Thurles RFC prepare for Cup decider after big win in semi-final last weekend

Munster Women's Rugby Cup Semi-Final

Thurles RFC 57

Bantry Bay RFC 5

Thurles senior women travelled to Bantry last Sunday in search of a place in the Cup Final.

After the long drive down to West Cork, the team took to the barely playable field and got off to a slow start, searching for consistency within their play but just couldn't put it together, and after a result of eleven pressure Bantry managed to squeeze through for a try.

However this was the spark that Thurles needed to ignite a fire and they answered the try from the restart with a try of our own, ran in by Gemma Dunican.

Within five minutes, the Thurles forwards had rucked over the try line releasing Katie Jones to score in the corner and the girls kept this momentum going and went in half-time 10-5 ahead.

From the restart, Gemma, Katie, and Niamh Ryan continued to pursue the line with Gemma securing a total of four tries while Katie notched three of her own.

Great hands, great carries, and great decision-making saw Thurles continue to pile on the pressure, with Ash O’Hagan at out-half going over for her try.

Hard work and doggedness from our pack saw Kaitlyn Callanan rewarded for her hard work with a try of her own.
With very challenging conditions underfoot, captain Eimear Ryan converted six of our nine tries in what was a good day at the office for her.

Overall every single performance was excellent, and to secure the spot in the final against Clonakilty is nothing less than what this group of women deserve.

With the league won, they now go in search of the cup win to close out a highly successful season in this, the Centenary Year for Thurles Rugby Club. The final will be on April 28th in a venue to be confirmed.

Thurles RFC: 1. Kate Kelly, 2. Roisin Meehan, 3. Megan Woodlock, 4. Grace O’Flaherty, 5. Ciara Scanlon, 6. Eileen Gleeson, 7. Isobel Kennedy, 8. Kaitlyn Callanan, 9. Beth Roche, 10. Aisling O’Hagan, 11. Katie Jones, 12. Eimear Ryan, 13. Gemma Dunican,14. Niamh Ryan, 15. Saoirse Kelly.

Subs used: 16. Emma Buggy, 17. Bronagh Morrissey, 18. Jayne Dooley.