CAWLEY CUP SEMI FINAL
Tuam RFC 19 Ballina RFC 41

Garraun Park 20 September 2026

Ballina RFC are heading back to the Cawley Cup Final after an impressive 41-19 victory over a formidable Tuam side at Garraun Park.

Tuam made the stronger start and raced into a 12-0 lead, but Ballina soon kicked into gear. Once the men who had travelled the N17 found their rhythm, there was no stopping them.

Outside centre Daniel Feeney opened Ballina’s account with a try, converted by Daragh Whyte, reducing the deficit to 12-7.

Robb Fridd then crossed for Ballina’s second try following another strong spell of pressure. Whyte again added the extras to complete the turnaround and put the visitors ahead 14-12.

Thomas Hannigan added a third try before the break, reward for a powerful first-half effort from the Ballina pack. Whyte maintained his perfect record from the tee, sending Ballina into half-time with a 21-12 lead following an excellent response to Tuam’s early pressure.

The second half remained a physical, toe-to-toe battle, with Tuam continuing to test Ballina at every opportunity. Ballina scored at the key moments and steadily took control of the contest.

Whyte extended the lead with a penalty to make it 24-12 before finishing a fantastic set-play team try. His conversion moved Ballina 31-12 ahead and put the visitors firmly in control.
Another successful Whyte penalty increased the advantage to 34-12 before Sean O’Connell powerhoused his way over the line for Ballina’s fifth try. Whyte’s fifth conversion of the afternoon brought the score to 41-12.

Tuam continued to battle and responded with a late converted try, but Ballina’s defence stood firm to secure an excellent 41-19 away victory and a place in the final for the second successive season.

Ballina’s try scorers were Daniel Feeney, Robb Fridd, Thomas Hannigan, Daragh Whyte and Sean O’Connell, with Whyte also contributing five conversions and two penalties from the tee.

Whyte’s pinpoint sharpshooting proved crucial, while captain Billy McVann led from the front with relentless energy throughout. Alongside McVann, O’Connell and Matthew Bourke provided a strong platform in the front row, with Conor Boyce and try-scorer Hannigan adding power and work rate from the second row.

Jason Duggan, Cian Fitzpatrick and Dylan Rice worked tirelessly across the back row, while half-backs Liam Masterson and Cian Anderson helped Ballina settle into the contest following Tuam’s fast start. Mick Collins, Paul Brennan, Fridd, Feeney and Whyte all played their significant part as Ballina’s backline grew increasingly dangerous. Ballina’s replacements brought on the finishing power and energy to seal a superb all-round squad win, a team packed with players developed from grassroots to green-shirts.

It was a victory built on the determination and tenacity of the entire Ballina team, who refused to be rattled by Tuam’s early lead.

Speaking after the game, Head Coach Mickey Murphy praised the character shown by his side: ‘Tuam are always a formidable side, particularly on their own ground, and they put us under real pressure early on. The response from the players was excellent. We stayed composed, worked our way back into the game and scored at important times. We’re delighted to be back in the final, but there is still one more big performance needed.’

Club President Richard West congratulated the players and thanked the travelling support:
‘It was a tremendous performance against a very strong Tuam team. The players showed great character after going behind, and the support from the Ballina crowd who travelled was fantastic. We now look forward to another Cawley Cup Final next weekend.’

A special mention also goes to Club Chairman Alan Rowe, who kept supporters at home up to date throughout the afternoon, with live scores and match action flowing across the club’s media channels.

The celebrations continued in the dressing room, where the rendition of ‘The Boys from the County Mayo’ rang out loud after the final whistle.

Having lifted the trophy last year, Ballina now return to the Cawley Cup Final next weekend to defend their title.

Final details will be confirmed shortly. We are calling on all Ballina supporters to come along, get behind the team and cheer on the boys in green.

Well done Ballina

Ballina RFC Matchday Squad
1 Sean O’Connell, 2 Billy McVann (Captain), 3 Matthew Bourke, 4 Conor Boyce, 5 Thomas Hannigan, 6 Jason Duggan, 7 Dylan Rice, 8 Cian Fitzpatrick, 9 Liam Masterson, 10 Cian Anderson, 11 Mick Collins, 12 Robb Fridd, 13 Daniel Feeney, 14 Daragh Whyte, 15 Paul Brennan. Replacements: 16 Danny Donnegan, 17 James O’Boyle, 18 Brian Heffernan, 19 Alan Duffy, 20 Eddie Dodd.