City Of Armagh Rugby Club
Palace Grounds, Friary Rd, Armagh BT60 4EN
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UCD v City of Armagh, AIL Rd. 15
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1st March 2025
🏉 100 Caps
A big congratulations to Paul Mullen who is set to make his 100th AIL appearance for the club against UCD later today.
Paul’s rugby journey started in the minis when he joined at 8 years old. Along the way, he’s won Ulster U14, U16 & U18 Cups, earned representative honours with Ulster U18, U19, got an Ireland U18 cap and played for Ulster A. He made his AIL debut as an U18 schoolboy and since then, he has helped the club rise up through the leagues to 1A and win two Ulster senior cups.
A great achievement for a true club man - well done Paul
14th February 2025
🏉 Player Of The Match
On Saturday (8th Feb), the 1XV were away to Cork Constitution in AIL 1A were City of Armagh fought to the bitter end in trying to get the 4th try and a bonus point. It was to no avail and as a result the team got nothing for their heroic efforts. The Craic'd Pot Coffee House Player of the Match was awarded to Sam Cunningham [sponsored by Lilas], for his impressive all round performance.
10th February 2025
🏉 3XV Report
Portadown Rugby Football Club 2XV (12) - City of Armagh 3XV (31)
Crawford cup quarter final 8th February 2025
Chambers Park
Report by Peter Hazelton
On a very heavy pitch after the recent bad weather, this very talented Armagh team adapted to the conditions to score the first try of the game following great team play. Portadown were turned over at a ruck near their 10 metre line and following a couple of phases, captain Josh Morton ran a great line taking the ball at pace from Ben Steenson and cut through the Portadown defence to score near the posts. Fly half, Will Hazelton slotted over the conversion and Armagh were ahead against the run of play.
Portadowns heavy pack were more than a match for Armagh in the first 20 minutes, but Armagh’s superior levels of fitness started to pay off as they dominated the scrums and were awarded a number of penalties.
Kris Mackenzie was next on the score sheet following some tremendous interplay between backs and forwards with Kyle Gallagher and Conor Simms carrying into the heart of the Portadown defence, which resulted in Kris crashing over the line. Will Hazelton’s difficult conversion attempt was just wide, leaving the score at 12-0 to the Armagh boys.
As the game went on, the Armagh front row of Andy Morton, Jack Sleator and Kris McKenzie started to dominate their opposite numbers providing clean possession for the backs. Jack Steenson at scrum half linked very well with Will Hazelton at 10 and they both made breaks around the fringes and brought their outside backs into play. The experienced Andy Winder at fullback was a threat in attack and he combined very well with his two wingers, Dan Reynolds and Adam Magowan. Stephen Morton and Jon Sturgeon formed a formidable 2nd row pairing and both players carried strongly in open play and were more than a match for their opposite numbers.
Ten minutes before half-time, Portadown were awarded a penalty on the halfway line which they kicked to the corner, from the resulting line out, Armagh were adjudged to have collapsed the driving maul and Conor Simms was sent to the sin bin.
With Armagh reduced to 14 players Portadown attacked the Armagh line for the remainder of the half but found no way through a very strong Armagh defence. John Faloon playing at number eight lead the defensive effort with Armagh being awarded a scrum penalty and Will Hazelton found a good touch kick to relieve the pressure before the referee blew for the end of the first half.
The halftime score of 12-0 to Armagh did not reflect the control Armagh had over Portadown in the early stages of the game, but Armagh put in a tremendous defensive effort following the sin binning of Simms who returned for the second half. Coach Peter Hazelton gave an encouraging team talk at half time and in the 45minute, brought on Stuart Lester and Ashton Clarke who were both returning from long injury layoffs for Ben Steenson and Kyle Gallagher. Stuart and Ashton both made an immediate impact and carried strongly to get in behind the Portadown defence resulting in a try in the corner for Adam Magowan on the right wing. Will Hazelton slipped in the heavy ground and missed the difficult conversion.
