Kilkenny Women shine under the Friday night lights

The Kilkenny women’s rugby team proved too much for Tallaght, earning their first win of the season when the sides met under the lights in a thrilling home match on Friday.

Tallaght quickly gained ground with an early penalty, bringing their line-out to Kilkenny’s 22, but the hosts responded with a crucial turnover. Tallaght reclaimed possession and scored the first points with a penalty in front of the posts.

Undeterred, Kilkenny ramped up their defensive pressure, moving quickly off the line to challenge their opponents. Regaining possession following a kick, a scrum on the 22 showcased the strength of the Kilkenny pack. Kilkenny continued to demonstrate their physicality, with a powerful double tackle by Lorna McMahon and Eve Cronin.

Not even a yellow card could slow Kilkenny down as Eve Cronin seized an opportunity with an impressive 65-metre sprint towards the try line, only to be stopped by a high tackle from Tallaght. This led to a penalty try, putting Kilkenny ahead at 7-3.

Tallaght quickly restarted, but the ball fell short, allowing Kilkenny to play on and bring play into the opposition 22. Following a scrum, Karen Delaney broke through. Finding a gap at the halfway line she passed to Eve Cronin, who sprinted down the sideline to score Kilkenny’s second try. Emily Kenny converted, bringing the score to 14-3.

Tallaght pressured Kilkenny with a scrum close to the try line, but Kilkenny’s pack forced a turnover. Clara Whelan Fox cleared Kilkenny’s 22, and the team advanced up the pitch, leading to Kilkenny’s third try of the match. Another successful conversion by Emily Kenny extended the lead to 21-3.

The second half began with Tina Wright making an impact, carrying the ball down the wing. Kilkenny dominated a subsequent line-out, with Wright again barrelling forward to gain crucial metres. Kilkenny’s scrum strength remained unmatched, with Tallaght struggling to counter the pack’s power. Even when Tallaght attempted to peel off the back of a scrum, Tina Wright’s fierce tackle halted their momentum.

The game continued in a tense back and forth fashion. Tallaght tried to increase the pressure, but Kilkenny met them with equal intensity, shutting down their advances. Although Kilkenny received a second yellow card, they held their ground until the final whistle.

Kilkenny: Maria Ní Thuama, Jenny Kirwan, Maureen Ní Chonchobhair, Lorna McMahon, Alice Murphy, Caoimhe McGuinness, Lieke Hoban, Clara Foxe, Tina Wright, Emily Kenny, Kate O Neill, Karen Delaney, Eve Cronin, Ella Carroll, Rachel Brickell.

Replacements: Caroline Quirke, Isla Mosse, Andrea Snyder, Anita St Ledger.