Highfield RFC - Ladies

National Cup Semifinal: Highfield 15 Blackrock 10

Black eyes, sore bodies, aching limbs...

Never was a storm heralding a cancellation of training greeted with such relief as Monday evening following Sunday's Cup semi-final victory over Blackrock. Although without their international starters, Blackrock put up a stern resistance and proved themselves to be not just a formidable team but a squad to be reckoned with. An intensely physical battle saw no break in the deadlock before Blackrock scored with 20mins to go and Highfield were faced with the possibility of going out of the National Cup, the competition which has been so dear to us over recent years. The full match report is in the results section but credit again to Nicola Ahern for seizing the initiative to squeeze through the Blackrock defence for the equalising score to set us on our way.

So planning for the Cup Final is on in earnest...Saturday 22nd March, Navan RFC, KO 3pm...all support welcome! The team will be travelling by bus that morning and some seats are available, contact Noddy for details!

The division 3 team played Clanwilliam on Sunday following the Cup semi; in a hugely entertaining game the visitors squeezed out a deserved 15-14 win. Congrats to Laura Ankettell on her first try for Highfield and also to our newest US recruit Mary Conroy, who also scored on her debut. Kudos to Nicola Ahern (again!) for playing 2 full games to help out, as well as Mags Finn and Louise Duggan who played most of both games as well, all three embodying the squad spirit within Highfield.

Nothing on for the ladies teams for St Patrick's weekend so many people are catching up on their social lives, well deserved!

3rd March
Since the national Cup fixtures were announced many people had been looking forward to renewing acquaintances with local rivals Ballincollig so it was disappointing to receive a walkover at the last minute. Apologies also to the spectators who turned up for the battle. However the day was far from wasted, a 'full-on' training game gave Paul Mac plenty of food for thought with players such as Rachel Healy, Deirdre Kelleher, Mary Batterbery and Mags Finn giving him plenty of options to ponder while we waited news of the semi-final opposition and venue. The news, when it came, was almost the inevitable; it seems that Highfield and Blackrock just cannot avoid one another over the last number of years and so the trend continues. Blackrock will be the visitors to Woodleigh Park on Sunday for the Cup semi-final while the sides are more than likely to meet again in the league semi-final also, in Dublin in April. Cooke and Clonmel meet in the other semi so at least there will be a new pairing in the Cup final in Navan on Easter Saturday. Let’s hope we continue our strong tradition and make it a 5th Cup final appearance in a row!
Following the Cup semi on Sunday Highfield's division 3 team will take on Clanwilliam in the Munster development league. This is another opportunity for many players to gain further match experience and show-case their abilities ahead of the tough games ahead. So we look forward to a great day of women's rugby at Highfield on Sunday!

25th Feb: First Cup of the Season!
Highfield 19 Galwegians 0.
In a repeat of last year's Munster Cup final, Highfield defeated invitees Galwegians to remain the only names engraved on the Munster Women's Cup in its short history. The full match report is in the results section but thankfully this doesn’t cover the celebrations which started early in Highfield and continued into the night. In our defence, we don’t often get a free Saturday night! A great evening in the club was helped out by a number of kilted visitors, Niamh's birthday hairdressing kit and the band cranking out the tunes, helped on by Amy Desmond (whether they needed it or not!). Some pictures of the general mayhem are available with the match report in the results section!

Cups cups cups cups cups...

The Cup season continues, last Sunday it was National Cup action with Highfield travelling to Clanwilliam for the 2nd round of fixtures. Clanwilliam put up a resistance that belied their development league status and it took us some time to get sufficient posession to the wide areas where the difference between the teams was greatest. Nicola Aherne cleared up all doubts about her recovery from injury with a hat-trick of tries, and Jean Lucey, Fi O'Sullivan, Helen Brosnan and Louise Duggan also added scores from the munchkin sector before Aoife Mahony claimed one on behalf of the pack.

Its a family affair...as well as Fiona and Niamh wreaking havoc on the pitch the O'Sullivans also contributed Dave to coaching and warm-up duties and the very welcome return of Mossie to touch judge duties as well as acting as a general mentor to the back three. Mossie you've been missed! Mrs O'Sullivan also made the trip, watching her daughters from the comfort and safety of the car. She's offered to do physio duty for next week though...

Best news of the day however was the successful rehabilitation of Breda Kenny, Louise Duggan and Nicola Aherne from recent injuries, with Eilish Foley's knee injury the main current cause of concern. We wish Eilish all the best in getting back as soon as possible for the important matches ahead.

Speaking of which...next Saturday sees the Ladies first final of the season in their defence of the Munster Womens Cup (thanks to Denise Hickey for her single-handed hard work in organising this), and the week after, the 3rd round of the National Cup sees Highfield hosting Ballincollig in a local derby; the winners progressing to the National Cup semifinal a further week later. The season is certainly gathering momentum!

Best wishes to Marie Barrett when the Irish women take on Scotland on friday night at St Mary's RFC, and also to Martin Gately, the other Highfield prop wearing the green this weekend, in the Club international on friday evening at Donnybrook.
Also best wishes to the u14s and their coaches on their semifinal on saturday, Coach Damian Ryan cut his teeth with the Ladies in a former life but finds the u14s less trouble! or maybe its to maintain domestic bliss??

20th feb
Congratulations to Aoife Twomey and Claire Aherne from the Highfield u18 girls, who have been selected for the Munster u18 provincial squad.
Aoife lines out as hooker for the u18s but is equally adept as a flanker or as a centre and is eye-catching for her deceptive pace and side-step. Claire is a wonderfully hard-working loose forward, who again is blessed with pace as well as endurance and tenacity. Both of these girls and indeed many of the Highfield u18s have a big future in rugby if they maintain their interest and commitment.
This is a massive achievement for a team which has only been in existence for less than a season and is a credit to the work of Dave and John O'Hea, Karen Casey and Ali Donnelly, as well as the hard work of the girls and their team-mates themselves. We wish them all the best in making the matchday team for the interpro series.

10th Feb
Highfield gratefully siezed upon Waterpark's generous offer to replay our weather affected Munster cup fixture and showed none of their hosts generosity in snatching a last minute victory in Ballinakill on sunday. The game was poised at 12 points apiece with tries from waterpark's Clara Bracken and Ger Kinnane cancelling out scores from Helen Brosnan and Jean Lucey's debut try. But cometh the hour cometh the (wo)man...following hooker Chris Fanning's withdrawal through injury, Donna Hughes faced her first throw-in, in Waterpark's 22 with time running out. Small bother to her, a perfect throw found Aoife Mahony and the resulting drive ended with Donna touching down with the injury-time try to snatch the victory and give the ladies their first sniff of silverware of the season.
Well done, not only to Jean Lucey for her impact on her first ever rugby match, but also to Amy Desmond and Niamh O'Sullivan, both continuing to make waves out wide. Special mention for Noreen Fitzgerald who missed her 2nd row partner, Breda in the dark environs of the ruck but was ably assisted by Denise Hickey and Karen Casey in repelling the strong Waterpark challenge at the break-down.
The final takes place in Fermoy RFC on Saturday 23rd at 1.30pm with a night out to follow up in Highfield club-house! Galwegians (invitees to the Munster cup due to the lack of Connacht teams) are the opponents in a repeat of last years final.

