was better, bringing the wingers more into the game. Andrew Browne was strong in both attack and defence but the man of the match has to be Brian Mollahan for a non-stop show.

It was great to see such a crowd at the game and it certainly helps the team.   It also shows the community culture that we are a Club want to generate.   There were people there from all across the different parts of the Club urging on the lads. Should just also give a shout out to the ladies who beat CYM Terenure on Saturday, a match they lost very closely at the start of the season so was great to get revenge.

Edenderry’s win means they have secured the league title, well done to them. A win against Garda in our final match would ensure the payoff spot against Newbridge. While Newbridge are in the playoff spot they have won 5 games in the year, including matches against Wexford, New Ross and Coolmine so nothing guaranteed there.

Next week is Cup Time and we travel to Tullow to take on the Carlow men on Saturday 3pm. Nothing easy going down there. Tullow are mid table in the II league level with Dundalk IIXV. All support will be appreciated. Make a day in County Carlow as our U18 girls have a final in Carlow IT that day – more on that final later.