Munster Dominates Leinster in Thrilling Women’s Interprovincial Final

Munster clinched the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship title with a resounding victory over Leinster, winning 50-15 at Energia Park on March 16, 2024. This marks Munster’s first championship win since January 2023. The team delivered an impressive display, scoring seven tries and showcasing their strength throughout the match.

The first half was particularly dominant for Munster, as they surged to a 31-0 lead by halftime. Key contributions came from Chloe Pearse, who played her final game in red, alongside Deirbhile Nic a Bháird with two tries, and Aoife Corey. The standout player was Caitríona Finn, who not only scored a try but also converted six attempts, amassing a total of 20 points in the match. Finn’s performance stands out as she earned the player-of-the-match title for the third time in this championship.

As the second half progressed, Munster extended their lead to 50 unanswered points, with further tries from Maeve Óg O’Leary and Eilís Cahill. However, Leinster managed to find some late-game momentum, scoring three tries through Katie Whelan and Vicky Elmes Kinlan to end the match at 50-15.

Munster’s journey to the championship was highlighted by their earlier victory over Leinster in round two, where they secured a 33-22 win in Donnybrook. Despite facing challenges, including the absence of key players due to Rugby World Cup commitments, Munster’s resilience shone through in the final match.

Both O’Leary and Gráinne Burke faced yellow cards during the final quarter, but Munster had already solidified their victory by that point. This triumph represents Munster’s 16th overall Interprovincial title, further establishing the team’s legacy in women’s rugby.

The full details of the match are as follows:

SCORERS:
Munster: Tries: Chloe Pearse, Deirbhile Nic a Bháird (2), Aoife Corey, Maeve Óg O’Leary, Caitríona Finn, Eilís Cahill; Conversions: Caitríona Finn (6); Penalty: Caitríona Finn.

Leinster: Tries: Katie Whelan (2), Vicky Elmes Kinlan.

MUNSTER LINEUP: Aoife Corey (UL Bohemian RFC), Alana McInerney (UL Bohemian RFC), Lucia Linn (UL Bohemian RFC), Caitríona Finn (UL Bohemian RFC), Lyndsay Clarke (Ennis RFC), Kate Flannery (UL Bohemian RFC), Eve Prendergast (Ballincollig RFC), Ciara McLoughlin (UL Bohemian RFC), Deirbhile Nic a Bháird (Old Belvedere RFC), Eilís Cahill (UL Bohemian RFC), Clodagh O’Halloran (UL Bohemian RFC), Claire Bennett (UL Bohemian RFC), Jane Clohessy (UL Bohemian RFC), Maeve Óg O’Leary (Blackrock College RFC) (capt), Chloe Pearse (UL Bohemian RFC).

Replacements: Gráinne Burke (UL Bohemian RFC), Emma Dunican (Tralee RFC), Brianna Heylmann (UL Bohemian RFC), Lily Morris (Ballincollig RFC), Sally Kelly (Ennis RFC), Meghan Crilly (Loughborough University), Abbie Salter-Townshend (UL Bohemian RFC), Annakate Cournane (Shannon RFC).

LEINSTER LINEUP: Emma Brogan (MU Barnhall RFC), Vicky Elmes Kinlan (Wicklow RFC), Kathy Baker (Blackrock College RFC), Cara Martin (Blackrock College RFC), Maggie Boylan (Blackrock College RFC), Nikki Caughey (Railway Union RFC), Jade Gaffney (Old Belvedere RFC), Aoife Moore (Blackrock College RFC), Kelly Burke (MU Barnhall RFC), Katie Layde (Old Belvedere RFC), Clíodhna Ní Chonchobhair (Blackrock College RFC), Ciara Short (Wicklow RFC), Katelynn Doran (MU Barnhall RFC), Molly Boyne (Railway Union RFC) (capt), Rosie Searle (Navan RFC).

Replacements: Kara Mulcahy (Old Belvedere RFC), Hannah Wilson (Old Belvedere RFC), Clodagh Dunne (Old Belvedere RFC), Méabh Keegan (Railway Union RFC), Katie Whelan (Old Belvedere), Heidi Lyons (Naas RFC), Clara Dunne (Wicklow RFC), Katie Corrigan (Old Belvedere RFC).

Referee: Daniel Carson (IRFU).

With this victory, Munster not only celebrates a championship win but also strengthens its position in women’s rugby, providing a bright future for the sport.