8th Feb
Mud, rain and more mud & rain!

But the action continued - a trip to Youghal for the third round of the Munster Cup. Highfield travelled in fairly depleted numbers due to injuries and unavailabilities and an early injury to Nicola Aherne didnt help the cause. However after some early forays and brave defending of their line by Youghal to keep out Fiona O'Sullivan and Donna Hughes in particular, Norita Duggan demonstrated how to execute a draw and pass, putting Helen Brosnan into a space where nobody would catch her. Fiona and Donna were both rewarded for their earlier industry with further tries before the break, Donna's much admired (we hope) by her sideline mentor! Mike discovered new sides to Ms Hughes he hadnt known existed!

An effective forwards maul resulted in a touchdown for Chris Fanning shortly after the break and Aoife Mahony showed that anything Noddy could do she could do better with consecutive draw and passes to put Deirdre Lynch away for the two last tries. Special mention for Rachel Healy who kept Youghal on the back foot all day and to Aoife who also had a very effective game and might be coming around to enjoying this No 8 lark. The watching Helen Jones might have a few tips for her as well!

Best of luck to Breda & Nic recovering from injuries at the moment, as well as Mags of course in her on-going battle with her right leg.

Nearly forgot to mention...happy 21st birthday Lisa! Our little girl, all growed up! And what a great party...to the early hours it is rumoured...

Congrats to Marie and the rest of the Irish womens team in their fine win over Italy last weekend. Best of luck to the squad as they travel to France for the next encounter.

A late change of plan for the weekend sees the ladies travelling to Waterpark to play the fixture that was postponed some weeks ago. This promises to be a very competitive encounter against one of the best Div 2 sides in the country. A place in the Munster Cup on 24th Feb awaits the winners.

Next game: Waterpark V Highfield Sun 10th Feb, KO 2.30pm.

28th Jan
Ah the dubious pleasure of post-match aches and pains...it’s been too long...

Finally a return to action yesterday with a game against Shannon and a fine return it was too. The game was the thing, both teams having had prolonged lay-offs in recent weeks.
The match saw debuts for Laura Ankettel, Mags Finn (finally!) and Niamh O'Sullivan, who has had an accelerated career since starting div 1 training a few short weeks ago. All three acquitted themselves admirably and no doubt benefited from the opportunity. Niamh in particular was involved in a free running backline outside her sister Fiona and Heather McLaughlin, who look to be forging a beautiful partnership in the centre. Amy Desmond also made her debut when she came on in the second half.

Player unavailability for Shannon meant that 2 Highfield players donned the blue and black for them for each half, further contributing to the competitiveness of the fixture. First to cross the line were Denise Hickey and Karen Casey in some obvious anti-Janssen Highfield bias. Karen soon found out that one doesn’t mess with Rachel 'Rocky' Healy when wearing opposition colours. It’s always the quiet ones you can’t trust! Worse was to follow for Karen (and the rest of us) when Breda Kenny became Shannon's newest recruit at halftime. The only comfort in having to face up to Breda on Monday and Wednesday training sessions is the knowledge that she is with rather than against us on Sundays. We all learned quickly yesterday what a nuisance she can prove to the opposition and offer up a silent prayer that she is usually our nuisance rather than somebody else’s!
The match details are on the results page but highlights included some neat interplay particularly in midfield where Heather and Fiona used their speed all day, Nicola Ahern's excellent crash ball which resulted in a fine support try for Aoife Mahony, and Louise Duggan's try following another midfield break by Heather McLaughlin and offload from Helen Brosnan. All in all everybody was happy to have finally got back to playing rugby after almost a 2 month layoff and the hope is for some continuity in the season over the weeks ahead.

The under 18s had a tough outing against an experienced Mallow team who have been together for a season or two at this stage. However they continue to learn from every outing and we expect them to be well able to compete with these teams next season if they continue to show the progress they have in their few short months together.

Next Sunday sees a trip to Youghal for the first round of the National Cup. Highfield will be bidding to maintain our proud record in this competition, reaching the final for the last four years and winning it in 2005. This year’s format will make it more of a challenge than ever to maintain that record, and that challenge starts in Youghal next Sunday at 2pm.

Congratulations to Marie Barrett who will be representing Highfield when Ireland line out against Italy at 2.30pm Friday, Feb 1st at St. Mary's RFC, Dublin. We wish Marie and the rest of the team the very best in this year’s 6N campaign.

We have three Division 3 games outstanding as well and it is hoped to organise these over coming weeks.

23rd Jan

Another week that would drive one to badminton...

Once again Highfield ladies prepared for Sunday's game by taking it easy on the celebrations for both Highfield and Munster on Saturday, and once again, it was to no avail. Boyne let us down this time, employing Mystic Meg from 200 miles away to inform us on Sunday morning that our pitches weren't playable. This must have come as news to both the Highfield u20s and Douglas RFC who played games on our scheduled pitch in Cois Laoi over the weekend.
So once again the efforts and anxieties of Noddy and our very own club Nostradamus (he has asked to remain nameless this week) went to waste. Here's hoping that Shannon will fulfil next Sunday's fixture, in Coonagh, the second round of the Munster Cup. As we lost points due to our enforced cancellation with Waterpark the game matters little except as an actual game, our first after 3 successive last minute cancellations. Credit to the squad and coach Paul Mac to keep training in numbers in such frustrating circumstances.

Congratulations to Marie Barrett, Highfield's representative on the squad of 22 for the first 6N game vs Italy on Feb 1st. Hopefully she will be joined by Helen Brosnan in that 22 over the course of the campaign.

The Munster u18 trials will be held on Saturday 26th Jan, and 7 of the Highfield girls have been nominated to go forward. We wish them the best of luck in following players like current Highfield seniors Fiona O'Sullivan and Clare Rigney to success in underage representative rugby.

Man of the Week... A new contender! We were profuse in our apologies to Ger over the amount of mud deposited in the showers and dressing room after training on Monday night but he had it restored to normal pristine order for us by Wed again. Thanks again Ger!
And Tony Eiffe also comes into the reckoning for this prestigous award...stepping into the breach to take Wed night's session when Paul was delayed at a funeral. A great time was had by all - I think even Tony enjoyed it!

Best of luck too to our other auxillary coach, Phil Rees, and the Munster Youths vs Ulster this weekend. Belated but sincerest thanks for your input Phil, much enjoyed by all.

So next game (hopefully!) Vs Shannon in Coonagh, Limerick on Sunday 27th. KO details etc TBC.

