The All Ireland League (AIL) has reached midway point in the season, with 9 league games played and 9 to go. The story of the season to this point is one of grit and determination, with 7 wins, 2 draws and no losses. In three of the 9 games we scored after the 80th minute to avoid a loss. Something that leaves fans and coaches with high blood pressure, but top-level entertainment for all. However, as a result of this doggedness we are the only club across all 5 divisions that have not lost a game, a very impressive feat! Further evidence of this doggedness is the Points Against stat, we have conceded the second lowest number of points with 143, only one team has conceded less in Wanderers FC in Division 2B with 142 points conceded.
The second half of the seasons sees a reverse of the completed fixtures, giving us home matches against Belfast Harlequins, Enniscorthy, Tullamore, Omagh and Dolphin. Make sure to come down and watch the team as they keep the momentum and finish the season strong.
The on-pitch success would not be possible without all the hard work off the pitch. Some success we have seen there in the form of big events for the club such as the Quiz night hosted by the senior men’s squad, and the Lunch with Leaders in Rugby event that saw 250 people join Jason Holland, Niamh Briggs, Harry McNulty and Mick Galwey in Fota Island Resort.
We spoke to head coach Robbie Doyle on his thoughts on the season so far and what he is looking at for the second 9 matches.
The strong position we are in is a testament to the hard work, commitment, and resilience of the Squad. We've demonstrated tremendous character in a few of those victories, with some matches being decided in the final moments, showcasing our never-give-up mentality and ability to close out games under pressure.
However, while we can be pleased with our current standing, it’s important to remember that no trophies are handed out at Christmas. The real challenge is ahead, and the second half of the season will be crucial in determining our quest for promotion.
We start the 2nd half of the season with a big local derby, the return fixture against Dolphin, who are currently in second place. This, like the away game in December, will be another tough, physical, encounter, and we’ll need the full support of our club and community to help get us over the line.
I hope to see you all on the 11th Jan to give Dolphin a big Midleton welcome.
Thank you for your incredible support so far. Together we hope to make this a memorable season for our Club.
Club Captain Idris Rqibi added his own insights:
As captain of Midleton RFC, I’m delighted to give an update on what’s been an unreal first half of the season. We’ve gone unbeaten so far, showing serious grit and determination, and it’s been a credit to everyone involved in the club. This was highlighted when Munster Rugby awarded Midleton RFC the #NeverStopCompeting moment of the week for being the only unbeaten team in all five divisions of the AIL. However, as we head into the second half of the season, we know the job is far from done. There are big challenges ahead, but this team thrives on hard work and belief, and we’ll give everything to keep this run going.
There have been some incredible moments already this season that’ll live long in the memory, as Robbie has said there have been some last-minute wins and scores demonstrating our own grit and determination, it’s a joy to be part of a team capable of delivering moments like that.
Most recently we had a proper battle against Dolphin in what can only be called a match for the ages, well worth a tenner. A hard-fought draw really showed what this team is made of. It’s these kinds of games that show the heart and fight in this squad. Before the game, Munster and Midleton legend Jason Holland gave the squad a talk and you could hear the passion in his voice about what it means to be involved with a club like Midleton RFC.
None of this would be possible without the people around us. To the coaches and staff who give everything to prepare us for each game, thank you. To the supporters who cheer us on in every match, home and away, you make the difference when it matters most. A special thanks as well to the families of all our players, coaches and support for their support and understanding, sacrificing so much time to allow us to train, travel, and compete week in and week out.
A brief rundown of all 9 matches:
Round 1: Midleton 34 – 28 Monkstown
We were a point behind with minutes left to play only to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat through a memorable Gary Downey run that cut through the Monkstown defence. Newcomers to 2C this year after a successful campaign in Junior, Monkstown will be one to watch with a very impressive set piece. They are currently in 7th on 23 points.
Round 2: Belfast Harlequins 22 – 22 Midleton
The first overnight trip of the year brough us to Belfast to take on another new entrant to 2C this year after coming down from 2B. A match that clearly could have gone either way, Harlequins made the mistake of letting us get ahead early before clawing back much needed points to get the draw. Another tough opposition that others are struggling against, they played a rescheduled fixture against Tullamore on the 4th of January to jump to 2nd place on 33 points.
Round 3: Midleton 20 – 10 Ballyclare
Newly promoted Ulster Junior Champions Ballyclare are a strong community club very similar to Midleton. Making it three new teams from the first three games we arguably had one of the toughest starts to the season but managed to come out on top with a great 20-point match. Ballyclare are without doubt a tough opposition and the away fixture in March is a must see. Currently in 5th on 27 points.
Round 4: Enniscorthy 24 – 27 Midleton
A fiery game from the kick-off, many of the squad will remember some tough days against Enniscorthy over the last few seasons and this proved the same. With Midleton trailing in the dying minutes Jack Colbert managed to get over from 40 out for a dramatic late try to secure the win. Currently in 4th on 28 points., they have a squad with massive amounts of experience and are definitely one to watch.
Round 5: Tullamore 11 – 18 Midleton
Tullamore away must be one of the toughest places to go in the AIL. An intimidating surrounding and always with vocal home support Tullamore never hold back or give easy quarter. A team that Midleton has always struggled to get the best of, and this outing was no different. However, the grit and determination shown all season was the highlight of the day as we secured the victory. Tullamore have struggled this year and find themselves in 10th place, they played Harlequins on the 4th of January in a rescheduled fixture and were very unlucky to lose out to a last minute penalty to lose by a point.
Round 6: Midleton 21 – 6 Bruff
A defensive masterclass in poor conditions resulting in conceding only 6 points in a match that took a long time to get going as the two Munster rivals sounded each other out. Always a tough affair as both clubs share a number of similarities, the home side showed a little bit more class on the day to secure the win. The away fixture in early February is one that is worth the short drive to. Bruff are currently in 8th on 13 points.
Round 7: Omagh 7 – 41 Midleton
A huge win on the road against a struggling Omagh side that have been a serious stumbling block for Midleton over the last number of years. A very tough place to go that always has incredible local support, despite sitting in 9th place at the moment, write them off at your peril. They always travel to Midleton in big numbers so the reverse fixture on 25th of January will certainly draw a crowd.
Round 8: Midleton 24 – 20 Clonmel
One of the games of the season that had it all. Flowing rugby, set piece mastery, defensive excellence. A real demonstration of the level of skill on display in grass roots rugby all across the country. Another Munster derby went down to the wire with Clonmel ahead after the 80th minute. Only an injury time cross field kick that ended up in the arms of Aaron James saved the day for the home side and secured a memorable victory. Currently in 6th on 25 points Clonmel are one to watch, their home ground is a fortress where plenty of support will be needed to get the better of them.
Round 9: Dolphin 15- 15 Midleton
Fixtures between these Cork rivals are few and far between although there is a lot of history between both clubs, not least the competitiveness of the fixture. Played on the 4G in Virgin Media Park the match was a defensive masterclass from both sides with Dolphin getting the better of Midleton multiple times on their own try line. Dolphin full back was 100% from the tee on the day and while Midleton were 12-3 down on the 75th minute they somehow managed to get over the try line twice to secure the draw. The reverse fixture on the 11th of January will be an epic encounter as Dolphin are currently in 2nd on 29 points.
We look forward to welcoming home and away supporters to Towns Park over the next few months where we will continue to enjoy some excellent rugby from a team that is going from strength to strength.
