Gorey U18's produced a massive performance in Tullow today to lift the South East Shield, ending New Ross’ recent hold on the trophy after a gripping final that had everything – big collisions, crucial turnovers, and some outstanding backline rugby.
It was New Ross who landed the first blow, powering over in the corner inside five minutes to make it 5–0 and set the tone up front. Their pack was huge and they spent long spells hammering away, but Gorey’s forwards dug in superbly, giving very little away and making every inch a battle. With turnovers at a premium, Gorey grew into the contest and looked far more dangerous whenever they shifted the ball wide.
That pressure told when slick handling released George Murphy, who finished brilliantly to put Gorey in front, with Rory Cooper adding the conversion for 7–5. Gorey struck again soon after, this time with Damien Brennan finishing under the posts after more excellent back play, and Cooper again converted to push the lead out to 14–5.
With Murphy and Cooper putting on a kicking masterclass, Gorey pinned New Ross back and earned a lineout on the New Ross 5. A smart variation saw Euan McQuinllian go short to Diarmuid O’Shaughnessy, who smashed over in the corner to extend the advantage.
Right on half-time came the moment that swung the final firmly Gorey’s way. New Ross looked certain to score out wide, but Daithí Robinson read it perfectly, intercepted the final pass, and tore upfield before putting Cooper away in support to score under the posts. Cooper converted, sending Gorey in at the break with a commanding 26–10 lead.
The second half followed a similar pattern: New Ross kept pounding, but Gorey’s defence was brave and organised. A clearance kick from New Ross landed straight into Cooper’s hands, and he produced a sensational solo effort—breaking through multiple defenders to score and then convert his own try as Gorey stretched clear again.
New Ross refused to go away and hit a strong spell, punching in scores to bring the contest back to life and make Gorey work for every second of it. But with the pressure rising, Cooper delivered the kick of the game from the restart—finding grass and bouncing out right by the corner flag to trap New Ross deep. From the resulting lineout, quick thinking (and quicker reactions) saw Charlie Donovan pounce to touch down and give Gorey vital breathing space with seven minutes remaining.
New Ross added a late score, but Gorey saw it out superbly to secure a brilliant 41–27 win and deservedly bring the Shield back home.
Notable performances: Huge shifts from the pack against a very big New Ross unit, with Diarmuid O’Shaughnessy and Darragh O’Loughlin outstanding in the tight exchanges all day.
A special word of thanks as well to Alan, Ciaran, Black and Conor for their tireless work with this group—this one is thoroughly earned.
Finally, a big thank you to all our sponsors and supporters who back our youth teams week in, week out—it makes a real difference.
There’ll be a few sore bodies (and big smiles) in The Bridge Bar this evening! 🏆🍻
#GoreyRFC #U18Rugby #SouthEastShield #FinalDay #Champions #OneClub #YouthRugby #TeamEffort #PrideOfGorey #SupportOurSponsors
It was New Ross who landed the first blow, powering over in the corner inside five minutes to make it 5–0 and set the tone up front. Their pack was huge and they spent long spells hammering away, but Gorey’s forwards dug in superbly, giving very little away and making every inch a battle. With turnovers at a premium, Gorey grew into the contest and looked far more dangerous whenever they shifted the ball wide.
That pressure told when slick handling released George Murphy, who finished brilliantly to put Gorey in front, with Rory Cooper adding the conversion for 7–5. Gorey struck again soon after, this time with Damien Brennan finishing under the posts after more excellent back play, and Cooper again converted to push the lead out to 14–5.
With Murphy and Cooper putting on a kicking masterclass, Gorey pinned New Ross back and earned a lineout on the New Ross 5. A smart variation saw Euan McQuinllian go short to Diarmuid O’Shaughnessy, who smashed over in the corner to extend the advantage.
Right on half-time came the moment that swung the final firmly Gorey’s way. New Ross looked certain to score out wide, but Daithí Robinson read it perfectly, intercepted the final pass, and tore upfield before putting Cooper away in support to score under the posts. Cooper converted, sending Gorey in at the break with a commanding 26–10 lead.
The second half followed a similar pattern: New Ross kept pounding, but Gorey’s defence was brave and organised. A clearance kick from New Ross landed straight into Cooper’s hands, and he produced a sensational solo effort—breaking through multiple defenders to score and then convert his own try as Gorey stretched clear again.
New Ross refused to go away and hit a strong spell, punching in scores to bring the contest back to life and make Gorey work for every second of it. But with the pressure rising, Cooper delivered the kick of the game from the restart—finding grass and bouncing out right by the corner flag to trap New Ross deep. From the resulting lineout, quick thinking (and quicker reactions) saw Charlie Donovan pounce to touch down and give Gorey vital breathing space with seven minutes remaining.
New Ross added a late score, but Gorey saw it out superbly to secure a brilliant 41–27 win and deservedly bring the Shield back home.
Notable performances: Huge shifts from the pack against a very big New Ross unit, with Diarmuid O’Shaughnessy and Darragh O’Loughlin outstanding in the tight exchanges all day.
A special word of thanks as well to Alan, Ciaran, Black and Conor for their tireless work with this group—this one is thoroughly earned.
Finally, a big thank you to all our sponsors and supporters who back our youth teams week in, week out—it makes a real difference.
There’ll be a few sore bodies (and big smiles) in The Bridge Bar this evening! 🏆🍻
#GoreyRFC #U18Rugby #SouthEastShield #FinalDay #Champions #OneClub #YouthRugby #TeamEffort #PrideOfGorey #SupportOurSponsors
