Tallaght pipped at the post in Mahon decider

TALLAGHT’S men’s first team were pipped at the post in the Declan Mahon Cup decider 44-17 to North Meath at the weekend.

The final was hosted by Ashbourne RFC, where Declan Mahon was a long-time member. Tallaght had lost twice to North Meath in the Division Three League this season so they were itching for some payback.

Tallaght got a great start when after a series of carries by the forwards, prop Rosemar Alves got over for a try to give them a 5-0 lead.

Things got even better for Tallaght when winger Leon Tanfin intercepted a ball in his own half and ran it all the way back to make it 10-0.

However, that was as good as it got in the first half. Tallaght suffered a blow when they lost hooker Andy Grace to injury and the North Meath forwards started getting on top.

The North Meath backline took advantage to score four tries and converted one of them to make it 22-10 at half-time.

Tallaght rallied in the second half and Rob Hudson scored and converted his own try to make it 22-17.

Rosemar Alves in action for Tallaght against North Meath

Full back Simon Collie put in a heroic display making several big carries and crucial tackles. However North Meath were utterly ruthless and just like the first half, they scored four tries and converted one of them to make the final score 44-17.

“Well done on all your efforts in a tough league and league cup campaign, getting this far and putting on a fantastic effort in the Final,” said Tallaght coach Matt Gill.

“We’ve lost to a team who’ve proven their credentials in this league and sometimes, that happens. We’re a top tier team, we train and play like one, we behave like one. All eyes on the Winters Cup now. Stand tall, push that Tallaght crest out knowing you’re a great side, enjoy the bus home!”

The Tallaght men’s seconds team lost 38-14 away to Lansdowne on Saturday evening. Dave Mahon and Tony O’Loughlin scored the tries for Tallaght and Kevin Quinn converted both tries.