Tallaght 21
Tries: Ellen Crotty, Nicole Fanning, Eileen Shanahan
Conversions: Grainne Leonard Flood 3
CYM 7
Women’s League Division 3
Tymon Park
29/09/2024
The Tallaght women’s team took on CYM in their opening league game of Division 3.
Tallaght started brightly with Chloe Conroy almost getting in for try in the corner after a strong run. CYM survived though and hit Tallaght for an excellent breakaway try with multiple offloads to take a 7-0 lead.
Tallaght dominated possession for the rest of the half but struggled to convert it into points. Ellen Crotty’s offload near the line was knocked on deliberately by CYM. This earned CYM a yellow card but Tallaght couldn’t take advantage of the extra player. The heavy rain showers arrived to make handling difficult for both sides. Finally, just before halftime, Roisin Ni Uileagoid put Ellen Crotty in for a try. Grainne Flood Leonard kicked an excellent conversion to make it 7-all at halftime.
In the second half, Tallaght continued to dominate possession and territory in the worsening conditions. Strong carries from Louise Leonard Flood and new skipper Lorraine McManus put Tallaght in a good position and suddenly Nicole Fanning broke away to run in a fine try. Grainne Leonard Flood kicked another excellent conversion to make it 14-7 to Tallaght.
CYM tried to get back into the game, but the Tallaght defence was too strong. After a kick ahead by her mother Martina Fitzpatrick, Abbie Keeley chased up well to charge a kick down and Tallaght ended up regaining possession. Tallaght showed great patience in attack and eventually Eileen Shanahan got over to score a try in the corner. Grainne Leonard Flood saved her best kick of the day for last as her touchline conversion went over via the crossbar. That was the final score of the game as Tallaght ran out 21-7 winners.
New Tallaght head coach Andy Grace was delighted to start with a win. “After CYM scored early, we fought back well and showed real heart. The conditions were tough, but we stuck with the gameplan and eventually got the scores we deserved. I want to thank all the players who answered late calls to turn out for us today. And, of course, we’re always grateful to our fans who stood on the sideline supporting us, despite the weather. Loads of players had fine games today, but Grainne Leonard Flood was the player of the match. She just kept showing up today and kicked superbly. It’s a great start and we want to build on this next week away to Edenderry.”
Player of the match: Grainne Leonard Flood
Tallaght RFC
- Karen Corrigan
- Orlaith Plunkett
- Lorraine McManus
- Martina Fitzpatrick
- Samantha Ledden
- Kim Littlefield
- Lisa O’Connell
- Louise Leonard Flood
- Grainne Leonard Flood
- Nicole Fanning
- Ellen Crotty
- Roisin Ni Uileagoid
- Eileen Shanahan
- Abbie Keeley
- Sorcha Burns
- Lisa Kennedy
- Shauna Fitzgerald
- Vicky Cobbe
- Emma Irvin
- Chloe Conroy
- Clodagh Cullagh
Photos: Mark Luttrell