Connemara RFC 41–21 Ballina RFC
Cawley Cup Final | Crowley Park, Galway | Sunday 27 September 2026

Ballina RFC’s defence of the Cawley Cup came to an end at Crowley Park on Sunday, with Connemara claiming a 41–21 victory in an entertaining final.

Ballina had earned their place in Galway following two impressive away performances, beating Westport 22–12 in the quarter-final before a five-try, 41–19 semi-final victory over Tuam.

Ballina started the final strongly, putting Connemara under pressure deep inside their own 22. The early pressure paid off when Robb Fridd crossed for the opening try, with Daragh Whyte adding the conversion to give Ballina a 7–0 lead.

Connemara responded and, by the 24th minute, two converted tries had moved them 14–7 ahead. That remained the score at half-time.

The Galway side extended their advantage shortly after the restart, with another converted try making it 21–7 in the 46th minute. A penalty stretched the lead to 24–7, but Ballina continued to push for a way back into the game.

Their persistence was rewarded when Cian Anderson crossed for Ballina’s second try. Whyte converted to reduce the deficit to 24–14.

Connemara responded with another try to move 29–14 ahead, but Ballina weren't finished. Robb Fridd crossed for his second try of the afternoon, with Ronan Connolly adding the conversion to bring Ballina to 21 points.
Connemara finished strongly, adding two further tries in the closing stages to secure a 41–21 victory and the Cawley Cup.

Congratulations to Connemara RFC on their victory and to captain Ethan Griffiths and his teammates on lifting the trophy.

For Ballina, the result brings to an end a cup campaign that included two strong away victories and another appearance in the Cawley Cup Final.

A big thank you also goes to the Ballina supporters who made the trip to Galway to get behind the team.

There have been plenty of positives in the opening weeks of the season, with some exciting attacking rugby and plenty to build on as attention now turns to the league.

Next up: Ballina begin their J1A League campaign at home to Corinthians 2XV at Heffernan Park on Sunday, 11 October. Kick-off 7.30pm.

Ballina RFC Matchday Squad
Starting XV:
1. Sean O’Connell
2. Billy McVann (Captain)
3. Mathew Bourke
4. Conor Boyce
5. James O’Boyle
6. Jason Duggan
7. Dylan Rice
8. Cian Fitzpatrick
9. Liam Masterson
10. Cian Anderson
11. Eddie Dodd
12. Robb Fridd
13. Daniel Feeney
14. Mick Collins
15. Daragh Whyte
Replacements:
16. Danny Donnegan
17. Gary Kavanagh
18. Jack Murphy
19. Alan Duffy
20. Ronan Connolly