Ballina RFC opened their J1A League campaign with an impressive victory over Corinthians at Heffernan Park on Sunday, 11 October. A big home crowd enjoyed plenty of tries and a memorable afternoon for the club, with the match followed by the opening of its new inclusive changing rooms.

Corinthians struck first with an early try to lead 0–5, but Ballina responded through Daragh Whyte to draw level at 5–5. Rob Fridd then crossed for the home side’s second, with Whyte adding the conversion to put Ballina ahead 12–5.

Captain Luke Sweeney, a tireless presence around the park, was next over the line, with Whyte converting to extend the lead to 19–5. Billy McVann then added Ballina’s fourth try, again converted by Whyte, to make it 26–5.
Whyte rounded off an excellent first half with his second try of the afternoon, converting it himself to send Ballina into the interval with a commanding 33–5 advantage.

The hosts carried that momentum into the second half. A great kick over the top by Cian Anderson set up Sweeney for his second try, with Whyte adding the conversion to stretch the lead to 40–5.

Corinthians replied with a converted try to bring the score to 40–12, but Ballina responded through Fridd, who completed his brace to make it 45–12. Conor Boyce then crossed for the home side’s eighth and final try, bringing the score to 50–12, before Whyte’s conversion sealed a convincing 52–12 win.

Behind the scoring, Ballina’s set piece provided a strong foundation. The front five of Sean O’Connell, Billy McVann, Mathew Bourke, Cian Fitzpatrick and Conor Boyce anchored the scrum and secured a steady supply of lineout possession.

The back row of Jason Duggan, Dylan Rice and captain Luke Sweeney worked hard at the breakdown, clearing rucks and securing quick ball, while their pace and aggressive support play in the loose kept Ballina’s attack moving.

Scrum-half Liam Matheson kept the tempo high with quick service and sniping runs around the fringes, while Cian Anderson commanded proceedings at out-half, directing the attack and bringing those outside him into play. Centres Calum Quinn and Rob Fridd ran hard lines through midfield, with the back three of Daragh Whyte, Daniel Feeney and Paul Brennan combining well and offering pace and support to keep the Corinthians defence stretched.

Alongside their attacking threat, Ballina’s committed defence at key moments helped maintain control. It was an impressive collective effort, with forwards and backs combining well to give the home crowd plenty to cheer.

Whyte finished with two tries and six conversions for a personal tally of 22 points. Sweeney and Fridd also scored twice, with McVann and Boyce completing Ballina’s eight-try haul. The performance provided an encouraging start to the league campaign and plenty to build on in the weeks ahead.

After the final whistle, attention turned to the official opening of the club’s new inclusive changing rooms. The development marks an important investment in Ballina RFC’s future, providing modern, welcoming facilities for male and female players and supporting the continued growth of rugby across the club.
The opening also provided a fitting opportunity to honour Gerry O’Donnell, whose name is proudly commemorated on the plaque at the new changing rooms.

Commenting on a special day for the club, President Richard West said:

“What a great afternoon for Ballina RFC. To open our league campaign with a strong win in front of a big home crowd, followed by the opening of our new inclusive changing rooms, made this a day to remember. It was particularly fitting to honour Gerry O’Donnell as part of the occasion. Thank you to our members, volunteers, sports capital program, sponsors, and everyone who helped bring these facilities to life. This is something the whole club can be proud of, supporting our players today and the generations to come — Grassroots to Greenshirts.”

Attention now turns to Round 2, when Ballina welcome Creggs RFC to Heffernan Park on Saturday, 17 October, with kick-off at 7:30pm under lights. Another big home crowd will provide a boost as Ballina look to build on an excellent opening win.

Ballina RFC: 1. Sean O’Connell, 2. Billy McVann, 3. Mathew Bourke, 4. Cian Fitzpatrick, 5. Conor Boyce, 6. Jason Duggan, 7. Dylan Rice, 8. Luke Sweeney (captain), 9. Liam Matheson, 10. Cian Anderson, 11. Daragh Whyte, 12. Rob Fridd, 13. Calum Quinn, 14. Daniel Feeney, 15. Paul Brennan. Replacements: 16. Danny Donegan, 17. Gary Kavanagh, 18. Gerard McKenna, 19. Brian Heffernan, 20. Ian West.