Lansdowne 26 New Ross 19 

Lansdowne came into this final league fixture having won 12 consecutive league games, holding a three‑point advantage over their nearest rivals, New Ross. With the league title on the line, this match effectively served as a league final, with the winner guaranteed to finish top of the table. Reaching this point was a huge achievement for both teams, and especially for Lansdowne, who are only in their second competitive season of women’s rugby. Cometh the hour cometh the woman ! In their biggest game of the season, Lansdowne produced a battling performance to edge a thrilling encounter with New Ross, securing a hard-fought 26–19 victory after an intense contest that swung back and forth throughout.

 Lansdowne made a strong start, opening the scoring through Ava Cullen‑Sweeney, whose early try put her side 5–0 ahead. New Ross responded well, striking back with a converted try to edge 7–5 in front. The lead changed hands again when Lucy Stewart crossed for Lansdowne, and Leah Hartigan added the conversion to restore the advantage at 12–7. New Ross continued to apply pressure and were rewarded with another try to regain the lead at 14–12.

 Lansdowne responded with one of the standout moments of the match as Renee Swetman finished a fantastic try, pushing her side 19–14 ahead with her try and all‑round influence lifting Lansdowne at crucial moments. Once again, New Ross found a response before the interval, leaving the sides level at 19–19 at half‑time after a breathless and evenly matched first half.

The second half developed into a tense, physical battle, with both defences firmly on top and scoring opportunities limited. The decisive moment came after 25 minutes when Caoimhe O’Donnell broke the deadlock, crossing to put Lansdowne 26–19 ahead with Anna Brennock making good on the conversion.

That score proved to be the winner. Lansdowne produced a huge defensive effort in the closing stages, showing resilience, organisation, and collective commitment to keep a terrific New Ross team out. Ellie Flanagan led that defensive effort with a series of fearless tackles, repeatedly halting New Ross momentum when it mattered most.

In the forward exchanges Maria Sole Celoria, Yaroslava Leivshina, and Leah Hartigan never took a step backwards, consistently making hard yards and setting the physical tone, just as they have done all season. Captain fantastic Ava Elders Gallagher led by example throughout, driving standards and inspiring those around her in the biggest game of the campaign. 

It was a fitting conclusion to an outstanding league season with the club celebrating its first ever women’s league title. A huge thanks must go to head coach John Tobin (Editors note: and Director of Women's Rugby Stephen Rooney) for their commitment, direction, and tireless efforts, which has been second to none. Most importantly, congratulations to everyone who has been part of this squad over the past couple of seasons, all of whom have played a role in driving the team forward. The most exciting thing is that this team is only getting started, with so much more still to come.

Match photos HERE

1. Yaroslava Leivshina 2. Sophie Berho 3. Leah Hartigan 4. Maria Sole Celoria 5.Lauren Hogan 6. Blessed Fonkoh 7. Ellie Flanagan 8. Anna Brennock 9. Lucy Stewart 10. Dilara Sayan 11. Ava Elders Gallagher (Capt) 12. Kerry Carlile 13. Renee Swetman 14. Paëtis Eloïse Pascual 15. Ava Cullen‑Sweeney

Replacements: 16. Caoimhe O’Donnell 17. Chloe Fanning 18. Elsa Hartigan 19. Katie Warner 20. Rebecca Doherty 21. Leah Daly Maxwell

Match Report: Stephen Rooney
Match Photos : Brian Moran