Get ready for a rugby showdown like no other! The 2025 Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 1A concluded its final round with heart-stopping matches that left fans on the edge of their seats. But here's where it gets controversial: Was Old Belvedere’s last-minute try against Terenure College a stroke of genius or a stroke of luck? Let’s dive into the highlights and let you decide.
The ninth round delivered nail-biting action, from Old Belvedere’s 30-24 victory over Terenure College—sealed by Morgan Meredith’s 75th-minute try—to Lansdowne’s surprising 14-0 shutout of St. Mary’s College, thanks to James Tarrant’s early heroics. And this is the part most people miss: Clontarf’s historic Bateman Cup win against Ballynahinch wasn’t just a comeback—it was a 13-point deficit turned into a 21-16 triumph in windy conditions at Castle Avenue. Captain Dylan Donnellan lifted the trophy, marking a first for the club. Watch the full match on irishrugby+ to relive the drama.
Elsewhere, Cork Constitution staged a stunning second-half comeback with four unanswered tries, including a jaw-dropping effort from full-back Matthew Bowen, to defeat UCD 36-19. Young Munster climbed to sixth place with a 57-10 rout of Nenagh Ormond, fueled by tries from Munster stars Kieran Ryan and Fionn Gibbons.
Bold question for you: Did Clontarf’s Bateman Cup victory signal a new era for the club, or was it a one-off miracle? Share your thoughts in the comments!
For all the latest updates, visit our dedicated hub at www.irishrugby.ie/energiaail and join the conversation on social media with #EnergiaAIL. Rugby fans, this is your moment—don’t miss out!
