Despite challenging conditions earlier in the day, including snow and sleet showers, the games went ahead, with players showing great resilience and adaptability as weather conditions shifted throughout, from rain to sunshine and even hail. Across all three finals, determination, skill and commitment were on full display, reflecting the strength and depth of youth rugby.
Alongside the on-field action, the IRFU’s Respect Our Game initiative was visible throughout the day. Respect Stewards, supported by Stratatimber, were positioned pitchside to promote positive behaviour among players, coaches and spectators. The initiative continues to reinforce the shared responsibility across the rugby community to uphold the core values of the game.
U14 Bowl Final
Coleraine vs City of Armagh
Coleraine kicked off the opening game of the day, but Armagh made an immediate impact. After sustained early possession, Rory Murphy broke the gain line to score under the posts and converted his own try. Armagh quickly built momentum, with Jacob Oates finishing a well-worked team move before adding a second try soon after. Murphy’s accurate kicking saw Armagh race into a 21–0 lead inside the opening ten minutes.
Coleraine responded midway through the half following sustained pressure. After forcing multiple penalties, Peadar McNicholl broke through to score, converting his own try to reduce the deficit. However, Armagh replied immediately, with Murphy adding another converted try before Daniel Tipping crossed, again converted, to give Armagh a commanding 35–7 lead at halftime.
Armagh continued strongly after the restart, extending their lead early in the second half. Despite a heavy rain shower, Coleraine showed determination, with Scott Manshall scoring an unconverted try before later adding a second. Armagh maintained control throughout, with further scores ensuring a comfortable victory.
Final Score: Coleraine 12–49 City of Armagh
Armagh were crowned U14 Bowl champions.
U16 Bowl Final
Limavady vs City of Derry
Played in contrasting conditions, the U16 final began in sunshine before deteriorating weather added an extra challenge.
City of Derry opened the scoring through captain Harvey Devine, though the conversion was missed. Limavady applied sustained pressure but were unable to convert territory into points. City of Derry extended their lead following strong phase play, with Alex Dunn crossing for a try, converted by Ruben Taylor, to leave the score 12–0 at halftime.
The second half saw City of Derry take control. Thomas Coyle added a try in the corner, with Taylor successfully converting in difficult conditions. Further pressure led to another score from Eoghan Canavan, pushing the lead out to 24–0.
Limavady continued to battle and were rewarded late on, with Matthew McElhinney scoring a try, converted by David Colhoun. However, City of Derry’s earlier dominance proved decisive.
Final Score: Limavady 7–24 City of Derry
U18 Bowl Final
Portadown/Lurgan vs Rainey
The final game of the day brought together Portadown/Lurgan and Rainey in a closely contested encounter.
Rainey struck first, with Ross Fullerton finishing well in the corner to give his side an early 5–0 lead. Portadown/Lurgan responded strongly, using effective forward play to build pressure before Joshua Brownlee broke through for a try, converted by Adam Wallace to take the lead.
Following a brief stoppage for a head injury handled in line with IRFU player welfare protocols Portadown/Lurgan extended their advantage. Captain Alfie Thornton crossed for a try, again converted by Wallace, to make it 14–5.
Rainey pushed hard in the closing stages and were rewarded when Joseph Doyle touched down, narrowing the gap to 14–10. However, a late breakaway try from Portadown/Lurgan sealed the result, with difficult kicking conditions preventing the conversion.
Final Score: Portadown/Lurgan 19–10 Rainey
Portadown/Lurgan were crowned U18 Bowl champions.
Respect Our Game Initiative
The Finals Day also highlighted the continued success of the IRFU’s Respect Our Game campaign. With dedicated Respect Stewards positioned around the pitch, the initiative promoted a positive and inclusive environment for players, coaches and supporters alike.
Speaking at the presentations, Youth Committee Chairman Conor Walker reinforced the importance of shared responsibility across the rugby community from players and coaches to referees, volunteers and spectators in upholding the core values of the game.
