Mixed weekend of results for Limerick's All-Ireland League teams

IT WAS THREE wins and three defeats for Limerick teams in the All-Ireland League after a thrilling Saturday in men's rugby. In the women's game, UL Bohemian are basking in glory after a win over Railway Union in the Energia Women's Cup Final.

Garryowen, Old Crescent and Bruff were the Limerick winners earlier this afternoon but it was defeat for Young Munster, Shannon and UL Bohs.

In Division 1A, Young Munster's hopes of reaching the top four took a huge blow following a defeat to City of Armagh on a 29-21 scoreline.

Armagh raced into a 12-0 lead but Munster's hit back with a Stephen McLaughlin try that was converted by Cian Casey. A penalty try for Ger Slattery's side but it was a brief lead for Munster's with the home side scoring twice more to secure a bonus point and a 26-14 half time advantage.

Shay McCarthy's converted try brought Munster's back into the game early in the second half but a penalty late on ensured Armagh's victory.

Shannon's descent down the table continued after a 31-5 defeat to Terenure at Thomond Park's back pitch. They now are in the promotion / relegation position after the loss and City of Armagh's win over Young Munster.

Terenure stay in fourth place with the win and the got the only try in the opening 40 minutes. Harrison Brewer doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half, before former Shannon man Luke Clohessy crossed for 'Nure's third score. Craig Adams added the bonus point score for the Dublin team on the hour.  

Stephen Kiely got Shannon on the board nine minutes from time with their only score but it was Terenure that had the last laugh with Alan Bennie landing their fifth try of a one-sided game.

Garryowen moved into third place in Division 1B following a 20-17 victory at Stradbrook. The Light Blues were 17-0 up at the break but had to stave off a 'Rock comeback in the second half.

Things had looked plain sailing after a dominant first half with JJ O'Neill going over for two tries and Jeronimo Ureta Saenz Pena with one. Jack Oliver converted O'Neill's second score to put his side in a great position.

Blackrock hit back with three tries in the second half to set up a thrilling finish but it was Garryowen that came away with the win with Oliver landing a penalty five minutes from time.

In Division 2A, Old Crescent had a 13-10 over Greystones at Takumi Park. Crescent closed the gap on UL Bohs to just one-point with Ronan McKenna's penalty seeing them to a sixth win of the season.

Darragh O'Brien got the scoring underway after 12 minutes with a try on his 100th appearance with McKenna adding the extras from the conversion but Greystones hauled them back to leave the score at 7-7 at half time.

A penalty apiece were the scores in the opening 10 minutes of the second half and it was left to McKenna to win the game with his third strike of the game in the 73rd minute.

UL Bohs' men's side had a tough day at the office after a 38-5 loss to MU Barnhall. It was 12-5 at the half time to Barnhall with Ihechi Oji getting the Bohs try. Barnhall were by far the better side in the break and raced to a comfortable victory.

In Division 2C, Bruff moved into the top three after a 20-12 away win against Ballina. It was the Mayo outfit that started the game well with an early try but two in response from Bruff courtesy of Mark Fitzpatrick and Cal McCarthy put them three points up. However, Ballina crossed for a second try to lead 12-10 at the break.

That was to be as good as it got for Ballina as a Paul Collins penalty swung the game in Bruff's favour for a second time. The same man then got in for their third try and Ethan Anderson's conversion sealed an eight-point win.

In the Energia Women's Cup Final, a sensational second half showing to earn a 34-12 victory over Railway Union in Coolmine. Bohs were 12-5 down at the end of the first half but a sterling second half performance saw Fiona Hayes' side to a superb win.

That winning feeling!

Congrats to our Women’s First XV who showed great resolve to fight back in the second half and take the win!

Legends! @IrishRugby @theclubscenepod @FinalWhistleIE #NothingLikeIt#OnceARobinAlwatsaRobin pic.twitter.com/rNtI3ve7Ui

— UL BOHEMIAN RFC (@ulbohemianrfc) January 27, 2024

You can watch the game back in full here.