Mullingar RFC write another page in their history book

Shortly before 2pm on Sunday the France U20 Development XV side took to the pitch at Mullingar RFC. This was the second in a two game series against the Ireland Under-19s and one that would see stars of the future grace the synthetic surface at Shay Murtagh Park for a historic fixture.

The series started with a win for Ireland in Creggs Rugby Club, however when Les Bleus came to the Midlands they put on a thrilling show that would see them tie things up for the 2026 contests.

In the wake of this electrifying clash Mullingar RFC took to social media to mark the extraordinary occasion: “A special day for our club. A huge thank you to all our incredible volunteers, supporters and players who made today at Mullingar Rugby Club so memorable.

“To see two international teams run out at Shay Murtagh Park was something truly special. The atmosphere, the energy, and the support were outstanding. A proud day for our club to host such an occasion.”

The Facebook post concluded by saying: “It may not have been Ireland’s day, but it was a fantastic performance from both teams and a brilliant experience for everyone involved.

Midlands rugby fans got to see the stars of the future as Mullingar hosted Ireland's U19s annual Easter series against France. Two young Buccaneers players (Rourke O’Sullivan and Leo Anic) featured in the Ireland U19, with second row Anic on the starting XV.

Mullingar RFC Club President Ciarán Murtagh told the Examiner about the clubs involvement: “The IRFU are looking at ways of developing opportunities to allow people access to International games outside the capital,” he said, “to mix up the venues hosting international rugby games and spread the interest. We were obviously delighted to be asked to host this game.”

Ciarán hopes that by hosting this fixture the club may add to the list of luminaries like Seán O'Brien, Conor O’Brien, Conor Gilsenan, Mark Flanagan, Jack Boyan, and of course Jo Schmidt, in the future: “By seeing International players playing in their home club we hope it will inspire some of our young players to aim for those heights.”

The Ireland Under-19s team to play France U20 Development XV at Mullingar RFC last Sunday (April 12) was:

15. Fionn Rowsome (Garryowen FC/Munster Rugby)

14. Geoff O’Sullivan (Terenure College/Leinster Rugby)

13. Tom Bell (Regent House School/Ards RFC/Ulster Rugby)

12. Bernard White (Blackrock College/Leinster Rugby)

11. Daniel O’Connell (Garryowen FC/Munster Rugby)

10. Owen O’Kane (City of Armagh RFC/Ulster Rugby)

9. Connor McVicker (Belfast Royal Academy/Ulster Rugby)

1. Jamie Bohan (Newbridge College/Leinster Rugby)

2. Joe Christle (St. Mary’s College/Leinster Rugby)

3. Harry Goslin (Belvedere College/Leinster Rugby) (capt)

4. Jonathan Ginnety (Castleknock College/Leinster Rugby)

5. Leo Anic (Buccaneers RFC/Connacht Rugby)

6. Cian Butler (Portlaoise RFC/St. Mary’s CBS Portlaoise/Leinster Rugby)

7. Josh Mooney (Terenure College/Leinster Rugby)

8. Adam Boyd (Royal Belfast Academical Institution/Ulster Rugby)

Replacements:

16. Harry O’Neill (Blackrock College/Leinster Rugby)

17. James Gould (Wallace High School/Ulster Rugby)

18. Ollie Fitzsimmons (Wallace High School/Ulster Rugby)

19. Jamie Walsh (Cistercian College Roscrea/Munster Rugby)

20. Jon Rodgers (Ballynahinch RFC/Ulster Rugby)

21. Frankie Óg Sheahan (PBC Cork/Munster Rugby)

22. Rourke O’Sullivan (Buccaneers RFC/Connacht Rugby)

23. Ronan Kelly (St. Gerard’s School/Leinster Rugby)

24. Paddy Woods (Queen’s University Belfast RFC/Ulster Rugby)

25. James Curry (East Glendalough School, Wicklow/MU Barnhall RFC/Leinster Rugby)

26. Alex Lautsou (Shannon RFC/Munster Rugby)