Gorey RFC U13 sealed the 2025/26 season with an epic win over Mullingar RFC to secure the McGowan Provincial Cup for the 1st time in its 56 year history. The squad was fresh off a thrilling win over local rivals Tullow RFC to bring home the South East League for the 1st time in 10 years.
On Saturday 18 April Gorey made the trip up to Portlaoise to face Mullingar in the Under 13 McGowan cup final.
In near perfect conditions it was Mullingar who got the perfect start scoring under the posts, the conversion was added to leave the score 0-7.
Gorey responded well with some big carries from William, Fiachra and Joe , but Mullingar were on top in the ruck which prevented Gorey from building any real momentum. Gorey continued to press and an excellent break from Charlie released Harry who was just held up on the try line.
Gorey eventually got the try that they deserved, a fantastic move involving the whole back line seen the ball flashed out wide to Fintan who made good inroads into the Mullingar 22, Emmet then found Charlie who fed Fiachra who powered his way towards the line only to be stopped just short. James was quickly on the scene to drive over the line 5-7 at halftime.
Mullingar started the second half just like the first and managed to touch down in the corner 5-12. Gorey made a few changes and it nearly paid off instantly when Mark made an unbelievable break only to be denied with a last ditch tackle when it looked like he was going to get over. Gorey had their tails up now and another big carry from Mark led to Joey nearly getting over but Gorey were not to be denied and Josh picked from the back off the ruck to dive over Fiachra added the extras 12-12.
Nearly straight away all Gorey’s hard work was undone when a couple of missed tackles allowed Mullingar over again the conversion was added to leave Gorey with a mountain to climb 12-19. All season this team has shown real determination and were never going to give in, a quickly taken penalty by Josh set Mark away again, Mullingar managed to scramble across to stop him but James once again worked hard to support the ball carrier and got his reward when he picked from the back off the ruck to drive over for his second try, Fiachra added the conversion to level it again 19-19.
Gorey kept coming and it wasn’t long before they managed to get over again James proving to strong again for the Mullingar cover to score his third try of the game, Fiachra again added the extras 26-19.
Mullingar tried to hit back but Gorey saw it out led by their captain William who was superb both in attack and defence but he wasn’t alone Charlie was fantastic at 12 marshalling his back line though out. Big shout out to Mark who put in a massive shift in after coming on, but in truth it was a real team effort with everyone contributing on the day.
It was a fantastic way for Josh, Joe and Charlie to sign off with Gorey as they head to Kilkenny College for next season, we will hopefully see them back in Gorey colours in the future.
A fantastic achievement for the whole squad who managed to bring the home the McGowan cup to Gorey for the first time in the competition's 56 year history adding it to the South East League Trophy which they won for the first time in a decade a couple of weeks ago.
Thanks to the referee and linesmen on the day, to Mullingar for a fantastic battle and to all the parents, families and our sponsors for all their support.
