Galway is preparing to contest the All-Ireland Tag Rugby Championship in Cork on Suturday, boosted by a surprise victory over reigning world cup champions Australia recently.
Galway Tag Rugby hosted the touring champions Australia in a series of matches in St Mary’s school grounds ahead of the Tri-Nations Cup in Dublin, and the seniors caused the biggest upset on the night when they won the game 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.
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 v Australia: Mark Dooley (capt ), Carmel Egan (v-capt ), 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.
