Tribesmen do it again to win All-Ireland title

Galway Tribesmen 36 – Ballynahinch Rabbitohs 34

THE Galway Tribesmen Rugby League Club made history for the second week running when they were crowned All-Ireland champions after a ferocious nail-biting final against the title holders of Northern Ireland in a balmy Carlisle Sportsgounds in Bray last Saturday.

In an intense first half where three players, including Ballynahinch’s player-coach, had to leave the field due to injury,  the lead changed hands several times with the Rabbitohs inching ahead twice through unconverted tries.

Each time the Northern side scored, the Galway men replied with a converted try of their own with tries from Josh Nugent and Alan McMahon before Conor Mackey put them further ahead with a superb try from the restart after McMahon’s score.

Peter O’Neill added the extras each time to leave the score 18-8 to Tribesmen at half time.

An early score from the Northern side after the restart brought them back into the game and they went on to score 20 unanswered points to take the lead 28-18 before the mid-point of the half.

The Galway side re-grouped and reverted to their free-flowing game which allowed Cathal Evans to score out wide before O’Neill kept us his 100% kicking record to bring the match to 28-24.

A yellow card against the Rabbitohs gave Tribesmen a one man advantage and they took that chance when club captain Andrew ‘Mik’ Atonio powered over from close range with O’Neill adding the conversion.

Alan McMahon crossed for his second try (also converted) before Ballynahinch staged a late comeback with a converted try.

Seconds later the hooter sounded and the Rabbitohs tried to move the ball, but were caught in possession. The Tribesmen were champions!

2016 marks a remarkable year for the Tribesmen who in the space of a week have been crowned ROI champions and now All Ireland champions. Tomorrow (Saturday) is another first for the Galway club when they host the State Of Origin, which is a contest between the best players in the Republic against the best players in the North.

This is the first time the home leg has been held outside of Leinster and the club are proud to be hosting the event. The occasion, which also features an U19 curtain raiser, takes place at Galwegians’ Crowley Park. Kick off 3pm.

For a complete match report see this week’s City Tribune here