04 Mar U13 Boys Power Into McGowan Cup Quarter-Finals
Leinster Youth Boys Under 13 McGowan Cup – 2nd Round
Navan 44 Longford 14
Sunday 1st March | Balreask Old
Navan RFC Under 13 Boys delivered a superb cup performance at Balreask Old on Sunday, powering past Longford 44–14 to book their place in the quarter-finals of the McGowan Cup.
It was a display full of pace, strength and teamwork, with captain Tadhg Sheridan leading the side superbly throughout.
Navan began brightly, with Casey Reynolds crossing for the opening try, converted by Harry Russell. Momentum quickly followed as Shay Smyth added the second before Reynolds claimed his second of the afternoon.
Just before the interval, Smyth struck again to send Navan into the break firmly in control. With four successful conversions from Russell, Navan led 28–7 at half-time, Longford having responded with a converted try of their own.
The introduction of the “Bomb Squad” at half-time brought fresh energy and immediate impact.
Seamus Tobin powered over for a try and soon added a second, showcasing strength and footwork in tight spaces. Alex Patterson finished an excellent team move before Smyth completed his hat-trick to underline Navan’s attacking dominance.
John Graham closed out the scoring to cap a comprehensive team performance.
The squad’s recent Pilates-based strength programme was clearly evident, with improved balance, core strength, and physicality noticeable across the pitch.
Seamus Tobin was named Player of the Match after weaving his way to two impressive tries and making a major impact off the bench.
A big thank you goes to all the parents who provided refreshments in the clubhouse afterwards, adding to the strong sense of community around the squad.
Credit also to Longford, who played the game in excellent spirit and were gracious in defeat.
And to round off a memorable weekend, Navan will be represented at the Aviva Stadium next Friday night, with Freddie Davis acting as mascot for the Ireland v Wales international fixture.
Navan RFC Under 13 Boys Squad:
Nicolas Riza, Leon Irwin Byrne, Tommy Maguire, David Feeney, Senan O’Neill, Ethan McKenna, James Burns, Tadhg Sheridan, Aidan O’Connor, Harry Russell, Cian Murphy, Freddie Kearns, Casey Reynolds, Kealan Rogers, Shay Smyth, William Kelly, Bobby Swan, Tommy Leonard, Alex Patterson, Jack Macken, Henry McGivern, Freddie Davis, Seamus Tobin.