Portlaoise RFC crowned Leinster U-14 Cup champions

Portlaoise U-14s traveled to Energia Park in Donnybrook on Saturday 4 May for the Leinster Cup final against Mullingar. This Portlaoise side are the current holders of the Leinster Cup, having defeated Greystones in a titanic battle last year and looking to complete a historic Double Double, with the majority of last year’s team still U14s.

Portlaoise 17

Mullingar 0

Molly Jane Dempsey would initiate the proceedings. Portlaoise would exert all the pressure in the opening minutes of the match. Driving the Mullingar girls deep into their own half where they would hold them for most of the opening exchanges. Like all Portlaoise girls they played an epic game and brought their A game to Mullingar in a dominant first half. Mullingar would offer a defensive masterclass in their attempts to stop Portlaoise from crossing the white line. Ciara Cuddy made huge gains and ground with her strong carries. However Mullingar tried to get out of their own half, they were given a masterclass of their own by captain Lily Brophy, who hit the tackles with precision.

Vice-captain Chloe Kavanagh was equally impressive with her tackle count and timing. When Mullingar tried to get out of their half the ball was turned over by the hugely impressive Jessica Delaney, who was outstanding on the day. Emily Harvey flicked a ball out to Freya Stanley, who ran through the heart of the Mullingar defense and evaded no fewer than five tackles to get under the post for a well-deserved lead. Saffron Adams would gain the conversion.

Portlaoise would continue their impressive performance. With further pressure brought to bear by the wonderful combination of Faye Scully and Daisy Whitten. Portlaoise would re-enter the Mullingar 22 and Aoibheann Conroy would draw into the Mullingar defense releasing the pass at the last second to Saffron Adams who would show a clean pair of heels and evade the Mullingar winger to cross the line for a 12-0 lead. Portlaoise would continue their dictatorial play for the rest of the half and not scoring again was a huge credit to the Mullingar defense who remained strong.

Molly Jane Dempsey on the indictment. More below Fig

Portlaoise and Mullingar had played a “Friendly” match at Christmas which resulted in a draw. So this game could have had a second half! Mullingar’s defensive performance in the first half was incredible. Now it was their turn to show their offense and for Portlaoise to show their defence! Mullingar hit the ground running and quickly applied pressure. Portlaoise’s defense was impenetrable. Exemplarily led by Captain Lily Brophy and Orlaith Costigan. Time and again they were met by a brick wall! As Mullingar continued to knock on the door, they seemed to see an opening.

Mullingar’s 15 raced with brilliant pace down the touchline to cross the line while looking up to perhaps head towards the posts rather than land. She received a hard, ferocious tackle from Freya Stanley, who drove her towards the ball! No attempt! Mullingar would regroup and go again, pressing hard. A quick outbound ball was brilliantly intercepted by Aoibheann Conroy, who raced through the centre. Mullingar flowed back to catch her outside the 22. This seemed to take the wind out of Mullingar’s sails. Portlaoise would now put pressure on Mullingar again.

Sarah Cunningham now fired balls to the wings for Molly Jane Dempsey to take advantage of and she did, tearing along the wings to get just 5 meters out of the air. The excellent Jessica Delaney collected the ball and drove towards the try line for what looked like a certain try, only for a last-ditch Mullingar tackle to prevent it. Tara Peavoy would put more pressure on the Mullingar 22, helped by Amy Peters who was excellent in the lineouts all day.

Saffron Adams scored a try. More below Fig

Abbie Fitzpatrick and Molly Fitzpatrick caused all kinds of problems on the other wing. It was only a matter of time before Portlaoise scored again. Sarah Keane would once again drive into the Mullingar defense and release Lily Brophy, who looked like she had just bent over the line but managed to turn and touch down for Portlaoise’s third try. With the match all but over, Portlaoise kept the pressure on and almost got another try.

The full-time whistle was blown and Portlaoise would celebrate not only a brilliant display of rugby but also the Double Double! An incredible group of talented girls whose hunger to train and learn never ceases to amaze us. With a remarkable coaching team of Jack Kavanagh, Ritchie Harvey, Sue Delaney, Graham Peavoy, Ivan Whitten and Mick Dempsey. Special thanks to Koren Dunne for sharing her rugby experiences with the girls and providing excellent advice.

The full panel present yesterday was as follows: Orlaith Costigan, Faye Scully, Daisy Whitten, Tara Peavoy, Ciara Cuddy, Amy Peters, Jessica Delaney, Chloe Kavanagh, Emily Harvey, Lily Brophy, Molly Jane Dempsey, Aoibheann Conroy, Saffron Adams, Molly Fitzpatrick, Freya Stanley, Abby Fitzpatrick, Sarah Cunningham, Sarah Keane, Bailey Campion, Ella Sherlock, Sarah Ging, Emma Ging, Cara Deegan, Muireann Thompson, Meabh Dooley.