Show Notes
Episode 9 of The Women’s Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle returns for another deep dive into the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division, with the panel unpacking the drama from Round 16 as the season enters its final stretch with just two games remaining. Hosted by Diarmuid Kearney, Aimee Clarke, and Stacy Hanley, the show combines tactical breakdowns, player insight, and press-box perspective as the race for semi-final places and league positioning intensifies. Both Aimee Clarke and Stacy Hanley reflect on big wins for their respective sides at the weekend, with semi-finals now firmly in sight and momentum building at the perfect time. The panel also looks across the Division as the latest results tighten the table and make positioning a major talking point heading into the closing weeks. Away from the AIL, attention also turns to the Celtic Challenge, where the Wolfhounds and Clovers went head-to-head in a fiery encounter at the weekend. With tempers flaring during the contest, the focus now shifts to the semi-finals coming up the following week. This week’s special guests are Ballincollig twins Aoife and Ciara Fleming, who join the show following their side’s impressive away win over Cooke. The pair discuss the continued growth of the club, their journey into rugby, the unique dynamic of playing together in the front row, and their focus heading into the final two games before the conference’s semi finals Big games, big voices, and big moments, everything you need to know as the season sharpens at the Final Whistle.
More from The Women's Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle
Episode 3 of The Women's Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle reflects on another eventful weekend in the 2026/27 Energia All-Ireland League Women's Division, as the panel reviews the Round 2 action across Divisions 1A and 1B, while also marking a significant milestone and emotional farewell for one of the league's most recognisable players.
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 18 of The Women’s Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle returns for a full deep dive into the Women’s Six Nations, with Ireland v Scotland front and centre this weekend, alongside a look back on the success of the Ireland U21s campaign. 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 landmark week for women’s rugby in Ireland. The trio break down Ireland’s Six Nations clash with Wales, before turning attention to Sunday’s meeting with Scotland at the Aviva Stadium, a history-making occasion for the women’s game in Ireland, with more than 28,000 tickets sold for the fixture. Attention also turns to the Ireland U21s, who completed a clean sweep in their campaign. The panel reflects on the dramatic one-point victory away to England, followed by the win over Wales, and what the performances say about the continued growth of the underage pathway in Irish rugby. Big games, big voices, and big moments — everything you need to know at the Final Whistle.