AIL Division 2B — Galwegians 35–36 Skerries RFC
Skerries secured a dramatic bonus-point victory on the road in their opening AIL 2B contest. The dramatic finish came when Paul O'Loghlen's successful conversion of Kevin McGrath's superb individual try secured a 35-36 win with the last act of the game.
Galwegians dominated early exchanges, with hooker Eoin Ferry scoring off a lineout maul for a 7-0 lead. Skerries responded after 25 minutes when Ronan Mulcahy finished a sweeping move. Jack Beatty's try extended the hosts' advantage to 14-5, but Alex Cleary's try brought Skerries within two points at halftime (14-12).
The visitors seized momentum after the break. Darragh McEneaney's powerful run set up Sam Deering for a try, giving Skerries their first lead. Rob Holian answered for Galwegians, but Taidgh Keane-Boylan's bonus-point try put Skerries ahead 24-21 by the 50-minute mark. John Waters received a yellow card, and Galwegians capitalised with tries from Ryan Roche and Éanna McCarthy, establishing a commanding 35-24 lead. Peter O'Neill's try narrowed the gap to six points with ten minutes remaining. McGrath's late try sealed the victory.
The report highlighted five AIL debutants: Alex Cleary, Luke Mitchell, Evann Shelley, Rossa Gilbride, and Jack Litchfield. Notably, McGrath returned ahead of schedule following a serious bicep injury from the previous season.