07 Apr Heartbreak for U18.5 Boys in Dramatic Darcy Cup Semi-Final
Leinster Youth Boys Under 18.5 Tom Darcy Cup – Semi‑Final
Navan 12 Kilkenny 15
Saturday 4th April | Clondalkin RFC
Navan Scorers: Tries: Jack Shorten, Dylan McGuinness; Conversion: Lorcan Craik
Navan RFC Under 18.5 Boys saw their Darcy Cup campaign come to a dramatic and agonising end on Saturday, as Kilkenny edged a thrilling semi-final 15–12 in extremely challenging conditions.
Played amid the high winds of Storm Dave, with gusts reaching up to 48 km/h, the contest demanded not only physicality and skill, but also smart game management. What unfolded was one of the most competitive and high-quality matches of the season, with both sides evenly matched throughout.
Navan made a dream start, striking inside the opening 25 seconds. Jack Shorten reacted quickest to charge down a Kilkenny clearance and touch down, immediately putting Navan on the front foot with the wind at their backs.
The game quickly developed into a fierce, physical battle. Kilkenny responded impressively, working their way to a well-earned try against the conditions through relentless carrying and strong support play.
Navan hit back through Dylan McGuinness, who powered over following sustained pressure to restore the advantage. A potential third try was narrowly ruled out just before halftime, leaving Navan 12–5 ahead at the break.
The second half saw Kilkenny adapt superbly to the conditions. Making full use of the wind, they stretched play and attacked with width, eventually levelling the game at 12–12 with a well-taken try.
From there, the match became a tense arm-wrestle. Navan continued to carry strongly and defend with real determination, but found it difficult to turn territory into points against the strengthening wind.
With the clock deep into injury time and the sides still level, Kilkenny maintained pressure and were rewarded with a decisive drop goal in the sixth minute of added time, sealing a narrow 15–12 victory.
It was a heartbreaking end for Navan, but one that should not overshadow a performance full of courage, resilience, and quality in one of the toughest encounters of their season.
Navan can take immense pride in their cup run and the standard they produced throughout the campaign..
Navan RFC Under 18.5 Boys Squad:
James Martin, Daniel Robinson, Oshan Varney, Killian McAniff, Myles Doyle, Tadhg Browne, Conor Goodwin, Rhian Faherty, Cillian Murphy, Lorcan Craik, Aidan Lynch, Jack Shorten, Eoin Burke, Dylan McGuinness, Luke Brady, Josh Collins, Cormac Horan, David Hanratty, David Farrelly, Antonio Rattigan, Jack Clarke, Daniel Heverin, Carrig Traynor Hoey.
