The long trek to Galway proved fruitful on Sunday with the Clonmel Ladies chalking up another win in Division 1 against Galwegians.  Clonmel piled on the pressure in the first half enjoying the majority of territory and possession, but unfortunately could not convert their dominance to scores.  It looked liked the deadlock was finally broken in the 20th minute as Bernie (Smurf) Carrigan raced over, to score under the posts, but it was unbelievably disallowed by the ref!!

Niamh Briggs finally opened Clonmel’s account with a well-struck penalty.  Then Galwegians. on their first visit to Clonmel half. scored a try after some poor defending by Clonmel.  However, Clonmel showed great character to go straight back up the pitch and respond with a well taken lineout and drive by the forwards that saw the ball being mauled over the line and touched down by Helen (Hegs) Hegarty, and was converted by Niamh Briggs. 

Half time blew with Clonmel leading 10-5 and they continued on the same vain straight from the kick off.  Clonmel forwards started to exert their physicality on their Connaught counterparts, which kept them on the hind foot for the majority of the second half.  This proved a good base for the backline and a well-worked move off a scrum resulted in a try for Bernie (Smurf) Carrigan in the 60th minute.  Pressure from the kick off resulted in Galwegians being pinned back deep into their 22 and a poor clearance from their outhalf resulted in a Clonmel ball five metres from the line.  Another great maul from the forwards resulted in a try from Jean Lonergan; with the conversion narrowly missed Clonmel went into the last ten minutes 20-5 ahead.

However, a lapse in concentration allowed Galwegians back in for a try.  But fortunately that was to be it for the day as the referee blew full-time on a well-earned victory.  On what can be described as a messy game the forwards played outstanding as a unit with Helen, Jean and Natasha in particular.  Laura Healy also played when introduced into the fray.  The backline also played well especially in defence with Siadhbh Drummy and Nancy Ferris putting in a lot of big hits.  Rebecca Hallahan/Doocey at full back is proving to be a worthy asset as her tackling and mazy runs had the Galwegians backline at sixes and sevens.  Overall it was a great team performance that helped Clonmel improve their bludgeoning reputation in Division 1. 

Team:  Laura Healy, Valerie Colville, Catherine Kenny, Andrea Smith, Shelia Comerford, Mary Gorey, Natasha O'Keeffe, Helen Hegarty, Jean Lonergan (Capt), Kate O'Loughlin, Aisling Kenny, Niamh Briggs, Helen Quirke, Sadhbh Dromey, Nancy Ferris, Edwina Murphy, Bernie Carrigan, Rebecca Hallihan.