Sacred Heart Tullamore win Schools Girls X7s

IT was a closely-fought competition last Friday in Donnybrook Stadium as the top teams gathered to contest the Leinster Schools Girls X7s Cup for the 2017/18 season.

Having met only a few weeks ago in several events to qualify for the IRFU X7s national finals, the girls were again ready to play some fantastic rugby.

New to the Tier A scene, having been promoted from their Tier B local area structure, were St David’s School from Greystones, where many players represent Greystones RFC U-18 Girls.

Scoil Mhuire from Clane, who are coached by teacher and Tullamore RFC player Mary Gardiner, won two of their three matches despite missing several key players.

St Kevin’s School from Dunlavin, boasting several of the Leinster U-18 squad who also play for Naas RFC, managed to win their first two games.

However, it all came down to a tough final round where St Kevin’s met Sacred Heart.

The school from Tullamore not only have several Leinster U-18 players, but are also captained by Megan Burns, an Ireland sevens U-18 international.

Sacred Heart scored the winning try just a few seconds before the final whistle to bring the Leinster Schoolgirls Senior Cup back to Tullamore for the fourth consecutive year.

Congratulations to Sacred Heart, and well done to St Kevin’s, Dunlavin; Scoil Mhuire, Clane and St David’s, Greystones; who participated in a very enjoyable competition.

If you would like to know more about female rugby, please contact Jennie Bagnall, Leinster women’s development officer, at jennie.bagnall@leinsterrugby.ie.