U18 girls Vs Mallow 12noon on Sunday in Highfield. Mallow are another of the strong teams in the u18 league so the girls will have to be at their best again against experienced opposition. Best of luck girls, we wont be there to support you but we know you'll do well!

14th January

More disappointment on Sunday 13th Jan when Highfield's first fixture in the Munster women’s cup was cancelled at the last minute due to pitch conditions at Cois Laoi. Having spent the week chasing referees (Tony Quinlan was very close to getting the gig!), checking on players wellbeing and availability, and anxiously monitoring the weather like 2 Gerald Flemings, it was a cruel blow to Sarah Jane and Noddy in particular, as well as for a number of players who were due to make their debuts or returns for Highfield. Karen Casey and Mags, God is obviously not an East Cork fan! Laura Ankettel not only missed out on her debut but also saw her cooking efforts go to waste...well not entirely...it provided a tasty addition to watching the Munster game in the clubhouse on Sunday!

But onwards and upwards...Boyne travel to Highfield next Sunday for the final AIL Div 1 league fixture. Boyne and Highfield have a history of single score fixtures, most notably in the 2004 National Cup final when only Alison Donnelly's extra time drop goal separated the sides and won Highfield's main national title. Both sides build their teams on formidable packs and the up-front encounter is generally bruising. Hopefully the weather will be a little more clement this week and the fixture will go ahead as planned.

The U18 girls had another outing on Jan 5th, acquitting themselves admirably in going down to a very much more experienced Fermoy side. Special mention for Ciara Bridgman who suffered a very nasty cut in a clash of heads with her teammate, Claire Ahern. After getting 6 stitches, (neatly inserted coincidentally by former Highfield player and Plastic Surgery Registrar Ann McKenna), Ciara showed up for training on Friday as if nothing had happened. We won’t get rid of her too easily! The girls are due to play at home in their next fixture on Saturday but pitch availability has necessitated a postponement of this fixture. Watch this space for details.

Congratulations to Highfield's Nichola de Paor and hubby Cathal on the birth of baby Caoimhe. She says childbirth was far easier than hooking in the front row between Barrett and Niamh!!

Once again this week the ladies want to thank John O'Hea for his help in securing a venue for our game on Sunday as well as his efforts on our behalf looking for a referee on the busiest Sunday in the Munster rugby calendar.

Light under a bushel award goes this week to Niamh O'Sullivan (yes, one of those O'Sullivans) who, after years of refusing to have anything to do with Div 1 rugby, trained tonight, and, in one of the hardest contact training games we've had proved to be absolutely outstanding. Big sis Fiona had to work hard not to be outshone! Niamh, where have you been hiding all your life?

At the risk of repetition...Welcome back once again to Karen Casey, who followed up her 2 collarbone fractures by tearing her calf in the warm-up of the UL game on Dec 2nd. Hopefully that’s Karen's lifetime quota of injuries over with now!

And finally a Happy New Year to all of our Highfield players scattered around the globe...to Karen Kenny & Niamh English enjoying the sunshine and probably the beer in Melbourne Oz, Meaghan enjoying the snow in Colorado, Jeanette, currently in Borneo, Mari currently somewhere (Canada?), and to Martha and Ali, reunited in rugby playing for Teddington in London. You're only on loan girls...all of you!!

17th Dec '07
Happy Christmas to all - players and supporters (all three of you...only joking).
Have neglected this page lately so lots of news to report on, starting with the upwards trajectory of our u18s. Since our last update, they've played against two other new teams similar to themselves, beating Crosshaven 71-17 and overcoming Helen Jones's Bandon team 32-10. Full reports on both games are in the results section. Well done also to new manager Karen Casey, ably assisted by Niamh O'Sullivan and Lisa O'Hea and of course to the coaches, John and Dave O'Hea.
The girl’s next outing is on Jan 5th (so go easy on the Christmas pud girls) away to the very experienced Fermoy side. Anybody interested in checking out the future of Highfield ladies rugby will not find their day wasted by traveling to support them.

On NOv 25th, the Division 3 team had an equally comprehensive victory over the newly formed Young Munster team, winning 72-0. This game saw a number of rehabilitating players return to action, Karen Casey who had not played since breaking her collarbone in March (and then managing to repeat the feat in August), Alison Donnelly who has had a hole in her leg (for full gory details consult her bebo page) from an injury in April, and the Yellow Rose of Texas, Heather McLaughlin, last seen dramatically exiting the field in a pre-season friendly. It was a farewell game also for Jeanette & Ali, both skipping the country in the near future to increase the Highfield diaspora. The game marked a few debuts also; Amy Desmond and Deirdre Morley making their first appearances in the colours, with Deirdre scoring the final try of the game. A full report on the game is in the results section.

The Division 1 team faced league champions UL Bohs in Anacotty on 2nd December. The squad had done a lot of hard analysing and training since the defeats by Blackrock and Clonmel and while the Bohs game ended in a 12-7 defeat also, the performance and the spirit shown meant that we could take a lot of positives from this particular outing. The return of Marie Barrett from illness bolstered the pack both physically and mentally and the blatant disregard for personal safety shown by wingers Eilish Foley and Nicola Aherne meant there was very little opportunity for the normally dangerous UL backs.
This game had filled the squad with confidence for the fixture against Shannon on the following week, Dec 9th, so there was general disappointment when we received a walkover from this opposition, concluding the pre-Christmas programme earlier than expected.

Well done to our International representatives, Helen Brosnan joined Marie Barrett in the 26-person 6N squad and we have every confidence in her going on to make the 22 or 15 for the 6N games in the spring.

We sadly had to say goodbye to the yank, Meaghan Vanderpol, who returned to San Fran and Colarado, despite our begging and pleading her to stay. In her 6 game Highfield career Meaghan appeared at hooker, prop, no 6 and no 7, filling all with her 100% commitment and enthusiasm and wrapping up the position slut award before October finished. Our loss is Colarado University's gain and we wish her all the very best for the future.

The post-Christmas and 6N season means the focus moves to the Cup competitions. First up is the Munster Women's Cup, with Highfield drawing Waterpark, Shannon and Youghal in the group stages. The National Cup draw has yet to be announced.

Training is taking a break for the festive season so best place to find the team is probably around Washington Street, until Jan 7th when it starts all over again! Training times Mon at 7 and Wed at 7.30, and Development/underage training on Fridays at 6.30. As always, new or returning players welcome so put rugby on that New Year Resolution list!

22nd Nov.

