Mullingar U18s record fine victory over Tullamore

Mullingar Rugby Club notes

The Mullingar U18s were back to form last weekend as they faced off against Tullamore. There were line breaks and big impacts galore at this entertaining Midland Derby. Both sides went through long periods of dogged defending in their own 22. However Mullingar came out on top, showing both great physicality and smooth rugby to get them over the line.

The game kicked off with an instant penalty for Tullamore as Mullingar men were found offside. The tap and go was taken and a second row from each team collided in the centre of the field, a huge impact from Aaron McGauran stopped the Tullamore lock in his tracks and he was brought down. Following a few minutes of solid defending, Mullingar managed to turn over the ball. Mullingar made effective use of their set piece and kicked for touch.

The Mullingar forwards took charge and proceeded with a series of pick and goes with notable carries from Brook Glennon and Aaron McGauran again. Tullamore defended well and after a lot of time spent in their own 22, Mullingar finally got on the scoreboard with McGauran being the first to touch down after a solid pick and go. Which was converted by No. 10, Cillian Traynor.

Tullamore responded in kind and attacked with intent. Some big ball carriers and skillful backs managed to bring them up the field where Mullingar conceded two penalties. The first for tacklers not releasing and the second for a high tackle. Tullamore pinned Mullingar into their 22 and after some inspiring defending from Ruairi McDonnell and Rory O’ Brien, the home team managed to slip through a few Mullingar tackles for a converted try just outside the posts.

Mullingar kicked off and answered with some great play with line breaks from Aidan O’ Brien, John Casey and Ruairi McDonnell. The number 11 Darragh O’ Brien and 12, Darragh Weblin also made great yards up the pitch. Tullamore scrambled well however and most of the first half was spent defending the Mullingar attack in their 22. Possession went back and forth with Tullamore clearing the ball only for Mullingar to re-enter the 22 after the set piece. After a penalty line out Mullingar resumed their pick and go shape which saw Aaron McGauran collect his 2nd try of the day. Missed conversion saw Mullingar lead into the 2nd half by 12 points to 7.

Mullingar's defence was tested severely from the kick off with Tullamore attacking for most of the half. The visitors were once again found pinned in their own 22 where they racked up quite a high penalty count, giving away 3 penalties. This led to a yellow card for the hooker.

Despite this Tullamore struggled to convert with their lineout under severe pressure from Rory O’Brien and McDonnell, this pairing were estimated to have over 30 tackles between them at full time. Finally Mullingar turned over the ball after a knock on and after some heart stopping play in front of their own line, relieved the pressure.

After some solid phases and exceptional line breaks and carries from John Casey, Mullingar managed to conjure a line break along the wing from the number 5 Rory O’B. After isolating the full back he floated the ball out to John Casey who ran it in under the posts to polish off the 50m line break. Converted by Traynor again.

After the kick off Mullingar soon made their way back into the Tullamore half. Succeeding a missed penalty kick and some more play from Tullamore, Mullingar found themselves with a scrum in the home team territory. Aidan O’Brien decided to finish the score line off with a pick and go off the scrum. The number 8 blew past and out paced multiple Tullamore defenders for a try on the blind side. Final score: Tullamore 7, Mullingar 24.

Mullingar U14 girls reach final

Mullingar U14 girls reds booked their place in the league final after a hard-fought 12-7 victory over Newbridge in Clane. With both teams evenly matched, it was a battle of skill, grit, and determination from start to finish.

Mullingar struck first with a well-earned try from Caoimhe S, expertly converted by Emma W. The game remained an intense contest, with strong defensive efforts from Isabella M and Ella W, while Clodagh B’s return added stability to the pack.

A second try from Lilly Mc extended Mullingar’s lead, though strong winds made conversions difficult. Newbridge responded with a converted try in the second half, but Mullingar’s resilience held firm. Key contributions from Kayleigh M, Rayna C, Orlaith H, and Preksha U helped maintain momentum and secure the win.

With this gritty performance, Mullingar now advances to the final, ready to give it their all in pursuit of the title.