Navan Women’s 3rd XV…………………..24

Swords………………………………………….27

Shay Murtagh Park, Mullingar RFC.

Navan RFC’s Women’s 3rd XV made history on Saturday as they contested their first-ever final, taking on Swords in the Leinster Division 5/6 Women’s Plate Final at Mullingar RFC’s grounds in Shay Murtagh Park. In just a few short months since their formation, the Navan Women’s 3rd team have shown remarkable progress, reflecting the explosive growth of women’s rugby within the club, which now boasts over 70 active female players across three squads. In a thrilling, end-to-end encounter that could have gone either way, Niamh Lister was the standout performer for Navan, crossing the line for an incredible four tries.

However, despite their efforts, Swords edged the contest by the narrowest of margins, claiming a 27–24 victory. While the defeat was a disappointing one, the achievement of reaching a provincial final at the first attempt, alongside the continued success of the club’s 1st and 2nd women’s teams, marks a proud moment for Navan RFC and highlights the bright future for women’s rugby at the club.

Navan Women’s 3rd XV Squad “Sponsored by P. Bermingham’s Bar”: Kellie Behan, Sue Nisbitt, Edel Weldon, Shannon Mead, Donna Finlay, Niamh Yourell, Sarah White, Katie Kearney, Lisa O’Neill, Niamh Lister, Martha Bashford, Rosanna O’Neill, Alanna Kelly, Hannah Ettie.

Other News:

Blue Dragons win silverware at Balbriggan Stingers blitz

The Navan Blub Dragons with the Balbriggan Stingers Perpetual Trophy for the best performance by a Senior Team at the Balbriggan blitz on (Photo by Grahame Morrison).

Blue Dragons win silverware at Balbriggan Stingers blitz Navan Blue Dragons were on the road again last Sunday as they headed to Balbriggan for a tag blitz. The Dragons played four matches in the senior blitz against St Mary’s All Stars, Westmanstown Wasps, Tullamore Tigers and Greystones Seagulls. Some of the opposition were familiar from the Dragons’ own blitz two weeks previous.

All of the matches were keenly contested, but as always played in great spirit. Everyone got to take part, and there was some great teamwork on display resulting in all of the Blue Dragons players managing to get a try across the four matches. As well as scoring some great tries, the Blue Dragons were tenacious in defence, with several last ditch try-saving tags.

All of the players’ efforts did not go unnoticed as the Blue Dragons were awarded the Balbriggan Stingers Perpetual Trophy for the best performance by a Senior Team. This trophy is awarded in memory of Tony Walsh, the father of one of the Balbriggan Stingers players. Navan Blue Dragons are deeply honoured and delighted to be recipients of this trophy, and will display the shield with pride in our clubhouse until we return to Balbriggan next year.

The Navan Blue Dragons would like to say an enormous thank you to everyone at Balbriggan RFC for organising and running such a wonderful event. We were made to feel very welcome by the amazing volunteers, got to play some great rugby, enjoyed some
absolutely delicious food and ice cream, and to cap the whole day came home with a trophy.

Former Navan RFC Youths Player Tastes All-Ireland League Success
Former Navan RFC Youths player Abby Moyles enjoyed a memorable end to the season, playing a key role in UL Bohemian’s dramatic victory over Railway Union in the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Final at the Aviva Stadium. Starting at full-back for the Limerick side, Moyles impressed with a series of strong carries in a closely fought contest. In a thrilling finale, UL Bohs sealed a 29–24 win by scoring a decisive try in the final play of the match. The victory secured back-to-back titles for UL Bohemian, having also defeated Railway Union in the 2024 final.