Armagh were now 17-0 up and playing with confidence and caused Portadown all sorts of problems in the forwards and backs. The Maxxpresso man of the match, John Faloon was next on the scoresheet following a 20 metre run from the base of a scrum in which he ran through two players to score. Will Hazelton was successful with the conversion and extended Armagh’s lead to 24-0. Jonah Clarke then replaced Andy Morton who had a fine game on his return from injury and had the better of his opposite number throughout the game. Jonah quickly got involved and showed that he could also scrummage very well causing problems for the Portadown front row. His time on the pitch was short lived as he was sin binned for not rolling away in a tackle, which looked a little harsh, but we all accepted the referee’s decision. Portadown took advantage of this and scored an unconverted try following some good forwards and backs play. Ben Steenson then replaced Josh Morton in the centre and from the restart, Armagh won the ball back and following a well worked move Will Hazelton looped round to create the extra man and his pass found Andy Winder who passed to Adam Magowan who rounded his opposite number for his second try of the match. Will Hazelton was successful with the conversion and extended Armagh’s lead to 31-5. Portadown came back strongly from the restart and managed to finish a number of forwards drives with a try close to the posts which they converted to make the score 31-12 to Armagh. This was to be the final score of a very entertaining game and Armagh have booked a place in the semifinals to be drawn this week. The players and coaches were very appreciative of the large group of Armagh supporters and ex players who made the short trip over to Portadown to cheer them on and are looking forward to the semifinal. The team thanked Stephen Kellett for helping out with team duties on the day as Trevor Knipe travelled with the 4ths to Ballynahinch.
8th February 2025
🏉 Congratulations to our U18s and U16s who both progress to The Ulster League finals (sponsored by Ulster Carpets) on 22 February
Results from todays semi finals:
Letterkenny U18 15 - City of Armagh U18 21
Ballynahinch U16 12 - City of Armagh U18 24
Two hard fought encounters against well drilled opponents.
U18s tries came from: Ben Harney, Padraic Carville and Ryan McCleary.
Conversions: 2 from Padraic Carville and 1 from Thomas Donaldson.
U16s tries from: Alex Windrum, Paddy McCann, Matthew Bell and Sionan McOscar. Paddy McCann with the conversion
4th February 2025
🏉 50 AIL Tries
Just over two weeks ago in round 11 of the AIL, the 1XV played Lansdowne in Dublin. While the 1XV didn’t get the win, Neil Faloon (sponsored by The Yellow Door) touched down for the 50th AIL try of his career. This is another fantastic milestone in Neil’s career - well done - here’s to the next 50!
1st February 2025
🏉 Youth results Saturday 1 February 2025
City of Armagh U18 40 - City of Derry U18 0
Strabane U16 0 - City of Armagh U16 40
Strabane U14 14 - City of Armagh
Competition: Ulster Carpets sponsored Ulster league play offs - Quarter Final stage.
Congratulations to our U18s and U16s who progress to the semi finals of the Ulster league playoffs. Unfortunately our U14s just came up short.
The U18s now travel to Letterkenny in the semi final while the U16s are also on the road to Ballynahinch for their semi final.
Both fixtures are scheduled for next Saturday 8 February.
U18 v City of Derry
Tries
Padraic Carville
Patrick Laverty
Thomas Donaldson
Senan Hanratty
Alfie Hughes
Ryan McGahon
Conversions: Shared between Thomas Donaldson and Padraic Carville
U16 v Strabane
Tries
Sionan McOscar
Evan McElvanna
Charlie Walker
Teddy Jennings
Ethan Morris (2)
Conversions: Paddy McCann
U14 v Strabane
A brave effort from our U14s who faced a strong Strabane team. 0-0 at half time and 7-5 in the final minutes before Strabane sealed the contest with a converted try.
29th January 2025
🏉 1XV Report - City of Armagh RFC 16 Young Munster 15
Saturday 25th January 2025
Report by Richard Black
Kyle Faloon was the hero of City of Armagh on Saturday when he showed great composure to kick the winning score deep in injury time of a highly competitive game. With the clock in the red, the Young Munster tighthead was penalised for sealing off at the tackle and Kyle rose to the occasion for what was a vital win. Kyle had been injured for most of 2023, with a serious injury but showing great determination, he made his way back to full fitness and featured in Armagh's last home win in the AIL. It was also a Limerick team that Armagh beat in March 2024, to leave them safe in Division 1A and this win against Young Munster could be as vitally important.
With narrow losses to St Mary's, UCD, Lansdowne and Cork Constitution, it was vital that the team picked up league points at home. Storm Eowyn tried its best to disrupt Armagh's plans, but a squad of volunteers armed with chainsaws dealt with any fallen debris and the late frost nearly had the match moving to the back pitch. Referee Jenkinson however was satisfied though that the top corner would thaw out by 2.30pm and the pitch was deemed playable. Armagh made one change to the starting lineup, with Jonny Morton coming back into the side, with Jack Reaney elevated to the bench, joined by Conor Neary and Matthew Monaghan.
