Irish Womens RFU All Ireland Finals

Following on from the highly successful Ireland v England Development fixture back in January, Ballinakill is to host the All Ireland finals beginning with the three divisions finals commencing from 12 noon, followed by the Waterpark Women’s Rugby Sevens on Saturday 20th. Saturday, 13th April 2002 at Waterpark RFC, Ballinakill.
12noon Athboy v Trinity. 1.15pm Clonakilty v Midleton
3.00pm Shannon v UL Bohemians

Women’s club rugby in Ireland is divided into three competitive leagues depending on the experience and ability of the players. Division 3 is comprised of mostly new clubs with inexperienced players and is designed to encourage new players to the sport with modified rules and small-sided games. There is no pushing in scrums and teams can play down to 10 players. Division 2 is made up of developing clubs and games can be small sided with limited pushing in scrums, however at this stage the finals will be contested by 15 a side teams. This season’s finale sees Clonakilty take on Midleton.

Division 1 is full competitive rugby and this seasons League Final should be a cracker with Limerick rivals Shannon, last year’s winners taking on newcomers UL Bohemians in their first season of competitive action. There will be no love lost between the sides with former Shannon players Sara Jane Belton and Patrique Kelly both current Internationals lining out for UL Bohs. No less than 11 Internationals from both sides will be on display. For Shannon, Fiona Steed (Irelands most capped player), Rosie Foley (brother of Anthony), Rachel Tucker (daughter of Lion Colm) and Jean Lonergan (PE Teacher at Waterford’s Presentation School) all line out while for UL Bohs as well as Belton and Kelly, Internationals, Louise Beamish, Elaine Collins, Lynn Cantwell, Rochelle Howell and Mary O’Loughlin all take the field. The action kicks off at 12 noon with the Development League Final, followed by the Division 2 Final at 1pm and finally the Division 1 final is scheduled for 3pm.