On Monday evening Galway Tag Rugby hosted World Cup champions Australia in a series of matches in St Mary’s school grounds.
Australia are currently touring Ireland and Great Britain, and play Ireland and GB for the Tri-Nations Cup in Dublin this weekend.
One of the fastest growing summer sports in Ireland, tag rugby’s increasing popularity is reflected in the annual competition in Corinthians RFC, the largest in Ireland, and Ireland’s entry in recent years in international competitions, including the World Cup, and Galway’s participation in All-Ireland regional matches against the other provinces.
Galway played Australia at a number of grades on Monday evening: men's and women’s, mixed open, and mixed senior, with the seniors recording a shock win over the reigning world champions.
A strong Galway side, comprising prominent local Galway athletes, hockey, soccer, and rugby players, dominated their Antipodean opponents, winning the game on a scoreline of 10-7.
The pick of the tries came from Conor Allen, Emma Horan, Martin Neary, Carmel Egan, and John Cleary.
Best for Galway were Galwegians' great Cleary, Greenfields' hockey players Alma Whelan and Elaine Hall, and Galway soccer legend, Susie Cunningham.
Oughterard's Eoin Kelly had a peerless game in defence, with NUIG’s Tony Hall awarded player of the match, especially for his positional kicking.
Galway will now contest the All-Ireland Championship with confidence in Cork on July 29.
Galway v Australia: Mark Dooley (capt ), Carmel Egan (vice-captain ), Elaine Hall, Susie Cunningham, Tony Hall, Emma Horan, Alma Whelan, John Cleary, Dave White, Conor Scannell, Martin Neary, Clare Cullen, Aoife Carney, Conor Allen, Derek Burke, Eoin Kelly.
