Munster Senior Challenge Cup – Round 1

Midleton RFC 20 – 15 Thomond RFC
Saturday, September 6th – Towns Park, Midleton

Towns Park hosted Thomond RFC in Round 1 of the Munster Senior Challenge Cup, with the added significance of the Stand 4 Féile Fundraiser taking place at the gate. Entry was free, and donations on the day went directly to the Féile O’Sullivan Fund.
First Half

Midleton began with real intensity, dominating the opening exchanges inside Thomond’s 22. After just three minutes, Conall Doyle made no mistake from the tee to give the home side a 3–0 lead.

The home side struck again on 17 minutes. A turnover lineout and sharp handling saw Ted Coleman finish brilliantly in the corner. The conversion drifted wide, but Midleton moved 8–0 ahead.

Thomond found a foothold through a strong maul. Ahern crashed over on 26 minutes, with Costelloe converting. Just before the break, Rice added another from close range to put the visitors ahead 12–8 at half-time.

Second Half
Midleton came roaring back after the restart. Relentless pressure earned a penalty deep in Thomond territory, and JB du Toit tapped quickly to power over on 51 minutes. Doyle added the extras for a 15–12 lead.

Thomond levelled with a penalty, but Midleton’s pack had the final say. On 71 minutes, a rolling maul thundered forward, with du Toit dotting down for his second try of the day. The conversion went wide, but Midleton held on with grit and determination to seal a 20–15 victory in front of a vocal home crowd.

Senior Debut for Rob Casey
A special moment on the day came with Rob Casey making his senior debut. Having come through the club’s underage system, Rob stepped up from the bench in the first half and played a key role in a fiercely contested cup tie. His debut is a proud moment for him, his family, and everyone in Midleton RFC who has watched his development through the years. It also highlights the strength of the pathway from youth rugby to senior rugby at the club.

Full Time: Midleton RFC 20 – 15 Thomond RFC
Scorers
Midleton: Conall Doyle (Pen 3’), Ted Coleman (Try 17’), JB du Toit (Tries 51’ & 71’), Doyle (Con 51’)
Thomond: Ahern (Try 26’), Costelloe (Con 26’, Pen 57’), Rice (Try 40’)

Midleton RFC Matchday Squad

Stand 4 Féile Fundraiser

The club was proud to host this fixture as part of the Stand 4 Féile campaign. With no entry fee charged, all donations at the gate were made directly to the Féile O’Sullivan Fund. Thank you to everyone who contributed — close to €500 was taken at the gate with more donations made online.