Road to the Finals
The 2026 Youth League Finals for U14, U16 and U18 were hosted at the Queen’s DUB Arena on Saturday 21st March, providing a fitting stage for the culmination of this season’s competition.
The journey to Finals Day began with the quarter-finals on 24 January. In the U18 competition, Armagh progressed with victory over Monaghan, Carrick edged past Malone in a closely contested encounter, Virginia recorded a convincing win over Ballymoney, and Dungannon advanced from their fixture with Enniskillen.
In the U16 grade, Letterkenny secured a narrow win over Academy, Instonians overcame Strabane, Banbridge produced a dominant performance against Rainey, and Virginia edged past Ballymoney.
At U14 level, Letterkenny defeated Instonians, Strabane impressed with a comprehensive win over Carrick, Dungannon proved too strong for Limavady, and Banbridge progressed at the expense of Rainey.
The semi-finals on 31 January set up three compelling deciders. In the U18 competition, Armagh delivered a commanding performance against Carrick, while Dungannon overcame Virginia to reach the final. In the U16 grade, Letterkenny defeated Instonians and Banbridge came through a tight encounter with Virginia. At U14 level, Strabane edged Letterkenny in a hard-fought contest, while Dungannon saw off Banbridge.
These results set the stage for Finals Day, with Strabane facing Dungannon in the U14 final, Letterkenny meeting Banbridge in the U16 decider, and reigning champions Armagh taking on Dungannon in the U18 final.
U14 League Final – Strabane vs Dungannon
Strabane U14 captain Alfie Boyle began his rugby journey in the club’s mini section and is now in his second year of youth rugby. Last season, he featured in the U14 Cup Final, where Strabane were narrowly defeated by Virginia (10–5).
Dungannon captain Reuben Willis has spent three years in the club’s minis and is also in his second season of youth rugby, having helped his side reach the quarter-finals of last year’s U14 Shield.
Dungannon made a strong start, applying early pressure and pinning Strabane deep inside their own 22. A break from Linton Scott offered brief relief, but after ten minutes Jenson Registe opened the scoring with a try, converted by Cillian Curran (0–7).
Dungannon extended their lead when Lorcan Coleman capitalised on a turnover, racing in for a well-taken try, again converted by Curran (0–14). Despite a determined finish to the half from Strabane, Dungannon added a penalty through Curran to lead 17–0 at the break.
Strabane responded early in the second half, with captain William McGarrigle scoring a try, converted by Riley Ross (7–17). However, Dungannon regained control as Registe crossed for his second try, converted by Curran (7–24), before adding a late unconverted score.
Final Score: Strabane 7–29 Dungannon
Dungannon were crowned U14 League champions.
U16 League Final – Letterkenny vs Banbridge
In front of a full stand, the U16 final began at a high tempo. Letterkenny struck early through Tommy McMongle, with Matthew Farrell converting (7–0), but Banbridge responded immediately as Daniel Gribben scored and Odhran Toner added the extras (7–7).
Farrell edged Letterkenny back in front with a penalty before Banbridge regained momentum, Oliver Skelly scoring a try. Letterkenny replied with an unconverted try from Emre Gercek, but Banbridge closed the half strongly with a try from Lorcan Mantell, converted by Gribben.
The second half belonged to Banbridge. Captain Matthew McAlister crossed for a try, converted by Toner, and further scores followed as Banbridge took control. Despite Letterkenny’s resilience, Banbridge’s attacking strength proved decisive, with additional tries—including one from Finn Fegan—and a converted effort from Gribben sealing the result.
Final Score: Letterkenny 15–41 Banbridge
U18 League Final – City of Armagh vs Dungannon
Armagh captain Padraic Carville, formerly of Monaghan RFC, led his side into the final as reigning champions. Opposite him, Dungannon captain Dylan Byrne brought experience from both club and Ulster U18 representation.
In a tightly contested opening, Dungannon struck first through David Dragan, though the conversion was missed (0–5). Armagh responded just before halftime, with Oliver Cornett scoring and Carville converting to give his side a 7–5 lead.
Armagh took control in the second half, with tries from Elliot Nicholl and Daniel Nicholl, both converted by Carville. A late penalty attempt drifted wide, but Armagh had already done enough.
Final Score: Armagh 19–5 Dungannon
Armagh successfully retained the U18 League title.
Player of Merit Awards
The “Player of Merit” award, Sponsored by StrataTimber, recognises individuals who best embody the Spirit of Rugby through attitude, commitment and sportsmanship.
- U14: Scott Linton (Strabane) & Cillian Curran (Dungannon)
- U16: Dylan Curley (Letterkenny) & Conor Toner (Banbridge)
- U18: Elliot Nicholl (Armagh) & Jake Moore (Dungannon)