17 Dec Women’s Teams Round-Up – Sunday 14th December
A win and a loss for our Adult Women’s teams in Balreask Old on Sunday afternoon (14th December) in their last competitive league fixtures of 2025.
Leinster Women’s League Division 1
Navan 76 New Ross 7, Balreask Old, Navan.
Navan Women’s 1st XV produced a stunning display on Sunday as they powered past New Ross at Balreask Old, running in 12 tries in a dominant 76–7 victory.
Determined to respond after their earlier defeat away to New Ross at the start of the campaign, Navan set the tone early despite playing into a strong breeze. Two early tries and a conversion inside the opening 15 minutes put the hosts firmly on the front foot.
New Ross attempted to impose themselves through a physical forward effort and enjoyed periods of possession, particularly at the set-piece. However, Navan’s quick hands and expansive play caused constant problems, with centre Molly Fitzgerald making a series of incisive breaks to extend the lead.
A late first-half try from the visitors reduced the deficit to 22–7 at the break, but that was as good as it got for New Ross. Navan tightened defensively in the second half and gradually took full control of the contest.
As fatigue set in for the visitors, Navan’s pace and effective use of substitutions proved decisive, with substitute Shona White making a major impact through the middle.
Molly Fitzgerald was deservedly named Player of the Match “Sponsored by The Central” following an outstanding all-round performance.
Navan Women’s 1st XV Squad “Sponsored by P. Bermingham’s Bar“:
Emily Jo White, Ava Kiechler, Emma Looby, Katie Kearney, Nicola Bolger, Ava Galvin, Aoife Ryan, Rosie Searle, Alex Connor, Anna Bolger, Lauren Kelly, Michelle Claffey, Molly Fitzgerald, Sophia Murdock, Lillian Brady.
Replacements:
Sharon Lynch, Shona White, Rebecca Lowry, Jackie Shiels, Áine Castles, Anita Lennon, Allie Flynn.
Next Fixture: Sunday 11th January, V Wicklow, KO 1pm.
Leinster Women’s League Division 3
Navan 12 South East Lions 35, Balreask Old, Navan.
Navan Women’s 2nd XV faced a stern test on Sunday as they welcomed league leaders South East Lions to Balreask Old.
The visitors, an Enniscorthy and Wexford Wanderers combination, showed why they sit at the top of the table with a dominant first-half display, crossing four times to establish a 26–0 lead at the interval.
Navan responded with great determination after the break and significantly improved their performance. Sustained pressure in the Lions’ half was rewarded with two well-earned tries, while the home side limited their opponents to just two scores in the second period.
Despite the final scoreline, it was an encouraging second-half showing from Navan, who showed resilience and commitment against one of the strongest sides in the division. There were plenty of positives to take into the Christmas break.
Keelan O’Connor was deservedly named Navan’s Player of the Match for her tireless work throughout.
Navan now pause for the festive period and will look to return refreshed in the New Year, where they will kick-off 2026 with a home “Meath Derby” against Ashbourne in Balreask Old.
Navan’s Player of the Match “Sponsored by The Central” was Keelan O’Connor.
Navan Women’s J1/2nd XV Squad “Sponsored by P. Bermingham’s Bar“:
Lisa O’Neill, Sinead Ryan, Mary-Louise Bridgeman, Anna Mennis, Anna Marchant, Keelan O’Connor, Tara Quinn, Martina O’Neill, Paula Keating, Ciara Quinn, Anna McGarry, Aisling Kelly, Geraldine Lynch, Leanne O’Neill, Niamh Lister.
Replacements:
Hannah Ettie, Mairead Carty, Niamh Callaghan, Victoria Quinn, Sarah White, Sarah Woodroofe, Siobhain Beggy.
Next Fixture: Sunday 11th January, V’s Ashbourne, Balreask Old, 1pm.