Match Result
- Result: Galwegians Firsts 40 - Rainey OB 30
- Venue: Hatrick Park on Sat Mar 28th 2026
- Competition: AIL Division 2B
Match Report
Galwegians returned to winning ways after their recent setback with an impressive victory over Rainey Old Boys at Hatrick Park on Saturday, securing their first-ever away win at the venue in the penultimate round of the Energia All-Ireland League Division 2B.
The Blues made a slow start, conceding an early try when Rainey centre Jim McCartney cut through the defence with ease to score in the third minute. Scott McLean added the conversion to give the hosts a 7–0 lead.
Galwegians struggled to find early rhythm, with handling errors and missed touch from penalties halting their progress. However, they gradually worked their way into the game and drew level by the end of the first quarter. Despite a late reshuffle that saw prop Jack Winters line out in the second row, the visitors dominated the set-piece. A series of five-metre scrum penalties eventually created space out wide, where Oisín McKey struck a clever line to find a narrow gap and score midway between the touchline and the posts. Stevie Mannion converted to level matters.
Galwegians took control in the second quarter and moved into a commanding position. Five minutes later, they claimed their second try when a flat pass from Mannion sent centre Rob Deacy through a gap to score under the posts, with Mannion converting. The visitors added a third try ten minutes later, as this time full-back Cian Brady finished a flowing backline move out wide on the left for a 19-7 lead.
A McLean penalty reduced the deficit before Brady was shown a yellow card for a high tackle just before half-time. Rainey capitalised immediately, scoring from a well-disguised lineout move through prop Calum Smyth to leave the score at 19–15 at the break.
Despite being down to 14 men, Galwegians started the second half strongly and extended their lead with the crucial bonus-point try on 46 minutes. An excellent grubber kick from the commanding Mannion was chased down by Deacy, who gathered and grounded under the posts to claim his second try of the game and his 15th of the season. Mannion’s conversion pushed the lead out to 11 points.
A see-saw period of scoring followed, with Rainey responding quickly. From a five-metre lineout, the ball was moved wide for Killeen Thornton to score near the left touchline, and a subsequent McLean penalty brought the hosts back within striking distance.
However, Galwegians responded in the best possible manner by keeping play deep in opposition territory. Just after the hour mark, McKey capitalised on a loose pass near the Rainey 22 and raced in under the posts unopposed for his second try, with Mannion converting to restore a 10-point cushion.
The contest remained open entering the final quarter, and Thornton became the third player to bag a brace of tries when he dotted down again in the left. Another McLean conversion closed the gap again to three points.
Galwegians had the last say, however. On 70 minutes, substitute Cody Farrell showed great strength to fend off his marker and power over near the posts, with Mannion adding the conversion to put the result beyond doubt.
It proved to be the final score act in a highly entertaining encounter, as Galwegians completed a clean sweep of away victories this season. They will be officially crowned Energia All-Ireland League Division 2B champions when they host Buccaneers in their final game at Crowley Park on Easter Saturday (2:30pm kick-off).
