Energia AIL Division 1B
Saturday 26th September 2026
HIGHFIELD 12 NENAGH ORMOND 22
Woodleigh Park
Referee George Clancy
Report by Mike McMahon
A new-look Nenagh Ormond opened their Division 1B campaign with a well earned
away victory, beating Highfield 22-12 at Woodleigh Park in a very physical and
entertaining encounter.
With plenty of change in the Nenagh camp over the summer, there were no fewer
than seven players making their first AIL appearance in the red and white. A trip to
Cork on the opening day is never an easy assignment and although Nenagh went
ahead early through a penalty from kiwi out-half Jonty Stewart, it was the home side
that made most of the early running.
Playing against the stiff breeze, Highfield had a number of try scoring opportunities in
the first half but failed to capitalise due to a mixture of inaccuracy close to the line
and excellent Nenagh defence. Nevertheless, with the visitors just 3 points up at half
time and playing into the elements for the second period, things were looking
promising for the home support.
With both teams preferring to keep ball in hand, this was an absorbing encounter in
which the two defences held the upper hand until the breakthrough finally came for
Nenagh when flanker Robbie Tynan burrowed his way over for the opening try on 54
minutes.
Having been in the ascendancy for long periods up to that point, this score was a
hammer blow for the home side and it showed as Nenagh began to grow in
confidence. They went further ahead five minutes later when Stewart combined with
outside centre Conor McMahon to send full back Matt Brice clear and under the
sticks for a brilliant score.
With Willie Coffey prominent in midfield, Nenagh began to turn the screw in the final
quarter and were rewarded with a third try through scrum-half Aaron Maloney, who
was quickest to react to a spilled ball behind the Highfield line.
With two of the three tries converted, the score now stood at 22-0 to Nenagh and the
outcome of the game was effectively settled. Highfield captain and full-back Jamie
Shanahan did get one back for his team with a trademark solo effort but it was all too
little, too late and even though winger Nicky Greene pounced for a second with the
last play of the game, it was consolation only for the home side.
It is very early doors in the new season but both teams showed enough in this game
to suggest that they will be forces to be reckoned with in this division. Nenagh will
next face early leaders Naas, who had a comfortable opening win over UCC whilst
Highfield have the unenviable task of a long trek north to try to get their season back
on track away to Instonians.
NENAGH ORMOND: Matt Brice; Luke Graham, Conor McMahon, Willie Coffey,
Fionn Higgins; Jonty Stewart, Aaron Moloney; Richie Whelan, Taylor Coles, Matt
Burke, Kevin Seymour, Kevin O'Flaherty, John Brislane, Robbie Tynan, John O'Flaherty (capt).
Replacements: Ignacio Failla, Jack O'Keeffe, Ivan Struzia, Oli Ayling, Sam Cusack,
Liam Walsh.
HIGHFIELD: Jamie Shanahan (capt); Nicky Greene, Dave McCarthy, Harry Galvin
Carty, Michael Kennedy; Shane O'Riordan, James Brugger; James Cronin, Travis
Coomey, Fionbarra McSherry, Cathal Bruhn, Conor Kennelly, Aidan Keane, Conor
Galvin, Rian MacFarlane O'Shea.
Replacements: Zach Piper, Corey O'Hanlon, Mark Fitzgerald, Adam Murphy, Chris
Banon, Liam McCarthy.
Man of the match: Willie Coffey (Nenagh)
Saturday 26th September 2026
HIGHFIELD 12 NENAGH ORMOND 22
Woodleigh Park
Referee George Clancy
Report by Mike McMahon
A new-look Nenagh Ormond opened their Division 1B campaign with a well earned
away victory, beating Highfield 22-12 at Woodleigh Park in a very physical and
entertaining encounter.
With plenty of change in the Nenagh camp over the summer, there were no fewer
than seven players making their first AIL appearance in the red and white. A trip to
Cork on the opening day is never an easy assignment and although Nenagh went
ahead early through a penalty from kiwi out-half Jonty Stewart, it was the home side
that made most of the early running.
Playing against the stiff breeze, Highfield had a number of try scoring opportunities in
the first half but failed to capitalise due to a mixture of inaccuracy close to the line
and excellent Nenagh defence. Nevertheless, with the visitors just 3 points up at half
time and playing into the elements for the second period, things were looking
promising for the home support.
With both teams preferring to keep ball in hand, this was an absorbing encounter in
which the two defences held the upper hand until the breakthrough finally came for
Nenagh when flanker Robbie Tynan burrowed his way over for the opening try on 54
minutes.
Having been in the ascendancy for long periods up to that point, this score was a
hammer blow for the home side and it showed as Nenagh began to grow in
confidence. They went further ahead five minutes later when Stewart combined with
outside centre Conor McMahon to send full back Matt Brice clear and under the
sticks for a brilliant score.
With Willie Coffey prominent in midfield, Nenagh began to turn the screw in the final
quarter and were rewarded with a third try through scrum-half Aaron Maloney, who
was quickest to react to a spilled ball behind the Highfield line.
With two of the three tries converted, the score now stood at 22-0 to Nenagh and the
outcome of the game was effectively settled. Highfield captain and full-back Jamie
Shanahan did get one back for his team with a trademark solo effort but it was all too
little, too late and even though winger Nicky Greene pounced for a second with the
last play of the game, it was consolation only for the home side.
It is very early doors in the new season but both teams showed enough in this game
to suggest that they will be forces to be reckoned with in this division. Nenagh will
next face early leaders Naas, who had a comfortable opening win over UCC whilst
Highfield have the unenviable task of a long trek north to try to get their season back
on track away to Instonians.
NENAGH ORMOND: Matt Brice; Luke Graham, Conor McMahon, Willie Coffey,
Fionn Higgins; Jonty Stewart, Aaron Moloney; Richie Whelan, Taylor Coles, Matt
Burke, Kevin Seymour, Kevin O'Flaherty, John Brislane, Robbie Tynan, John O'Flaherty (capt).
Replacements: Ignacio Failla, Jack O'Keeffe, Ivan Struzia, Oli Ayling, Sam Cusack,
Liam Walsh.
HIGHFIELD: Jamie Shanahan (capt); Nicky Greene, Dave McCarthy, Harry Galvin
Carty, Michael Kennedy; Shane O'Riordan, James Brugger; James Cronin, Travis
Coomey, Fionbarra McSherry, Cathal Bruhn, Conor Kennelly, Aidan Keane, Conor
Galvin, Rian MacFarlane O'Shea.
Replacements: Zach Piper, Corey O'Hanlon, Mark Fitzgerald, Adam Murphy, Chris
Banon, Liam McCarthy.
Man of the match: Willie Coffey (Nenagh)
