AIL 1B – Old Wesley 63 Queens University 5
Old Wesley delivered their most complete performance of the 2025/26 season so far, sweeping aside Queens University 63–7 at Donnybrook in a ruthless display of tempo, precision, and attacking intent. It was a match defined by clinical finishing, relentless phase play, and the emotional lift of seeing club legend Ian Cassidy return from retirement to make his 150th AIL appearance, drawing a huge reception from the home crowd.
Wesley struck first when Paidi Farrell finished in the corner after slick handling created space out wide. The second score came soon after, and it was a brilliantly crafted team effort: from a well-executed line-out movement, Mahon Ronan thundered onto the ball from close range to power over. Adam Hewitt crossed in the corner to put Queens on the scoreboard, but the threat of a comeback was short lived. Wesley quickly regained control and extended their lead through Jamie Clark, who finished off a flowing multi-phase attack to make it 21–5.
The bonus point was secured before halftime through Charlie Meagher, who burst through a hole created from a perfectly timed line-out strike move. Meagher hit the gap at full speed and crashed over, capping off a dominant first-half performance built on forward accuracy and backline sharpness.
The second half was a showcase of Wesley’s depth, shape, and power. Tom Larke—who was outstanding all afternoon—cut Queens open with a line break before popping inside for Evan Kenny to finish and push the lead further out of reach. Larke was again the provider shortly after, gliding through the defence and sending Eoin Deegan over with a beautifully timed pass.
The next score belonged to Niall Carroll, who supported a strong carry down the right edge and dotted down after Wesley overloaded the defensive line with pace and numbers. Then came one of the loudest cheers of the day, as club captain Kieran O’Shea, coming off the bench, powered his way over following yet another clever break and assist from Larke.
The ninth and final try came from Pat McBarron, who had worked tirelessly all game and was rewarded when Wesley’s pack marched upfield and created the platform for him to crash over, sealing a commanding 63–7 win.
A special note was reserved for Ian Cassidy, whose return to AIL rugby after retirement provided one of the moments of the season. Slotting seamlessly back into the tempo, structure, and physicality of the game, Cassidy was instrumental in guiding younger players around the park and his experience added hugely to the team’s control in the final quarter.
It was a statement performance from Old Wesley—clinical, physical, and intelligent—setting a high standard as the 2025/26 campaign gathers pace.
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Scorers: Tries: Paidi Farrell, Mahon Ronan, Jamie Clark, Charlie Meagher, Evan Kenny, Eoin Deegan, Niall Carroll, Kieran O’Shea, Pat McBarron; Cons: Tom Larke 9
