Ballyclare RFC are gearing up for another shot at All Ireland Junior Cup glory this weekend, taking on Bective Rangers in the final at Dundalk on Saturday. This marks the club's second appearance in the final in just three seasons, a testament to the dedication and hard work of the players, coaches, and management.
The excitement is palpable throughout the Ballyclare community as the team prepares for this momentous occasion. Ballyclare’s Co-Director of Rugby, Aaron Weir shared,
"The All Ireland Junior Cup is a great competition and it is a fantastic achievement for the squad to be in this final once again. It is a real testament to all the hard work the players, coaches, and management have put in this season. There has been a lot of excitement and great buzz throughout all sections of our club this week ahead of Saturday. We have great support travelling to get behind the guys for what will be a great occasion in Dundalk."
Club PRO, David Campbell echoed the sentiment, expressing immense pride in the team's accomplishment. "The club is incredibly proud to have reached a second All Ireland Junior Cup final in three seasons. It's a great competition, putting the top junior clubs from all four provinces up against each other. Having visited Castlebar in Connacht and Kilfeacle in Munster and now to play Bective in Leinster, it certainly has been an All Ireland experience for Ballyclare this season."
Experience is something this Ballyclare squad has in abundance. The majority of players were part of the 2023 final against Clogher Valley, and have also tasted success in Ulster Branch cup competitions such as the Ulster Junior Cup and the Towns Cup. This wealth of experience in big games will be invaluable on Saturday.
Ballyclare are known for their exciting, expansive brand of rugby, and this style is sure to be on display once again in Dundalk, with the team determined to put on a spectacle for their travelling support.
Come Saturday, all eyes will be on Dundalk as Ballyclare RFC chase their dream of All Ireland glory. With their blend of experience, talent, and passionate support, they have all the ingredients for a fairytale ending.
Ballyclare are not the only Ulster team in an AIL final this weekend, as Cooke Women head to Coolmine to battle it out with Galwegians for the Women’s All Ireland Plate.
Cooke Women RFC are no strangers to success. They've been a dominant force in Ulster rugby for years, and their never-say-die attitude has earned them a legion of dedicated supporters. They have already shown great success in defeating Galwegians, having done it twice this season, the most recent being last week in Newforge, in a closely contested match, they won 23-17.
Speaking to Cooke captain, Aishling O’Connell about the upcoming final, she commented “We’ve worked really hard this week, we’ve been really focused and think it is going to be the mindset that wins this weekend. There’s no better feeling than winning by a try, and I feel that this is what this match could come down to, one try.”
“It would mean so much to this team to win. We are going out to represent Cooke, but also to represent Ulster and all the clubs we grew up playing in. We hope we make everyone proud. We are so buzzing to get out there, and represent Cooke and represent Ulster”
The stage is set for an epic encounter. Both teams boast a wealth of talented players, and the match is sure to be a tight affair. Having an Ulster team reach the WAIL Plate Final is a cause for immense celebration. It's a testament to the dedication, talent, and unwavering spirit that characterises women’s rugby in the province.
We wish both Ballyclare RFC and Cooke Women RFC the best of luck this weekend.
