UL Bohs’ Claim Women’s All Ireland Cup For Record Sixth Time

UL Bohemian claimed the Women’s All-Ireland Cup for a record sixth time with a 17-5 win over Blackrock College in Ashbourne over the weekend.

It was a tense final with a coveted trophy at stake and the knowledge that the sides will meet again in Women’s All-Ireland League action in the coming weeks.

Bohs broke the deadlock with Laura Sheehan’s first half try and took control of the game with Aine Staunton’s second half effort.

“We started a bit shaky,” admitted winning captain Fiona Hayes. “I think the first 20 minutes didn’t go our way. There were a lot of mistakes, but we regrouped. I’m very proud of the girls and delighted we came away with the win today.”

Blackrock too got a better handle on the game. They drove hard at the Bohs line in the second half and got some reward from a tap penalty. Caoimhe Molloy took the ball at pace and powered home.

Hannah O’Connor’s conversion thwacked off the post and ‘Rock found it difficult to regain territory from there.

“They’ve come on a lot,” said Hayes of their Dublin opponents. “They’re a very young side and you can see that their fitness levels have come up. They play a nice style of rugby and it’s good to see them on the up. We like playing against a fast playing team like that.”

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UL Bohemian 17 Blackrock College 5, Ashbourne

Scorers: UL Bohemian Tries: Laura Sheehan, Aine Staunton; Cons: Niamh Briggs 2; Pen: Niamh Briggs. Blackrock College: Try: Caoimhe Molloy

HT: UL Bohemian 7 Blackrock College 0

UL Bohemian: Aine Staunton, Stephanie Nunan, Enya Breen, Rachel Allen, Laura Sheehan, Niamh Briggs, Helen McDermott, Fiona Hayes, Kate Sheehan, Fiona Reidy, Claire Bennett, Aoife O’Sullivan, Chloe Pearse, Clodagh O’Halloran, Sarah Quin.

Replacements: Sarah O’Gorman, Edel Murphy, Geena Behan, Sarah Garrett, Caoimhe Tiernan, Laura O’Mahony, Rosie Newton.

Backrock College: Ellen Taite, Natasja Behan, Alison Coleman, Maeve Og O’Leary, Ray Lawless, Jackie Shiels, Niamh Griffen, Caoimhe Molloy, Ann Marie Rooney, Manuela McCarthy, Judy Bobbett, Mairead Holohan, Meadbh Scally, Grace Kelly, Hannah O’Connor.

Replacements: Lena Fitzsimons, Meadhbh O’Callaghan, Aoife Browne, Tess Meade, Jenni Burke, Laura Delaney, Amy Cotter.