Ashbourne do double with Kilfeacle victory
ASHBOURNE RFC secured back-to-back All Ireland Junior Cup titles a few weeks ago when they came out on top against Tipperary side Kilfeacle RFC.
This was a magnificent achievement by the Meath men, backing up last year’s incredible win against Enniscorthy, with a hard-fought victory against the men from Munster.
The game at Portlaoise RFC was played in very wet conditions which did not allow for the kind of open game that many might have hoped for.
Kilfeacle were first to put points on the board, when 10 minutes into the game, out-half Jamie Heuston kicked a penalty in front of the posts.
Kilfeacle had a strong wind advantage in the first half, but failed to use it to their advantage.
Just before half-time, through some great play by their backline, Ashbourne fullback Stephen O’Neill scored in the corner, bringing the halftime score to 5-3.
On resumption, Ashbourne out-half Donal Crotty and Kilfeacle’s Jamie Heuston traded penalties, to bring the score to 11-9.
With 20 minutes to go and the rain getting heavier, both teams were still in the game, ensuring it would be a nail-biting finish.
Entering the final 10 minutes Ashbourne stretched their lead with a try from Crotty.
The try was made by Simon Deevy who, when held up short of the try line, passed the ball to Crotty. Crotty also converted to make it 18-9 to Ashbourne and back-to-back Junior Cup wins.
Ashbourne were led by captain Gavin Kennedy who has played for and captained the Leinster Rugby Junior team.
Leinster Junior Hall of Fame inductee and rugby legend Jeff Mahon also made an appearance from the bench.
It’s a great achievement by Mahon to still be going strong at 47 years of age!