It is semi-final day in the Women’s Division of the Energia All Ireland League, holders UL Bohemian face off against Blackrock College weeks after their Round 18 meeting, while the curtain raiser is the tie between last year’s finalists Railway Union and Old Belvedere.
Railway Union v Old Belvedere, Sunday April 13th, Park Avenue, 12:30pm
Railway Union’s flawless 18-game winning streak has secured them home advantage for the semi-finals, but they’ll know the slate is wiped clean now. Everything hinges on these next 80 minutes as they push for a fifth consecutive final appearance.
Standing in their way are familiar foes Old Belvedere. While Tania Rosser’s side began and ended the regular season with heavy defeats to Railway, they will look to turn the tide this weekend.
Railway, champions in 2019 and 2022, are hungry to make amends after last year’s final loss to UL Bohemian, and under new head coach Mike South, and John Cronin also in their coaching team, they’ve looked like a winning team all season.
Belvo still remain a quality side filled with talent. Ireland international Deirbhile Nic a Bháird returns at number 8, setting up a heavyweight showdown with her former teammate Lindsay Peat, who has 22 tries for Railway this term.
Who will book their ticket for the showdown in the Aviva is anyone’s guess. Railway will be fancied, but you cannot overlook the experience and quality that Belvo bring to this game.
UL Bohemian v Blackrock College, Sunday April 13th, Annacotty, 2:30pm
Just two weeks ago UL Bohs won the dress rehearsal of this semi-final 19-7, and this Sunday Blackrock College return to Annacotty with revenge on their minds. That day, Chisom Ugwueru stole the show, bagging a hat-trick, as Fiona Hayes’s side look to secure a place in the final.
Bohs have only lost once this season on home soil, against Railway Union by a single point earlier in the season, which was followed by a seven point loss in the return fixture. Other than those defeats, The Red Robins have looked impressive in pursuit of back to back final appearances and titles.
Chasing a record-extending 15th All-Ireland League crown, a year on from reclaiming the trophy for the first time since 2018. The grand majority of that squad remain in place, with a few more faces adding quality to their ranks from last season.
It’s been a season of improvement and change, while for Blackrock under new head coach Andy Adams. While they lost two of their first three games, they hit their stride then after to finish in third spot.
Injuries, retirements, and international call-ups have led to a reshaped squad, but several experienced heads remain. A major boost comes from the return of Ireland International Maeve Óg O’Leary, who has overcome two knee surgeries to return in Blackrock colours. The returning Méabh Deely off the bench will also give them an edge if needed. Deely has been training with Ireland during the Six Nations on her return from injury. She was a pivotal figure in their 2022 league triumph, topping the scoring charts with 76 points.
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.