First ever victory over All Blacks on home soil

tries of their own The home side made better use of the hill and conditions to keep Tralee under constant pressure. Despite a valiant defensive effort, Tralee gave away a crucial penalty towards the end of the game under the posts, to leave the final score Tralee 12 Abbeyfeale 13.

The loss means that Tralee remain in second place in the table, four points behind Newcastlewest who they face at home next weekend in what promises to be an epic battle.

GIRLS MUNSTER U16 CONFERENCE B

PRIDE of place goes to the Irish rugby team who defeated the All Blacks on home soil for the first time in their history with a 16-9 win last Saturday night at the Aviva Stadium. The win was borne out of a massive team display by the Irish, who had the belief and structure to finish off the job when needed. In the past Ireland have faltered against the All Blacks when in similar situations, but Joe Schmidt has fostered an inner belief in this group that now sees them as one of the favourites to lift the next World Cup in 2019.

The rest is history as Ireland finished on the front foot and secured a famous win that will long live in the memory of everyone that witnessesd it.

Meanwhile, the Irish women’s rugby team, captained by Ballymac’s Ciara Griffin, were beaten 19-10 by the USA at Energia Park last Sunday. Griffin was hugely effective for the Irish side, and caused a number of opposition turnovers, particularly in the first half. Ireland scored a brilliant individual try from winger Laura Sheehan on her debut, and Eimear Considine also chipped in with a well worked try.

Although only a friendly,the result was disappointing for Ireland, and they will hope to bounce back quickly when they travel to face World Cup finalists England next weekend.