Armagh kicked off in fairly mild conditions and immediately showed their determination to record their first win in 2025, putting pressure on YM. An early penalty for YM offside was not used as there was a crooked throw. Young Munster came back at Armagh but Timmy McNeice managed to hack a loose ball down the park and this was followed up by scrum half Finlay for a goal line drop out . A high tackle by YM enabled Kyle Faloon to kick an early penalty after 5 minutes but same as last week, Armagh gave away 6 consecutive penalties and allowed YM to get a foothold in the game. From one such lineout near the Armagh line, their lively scrum half, O'Callaghan broke to the open side and linked up with winger Gilvarry to touch down for their first try. Their impressive Argentinian out half , Leszczynski converted for the visitors to lead 3-7. Further good defensive work by Armagh forced a couple of knock ons when their line was threatened . Captain Simpson, who was having a fine game, was regularly complaining to the referee that Armagh wanted to play with more tempo but Munster were continually slowing the game down. This seemed to have some affect as a couple of penalties went Armagh's way and after their lineout maul was stopped short of the line, Neil Faloon barged over for his second try in two weeks. Kyle Faloon converted to put Armagh into a slender lead, 10-7. Young Munster were not finished themselves and after Evin Crummie was penalised for a high tackle, YM went to the Armagh corner. A quick lineout throw was thwarted, but Andrew Willis was deemed to have collapsed the maul and was sin binned . Playing advantage, left winger Ihechi Oji was credited with a try which Armagh supporters felt he had dropped the ball over the line. The whistle blew for half time with the score 10-12 in Young Munster's favour.
The second half was a mirror image of the first with both defences on top despite the teams trying to move the ball wide. Play went from end to end, but with both teams not wanting to concede ground, it became a bit of a kicking contest. Sometimes the back three kicked long and other times there were dinks over the rush defence, but very few scoring opportunities arose. Midway through the second half, Timmy McNeice was tackled high for Armagh's fourth penalty and in obvious pain, had to be taken off the pitch. Kyle Faloon kicked the resultant penalty to edge Armagh ahead 13-12. With the game so tight, Willis went to the wing, Sam Glasgow came into the back row and Paul Mullen joined the fray. Both he and Philipson were prominent in both carrying and defence and as the game went on it looked likely that the next score would seal it. Both Sam Glasgow and Nigel Simpson won vital turnover ball, but surprisingly Faloon missed touch from a penalty. Back came YM and 4 minutes into injury time, their excellent outhalf broke Armagh hearts with a penalty from 45 metres for the visitors to lead 13-15. From the restart, Armagh chased down the kick and with Young Munster trying to wind down the clock by setting up mauls, their tight head prop, Begley, went off his feet and sealed off. The pressure was now on fullback Faloon and with the last kick of the game he secured 4 points for Armagh with a superb kick.
City of Armagh were jubilant to have secured the win in a game that could have gone either way. Their defence was again magnificent and the courage shown was remarkable Their scrum was solid and the lineout, after a couple of wobbles, functioned well. Head coach, Chris Parker praised his 22 players for their commitment both on the training pitch and in the game. He was delighted for the squad to get over the line with a win at home. There is still much to improve upon before the team travel to Cork on February 8th and the next block of games. Credit should be given for the team digging in and he hopes that this will give them confidence for the next 6 games. Unfortunately, Timmy McNeice will be out for some time following his injury.
26th January 2025
🏉 Congratulations
Congratulations to our U18s who are Provincial League West winners 2024/25.
Our U16s and U14s have finished runners up in their leagues.
All 3 teams now progress to the Quarter finals of the Ulster league playoffs next Saturday 1 February.
23rd January 2025
🏉 1XV Report - Lansdowne RFC 22 City of Armagh 14
Sunday 19th January 2025
Report by Richard Black
In what was a fairly memorable weekend, City of Armagh came home from Lansdowne with nothing to show for their terrific efforts. Memorable, mainly because all the Armagh teams had a great winning weekend, particularly the womens' team who played earlier in Dublin.
Armagh do not certainly have the resources that their hosts have, but they had James Mc Cormack released at hooker with fellow academy player Cameron Doak boosting the side. There were also AIL debuts for Connor Neary and Mathew Monaghan, but it was a fairly familiar team that took to the back pitch at the Aviva Stadium. The game kicked off in front of a sizable away support and a lively game ensued.
