James Grennan at the Dexcom Stadium
GALWAY — Connacht U18 girls pulled off a sensational 20-14 comeback victory against tournament favourites Munster in a thrilling Interprovincial clash.
Munster dominated the opening half, though Connacht stayed in touch with a well-worked first-half try from Loughrea’s Rhea Sestak. The clinical visitors capitalised on their early pressure to head into the break with a commanding 14-5 lead.
The second half belonged entirely to the hosts. Driven forward by a vocal home crowd, Connacht locked down their defense and completely shut out Munster, who failed to capitalise on their half-time advantage and were held scoreless for the remainder of the match.
The Western province mounted their unstoppable second-half comeback with three critical tries:
- Leah McNamara (Westport) ignited the fightback with the team’s third try of the match.
- Róise Ní Scanláin (Tuam / Oughterard) crossed the line to keep the momentum swinging.
- Cairínn Kearns (Gort / Monivea) delivered the decisive blow, as the powerful number 3 front-row forward crashed over for the match-winning fourth try.
At the final whistle, the squad celebrated the surprise victory with their customary team ritual. Gathering in a tight huddle, the players delivered two sharp claps, two thigh slaps, and stepped inward to roar a final, triumphant: “Connacht!”.