Undoubtedly the event of the week was the debut of the Highfield under 18 girls who played Ballincollig last Saturday, in their first ever fixture. Few teams can have made a more impressive debut, winning 40-5 and keeping Ballincollig scoreless until almost the last minute of the game. Full details of the game are on the news and results section but it is worth again mentioning the handling and off-loading skills demonstrated, indeed by both teams. Their adult counterparts could probably learn from them! Thanks also again to Lisa O'Hea and Niamh O'Sullivan who took charge of the girls on the day as their coaches were unavailable: Dave O'Hea was on senior duty and Ali Donnelly was out of the country. Lisa and Niamh are continuing their families traditions of coaching/managerial careers!
U18 training continues on friday evenings alongside Division 3 training. The girls team only need numbers to maintain their good start so please encourage any girls you know to join this very promising group of players.

On Sunday the ladies division 3 team are hosting Young Munster, a new team to the Ladies league, for their first league fixture of the season. KO is at 12.30 and, judging by the Division 3 outing vs Clanwilliam recently, some fine rugby should be in store from both teams.

We wish our International representatives Marie Barrett, Aoife Mahony and Helen Brosnan all the best in their second squad weekend and Deirdre Scannell all the best as she continues to recover from a knee injury sustained a few weeks ago. Hopefully all four will make the 26-man squad for the upcoming 6N.

Next Division 1 fixture: Dec 2nd Vs UL Bohs (Annacotty).

14th Nov.

Disappointment again this week following our 10-3 loss to Clonmel on Sunday. The team was rocked by a number of withdrawals, particularly in the pack, which necessitated a lot of re-shuffling in the later stages of the week. However the losses proved too much to bear against a well-organised Clonmel team who played a territorial game to keep Highfield pinned back all day and never allowed decent ball reach the dangerous outside runners like Helen Brosnan or Nicola Aherne all day. On a positive note, starts for Carlota Gil-Arribas, Nicola Aherne and Elaine Langley, and a first start this season for Denise Hickey (happily returned from retirement) underlines the squad's strength in depth, something that will be tested to the full this season, with an on-going crippling run of injuries and defections.

It was very much Ladies Day in Highfield on Sunday, with a second adult ladies team taking the field in a Div 3 friendly fixture vs Clanwilliam after the Div 1 game. This match was an extremely entertaining one, a more experienced Clanwilliam side just overcoming the spirited Highfield challenge for a 12-7 victory. However rugby was the winner for the Highfield side, many of whom were taking part in their first ever game. Newcomers Laura Ankettel, Mary Batterbery, Deirdre Kelleher, Vicky O'Grady, Niamh O'Sullivan, Aoife O'Neill and Mags Finn all acquitted themselves very well, and many put down a challenge to their colleagues on the Div 1 team. Mags's fielding and runs as well as Laura's ball-carrying and Mary's tackling were particular highlights and showed the work they've put in on the training ground over the last number of months. The positive spirit of the game was maintained by the referee Kate McCarthy who put her coaching and playing background as well as her Garda training to good use in maintaining discipline throughout the game!

The growth in Highfield ladies rugby continues next weekend with our u18s girls team taking to the field for the very first time in the u18 South Munster league. They are be playing Ballincollig at 12.30 next Saturday so please come along to support! We wish the girls and coaches Alison Donnelly and Dave O'Hea the very best of luck on another historic first for Highfield ladies rugby.

6th Nov.

A chastening 30-0 defeat by Blackrock has left us with plenty to think about and work on for the weeks ahead. The score was even a fair reflection of the match, with Blackrock dominant in most facets of the game, using their strength up front to tie in players and create space for their free-running backs to create overlaps which they eventually converted for 4 second half tries. However we learnt a lot about ourselves in the process, and the measure of the team will be how we respond to those lessons and apply them for the rest of the campaign.

However it wasnt all doom and gloom...the Irish 35-person squad announced this week sees an unprecedented 5 Highfield names present...Marie Barrett, Aoife Mahony, Eimear O'Sullivan, Deirdre Scannell and Helen Brosnan. Congratulations and best wishes to all 5, but especially to Aoife and Helen, the new-comers to the squad. Helen in particular has been unfortunate to miss out on the squad previously through injury but it really appears that this is her year and hopefully the injury gods will continue to smile on her throughout the campaign. Both Aoife and herself have put in tremendous work on all aspects of their game and are reaping their just rewards. We wish them all well.
Congratulations also to Donna, proud winner of the tayto taste challenge on the bus from Dublin, despite Eilish's best efforts to cheat.

U18s update: 4 of our newly formed u18s team attended the Munster skills camp at the weekend and did very well. They are all invited back to the next camp in December. They will play their first game in Highfield colours on November 17th; another historic day for Highfield Ladies rugby. U18 training continues on Fridays at 6.30 and all are welcome.

Next sunday sees Clonmel ladies visit Highfield for the first time as a Division 1 club. We will also have a Division 3 ladies game on the same day. The scheduled opposition, Tralee have been forced to pull out but manager Sarah Jane applied her charm to persuade Clanwilliam to play a friendly fixture. Playing two 15-a side ladies fixtures on the same day will be unprecedented for any club and is a measure of the numbers and committment of the squad, coaches and managers. Some of the future of Highfield Ladies rugby will be playing in this fixture so we would welcome as much support as possible.

Highfield V Clonmel KO: 1pm
Highfield V Clanwilliam KO: 2.45pm

Games are now listed on the fixtures of the website. Results and match reports are on the results section of the site.
Also check out the functions page for some upcoming events in Highfield! Our own Aoife Mahony is actively involved in the Highfield social committee which means that all events tie in very nicely with the Ladies fixtures calendar. Co-incidence? I think not!

1st Nov.
No game last week so apologies to Karen Kenny, eagerly tuned in from afar to hear our news! Karen will never learn that she wasnt designed for other sports, nor to at least attempt them in a reasonable degree of sobriety - she's currently nursing a broken bone in her foot after an unfortunate incident on the netball court. Our thoughts are with her victim.
Less abuse too about the tardiness of the updates Karen, not my fault you do nothing in work...

Well done to Martha too who apparently starred in her first game for London University. Remember its a Loan Deal only Martha...

Congrats to our Munster girls who were involved in the nailbiting 11-10 victory over Leinster in the Interpro final last weekend. Special mention for Munster Captain Marie Barrett who unfortunately missed the final due to illness. Winning the game for Marie gave her team the motivation they needed and it was a proud moment for Munster and Highfield to see her raise the cup. Well done also to Aoife, Helen, Deirdre and Eimear, and indeed all that were involved with the squad over the series. Also of course to former coach Donal O'Driscoll who coached the squad on their unbeaten campaign.

Next up...another early start...Blackrock away on Sunday 4th. Bus leaves 7am. Miss it at your peril!

21st October: Cooke 8 - Highfield 29
(Full match report on the results page)
The most difficult away trip of the league was undertaken successfully at the weekend with Highfield securing a bonus point victory in Belfast for the first time.

