The dye was cast for both sides with Lansdowne assured of our spot in the playoffs and Garryowen destined for a hopefully short period in Division 1B. Still, the sun was shining and the local loyalists had created a festive atmosphere on the balmy balcony at least, even if there was an arctic gale blowing under the stadium where the visitors gathered. Perhaps reflecting the difference in mood between the two clubs.

Most of these games (certainly the reports of them) seem to start with a period of scrappy play while both teams get into the rhythm of the game and this one was no different. But within a few minutes, Lansdowne showed their familiar flair and control as returning outhalf Stephen MacMahon made a magnificent break following our scrum inside their half and instigated a period of dizzying speed and accuracy, the ball buzzing through many hands before ending with number 8 Donough Lawlor using all his speed to power over the line. Stephen added the extras, opening our account on 7 - 0 but that was to be his last part in the game as he headed off the pitch with a suspected broken hand. A tantalizing glimpse of what he can do, cut short by injury yet again.

We didn’t need to worry that the loss of our outhalf would limit our kicking options (in spite of sideline concerns to that effect) as not only did Hugo McLaughlin take up the duties off the tee, but nearly every other player on the pitch played a part in the period kicking tennis that followed. Garryowen must have heard about our steely defence because they opted never to test it with ball in hand, preferring the up and under instead. It really should be named after them.

Another scrappy period followed with more injuries and reshuffling to the lineup. Full back Todd Lawlor was replaced through injury by Cathal Eddie, scrum half Cormac Foley goes into 10 and James Kenny comes on at 9. In all this brief confusion, we concede a penalty and it’s 7 - 3. But as a testament to how well the coaching team’s playbook is known and the players’ flexibility, normal service is soon restored. We win a lineout inside their 22 and the ball comes out slowly enough, but the Garryowen defence is caught napping as electric winger Sean Galvin scorches through one gap and round another to go over in the corner. Will Stephanie’s dire predictions of the lack of a kicker come true? Not at all! Hugo slots it over with a huge left boot. 14 - 3.

As the game approaches half time and though needing to get something going on the scoreboard, the visitors opt yet again to kick possession away. Our back three Cathal, Sean and Hugo gobble up the opportunities with repeated counterattacks but the half time whistle blows before they bear fruit.

Perhaps lulled by the below par pace of the game, our concentration lapses ten minutes into the second half as their centre makes a break and passes inside to their impressive blindside wing forward who goes under the post for a try. 14 - 10.
Another sustained period of high kicks, counter attacks, fumbled last passes and last ditch tackles follows and the few hardy souls that had braved the arctic sub-climate in the shadow of the Aviva stadium are starting to wonder why. The referee, evidently also trying to keep warm by repeatedly blowing his whistle, does little to help the game gather momentum and prospects for a thrilling end to the season looked to be dimming by the minute. Garryowen get another penalty and narrow the gap to a flattering 14 - 13. 

But as the last quarter approached, Lansdowne started to recover their familiar composure and control of the game. Now we start to tie up their loose players with more discipline and calm, and it works. Gaps appear out wide and after a few fiery attacks, our efforts finally pay off. Garryowen make another ill-conceived and badly executed clearance kick that doesn’t find touch, Cathal Eddy and James Kenny interchange passes as they scorch through the gaps in the middle of the pitch. Sean Galvin takes another turn, adding pace, before passing back inside to Cormac who finishes the move with a try. Hugo still has a job to convert from 10m off the touchline, but he does. 21 - 13.

Our resurgence continued into the closing minutes and as just your petrified reporter ran from the Siberian Sideline to the Bahamian Balcony (OK, stopping briefly for a “comfort break”), Cathal Eddy scores to finish the game at 26 - 13.

Full time. Not so pretty, but very effective.

Lansdowne’s remarkable record for 2025 would have been an unbeaten one, but for that heartbreaking encounter in Castle Avenue. Let’s all get back there for the play-offs to set the record straight.

Match Report - Brian Whelan