CLONAKILTY Rugby Club relinquished their Munster Clubs Girls U18.5 title, but the context is important.

While Killarney-Iveragh-Killorglin-Listowel triumphed 38-7 over Clon in the final at Virgin Media Park, the West Cork side had only 13 players available. Clon also had no replacements.

When these teams clashed in the Munster Clubs League final in February, a full-strength Clon won 48-34.

For over two months, Clonakilty had sought a postponement, as they knew they would be without several players due to a combination of school trips, Leaving Cert oral exams and call-ups to the Ireland U18 squad, but the powers that be insisted the final go ahead.

So, an understrength Clonakilty, with only 13 players, had to battle a numerical disadvantage against the Kerry amalgamation, who raced into a big lead and never looked back.

Still, a brave Clon kept fighting and were rewarded with an Elsa Quirke try, converted by Shona Fleming.

Clonakilty: Laura Sexton; Annabel Tapia, Saoirse O’Sullivan, Elsa Quirke, Yasmine Asare; Shona Fleming, Seodhna Walsh; Ciara O’Driscoll, Charlotte McCabe, Julie Cunningham; Emily Bell, Leona Arra; Niamh Hilliard.

***

There was no joy either for Clonakilty in the Munster Girls Clubs U16 Cup final, as they lost 17-10 to Richmond-Scariff. Clon had already won the league title and were targeting the double.

Trailing 7-0 at the break, Clonakilty hit back early in the second half when outside centre Ella Haughney crossed for a try. After Richmond-Scariff responded with a try of their own, Jenny O’Donnell scored Clon’s second try in the 48th minute. However, the Limerick side struck late to seal the win.

Clonakilty: Sadbh Hart, Thea Bell, Ella Haughney, Siún McCarthy, Jenny O’Donnell; Lara Twomey, Matilda O’Donovan; Claire Scanlan, Lucy McCarthy, Róisín O’Brien; Rachel Buttimer, Molly Deegan; Emer O’Connor, Caoimhe McCarthy; Isabelle Aherne.

Replacements: Lily Allman, Sally McAuley, Leah Ní Dhonnabháin, Aoife Walsh, Emily Williamson, Clodagh O’Regan, Lauren Murphy, Ciara Coakley.