The difficult encounter looked to be made even more challenging with the late withdrawl of Marie Barrett following injury at Munster training on Saturday. However Paul MacDonald had prepared well in having a number of alternative options available, and his decision to move Meaghan Vanderpol from her successful berth at no 6 the week before proved the right one. Along with Chris Fanning and Donna Hughes, she faced down the challenge of the Cooke front 3 from the start, and the scrum again became the focal point for Highfield's eventual dominance of the game. Not that it was an easy victory by any means; Cooke were the better team for the opening quarter and much satisfaction comes from the fact that we had to win the game from 8-3 behind shortly before the break.
As was the case last week, set-pieces proved the winner for Highfield, Chris Fanning once again overturned a number of Cooke scrums and Highfield also dominated the lineouts, Aoife Mahony and Breda Kenny not only winning their own at ease but also disrupting the opposition, Meaghan Vanderpol also capitalised on a number of overthrows to attack the Cooke line with vigour.
Norita Duggan and Deirdre Scannell appear to be on the verge of a beautiful friendship, with two breaks from Deirdre resulting in tries for Norita. Thats how to become the Captain's favourite Dee! Claire Rigney dominated her opposite scrum-half and Eilish Foley & Fiona O'Sullivan also did well out wide with Fiona unlucky not to be on the score sheet herself on at least 2 occasions. Gillian Morrissey also looked composed standing in for Helen Brosnan at 13. It was most satisfying too, to introduce 5 substitutes at various stages of the game with no drop in pace or intensity to the end.

Well done to...the organisers, Norita Duggan, Aoife Mahony and Sarah Jane Hennessy for organising this most difficult of trips. Particularly Norita who is now on first name terms with almost every hotel and B&B in Dundalk and whose 'little black book' was filled with various lists which seemed to change on an hourly basis. All that and 19 points too Nod! Special mention also for Manager Sarah Jane, who had an early start on Sunday to collect Ali and Gillian from their flight. And of course to Ali; anybody who has ever witnessed her white-knuckled demeanour on flights will know what it cost her to fly on a small Aer Arann plane to Dublin...the things you'll do for Highfield, Ali! Poor Gillian lost her collection of shampoos, shower gel etc to the Cork Airport officials...at least they didnt take the make-up Gill!!

Aoife's award this week...for Grace under Duress. Sharing a room with the coughing yank Meaghan resulted in a sleepless night for all concerned. Meaghan will probably never know how close she came to strangulation, nor Paul Mac to even more front row problems. Good practice if you marry a snorer Aoifs!

Good luck to our Munster Representatives in the Interpro final vs Leinster in Galway this weekend. Marie Barrett will hopefully recover to lead Munster and Deirdre Scannell, Aoife Mahony, Eimear O'Sullivan, Helen Brosnan, Noreen Fitzgerald and Claire Rigney will all hopefully be involved.

Congrats to all involved in the rennovation of the Highfield clubhouse. A wonderful job and a credit to all who worked so hard to get it opened on schedule. It was like coming home last friday night!

On the road again...next Div 1 game is away to Blackrock on Nov 4th. Watch this space also for news of Division 3 and u18 fixtures which will hopefully be coming up shortly.

14th October: Highfield 23 Galwegians 5

Highfield kicked off the new season with a fine win over Galwegians on Sunday.

With a new coach, 4 debutants, little match practice, and a number of last years squad players stepping up to starting places, there was a certain degree of anxiety before last sundays league opener. Much of this was dispelled in the first scrum, where the Highfield front eight established their dominance in this area for the game, to the delight of coach Paul MacDonald (a man who likes few things more than a scrum going forward). The general forward dominance generated 2 early scores, the first a try for Marie Barrett following a lineout maul, followed by a penalty nailed by captain Norita Duggan on the next visit to Galwegians 22. The line-out and general pace of the game suffered a little when Aoife Mahony was forced off after 15 mins but Breda Kenny and Rachel Healy both won ball in the air, while Highfield debutants Meaghan Vanderpol and Deirdre Scannell were revelations in the back row. The backline didnt get a lot of clean posession but Helen Brosnan, playing for the first time for Highfield at 13, and another newbie Gillian Morrissey carried ball with intent.

Galwegians came back into the game strongly in the second quarter and Highfield needed some stout defending to keep the score at 8-0 at the break. In the second half things picked up again however, Norita used the wind to gain territorial advantage and the scrum again proved the key: hooker Chris Fanning won another ball against the head and from there on it was the turn of the new girls, Deirdre Scannell picked, linked with scrumhalf Claire Rigney who in turn found Meaghan Vanderpol who touched down in the corner to leave the score at 13-0.
Galwegians are no soft touch however, and they proved this by coming back with a try of their own, Emer O'Dowd ran a quick penalty and found former Irish wing Nuala Ni Caidhn who made the line. However Highfield werent finished yet, from another maul Chris Fanning got the try her performance merited, then Gillian Morrissey linked well with Helen Brosnan to put Helen in for the 4th try and secure the bonus point for Highfield.

As well as Deirdre, Meaghan, Claire and Gillian, a few other players made their league debuts by coming on on sunday, Mags Finn (joining Breda in the Highfield retirement home for ex-camogie stars - we're happy to oblige girls) and Deirdre Kelleher came into the game. We also welcomed back Rachel Healy and Nicola Ahern who survived the perils of Oz to return to the tranquility of the Highfield wing. However the day belonged to Chris Fanning who, after a traumatic 6 months of injury, defied even her own expectations by surviving the game and turning in a stellar performance as well.

Fine catch award: Aoife Mahony who, along with her 'ugly backrow' sidekick Karen Casey, served up a great dinner to the masses. You'll make two men very lucky some day ladies (but hopefully not too soon!).

Dont forget: Div 3 and U18 training continues on Friday at 6.30. Div 3 league begins on 28th Oct with a game against Tralee. U18 league will be starting shortly also. But dont worry girls, Dave O'Hea will have you ready for it!
New players for both teams always welcome.
Next up: Its the trip to Cooke. Dundalk on Saturday evening then onto Belfast on Sunday. The joys of an all-Ireland league!

AIL Div 1 begins:

Highfield ladies open their 2007-8 league season by hosting old rivals Galwegians at Woodleigh Park on Sunday 14th Oct. Kick-off is at 2pm and all support is welcome. Galwegians ran league champions UL Bohs very close in their league opener, and with their entire team having 3 interpro games under their belt, they should certainly be match-seasoned, even at this early stage of the year.

The Highfield squad has undergone many changes since last year but but both new people and old have worked hard since August in preparation for the season ahead. The wait is almost over!

Last year's Captain Alison Donnelly has had a torrid time with injuries over the last 6 months but has come on board as backs coach until she is back in action herself, and Dave O'Sullivan has also got involved. Welcome and thanks to both!
Good luck to Chris Fanning and Karen Casey as they also continue to make their way back from injuries sustained last season. It has been a hard road for both and we wish you all the best. Hope to see you both, along with Ali, back on the pitch soon.

We seem to have a new candidate to take over Emma Stanley's 'position slut' role...Meaghan Vanderpol, fresh from the USA, has already tried out at 2, 3, 6, 7, 8... Now where did we put that Ann Summers book?

