Letterkenny Women’s 1st XV 17–36 Dungannon Women’s 1st XV

Letterkenny Women’s 1st XV opened their Championship A campaign on Sunday with a spirited performance against a strong Dungannon side at Dave Gallaher Park.

Dungannon, who were playing at Premiership level this time last year, provided a demanding first test. Letterkenny started with energy on both sides of the ball and defended with determination against a larger, physical visiting squad.

Sharon O’Sullivan, Sophie Speer and Saoirse Kelly scored Letterkenny’s tries, with Zara Shortt adding a conversion. Letterkenny continued to compete throughout the match and brought themselves back within one score with only a few minutes remaining. Handling errors, however, interrupted their momentum, and Dungannon capitalised with a late breakaway score to seal a deserved 36–17 win.

Dungannon’s out-half was particularly influential, scoring three tries with her pace and power. Letterkenny can nevertheless take encouragement from an opening performance that showed they can compete at Championship A level.

O’Sullivan, Kelly and captain Angela Ferris were among Letterkenny’s standout performers up front, while Niamh Mangan got through a tremendous amount of work in the backline. The squad will look to build on the outing when they travel to Derry next Sunday.

A minute’s silence was observed before the match in memory of the grandmother of Letterkenny players Saoirse Kelly and Lara Doherty, who sadly passed away last week. Everyone at the club extends their condolences to the family. May she rest in peace.

The club thanks Dungannon and the referee, as well as Mrs Gibson for providing fantastic food for everyone after the match. We also thank Donegal Creameries for their continued sponsorship and support of our women’s team.