IF you were to ask any rugby fan in this country, who has been the most dominant adult team in recent memory, I can assure you that few would get the answer right.Having won nine of the last 10 All Ireland Womens League titles, UL Bohemians Womens team are without doubt the standard bearers in the womens game.
Last weekend captain Patrique Kelly lifted the trophy after the Annacotty based side won the title by eight points from Blackrock. This ninth title came on the back of wins in the All Ireland Cup and the Munster Cup. A fantastic treble, only bettered by the fact that they won that glorious treble last season also.
The side is coached by Gary Walsh. The decorated coach has now won three All Ireland league titles, losing out just the once to Blackrock in a drop goal shoot out.
Speaking after last weekend’s win, Gary was full of praise for the side who have grown from strength to strength.
“They are the best people to get involved with, the ladies. They have been the best to coach over the years. They are like sponges, they are a dream to train and they are as enthusiastic a bunch as I have seen”
That last comment can be verified by this journalist, who witnessed first hand their win over St Mary’s last weekend. The subs on the sideline were as enthusiastic as the players on the pitch. Each substitute was cheered on and every player replaced was congratulated as they left the field. From time to time, the extended squad broke into song. The togetherness and love for the game of rugby that the UL Bohs side exude is quiet infectious. The group, as are all successful sides, are tight knit. The bad news for their counterparts however is that they are recruiting and they want to improve.
“We are always looking for players to join us. It does not matter what level you are at rugby all are welcome to join” adds Gary Walsh. “That is the real enjoyment of coaching the ladies. We have all levels here from internationals to novices and they are such a welcoming group. The IRFU are playing a huge role at the moment. With the success of the Irish ladies team in recent years, the incentive to be better is there and also the incentive to get involved is there also,” continued the successful coach and mentor.
Walsh has been ably assisted this season by UL Bohemians Director of Rugby Ian Costello. The Munster ‘A’ coach has added his knowledge to an already well run side.
“Ian Costello has been immense this season. He has attended some games and has been invaluable in training sessions also” added Walsh.
“The womens team have been lucky in recent years to have had great coaches and managers with them. Ed Torrie, (now with the clubs 21’s), Jason Enright, (now with the club’s seconds), Colman Finn and Ian Costello have all helped immensely to making UL Bohs what they are today”.
Indeed, one sign of a great set up is the low turnover in squad numbers. Louise Beamish, Fiona Coughlan and Caroline Mahon have been part of all nine All Ireland wins. While the Cup wins in Munster and Ireland have been achieved without the Irish international contingent, as they cannot play in those competitions.
With stars of the female game such as Beamish, Neville and Briggs, UL Bohs’ future is bright.
The womens game in Ireland is growing from strength to strength. The growing interest in rugby in general, coupled with the unbridled success of TAG Rugby, is proving to be a breeding ground for the Women’s game. With teams like UL Bohs leading the way, it is not a bad model to follow.
UL Bohemians Squad from last weekend: Niamh Briggs, Carol Murphy, Niamh Cavanagh, Mairead Kelly, Aisling Hutchins, Patric Kelly, Louise Beamish, Joy Neville, Fiona Hayes, Caroline Mahon, Jennifer O’Leary, Fiona Reidy, Kate Hennessy, Kate Sheehan, Fiona Coughlan, Claire Lewis, Jannette Feary, Claire Keating, Olivia Stapleton.