Highfield Vs Youghal (friendly) 30th Sept:
Highfield 12 - Youghal 24

A very useful challenge game against Youghal bought some much needed match experience to a number of the ladies squad on sunday including some new faces. Led for the first time by new captain Norita Duggan, Highfield belied their numberical disadvantage, esp in the second half when the loss of Heather McLaughlin through injury effectively meant the team were down 4 players. Tries from Norita and Fiona O'Sullivan, added to a gutsy defending performance, meant the game was a great success for Highfield and for new coach Paul MacDonald.
Claire Rigney at scrumhalf made her first appearance in Highfield colours, as did Deirdre Kelleher, playing her first ever game of rugby. She even says it wont be her last! Big welcome back too to Rachel Healy, proving that a season off having babies hadnt dampened her appetite for a crushing tackle.

A dramatic moment in the game when Heather McLaughlin's ankle injury necessitated (on her insistence) a full stretcher exit complete with head support and 4 burly stretcher-bearers. Not a girl to do things by halves, our Heather! We wish her a speedy recovery and hope to see her back on the pitch soon.

Congrats to Highfield players Marie Barrett, Deirdre Scannell, Aoife Mahony and Helen Brosnan, all of whom played key roles in Munster's narrow 12-8 victory over Leinster last saturday. Marie again played a captain's role while Helen was instrumental in both Munster tries.

Duracell Bunny award goes to Aoife who turned out again for Highfield on Sunday even after a full game on saturday for Munster, dedication over and above the call of duty!

No game this weekend, AIL commences at home on Sunday 14th Vs Galwegians followed by a trip to Belfast to play Cooke on 21st Oct.

Another season begins...

Some new faces, some old, some have moved on, but Highfield ladies keep on growing at a time when many womens teams are finding the challenge of maintaining a competitive squad very difficult.

We say au revoir to...
Martha Halbert...the rock at no 9 around which so much pivoted over the last 3 years. She is 'on loan' to London for one season only.
Karen Kenny & Niamh English...unable to face the Highfield bar without John to ensure their safe passage home, the terrible two are wreaking a train of destruction across South East Asia and onto Australia. Various texts, emails and bebos means that thankfully they are never far away except from the pitch. Miss you girls!
Emma Stanley...going off to defend the country. God help us all.
Helen Jones...donating her body to medical science and her brain to Bandon RFC girls. Hopefully her pains & aches will clear up as that much talent should never go to waste.
Denise...we'll hope that rumours of her retirement are greatly exaggerated.

But a big welcome to...all the new girls, new to rugby or just new to Highfield, you are all very welcome to the Highfield ladies family.

Upcoming fixtures:
Sun 30th Sept: Friendly game: Vs youghal 12noon (Highfield).
Sun 7th October: AIL Division 1 Cooke Vs Highfield (Belfast).

Congratulations to:
The Highfield players who have been part of Munster's two opening victories in the Interprovincial series. Particular contratulations to Marie Barrett, captaining Munster this season. Aoife Mahony and Helen Brosnan have joined Marie in the first XV against both Ulster and Connacht with Noreen Fitzgerald and Claire Rigney both seeing action against Ulster also. We wish them and the team the very best in their game against Leinster in Fermoy RFC next Saturday (2.30 KO). Please come and along and support Donal O'Driscoll and the team in what should be a cracking encounter.

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2006-7 AIL Division 1 Final: UL Bohemians 10 Highfield 8.

Another final, another narrow loss, but a very different experience to that of the previous week. In this final, Highfield put up a performance that the entire team, coaches, squad and supporters could be proud of, one to round off a fine season and set the standard for the years ahead.

Yet again, the Highfield supporters did the team proud, turning up in force after a second arduous journey of the week. This time the team responded, soaking up the sustained UL pressure for the opening period of the game. And pressure it was. It may be forgotten in the aftermath of the game, but UL were totally dominant in the early period, only a number of first-up and last-ditch tackles preventing some early scores from some of their international backline players. Highfield seemed to be finding it difficult to secure ball at the breakdown as efficiently as in recent weeks and the scrum was in a degree of difficulty not experienced previously. Indeed Highfield were lucky not to be behind by more than 3 points after 10 minutes. However the pressure eventually told and Jeanette Feighry's break and off-load to Mairead Kelly saw Bohs go further ahead, augmented by Nicole Fitzgerald's straighforward conversion.

However lessons had been learned from the week before and Highfield weren't going to capitulate this time around. As usual Norita started to bring us out of our danger zone and the pack began to establish their dominance in set pieces. The proven weapon from the week before again swung into action, Emma's line-out throw found Aoife Mahony, the drive did the rest and this week it was Marie Barrett who touched down for the score. Norita's conversion attempt from the right touchline was a great effort but agonisingly struck the centre of the crossbar and rebounded out rather than over.

Buoyed by this score, Highfield totally took the game to Bohs in the second half, forwards securing posession at the breakdown, Aoife Mahony, Helen Jones and the midfield taking on the ball at the fringes and Martha Halbert controlling proceedings at the back. Norita Duggan nailed a penalty to reduce the gap to 2points and from then on Highfield pressed for the score to take them ahead. A number of lineout drives were unfortunate not to repeat the previous magic, a drop-goal effort was well read by the defence and a couple of penalties were also unsuccesful. Eventually UL cleared their lines and had an opportunity to press again in the last 5 mins, two incursions failing to find the line before the final whistle signalled the siege was over.

Despair in the immediate aftermath eventually gave way to a sense of pride in the performance, especially the display of character which had lifted the team from the week before. While the ache at what might have been hasn't quite gone away, the team, squad and management now appreciate how far we have come in recent times and what more needs to be done to lift us over those final hurdles. Its not that far away.

Good week for...All the recipients of Noddy's 'awards' presented on the bus from Portlaoise:

Cheerleader pompoms for the runner-up supporters Niamh and Lisa;
Face masks and beauty vouchers for the 'ugly' back row;
"Keep your eyes open" boxing gloves for Noreen;
The 'Be like Breda' programme for Elaine;
Spinach for Eilish's bulging biceps;
Denise's pimp-stick (for leading out the dirty songs);
The "NO SCRUM HALF!" buoyancy jacket for Martha;
A 'Safe pass code' poster for Chris (say NO to Orla);
Helen's 'forwards dont kick' gold star chart;
Damian's "access all areas" pass;
The Ann Summer's guide to rugby positions (for position slut Emma);

These were all amongst the worthy winners. Cant wait for next year Nod!

Mary O'Hea was also presented with her 'Supporter of the Year' award, yes, of a fluorescent green and frog-like nature. She and Lisa were seen enjoying it together in true mother/daughter fashion.

Bad week for...Heather and Noddy, who despite going that "extra mile" to impress the Judge in the Rear-of-the-Year competition (also on the bus journey), failed to make the shortlist. In your own words Nod, sometimes less is more...

