O’Leary stars as Munster close in on Inter-pro title

By Thomas Conway

A strong second-half showing, inspired in part by captain Maeve Óg O’Leary, propelled Munster to their third successive win in the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship on Saturday against Ulster, setting up a final showdown against arch-rivals Leinster at Energia Park, Donnybrook, next weekend.

Always expected to emerge victorious, Munster travelled to Belfast with their place in this year’s final already secured. They picked up where they left off following their statement win against Leinster the previous week, racing into a 19-7 lead courtesy of tries from Chloe Pearse, Chisom Ugwueru, and Caitriona Finn.

Garrykennedy native Finn, who has caught the eye over the past several weeks with player-of-the-match performances against both Leinster and Connacht, produced another commanding display, knocking over five conversions and looking imperious throughout.

However, it was her Tipperary teammate, O’Leary - who now plays her club rugby with Blackrock - who impressed most on Saturday. Her 43rd minute try just after the restart set Munster on course for what could ultimately be considered an emphatic victory.

Matt Brown’s side had faltered slightly towards the end of the first half, allowing Ulster to manoeuvre their way back into the game via two quick-fire tries from debutant Ciara Fitzsimons. But O’Leary’s second-half opener settled Munster nerves.

Despite losing a player to the sinbin, the Reds piled bodies behind the ball and started making headway.

Ulster repelled a certain try with a last-ditch tackle on the line, but moments later, Alanna McInerny capitalised on a loose pass in her own half. The pacey centre collected possession and raced half the length of the pitch, securing Munster’s fifth try.

From there, it was a matter of seeing things out. A second O’Leary try on sixty minutes ensured there was no Ulster fightback, and the final quarter was dominated by Munster, with the hosts doing well to avoid conceding a further try.

Meanwhile at the Dexcom Stadium in Galway, Leinster were pushed all the way by a brave Connacht outfit, with a 68th minute try from Vicky Elmes-Kinlan ultimately proving the difference as the Blues secured a 17-12 win.

The victory means that Leinster, who are bidding for their third successive Interpro title, will meet Leinster in the decider in Donnybrook next Saturday - a repeat of last year’s final at the same venue.