Balbriggan 47
Tullamore 41
November 1st, 2026
From Halloween fright fest to rugby try fest. Balbriggan secured their 3rd win of the regular season in their Leinster Division 1 fixture v Tullamore RFC in Balrothery. Attacking rugby was to the fore as both teams shared 14 tries in a game played in glorious conditions.
The visitors had most of the play in the first half, dominating territory and possession as Balbriggan struggled to get foothold in the game. Tullamore secured the try bonus before half time , but Balbriggans own attacking proficiency, and ability to convert chances meant the score was 21-24 to the visitors at halftime. Try’s from Jess Kelleher and two from Kate O Molloy and metronomic boot of Eve Conway kept Balbriggan in the fight. The teams swapped try’s after half time, the impressive Jess Kelleher securing her second after a strong carry close in.
Balbriggans’ doggedness and fight eventually paid off when they hit their attacking purple patch in the game. Quick two try’s from Lilly Clarke, plus Kate O Molloys hattrick try gave the hosts what looked a unassailable 47-29 lead. But Tullamore weren’t finished and scored two try’s to leave a nail-biting finish. But some big plays at the end, including a goal line turnover by Aoife Brennan meant Balbriggan were able to see the win out and get a valuable 5pts in the league. Best of luck to Tullamore in the remainder of the season and as always, the game was played in sporting fashion between the two clubs.
Balbriggan’s next division 1 is 22nd November when they host Navan, whilst ours 2nd XV home Clane in their D6 fixture on November 15th.
Some standout performances in today fixture Tullamore, notably Jess Kelleher who scored 2 tries and worked tirelessly throughout, Aoife Brennan’s work rate for 80+ mins, a brilliantly taken hattrick by Kate O Molloy, but todays player of the match is Erin McFadden. Tackle count, metres carried and phenomenal engine throughout the 80 mins. Dad Ivan was banned from the vote.