Thanks to....At the risk of reptition I have to mention the Highfield support, over the last 3 weeks in particular but indeed all season long. Special mention for the O'Keeffe family who have supported the Ladies team both vocally and financially long before we enjoyed our current profile, and continue to do so to this day. Clancy's Bar and Colin Ross also continues to support us through thick and thin and we are proud to wear their jerseys. Thanks to the 'Evening Echo' (esp reporter Conor George) for their constant coverage and ensuring that my mammy gets to read about us. Thanks to the entire club and management, led by President Kevin Fitzgerald, for their on-going interest in our endeavours and wellbeing. John, Hugh, Paula and all the bar staff for the many many cups of tea and occasionally a few of the stronger stuff. John and Dave O'Hea for not frightening off the underage girls and ensuring they have rugby skills and principles to maintain the well-being of Highfield ladies for my wheelchair era. To Mossie and John O'Hea (again) for smoothing out any difficulties we ever encounter. Sarah Jane for the best kind of management, the kind you dont notice until its not there. To Donal and John for the endless time and energy they give us, at no little cost to themselves. To a wonderful squad who might not have all got the opportunities they deserve in the absence of a development league. We, the players, have been priviledged to represent you all.

Its the end of the season but we're not finished yet... Kinsale 7s this weekend, unfortunately you know the story about what goes on tour....

National Cup Final: Blackrock 20 Highfield 12
They say you learn more from the games you lose than the games you win. Having lost to Highfield 6 days previously, Blackrock certainly took those lessons on board to fashion a victory in the national cup final in Malahide on saturday.
We could point to many things, the travel, the loss of Chris Fanning, the lack of facilities beforehand, but the simple fact was that Blackrock hit the ground running from the whistle and we, for some reason, were probably at our flattest all season. A few unfortunate errors from the kickoff led to an early scrum from which Blackrock scored from a simple pick from their No 8 and captain, Orla Brennan. The Blackrock scrum which had been easily contained by the Highfield pack a week previous was considerably bolstered by the return of giant 2nd row Germaine Healy, which allowed a lot of freedom for their back row, both in attack and defence. Within 15mins, Highfield had got trapped again in the 22 and another effective blindside break from Brennan, this time passed back inside to the scrumhalf, resulted in a second Blackrock try.
Not many teams would have recovered from such a start but we did to some extent, working the ball, mainly through Noddy's relieving kicks to the Blackrock 22 time and again, though without the successful continuity play of the week before. Blackrock also decided that the boot was the most effective option, with Grace Davitt kicking them out of danger time and again. Late in the first half a break from Norita resulted in a penalty deep in the Blackrock 22, and a catch and drive from the lineout saw Helen Jones break off to touch down for her second try against her old club in a week.
The second half started at the same tempo, Blackrock making a number of breaks, one of which was brilliantly snuffed out on the line by Emma Stanley's last ditch tackle, before Shannon Heuston sold a simple dummy to go in under the posts. The conversion and a further penalty from Davitt made the climb back for Highfield very difficult. However again we responded, a further try similar to the first saw Emma touch down from the back of another driving maul. Noddy's conversion from the 5m gave some room for hope but the 8 point gap meant two scores were required, too much of a hurdle to overcome in the end.

Alison Donnelly paid tribute to the Highfield supporters who had travelled to the game and surpassed themselves once again, not only practically kicking every ball and making every tackle alongside us on the field, but also staying around until late into the night, making for one of the best homecoming nights any team could ever wish for. President Kevin Fitzgerald led the charge (and the sing-song) along with Supporter of the Year Mary O'Hea, but Damian Ryan's diligence with the waterbottles, Dave and Martin Mac's berating of the officials and the Ladies (Noreen, Ailish, etc, you know who you are!) along with all of the others, meant we never felt alone on the pitch, in bad times as well as in good. Particular thanks to Lisa O'Hea (truly her mother's daughter) and Billy Duggan for organising the bus and to every last one of you for making the journey. Even Eoin Langford's constructive comments to Helen Jones and myself on our relative performances added to the 'colour' of the occasion!

So the end of our unbeaten run, but not the end of the road... after the hangovers were shaken off on sunday, thoughts turned to UL Bohemians in the Division 1 league final next Sunday. Portlaoise RFC is the venue this time, KO 3pm.
A short-lived but wonderful life...Noddy's aquisition of a snail in her dinner marked the start of a beautiful friendship. Christened Jerry, the snail became a symbol of the day that had been, but a tug-of-love between two admirers meant that Jerry's fragile shell and contents were crushed all over his beloved owner's tracksuit. Damian and Helen Jones, you have blood (if snails have blood) on your hands. We mourn the loss of Jerry but hope that Noddy replaces him in her life quite soon.

15th April AIL Div 1 League Semifinal: Highfield 10 Blackrock 0

If Carlsberg did semifinals...they'd be much like this one. Sunny day, fantastic crowd, two keen rivals, a good referee.. and a Highfield victory of course!
Highfield and Blackrock have had enough meetings in recent years to have built up a level of mutual respect. Two years ago an unfancied Highfield side ran the league runners-up close in their league meeting, on a 12-15 scoreline; Blackrock securing the win with an injury-time try. That day, Helen Jones played in Blackrock colours but since then shes been taking on those former teammates wearing red, green & black in six encounters. Only once (last years Div 1 cup final) had Highfield been successful before Sunday, when Helen's try helped to finally turn the tables, and see Highfield reach the Division 1 league final for the first time since 2001.
The game started like a whirlwind and Highfield threw themselves into it willingly, the pack securing clean posession and Martha Halbert confidently releasing posession quickly to the backline and runners. This resulted in the opening 30minutes being Highfield's best period, with teamwork being the key element to both tries.
The full match report on the results page covers most of the action but no description can do justice to Fiona's try-saving tackle on Orla Brennan when the Irish No. 8 looked to be on her way under the posts. Almost as impressive was the scramble defence which followed that tackle, finally resulting in a 5m scrum to Blackrock which was turned over and the danger cleared.

