St Mary’s College secures narrow win to start AIL title defence

The Energia All-Ireland League Division 1A season commenced with defending champions St Mary’s College securing a narrow 19-18 victory over Lansdowne at the Aviva Stadium. Despite a late try by Lansdowne debutant Mark McGlynn in the 78th minute, St Mary’s held on after a missed conversion attempt.

Other notable results from the opening round included Old Belvedere delivering a dominant 47-14 win against Young Munster. UCD staged a significant comeback to defeat Ballynahinch 39-24, overcoming a 17-point deficit. Clontarf also secured a victory over Old Wesley with a 38-22 scoreline, while Terenure College earned a bonus-point win against Cork Constitution with a 27-10 result.