Armagh held on to the ball well for the first 10 minutes but couldn't break down a resolute defence. Lansdowne, with their sharp backs, looked to spread the ball wide, but fantastic defence from the visitors kept them out. With the penalty count mounting, something had to give and after 20 minutes Lansdowne took the lead through their impressive out half, Madigan. They increased their lead to 12 when fullback Redmond squeezed through the Armagh defence on 28 minutes for Madigan to convert.
Armagh were not going to lie down however and the game livened up for the Armagh side when they got back into a game with their impressive lineout maul. Number 8 Neil Faloon was credited with the touchdown and Kyle Faloon converted to narrow the scoreline to 12-7 at half time. Armagh suffered another blow on the stroke of the whistle when the impressive Neil Faloon was sent to the bin for a high tackle.
The home side started off the second half in similar fashion spreading the ball on every occasion. With them being in the ascendancy, penalties continued to mount up and Armagh could not get a foothold in the game. Their defence was magnificent though and held out on many occasions, frustrating the Lansdowne attack. A terrific intercept by Kyle Faloon in his own 22 was perhaps harshly pulled up by referee Clancey. Lansdowne sensing that they were not going to get 4 tries and a bonus point, increased the gap to 2 scores when Madigan chipped over a simple penalty to make it 15-7. Armagh's bravery was not rewarded when substitute Jack Mathews increased the Lansdowne lead with an impressive try and conversion to increase. To be fair Armagh never gave up and despite Mathew Hooks going into the bin as well, his fellow winger, Sam Cunningham, got a consolation try in the corner after a crossfield kick from Olsen. Kyle Faloon converted to leave the final score 22-14 to Lansdowne leaving Armagh without even a losing bonus point.
Lansdowne were undoubtedly the better side on the day, but Armagh never gave up fighting and their defence held out on many occasions. Coach Chris Parker said that there were a number of positives to come out of the game and praised his team's resilience throughout. He was pleased with the team's commitment and their fight and workrate to the end and said we can take heart from this game going into the Young Munster game next week. He hoped that another good crowd will turn up to support the team in what will be a vital game.
Other results went Armagh's way on Saturday with both UCD and Garryowen failing to pick up points, but vital wins are needed to drag the locals away from the relegation zone. Five points separates 8th from 9th in the table so it is vital that we get a few more wins.
21st January 2025
🏉 1st XV Women's Team Report - Lansdowne 19 - City of Armagh 62
In what was a first for the City of Armagh RFC 1st XV Women's team, we travelled to Lansdowne on Sunday 19th January to play a friendly against Lansdowne Women's team.
This was a special day for the club as our Senior men were also playing and the travelling support was very welcome for the double header.
Kicking off in a very cold wind coming off the coast at Claremont Road the Armagh women were a little slow to settle into the game and with a few players playing outside of their normal position it took the side a little while to find their flow.
That aside, we still managed to put up 4 scores with one conversion by half time against a converted try by Lansdowne. Half time 7-22.
The Armagh women had a very strong second half scoring their first try just 1 minute in and a further 5 tries ensued.
Full time score: Lansdowne 19 - City of Armagh 62
Tries by Kaitlyn Graham (4), Gemma Gillanders (3), Jasmine Hurst, Emma McArdle and Emily Dickson. Nicola Campbell adding the extras with 6 conversions.
Player of the Match went to Kaitlyn Graham.
We would also like to thank Dante’s Deli At The Palace for providing delicious breakfast baps which went down a treat on the journey to Dublin.
19th January 2025
🏉 Youth Results - Saturday 18 January 2025
City of Armagh U18 59 Enniskillen U18 17
City of Armagh U14 31 Enniskillen U14 0
U18
Tries:
Alfie Hughes
Senan Hanratty (3)
Shay Lennon
Padraic Carville
James McCall
Ben Harney
Luke Windrum
Conversions: Thomas Donaldson (4) Padraic Carville (3)
Player of the match: Alfie Hughes
U14
Tries:
Ben Hawthorne (2)
Elliot Graham (2)
Noah McClenahan
Conversions: 3 conversations from Oisin McGivern
Player of the match: Padhraic Barrett
18th January 2025
🏉 2XV Report - City of Armagh 2XV 45 - Clogher Valley 2XV 15
Date: Saturday 18 January 2025
Venue: The Cran Clogher Valley RFC
Competition: McCrea Cup and 2XV league (double header)
Due to previous cancellations (weather related) this game was played as a double header - McCrea Cup and 2XV league game. As such there was a lot at stake for both teams.
With Clogher Valley having home advantage and some late changes to the Armagh team there was some disruption to the lead in.