The crowd were enjoying the sunshine and the rugby and were in full voice, particularly in appreciation of Noddy's touch-finding kicks and Aoife and Breda's lineout dominance. Unfortunately we failed to turn posession and territory into further scores but Blackrock have to be credited in that respect also as they justified their own high ranking with almost impenetrable defence and brave tackling along the line.
Most of the celebrations were limited to lucozade (it was hot out there!) as the two teams meet again within 6 days, in the National Cup Final in Malahide on Saturday 21st. Blackrock will enjoy almost home advantage as well as welcoming back some key players, but we are confident that the same energy and focus as last sunday can lift us through another hurdle and on to the League final meeting with Bohs on Sunday 29th.
Big Up (again) to... the squad members on the line, Jeanette, Mari, Elaine, Eilish, Louise, Niamh, Sarah Jane, who must have used more energy than we did, running onto the pitch with water, bandages, encouragement and general TLC. Mossie as always on the line. Jeanette for her chili -mmm! Donal & John for all of the usual. In particular to Ali for her utter belief in us when we didnt even have it in ourselves. Nobody more deserves to lift silverware over the next two weeks and it is up to us to get her there.
And Boo to...whoever decided the pitch could benefit from a load of gravel dumped on it in advance of Sunday's game. The comparison of knee and elbow scrapes made for colourful viewing on Monday night. We very much appreciated referee Barry Brunt who inspected it twice in advance of the game and also Mossie and John O'Hea's efforts to improve it, helping us out as always guys, thanks.
Competition update...Mary O'Hea is now in pole position for the Supporter award but needs a strong showing in both Malahide and Portlaoise to secure the title. There are rumours of the prize being significant quantities of a fluorescent green liquid nature...No pressure Mary...

Next games:
National Cup Final: Blackrock Vs Highfield, Malahide RFC, Saturday 21st April, 3pm
Division 1 League Final: Highfield Vs UL Bohemians, Portlaoise RFC, Sunday 29th April, 3pm.

1st April AIL Div 1 League: Shannon 0 Highfield 46
Highfield travelled to Shannon for this fixture still needing a win to secure that all-important home semi-final. Mindful of how difficult it had been to break down the same opposition and with all players still trying to win places for the games ahead, the game started at a high tempo. The forwards assumed early line-out and scrum dominance and from an early 5m scrum and midfield crash, Emma Stanley was on hand to score her first try in Highfield colours.
It was difficult for Shannon, a rebuilding side, to match the Highfield outside players and Heather McLaughlin continued her assault on the try scoring record by touching down twice in the first half. Alison Donnelly and Helen Brosnan also scored to leave a 29point gap between the sides at the break.
Louise Duggan came into the game for Heather at the interval and was herself unlucky not to make the line after a number of good breaks on the right. However the wind and other factors conspired to make the scoring more difficult in the second half and it took some time before Alison Donnelly took advantage of Heather's absence to add to her own try scoring tally. Helen Brosnan made a break from midfield to add her second before Denise Cremin rounded off the game with one of her memorable tries, supporting the midfield all the way to take a pop pass almost on the line.
There was much more to this performance than scoring tries however, and Aoife Mahony's support work was singled out by Donal as was the leadership from Marie Barrett and Breda Kenny, amongst others. Since joining Highfield a few months ago Emma Stanley has played in 4 different positions and excelled in all of them, doing so again at no 8 in Helen Jones' absence. Helen Brosnan completed her first full game since November and looked as if she had never been away, while Fiona looked equally familiar with the wing after occupying the fullback berth in Helen's absence.

Supporter of the Year...its time for nominations for this most illustrious of titles once again. At the moment, the front runners are Mary O'Hea, Helen Jones' dad and Bailey (SJ & Damian's dog). The Jones's stole a march by travelling to Galway and to the various Limerick & Nenagh games but Mary's appearance in Limerick last week means the battle is on. Bailey has overcome her fear of Highfield ladies after Denise's assault on her foot and lasted the artic conditions to bravely keep Damian company in Annacotty recently. Lisa O'Hea & Niamh O'Sullivan would be well in contention but are disqualified since they should actually be playing!!
Speedy recovery to...Ann Marie Maher, our latest serious injury victim, who dislocated and broke her ankle at training recently. Best of luck for your recovery Ann Marie, we are all thinking of you. We're probably unpopular with the Janssen management also having incapacitated both Ann Marie and Karen Casey in recent weeks. We promise we'll take good care of Denise...and John of course...

And finally..Worst Excuse for Missing a Match - Ever...Just pipping Noreen's auditing classes was Laura McGonigle, unable to travel to Shannon because she was attending the Fine Gael Ard Fheis! Our loss was Deirdre Clune's gain Laura!

Next game - the Big One!! League Semi-final, vs Blackrock, Woodleigh Park 15th April, KO 1.30pm
25th March AIL Division 1 league: Galwegians 0 Highfield 27.
It seems strange to think that our last league action was the win over UL Bohs in early November. Since then there has been a long lay-off due to walkovers, byes and the international season. But we have made no secret of the fact that the league is our priority this season, a fact that Donal O'Driscoll was keen to get across in the pre-match talk on Sunday. The recent run of competitive matches proved its worth as Highfield forced the pace from the outset. Aided by the excellent weather and pitch conditions, a dominant scrum and lineout, and a referee with a very low tolerance for dark deeds at the breakdown, this was a day to play rugby, and we finally did. Hardly 10 minutes had passed before a lineout in the Galwegians 22 forced them to disrupt the maul and, mindful of the penalty advantage secured, Norita Duggan crashed through for the opening score. Clean posession from the pack allowed Alison Donnelly, playing in the unfamiliar position of scrumhalf, to keep the ball moving quickly, and this gave the Galwegians defence little time to get organised. From such quick posession, Highfield were unlucky not to go further ahead when Mari Gleeson was held up over the line. However, when Fiona O'Sullivan received the ball out wide she made sure of the second try with an excellent run, cutting inside a number of defenders to score. Watch and learn from your Big Sis, Niamh!
Galwegians were always going to come back into the game, and this they did for the first 20 minutes of the second half, their backrow as usual taking on ball and Nuala Ni Caidhn doing what she could under pressure at 10. But Highfield weathered the storm; a further penalty pushed the margin out to 15 points, and in the final 10 minutes, the lineout which had been excellent throughout, provided the platform for the final two scores. The first was from a catch and drive on the 5m line, Chris Fanning touching down at the back of the controlled maul. The second, from a quick tap-down, eventually worked out to substitute centre Helen Brosnan, back after a long injury lay-off, who showed no rustiness in jinking through to secure the final try and ensure the bonus point victory.
This result ensured Highfield's semi-final placing, however results elsewhere means that we still need a victory in our remaining game vs Shannon in Coonagh next sunday to guarantee a home semi-final on April 15th. With one of the best home support that any women's team enjoys, this is a priority for us and hence all minds will be focussed on maintaining that unbeaten league run through to the league end next sunday.
Dont forget...Tony Og benefit night on friday 30th March. Little matter of a HEC quarter final on that night too. Aoife Mahony has been busy organising big screen facilities and various other entertainments(!) so please come along!
Things we learnt this week...It actually is posible to drown in an egg-cup of water - or a shot of Apple Sours. Noddy almost demonstrated this comfortably on the bus from Galwegians...
And for the bus driver... - try to brake EARLY at Red lights! Claudia took a battering in the bus toilet during one particularly sudden stop!!
Next game: Div 1 league Vs Shannon, Coonagh. Time TBC.
18th March: National Cup Semi final: UL Bohs 8 - Highfield 13 (AET)

More info on Highfield Womens rugby on http://highfieldwrugby.bebo.com