The highlight of the year has to be the closely contested AIL 2 North league, which saw Cooke triumph and gain promotion to AIL 1 in the 2015/16 season. Their semi-final and final scores were an impressive 68-5 and 47-0, respectively.
While Cooke and Queens swept all before them, both Sligo and City of Derry have made significant progress playing at the higher standard. With Cooke results in AIL Play-offs, it appears that the issue was not with Sligo or Derry, but rather that Cooke and Queens presented opposition that was unprecedented at AIL 2 level. The AIL 2 North league was completed with no cancellations or walkover fixtures.
The newly formed Ulster League Division 1 this season contained previous development clubs Ballynahinch, Newry and Omagh, alongside more established teams – Ballyshannon, Carrickfergus, Cavan, Enniskillen and Queens 2nd XV. All three debut teams have made significant progress having access to more regular game time. This league was won by Cavan, who remained undefeated throughout the competition. Ulster Division 1 saw some surprising results and the highlight for Newry had to be an unlikely victory over league stalwarts and standard bearers Carrickfergus. Omagh claimed 2 victories over Newry and Ballynahinch.
Those clubs still under development and not yet playing under a formal structure have been training regularly and playing friendly matches, including Ards, Ballyclare, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Donegal Town and UUC. It’s hopeful that these teams will join the Ulster League Division 1 next season.
With the leagues decided, it’s now time to look ahead to the looming cup competitions. This stage of the season will see two Cup competitions run concurrently -Rosie Stewart Cup and ReJenerate Cup.
The Rosie Stewart Cup this year will be between Cavan, Enniskillen, Ballyshannon, Carrickfergus, Newry, Cooke, Queen’s 1st XV and City of Derry.
The following will participate in the Rejenerate Cup: Omagh, Queen’s 2nd XV, Ballynahinch, Ards, Ballyclare, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Donegal Town, Malone and UUC.
Should all these fixtures be fulfilled, there will be 16 clubs province wide competing at adult women’s level, a marked increase on last season and the result of a lot of hard work from coaches and other volunteers on the ground.
Ulster women saw some disappointing results in the inter provincial matches in the latter part of the year, however, more positive is the number of new faces in this seasons squad, including those from non-AIL clubs such as Ballyshannon, Carrickfergus and Donegal Town.
Ultimately the most disappointing news of 2014 was the announcement from Grace Davitt, on her retirement from international rugby. Her career highlights include winning the 6 Nations Grand Slam in 2013, as well as earning her 50th Ireland cap, being part of the side to beat New Zealand and playing in a World Cup semi-final – all in 2014! Grace will continue to play club rugby at Cooke, but it’s safe to say she will be missed by Ireland.
2014 also saw the first Women’s Rugby Conference in March, which gave feedback and allowed a strategic plan to be developed for the development of female rugby in Ulster. There was impressive representation and attendance from numerous clubs throughout the province. The conference was a great success, with the keynote address from Irish captain Fiona Coughlan. IRFU Women's Development Executive and current Ireland international, Nora Stapelton and BBC Sport's Sara Orchard also attended as speakers.
Youth rugby has again further progressed and the following clubs are currently playing competitively at under 18 level: Armagh, Enniskillen, Virginia, Ballymoney, Malone, Belfast Harlequins, Bangor and Ballynahinch.
The following teams are competing at under 15 level: Armagh, Virginia, Clogher Valley and Dungannon.
New teams in development of U18 programmes include: Omagh, Carrick, Larne, Ballyclare, Letterkenny & Donegal Town and ongoing U15 activity at Lurgan and Letterkenny means that the participation base is growing each month. This increase allowed Ulster to enter the IRFU Regional Development Programme and emerge undefeated against the other 3 provinces, including a draw with reigning champions Leinster and a first ever win over Munster.
Overall, while there is still a lot to be achieved, 2014 has generally been a successful year for female rugby in Ulster, girls in particular. The long-term result of this success will be feeding through to the senior teams in years to come, strengthening the skill level and success of the ladies leagues at club, provincial and hopefully, international level.
Congratulations to all involved and let’s hope we can build on these achievements in 2015.
Happy New Year!