Railway 3rds claim long awaited title
After two seasons of being there or thereabouts, the men’s 3rds finally claimed the league title in Railway on Saturday. It’s been a fantastic campaign that’s seen Malcolm Walsh’s men go unbeaten all season and it was fitting that the final was played between the two outstanding sides in the division.
Despite playing away from home in a final, Terenure took the game to Railway and led 6–0 at half time. Railway responded with three penalties of their own to lead 9–6, before Terenure levelled in at 9–9.
As it looked like the game was going to go to extra time, Railway scored the winning try with only three minutes remaining.
Celebrations went on long into the night in Railway, and rightly so, this trophy has been a long time coming.
Above: Men’s 3rds with trophy. Photo by Cian Ryan.
The Railway Girls Schools 7s finds future stars
The Railway Girls Schools 7s tournament took place on Friday 14th March, where it was a day for debutants. This was demonstrated as all four competitions were taken by teams making their debut in the tournament, with two of those beating the reigning title holders in their finals.
“Over 300 girls across 17 teams played today and it was by some distance the highest standard we’ve witnessed to date,” said Mere Baker, the former New Zealand 7s international, who has devised the programme. Baker, a World Cup winner and winner of the Hong Kong 7s six times in a row with New Zealand, said many of the girls on show have the potential to play for their country.
“As well as being a fantastic sport for girls, many of them can aim to play for Ireland U18s and U19s this September. With the right application and coaching, there is definite Olympic potential there, even as close as 2016,” said Baker.
Two new competitions took place this time, with St Andrew’s taking the first year’s competition and Loreto on the Green taking the junior competition, defeating St Louis in the final. Indeed, Loreto proved to be somewhat of a bete noir for St Louis, as they also defeated the reigning champions in the senior final.
The most exciting final of the day was newcomers St Raphaela’s against Newpark Comprehensive in the TY final. In a hugely entertaining game, St Raphaela’s defeated the reigning champions to cue a pitch invasion and loud celebrations from the large St Raphaela’s contingent present.
The next tournament takes place on Friday 2nd May where up to 30 teams and 500 girls are expected to take part.
Above: The Railway Girls Schools 7s tournament. Photo by Cian Ryan.
By Kirstin Smith
