Dundalk RFC end league campaign on a high note with victory over Coolmine

Dundalk concluded their Leinster League Division 1A campaign on a positive note when they ran out 24-5 winners over Coolmine on Sunday.

Having already secured second spot, the Mill Road men were looking to put together a strong performance ahead of Sunday’s Towns’ Cup quarter-final clash away to Enniscorthy.

Things started off badly for Dundalk when winger James Shields was rather harshly red carded for a tip tackle after just 10 minutes.

Coolmine took advantage of the extra man by getting in for a try soon after to make it 5-0 in their favour.

This was as good as it got for the visitors though as Dundalk came back at them with Thomas Campbell converting a penalty to reduce the deficit to 5-3 at the break.

Dundalk started the second half strongly and three further penalties from Campbell had them 12-5 in front midway through the half.

The hosts continued to play excellent rugby and Johnny Gray got over for a deserved try which Campbell converted to effectively seal the game at 19-5.

Dundalk weren’t done just yet though with Owen McNally getting on the end of a neat chip from Campbell to score.

Dundalk RFC: S McGee, J Shields, O McNally, MJ McKevitt, R O’Hagan, J Williams, T Campbell, E Faatau, S Martin, J McConnon, C O’Hanlon, M Bentley, R Farrell, J Gray, C Brannigan Subs: C Williams, J Smith, L Steen, S Murphy, R Williams.

There was no such luck for Dundalk 2nds, who went down to a heavy 64-5 defeat to the same opposition, with John McGahon grabbing the consolation try.

The seconds take on Wicklow away in the Provincial Seconds’ Cup on Sunday March 23^rd.

Dundalk set up Towns’ Cup clash with Enniscorthy after victory over Naas

Dundalk RFC coach Ene Fa’atau in action against Enniscorthy on Sunday. Picture: Mark Webb / Photonua

Dundalk RFC will travel to Enniscorthy in the third round of the Provincial Towns’ Cup after seeing off the challenge of Naas on a 22-0 scoreline at the Mill Road on Sunday.

Ultan Murphy gave the home side the lead with a penalty after 10 minutes and Dundalk never looked back after that with Murphy adding three further penalties before the break to give his side a 12-0 lead at half-time.

Naas piled the pressure on when the game resumed but Dundalk held out before Murphy added another penalty to make it 15-0.

They then sealed the win with an excellent team try 15 minutes from time with Stephen Martin getting over in the corner.

Murphy then made it six kicks from six by adding the conversion to set his side up nicely for the trip to the South East on Sunday March 16^th.

Dundalk RFC: S McGee, J Shields, O McNally, MJ McKevitt, R O’Hagan, U Murphy, T Campbell, E Faatau, S Martin, J McConnon, M Bentley, C O’Hanlon, R Farrell, J Gray, C Brannigan. Subs: J Smith, L Steen, G Whately, S Murphy, R Shields.

Dundalk RFC to host lunch before Towns’ Cup clash with Naas

Dundalk RFC will be hosting a lunch at their grounds on the Mill Road this Sunday ahead of their Provincial Towns’ Cup clash against Naas.

The match has a 3pm kick-off on the day but before that there will be an open pre-match lunch to mark the occasion. The two-course meal costs €15, which also includes admission to the match.

Kids meals will also be available at €3 a plate.

To reserve your place contact Tommy Campbell on 087-6362778 or Larry Steen on 086-2470149.

New edition of The Rugby Show airs on Dundalk FM tonight

The new monthly edition of ‘The Rugby Show’ will air this evening at 7pm on Dundalk FM.

Hosted by Geraldine Kieran and Stephen Smyth, the show will look back on Ireland’s momentous 26-3 win over Wales last weekend and discuss the country’s prospects of a Triple Crown.

They’ll also discuss Dundalk RFC’s Towns’ Cup clash at home to Naas this Sunday.