Tallaght 10

Tries: Adam Nolan
Conversions: Rob Hudson
Penalties: Rob Hudson

Athy 10

Metro League Division 8/9 Phase 1 Group B
Tymon Park
27/09/2025

Tallaght took on Athy at home in their first league game of the season. Though Tallaght were named in Division 8 of the Metro League, the first five games of the season will determine whether they actually play in Division 8 or 9.

Athy took the lead in the first minute of the match when their speedy winger intercepted a pass and ran it back for a try under the posts. They converted the try to take a 7-0 lead. Tallaght dominated possession for the rest of the half but struggled to convert their many chances mainly through poor handling. Eventually Jonah Hurley made a smart break from a ruck and popped a pass to player-coach Adam Nolan to score a try from close range. Rob Hudson converted to make it 7-7. 

However, Tallaght’s discipline was also letting them down, especially with their constant mouthing off to the referee. They gifted Athy a penalty, which they kicked to take a 10-7 lead at half-time.

In the second half, Tallaght continued to frustrate. They created several chances but every time they were wasted due to poor passing or decision making. Athy also created some chances but their handling also let them down. Five minutes from time, Rob Hudson kicked a long range penalty to draw level. Tallaght tried to get a winning score but the game finished level at 10 points a piece.

Player coach Adam Nolan wasn’t impressed with his team’s performance. “It was good that we stayed in the game and earned two points for the draw. But it was frustrating because we didn’t implement our game plan at all. Our discipline was poor and players need to get it into their heads that you can’t talk to referees like that in this sport. The numbers at training have been disappointing and when you don’t train together, you get scratchy performances like that with no understanding between players. You can’t just run a few drills in the warm-up and hope that will work out in a match. A lot of players need to have a hard look at themselves and decide if they really want to be part of this team.”

“We were wearing our new kit which was provided by Smoke Management Systems, our new shirt sponsors. I just want to thank them on behalf of the players and everyone at the club.”

Man of the match: Jonah Hurley

Tallaght RFC

1. Billy O’Hara
2. Kevin Quinn
3. Adam Nolan
4. Daithi Mooney
5. Graham Timmins
6. Mick Corrigan
7. Jonah Hurley
8. Jordan Corrigan
9. Darragh O’Donoghue
10. Nick McGuinness (Captain)
11. Eoin van der Kroght
12. Craig O’Brien
13. Luke Maher
14. Rob Hudson
15. Ruari O’Donoghue
16. Darragh Hosey
17. Antonio Cunha
18. Alan Sower
19. Ian O’Donoghue