Women’s 1st XV
Leinster Paul Cusack Womens (Division 3 & 4 Cup) Cup Final (Sunday 14th April)
Navan………………………………………………… 29

Edenderry ……………………………………………26

(H/T: 10-12)
Bowhill-Balrothery, Balbriggan RFC.

In a battle for the ages at Balbriggan RFC, Navan Women’s 1st XV etched their names into Leinster rugby lore by securing the prestigious Leinster Women Paul Cusack (Division 3 & 4) Cup in a heart-stopping clash against Edenderry. With both teams eyeing glory and boasting unbeaten seasons, the stage was set for a titanic tussle, and the players did not disappoint as they delivered a match brimming with intensity, skill, and drama.
From the opening exchanges, it was clear that both teams were intent on imposing their will on the contest, with Edenderry’s physical forward pack seeking to assert dominance in the contact area, countered by Navan’s dynamic athleticism and attacking flair.
Fifteen minutes into the game, Navan drew first blood with a scintillating try, sparked by a moment of brilliance from Cara Martin, whose pinpoint pass found Molly Fitzgerald in space. Fitzgerald showcased her electrifying pace, racing 55 meters to dot down for the opening score, setting the tone for a thrilling encounter.
Undeterred, Edenderry responded emphatically, utilizing their forward power to breach Navan’s defense and seize the lead with a well-executed try in the left corner, converted to edge ahead on the scoreboard.
Showing their ruthlessness, Edenderry capitalized on their momentum, notching a quickfire second try just moments later to extend their advantage, leaving Navan with a mountain to climb.
However, Navan refused to wilt under the pressure, summoning their resilience and determination to claw their way back into contention with a second unconverted try, narrowing the deficit and keeping the contest finely poised as halftime beckoned.
As the second half commenced, Edenderry looked to build on their slender lead, seeking to assert control and pull away from their opponents. Their efforts were duly rewarded as they stretched their lead with a third try, capitalizing on sustained pressure inside Navan’s 22-meter line.
However, Navan responded with characteristic tenacity, refusing to let the game slip away from their grasp. Inspired by Molly Fitzgerald’s heroics, they clawed their way back into contention with a sensational breakaway try, showcasing their attacking prowess and cutting the deficit to a mere two points.
Undeterred by Edenderry’s quick response, Navan continued to press forward, closing the gap once again with another well-worked try, igniting hopes of a remarkable comeback.
But Edenderry refused to yield, striking back with a converted try of their own to reestablish their authority and extend their lead, setting the stage for a pulsating finale.
In the dying stages of the match, with tensions running high and the outcome hanging in the balance, Navan summoned one final surge, driven by their unwavering determination and desire for glory. With time ticking away, they launched a relentless assault on Edenderry’s defense, probing for openings and refusing to be denied.
As the final whistle sounded, Navan Women’s 1st XV erupted in jubilant celebrations, their courageous fightback culminating in a thrilling victory that sealed their place in Leinster rugby history. It was a moment of pure elation and triumph, a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and unwavering belief in each other.
In a match filled with standout performances, Molly Fitzgerald’s exceptional display stood out as she spearheaded Navan’s attack with her pace, skill, and clinical finishing, inspiring her teammates and leaving an indelible mark on the game.
The squad’s collective effort and determination were instrumental in their triumph, with each player contributing to their team’s success in their own unique way. Their victory will be remembered as a testament to their courage, spirit, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Player of the Match: Molly Fitzgerald

Navan Women’s 1st XV Squad “Sponsored by P. Bermingham’s Bar”:
Emily Jo White, Niamh McManus, Lauren Fitzpatrick, Ava Galvin, Mairead Carty, Louise Crinion, Kayleigh Crinion, Rosie Searle, Anita Lennon, Anna Bolger, Alanna Caffrey, Cara Martin, Molly Fitzgerald, Áine Castles, Aisling Kelly, Aoife Ryan, Shaunagh Keogan, Michelle Stafford, Racheal Browne, Jackie Shiels, Allie Flynn, Isabelle Brereton

Women’s 2nd XV
Leinster Division 5 Womens Cup Final (Sunday 14th April)
Navan………………………………………………. 12

Roscrea…………………………………………….. 10

(H/T: 7-5)
Bowhill-Balrothery, Balbriggan RFC.

