Ballina RFC Senior Men kicked off their 2026/27 season at Heffernan Park as they welcomed our friends from Bangor RFC for the annual O’Donnell Armstrong Cup.

After Ballina travelled to Uprichard Park last year, it was our turn to host our friends from Bangor at Heffernan Park for the latest meeting between the two clubs.
On the field, there was little to separate the sides in what proved to be an entertaining, physical and end-to-end encounter. Both teams were keen to play with ball in hand, with a number of well-worked tries, strong carries and some hard tackles setting the tone for a competitive afternoon of rugby.

The game ebbed and flowed throughout, with neither side able to pull comfortably clear. Ballina showed plenty of attacking intent and were rewarded with tries of their own, while Bangor continued to pose a threat whenever they got possession. With just five points separating the teams at the finish, the 29-24 score line reflected how closely fought the contest was.

The physicality, end-to-end rugby and competitive nature of the game provided a valuable test and a good platform to build from as the Ballina Senior Men prepare for the competitive season ahead.
However, as has become tradition with this fixture, the afternoon was about much more than the final score.

The O’Donnell Armstrong Cup celebrates the friendship between our late friend and great Ballina RFC man, Gerry O’Donnell, and his great friend Ashley Armstrong of Bangor RFC. It is a fixture which has quickly established itself as a special date in the calendar of both clubs and represents everything that is good about the rugby community.
Bangor eventually claimed the honours by five points, 29-24, and take the O’Donnell Armstrong Cup back north this year, but the real winner was once again the friendship between the two clubs.

Following the final whistle, the competition was left on the pitch as players, coaches, officials and supporters came together. Ballina RFC President Richard West, alongside Rodney O’Donnell, presented the O’Donnell Armstrong Cup to the winning Bangor captain in front of our new changing rooms, providing a fitting backdrop and conclusion to another special meeting between the two clubs.

Gerry's philosophy was always to “encourage the youth”, and this annual meeting continues to honour his contribution to Ballina RFC while celebrating the friendships that rugby creates far beyond the touchline.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone from Bangor RFC who made the journey to Ballina and contributed to another memorable occasion.
We look forward to travelling north and doing it all again next year.