Thurles Women’s RFC were away to Tralee in the Munster Division 1 decider on Sunday. Unfortunately a fairytale ending to a phenomenal season was not to be for Thurles as they lost 25 -5 to home side Tralee in appalling weather conditions. Tralee scored their first unconverted try after ten minutes of the first half during a period of attacking dominance by the home side. Thurles were characteristically strong in defence as they have been all year and Niamh Coman and Miriam Harrison were leading a strong defensive game with superb tackles.
From the re-start Thurles were on the attack with great carries from Ciara Dwyer and Jean Ryan. Frequent scrums were a feature of the game and a consequence of the bad weather. Both teams were strong in the scrum and the forwards were unfailing in their efforts. There was little to separate the teams at this stage with both teams attacking and defending well. An unfortunate penalty against Thurles resulted in a penalty try and although the conversion was missed there was now a ten point gap between the teams at half time.
When on attack in the second half Thurles looked particularly threatening and on countless occasions Thurles could have scored, they came painstakingly close numerous times. Jean Ryan, Ciara Dwyer and Rosie Palmer all with real chances of narrowing the gap. Megan Callanan was unlucky to have a try disallowed and possibly the lift from such a try would have boosted morale in challenging weather conditions. It was however Tralee that secured the next score and although once again unconverted they had a comfortable 15 -0 cushion.
But, as was the case all season, Thurles never once let their heads drop and Maria Woodlock and Joanne Harrison were making some immense tackles. Thurles’ attacking game was equally as strong. Both the forwards pick and go moves and the back moves were helping the visitors make ground which was eventually rewarded with a try for Gemma Dunican right in the corner. The angle for conversion was too tight and the score now stood 15 -5. Although Thurles looked imposing throughout the game they failed to get past the strong Tralee defence for the remainder of the game. Tralee scored two further tries to give them a 25 -5 win that didn’t truly reflect the strength of the Thurles side.
It was a heart breaking end to a superb season for Thurles. They finish the season a narrow second in the League, as Munster Plate Champions and as All-Ireland Plate Finalists. Their success is in no way a small feat and is due to a strong and large squad who are dedicated to the sport and one another, to their coaches who worked tirelessly all year and to the supporters who travelled no matter the distance and in atrocious weather conditions. This side will build on this success next year and no doubt great things are in store