In terms of team news, 2XV captain Josh Cunningham was ruled out and along with call ups to the 1XV including their goal kicker Mathew Monaghan and Conor Neary who have both been included in the 1XV squad to make their AIL 1A debuts v Landsdowne.
The Armagh team however have depth and on the positives Sam Glasgow and Josh Herron made welcome returns from injury.
Armagh showed intent in the opening 2mins with Luke McCall crossing for an opening score. Clogher responded on 8mins for an unconverted try for 5-5.
The game was physical and on 14mins a key turn over from Finn Fenhert in the Clogher half saw a clincal Armagh go through the phases for Jack Reaney to crash over. Josh Watterson slotted over the difficult conversion for 12-5.
As the game went on Armagh were slowly taking control. The set piece was solid in both scrum and line out with props Sam Karlsen and Phil Fletcher also showing great skills in the loose.
On 28mins Ryan Finlay finished off a fine catch and drive for 17-5. Watterson converting for 19-5.
On 36mins Armagh were reduced to 14 after a tackle was deemed high.
Right on half time second row Sam Glasgow charged through from his own half and showed great pace to round the full back and score an excellent try. The conversion was missed but the bonus point was secured for the league points.
HT 24-5
The second half was high scoring and more open.
On 16mins Clogher reduced the deficit to 26-10 but then Armagh went on to finish the game in control.
Josh King scored on 23mins and 28mins both converted by Watterson for 38-10
Clogher scored on 30mins for 38-15 before Eoghan Heaney crashed over for a converted try converted by Watterson.
Final score 45-15
The outcome of this result keeps Armagh top of the league and puts them into the Quarterfinal of the McCrea Cup v Academy 1XV (away) on 8 February.
Player of the match was awarded to Josh Watterson.
Next week Armagh travel to play Instonians 2XV in the league.
18th January 2025
🏉 Saturday Results 18 January 2025
Clogher Valley 2XV 15 - City of Armagh 2XV 45
City of Armagh 3XV 27 - Banbridge 3XV 8
City of Armagh 4XV 27 - Donaghadee 2XV 8
Boys Youth
Enniskillen U18 17 - City of Armagh U18 59
Enniskillen U14 0 - City of Armagh U14 31
16th January 2025
🏉 Community Rugby Fun Day
A terrific day at the club for our Community Rugby Fun Day.
Special thanks to St Patrick's Grammar School Armagh, St. Patrick's High School Keady , City of Armagh High School and Newtownhamilton High School for attending.
It was great to see so many new players taking part in competitive rugby for the first time! We'd be delighted to have more of you coming to the club and join our various youth and girls sections.
Special thanks to the Northern Ireland Policing Board , Ken Redpath, Josephine Strain, Dan Carson, Emily Clark & Zoe Templeton (Ulster Rugby) for their support on the day.
16th January 2025
🏉 Youth Results Wednesday 15th January 2025
City of Armagh U18 26 - Monaghan U18 21
City of Armagh U16 24 - Monaghan U16 14
City of Armagh U14 27 - Monaghan U14 19
These were rescheduled league fixtures from Saturday.
U18 - 26-21
Tries:
Patrick Laverty (2)
Luke Windrum
Padraic CarvilleConversions: Thomas Donaldson (2) Padraic Carville (1).
Player of the match: Senan Hanrattty
U16 - 24-14
Tries:
Evan McElvana
Paddy McCann (2)
Matthew Bell.Conversions: Paddy McCann (2)
Player of the match: Jointly awarded to Matthew Bell and Jay Paisley
U14 - 27-19
Tries:
Elliott Graham (2)
Daniel Tipping
Noah McClenahan
Tom HarneyPlayer of the match: Oliver Jennett
10th January 2025
🏉 Spirit Of Rugby
This weekend, City Of Armagh Rugby Club want to to highlight the ‘Respect our Game’ initiative being promoted by the IRFU.
The IRFU is calling on all Clubs to take part in a series of Respect Our Game activities over the weekend, 10th-12th January, to remind everyone of the values of the game, specifically the importance of RESPECT, for players, match officials, volunteers, members and spectators.
The purpose of the weekend is to highlight our values of the game and to showcase all that is good in rugby through involvement in the club.
It is an opportunity to showcase how rugby can positively contribute to our lives when carried out in a respectful and safe environment.
Remember - we all love the game of rugby here at the City of Armagh Rugby club but without referees and officials … WE HAVE NO GAME!!
So this weekend and every game we watch, we should be mindful of our roles as supporters and how we should be there to support and encourage our players, and respect referees and officials. Remember they are human too!
City Of Armagh Rugby Club
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