Match Report: Energia WAIL Round 1 v Railway Union

Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division – Round 1
Railway Union 19 – 34 Old Belvedere
Saturday 27th September, Park Avenue

The Old Belvedere Senior AIL Women opened the 2025/26 AIL campaign in style with a 34–19 victory over neighbouring rivals Railway Union, securing a bonus point win in the first round of the season. The victory also marked a winning start for newly appointed head coach Fiona Hayes and Niamh Ní Dhróma, who has returned to Belvo from Wicklow to join the coaching team.

It was a lively start to proceedings, with both sides exchanging tries in the opening 20 minutes. Ellie O’Sullivan Sexton touched down early and converted her own try to kick off things with a full 7, before Railway struck back almost immediately. The tit-for-tat continued as Naoise Smyth crossed for Belvo, answered once again by the home side.

Belvo’s edge ahead began to show before the half-time break. Winger Hannah Clarke, one of the club’s exciting new signings, announced herself with her first try in black and white, quickly followed by a second just minutes later. Ellie O’Sullivan Sexton added the extras to both, and a well-struck penalty gave Belvo a 26–14 advantage at half-time.

The second half saw Railway rally with a try of their own, but Belvo finished strongest. Hazel Simmons powered over late on to seal the result, with Sexton adding further points from the tee to cap a superb personal performance of 14 points in total.

Left to Right: Brooke Gilroy, Emily Byrne, Ivana Kiripai

Alongside O’Sullivan Sexton’s control at out-half and Clarke’s speed on the wings, new recruits shone in black and white. Emily Byrne made a huge impact on debut with an industrious 80-minute shift, while Ivana Kiripati brought real physicality to the pack and Brooke Gilroy added fresh energy when introduced at centre in the second half. The only concern from the afternoon was an unfortunate injury to Hannah Rapley, who suffered a broken hand after coming on in the front row.

Belvo now turn their attention to next Saturday, October 4th, when they welcome Blackrock to Ollie Campbell Park in a home double header alongside the Men’s 1st XV.

Captain Lisa Callan. Vice-Captain Jade Gaffney

Scorers:

Railway Union: Tries – Molly Boyne, Emily Gavin, Hannah Johnston; Cons – Nikki Caughey (2)

Old Belvedere: Tries -Ellie O’Sullivan Sexton, Naoise Smyth, Hannah Clarke (2), Hazel Simmons; Cons – O’Sullivan Sexton (3); Pen – O’Sullivan Sexton

Half-time: Railway Union 14 – 26 Old Belvedere

RAILWAY UNION: Chloe Pontus; Viola Maffia, Niamh Byrne (capt), Heidi Lyons, Ava Usanova; Nikki Caughey, Hannah Scanlan; Emer Meagher, Emily Gavin, Megan Collis, Keelin Brady, Grace Jackson, Evelyn Donnelly, Molly Boyne, Poppy Garvey.

Replacements: Méabh Keegan, Hannah Johnston, Alanna Fusciardi Wallace, Cassandra McGloat, Miriam Vega, Ailsa Hughes, Camille Ginesty.

OLD BELVEDERE: Amy Larn; Hannah Clarke, Robyn O’Connor, Deirbhile Nic a Bháird, Megan Edwards; Ellie O’Sullivan Sexton, Jade Gaffney; Hannah Wilson, Lisa Callan (capt), Katie Layde, Éadaoin Murtagh, Naoise Smyth, Emma Kelly, Emily Byrne, Ivana Kiripati.

Replacements: Kara Mulcahy, Hannah Rapley, Chloe Ericson, Grace Tutty, Kate Ballance, Hazel Simmons, Brooke Gilroy.