In a gripping showdown at Balbriggan RFC, Navan Women’s 2nd XV etched their names into Leinster rugby history by clinching the Division 5 Women’s Cup in a hard-fought battle against Roscrea. With both teams eyeing silverware, the stage was set for a thrilling encounter, and the players did not disappoint as they delivered a match filled with drama, tension, and unforgettable moments.
From the opening whistle, Navan stamped their authority on the game, launching wave after wave of attacking intent as they sought to seize the initiative. Their efforts were duly rewarded when they breached Roscrea’s defense to notch an early try, setting the tone for a pulsating contest. Despite dominating possession and territory, Navan were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, leaving the door ajar for Roscrea to claw their way back into the game.
In a dramatic twist just before halftime, Roscrea capitalized on their first meaningful foray into Navan’s territory, crossing the try line to narrow the deficit and keep the contest finely poised as the teams headed into the break.
As the second half commenced, Roscrea emerged with renewed determination, eager to overturn the narrow deficit and seize control of proceedings. Their efforts were duly rewarded as they asserted their dominance, breaching Navan’s defense to surge into the lead with a well-worked try in the left corner.
However, Navan refused to relent, summoning their inner resolve and launching a spirited fightback in front of their passionate supporters. Led by the inspirational play of Niamh Lister, Navan clawed their way back into contention, retaking the lead with a scintillating breakaway try that sent their fans into raptures.
In the closing stages of the match, Roscrea launched a desperate onslaught, throwing everything they had at the Navan defense in search of a match-winning score. However, Navan stood firm, repelling wave after wave of Roscrea attacks with heroic defensive efforts that epitomized their unwavering determination and resilience.
As the final whistle sounded, Navan Women’s 2nd XV erupted in jubilant celebrations, their hard-fought victory securing the coveted Division 5 Women’s Cup and completing a remarkable double after earlier securing the league title and promotion. It was a momentous occasion for Navan, a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and unwavering spirit throughout the season.
In a match filled with standout performances, Team Captain Paula Keating’s exceptional display stood out as she marshaled Navan’s defense with authority and provided a crucial spark in attack when needed most.
The squad’s collective effort and determination were instrumental in their triumph, with each player making invaluable contributions to their team’s success, a testament to their dedication, resilience, and unyielding spirit.

Player of the Match: Paula Keating

 

Navan Women’s 2nd XV Squad “Sponsored by P. Bermingham’s Bar”:
Louise Elliott, Mary-Louise Bridgeman, Nour Khairy, Thanuja Dharmasena, Anna Mennis, Tara Quinn, Orlaith Daly, Martina O’Neill, Paula Keating (C), Ciara Quinn, Niamh Lister, Geraldine Lynch, Lisa Keenan, Lauren Kelly, Rhiannon Hoey, Róisín Watters, Sarah O’Brien, Sue Nisbitt, Meabh Sexton, Leah Morris, Aoife Hughes, Jessica Moriarty.

Other Results:

Men’s 4th XV

Leinster Michael Dunne (J4 Provincial) Cup – 2nd Round (Sunday 14th April)

Wicklow 35 Navan 7

Ashtown Lane, Wicklow.

Navan Men’s 4th XV Squad:

Joseph Leddy, Ciarmhac Ó Fionnagáin, Shane O’Connor Paul Maginn Piotr Jankowski Gareth Ward Max Shivmangal, Philip Kane, MacDara de Paor, Mark Russell, Simon Kelly, Matthew Conlon, Alex Meehan, Mark Jordan, Odhran Begley, Matthew Rattigan Joseph Smith, Ben Cherry, Darren Cherry, Bryan Russell.

Under 17 Boys
Leinster Boys North-East Area U17 Cup (Saturday 13th April)
Navan 10 Boyne 3
Balreask Old, Navan.

Navan Under 17 Boys Squad:
Tadhg Browne, Killian McAniff, Thomas Kearns, Ilija Vuckovic, Jack Shorten, Jason Callaghan, Noah Murray, Alex Carter, Rhys Dixon, Eoin Burke, Jack Mangan, Ciall Flynn, Luke Kennedy, Jamie Keane, Graham Dooner, Conor Boles, David Hanratty, Cian McMahon, Andrew McGovern, Jamie Kieran, Sean Morris, Euan Carolan, Jamie West.

Under 15 Boys
Leinster Boys North-East Area U15 Cup (Friday 12th April)
Navan 41 Skerries 10
Ashbourne RFC.

Navan Under 15 Boys Squad:
Adam Kieran, Tehan Stander, Euan O’Cinneide, Michael Cahalane, Sam Murray, Thomas Russell, Jack Foley, Ishan Dharmasena, Conor Doran, Andrew Treacy, Tom Concannon, Conor Kelly, Conor Martin, Ciarán Fox, Tom Howley, Lee Reynolds, Francis Healy, Tobias Ledwidge Egan, Rian Kennedy, Evan Lawless, Joshua Kelly, Patrick Dwyer, Jamie Reynolds.

Other News:
Navan RFC hosted the All-Ireland Provincial League Championship Final on Saturday (13th April) between Ballyclare (Ulster) & Monkstown (Leinster).
In a thrilling encounter, Ballyclare came out on top by a score of 33-28 (Full match report on Irish Rugby Website).

Picture Captions: (credit photos: Craig Williamson)
Lead picture;  Navan Women’s 1st’s Ava Galvin, competes in the lineout against Edenderry in the Leinster Paul Cusack Womens (Division 3 & 4 Cup) Cup Final.
Second picture; The Navan Women’s 1st XV Players & Coaching/Management team who won the Leinster Paul Cusack Womens (Division 3 & 4 Cup) Cup Final after defeating Edenderry.
Third picture; The Navan Women’s 2nd XV Players & Coaching/Management team who won the Leinster Division 5 Womens Cup Final after defeating Roscrea.