Matchday Correspondent, Aaron Davoren, reflects on UCD Rugby u20’s Semi-Final Clash against Clontarf.
Fraser McMullen Cup Semi-Final 05/04/2026
UCD u20’s 24 - 21 Clontarf u20’s
UCD Bowl, Belfield
After a walkover win in the quarter-final, as Nenagh Ormond’s injury list meant they were unable to fulfill the fixture, the students were not rewarded with an easy semi-final tie, as they faced last year's winners, Clontarf.
The Fraser McMullen Cup competition is played annually between the top-ranked Under-20 Men’s teams, with the winners lifting the prestigious trophy as All-Ireland U-20 champions.
In what were rapid-changing weather conditions, spectators were treated to a real spectacle on Easter Sunday as the two sides clashed for a spot in the final the following Saturday.
It was a dominant start from last year's champions, with their first try beginning from a lineout from around the ten-yard line. Full back, Shaun O’Rilly, broke UCD’s line and bounced past three players, finding the try line. Fifteen minutes in, and UCD were 0-14 down. Continuous pressure was applied by the away side with another lineout, this time from the right-hand side, which opened up a brilliant run for Alex Tilly, powering through the students' defence. Niall Cox was composed, making both conversions.
UCD continued to struggle following Clontarf's opening two tries, failing to make use of penalty advantages and breaking down attacks from missed passes and great defending from the line by Clontarf.
However, the students worked hard for their opening try, with the continuing pressure of Clontarf's back line paying off, James Sherwin finding the right moment to pounce, with Conor Maloney converting to make it 7-14.
Seven minutes before the half-time break, Clontarf produced a brilliant attack, making serious ground, all the way from their own twenty-two line, but fumbled with a ball knocked forward. In what could have doubled their league before the break, UCD made it level thanks to Josh Powell’s try on the left-hand side and another solid conversion from Maloney.
The second half saw a real shift in the momentum of the game in general, with UCD really dominating, constantly putting pressure inside Clontarf's twenty-two. The students came out in the second half with noticeable energy and power, something that was perfectly displayed in their third try. Vice captain, Matthew Furlong, yet again setting an example for his teammates as he burst through the right wing, making it 19-14 to the home side.
When Clontarf went down to fourteen men after a sin bin was given to Cillian McCann, the students sensed blood. They managed to capitalise on the sin bin, getting what would end up to be a crucial fourth try, making it 24-14.
With 26 minutes left on the clock, the students had a 10-point lead, which was incredible considering they were 14 points behind at one point. It was the home side's turn to face the consequences of a sin bin in the final minutes of the game. Clontarf gave it everything with their man advantage, resulting in a late try, but it was too little too late. Credit has to be given to UCD’s defense during that period, with massive turnovers and holding strong, which ultimately booked their place in the final against rivals MU Barnhall.