17 Dec Match Report: Sligo 35 Men’s 1st XV 18
Navan RFC Senior Men endured a disappointing end to the 2025 calendar year as they fell to defeat away to Sligo in Hamilton Park on Saturday in Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 2B Round Nine.
The home side made a fast start, crossing inside ten minutes through Will Whelan, with Euan Brown adding the conversion. Sligo extended their advantage midway through the half when a collapsed scrum close to the Navan line resulted in a penalty try.
Navan responded well and kept themselves in contention through the boot of Harrison Astley, who landed two penalties to reduce the deficit. However, Sligo struck again before the break, with Andrew Ward finishing well and Brown converting to give the hosts a 21–6 lead at half-time.
Sligo resumed with intent after the restart, adding a fourth try through Louis McVitty, again converted by Brown. Navan showed resilience and were rewarded with a penalty try on 59 minutes before Johnny McKeown crossed shortly after to give the visitors hope.
Any chance of a late comeback was ended when Luke Timms scored Sligo’s fifth try in the closing stages, Brown converting to seal the win.
Navan will now look to regroup over the break ahead of the reverse fixture against Sligo early in 2026 at Balreask Old.
Navan Player of the Match “Sponsored by The Central”: Conor Farrell
NAVAN RFC Men’s 1st XV Squad “Sponsored by Hannon Travel“: Tom Gavigan; Harry Devlin, Will Finegan, Ben McEntagart, Mark Coen; Harrison Astley, Kit Waddington; Gary Faulkner, Fionn Craik, Liam Carroll, Jordan Finney, Karolis Navickas, Oisin Heffernan, Johnny McKeown, Conor Farrell (capt).
Replacements: Shane O’Connor, Saul Nicholson, Harry Hester, Andrew Beggy, Cormac Horan.