With Round 14 upon us, it has been a competitive season thus far in the Women’s Division of the Energia All Ireland League, and it does not stop there. Wicklow and Old Belvedere is certainly the game of the weekend, as both seek four points in a bid to finish in the top four.
Galwegians v Suttonians, Saturday February 15th, Crowley Park, 4:30pm
After a closely fought reverse tie earlier in the season, all signs are that this will be another entertaining clash as sixth and seventh meet on Saturday afternoon.
Wegians gave a walkover to Railway Union last weekend, with that doubled with Suttonians picking up a result, they dropped down a spot in the table. Jack Clarke’s side will be out to make up for last weekend, but have lost their last three meetings with Suttonians, including a home tie back in November of 2023.
Having nearly folded last year, Sutts continued to show their strength this season and look to hold onto that sixth spot. Losing Isa Prins has come as a blow for Sutts, but they did very well against Tullow last weekend, Meabh O’Brien scoring two tries in a 24-0 shutout.
Ballincollig v UL Bohemian, Saturday February 15th, Tanner Park, 5pm
After their first Munster derby ended in a high scoring win for UL Bohs, Ballincollig look for a more competitive outing, as the action switches from UL to Tanner Park.
Collig have lost their last nine games in a row, and any points picked up by Tullow can add to their relegation worries. It was a heavy 93-0 defeat in Stradbrook to Blackrock, but the Leesiders can still prove a tough ask on their day.
Keeping pace with Railway Union will be the aim for The Red Robins for the remainder of the campaign. Fiona Hayes has Aoife Corey returning from the Clovers and starting at full-back this weekend, The Robins looking to build from their high scoring performance over Wicklow.
Cooke v Blackrock College, Saturday February 15th, Shaw’s Bridge, 5pm
After their last two home games brought some improved performances, Cooke look to claim a big scalp this weekend and defeat high flying Blackrock on home soil.
A page turned in 2025 for Cooke as they ended their losing run at home to Ballincollig, and almost defeated Wicklow prior to that. Down to the bare bones in squad depth, they have had to go without a bench for some away trips. On home soil they will give Blackrock a real go of it.
51 points was the difference back in November in Stradbrook, and when the pair last met at this venue, Rock picked up a 65-0 win and do have a strong history over their Ulster counterparts. Maggie Boylan was the star of the show last weekend running in six tries for Andy Adam’s charges, she could be hard to stop as Rock continue to press for a home semi-final.
Railway Union v Tullow, Saturday February 15th, Willow Lodge, 5pm
Well rested going into this clash, leaders Railway Union are out to increase their winning run this season, as underdogs Tullow look to pull of an upset in this Leinster derby.
106 points was the difference when the pair last met in Rathoe Road back in November, Caoimhe McCormack, Niamh Byrne, Ailsa Hughes, Patricia Doyle, Poppy Garvey and Lindsay Peat all grabbed tries in that win, and all start from the off for Mike South’s charges on Saturday.
For Tullow this is a real David v Golliath challenge, as they look to put it up to the leaders. Paul Canavan’s charges have failed to score in their last three games and with some big games to end out of the season, they will be out to change their fortune to bid to stay up.
Wicklow v Old Belvedere, Saturday February 15th, Ashtown Lane, 5pm
A mammoth showdown in Ashtown Lane this weekend, Wicklow have a ten point gap to make up to Belvo if they are to challenge for top four, and with Belvo in town, it really is a must win game and also serves as a provincial derby.
Having narrowly missed out on top four a couple of seasons ago, Wicklow are out to make it this year, in their fourth season playing in the All Ireland League, it would be a great achievement and testament to the work they have done if they can get there.
Belvo will be a big test and defeated their opponents 45-12 in the reverse meeting earlier in the year. Just over 12 months ago Belvo left with a 25-12 win and Tania Rosser’s charges will be seeking a similar outcome. With Wicklow in a slump of form and Belvo off the back of two wins, the visitors will be fancied to take points here.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.