"We started playing rugby together about six years ago for City of Derry," Tiernan recalled. "We both started out as backs. I've evolved a bit since then, especially now that I'm not the fastest on the pitch anymore. Killéne, though, has always had that great turn of pace and the kind of footwork that could leave defenders chasing shadows."
The sibling dynamic undoubtedly added an extra layer of intrigue to the match. "Being siblings certainly gave the game a very different feel," he explained. "It was familiar, but also strange. You never want to be in a position where you have to beat your sibling to win, but it added something extra to the match. In the team chats during the week, when the coaches mentioned Killéne as a threat for the opposition, it was a bit surreal. It made the buildup to the game unique."
Despite a valiant effort, Malone struggled to find their rhythm, and Rainey capitalised to establish a commanding lead. "Coming back from injury, I was still finding my feet," Tiernan acknowledged. "By the time I got on the pitch, the damage was done. Rainey took full advantage of us not being at our best, and our set-piece didn’t fire the way it usually does. Credit to Rainey, they played a really solid game, and it all came together for them."
While the match result was disappointing for Malone, Tiernan admitted there was something special about playing against his brother—something they both knew they may never get the chance to experience again.
"It was strange seeing him on the pitch, and when I came on and we were running at each other, it was a completely new experience for us both," he said. "We've been playing rugby for over 20 years and had never faced each other before, so it was pretty cool. Who knows when we’ll get the chance to do it again?"