From Underage Success To The Big Stage

Episode 2 of The Women's Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle reflects on the opening weekend of the 2026/27 Energia All-Ireland League Women's Division, with the first results in Divisions 1A and 1B setting the tone for the season ahead as attention turns to another exciting round of fixtures. Host Diarmuid Kearney is joined once again by Stacy Hanley (Galwegians), while Hannah Johnston (Railway Union) steps in for Aimee Clarke, who is enjoying a well-earned holiday to Disneyland. The trio bring player insight, tactical analysis and plenty of dressing-room perspective as they dissect the opening weekend and look ahead to Round 2. There is an added twist to this week's panel, with Stacy and Hannah having lined out together for Connacht during the summer. Former provincial teammates will become club rivals this weekend as Galwegians and Railway Union prepare to face off in Division 1A, giving the pair plenty to discuss ahead of their reunion on opposite sides of the pitch. The episode begins with a review of Round 1 across Divisions 1A and 1B, as the panel examines the standout performances, early talking points and results that have already begun to shape the new campaign. From opening-day victories to lessons learned in defeat, the trio assess what the first weekend has revealed about the clubs competing in the newly structured league. Attention then turns to Round 2, with another intriguing set of fixtures on the horizon. The panel previews the key match-ups, discusses where the early momentum might shift and considers which sides will be looking to build on their opening performances. The podcast also welcomes Maggie Boylan ahead of a highly anticipated rematch with UL Bohemian. After suffering defeat in last season's All-Ireland League final, there is plenty of motivation heading into this weekend's encounter, with Maggie reflecting on that disappointment, the lessons taken from the occasion and the challenge of facing familiar opposition once again. From provincial teammates becoming club opponents to a repeat of last season's showpiece final, Episode 2 brings together the rivalries, storylines and player perspectives that make the Energia AIL such a compelling competition. Full fixtures, results and league tables are available throughout the season on FinalWhistle.ie, download our app on the Apple or Google play store. Big games, big voices, and big moments, everything you need to know at the Final Whistle.

The Women's Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle returns for Season 2, with a new campaign, a new league structure and plenty of anticipation ahead of the opening weekend of the 2026/27 Energia All-Ireland League Women's Division. Host Diarmuid Kearney is joined by Aimee Clarke (Railway Union) and Stacy Hanley (Galwegians) as the panel looks ahead to the start of a new era in women's club rugby. With the introduction of Divisions 1A and 1B, the trio break down the opening fixtures, assess the challenges facing each club and discuss what supporters can expect as the new season gets underway. With fresh rivalries, renewed ambitions and plenty to prove, the panel explores how each side is shaping up for the campaign ahead, examining the key match-ups, potential contenders and early-season storylines across both divisions. The episode also features an extensive collection of interviews from all 12 clubs, bringing supporters directly into the camps ahead of the opening weekend. In Division 1A, the podcast hears from Nikki Gibson (Blackrock College), Jemma Lees (Galwegians), Emma Kelly (Old Belvedere), Aimee Clarke (Railway Union), Kate Flannery (UL Bohemian) and Laura Newsome (Wicklow) as the six clubs prepare to begin their campaigns in the top flight. Attention then turns to Division 1B, where Eve Prendergast (Ballincollig), Bronach Cassidy (Cooke), Aisling Heapes (Ennis), Sophie Meeke (Enniskillen), Órflaith Murray (MU Barnhall) and Sara Rennick (Tullow) offer their perspectives on the season ahead, the challenges awaiting their teams and their ambitions in the new division. From established contenders to clubs looking to make their mark, the opening episode brings together player insight, tactical analysis and perspectives from across the league as the Energia AIL enters an exciting new chapter. Full fixtures, results and league tables will be available throughout the season on FinalWhistle.ie. Big games, big voices, and big moments, everything you need to know at the Final Whistle.

Episode 19 of The Women’s Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle signs off the series with a full deep dive into the final round of the Women’s Six Nations, reflecting on a landmark occasion for Irish rugby as Ireland defeated Scotland in front of a record crowd at the Aviva Stadium. Hosted by Diarmuid Kearney, alongside Aimee Clarke (Railway Union) and Stacy Hanley (Galwegians), the panel brings player insight, tactical analysis, and press-box perspective to another historic week for the women’s game in Ireland. The trio break down Ireland’s win over Scotland, the significance of the occasion, and what it means for the future of the sport, from creating more days like this at the Aviva Stadium to ensuring the achievements of past players remain recognised and celebrated. Attention then shifts toward the future of the domestic game, with discussion around the new 1A and 1B structure for the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division next season. The panel looks at the addition of MU Barnhall and Enniskillen, the increased competitiveness of the league, and how the changes can help drive the continued growth of women’s rugby in Ireland. This week’s special guest is former Ireland international Lynne Cantwell, now Head of Women’s Strategy for Irish Rugby and still Ireland’s most capped player. She joins the show to discuss the AIL restructuring, the historic day at the Aviva Stadium, and the long-term vision for the women’s game in Ireland. Big games, big voices, and big moments, everything you need to know at the Final Whistle.

Episode 17 of The Women’s Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle delivers a full debrief on a dramatic Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division Final, where UL Bohemian edged past Blackrock College at the death to secure a remarkable three-in-a-row. Hosted by Diarmuid Kearney, alongside Aimee Clarke (Railway Union) and Stacy Hanley (Galwegians), the panel brings player insight, tactical analysis, and press-box perspective to a standout weekend for women’s rugby in Ireland. The trio break down the final in detail, from key moments to the late drama that decided the title. Reaction from the UL Bohemian camp features, with Alana McInerney, Ciara O’Dwyer, and captain Chloe Pearse sharing their thoughts post-match, while head coach Sarah Quin also reflects on the victory at the Aviva Stadium. Attention then turns to the international stage, with the panel reviewing Ireland’s Six Nations defeat to France and looking ahead to upcoming home fixtures against Wales and Scotland, while the U21s return to action this weekend. Big games, big voices, and big moments, everything you need to know at the Final Whistle.

Episode 16 of The Women’s Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle is a near two-hour special dedicated to previewing the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division Final, as UL Bohemian face Blackrock College this Sunday at 1:30pm in the Aviva Stadium. Hosted by Diarmuid Kearney, alongside Aimee Clarke (Railway Union) and Stacy Hanley (Galwegians), the panel brings player insight, tactical analysis, and press-box perspective ahead of the biggest day in the Irish women’s club rugby calendar. After a season packed with drama, it all comes down to a heavyweight showdown, UL Bohemian chasing three in a row and a 16th title, while Blackrock College return to the final for the first time since 2022, targeting their seventh crown. The trio break down how both sides reached the decider and assess two squads stacked with quality and experience. The episode also features voices from both camps. From UL Bohemian, Kerry native Ava O’Malley discusses her debut season and first final, Éabha Nic Dhonnacha reflects on her role as the competition’s top scorer heading into a third consecutive final, and Clodagh O’Halloran looks ahead to making her mark after missing last year’s decider through injury. From Blackrock College, Lauren Farrell McCabe shares her journey to the club following Suttonians folding last season, Catherine “Catz” Martin brings insight from the centre, and Maeve Óg O’Leary, who played a key role in that 2022 triumph, reflects on her return from double knee surgery last season and her leadership role within the squad going into Sunday Big games, big voices, and big moments, everything you need to know ahead of the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division Final at the Final Whistle.