South East Lions Roar to Dramatic Comeback Victory in Bryan Murphy Cup Final
Date: Friday, May 1st, 2026
The South East Lions ended their season on an unforgettable high, staging a powerhouse second-half comeback to defeat New Ross 27-22 and claim the Bryan Murphy Cup in a thrilling final. New Ross started the game with intent, catching the Lions off-guard with an early clinical try. They quickly doubled their advantage with a second try and a successful conversion, putting the Lions under significant pressure.
The South East side found a lifeline through Lily Sidney, who powered over for a try to get her team on the board. However, New Ross struck again before the whistle, leaving the Lions trailing 5-17 at the halftime break. The Lions’ Surge the second half saw a completely different South East Lions side emerge. With clinical leadership from Ross Barbour and Will Morris, the Lions began to dictate the tempo. The comeback ignited when Caoimhe Reville crossed the white line, followed by a crucial conversion from Mia Kelly to narrow the gap to 12-17.New Ross responded with another try to momentarily extend their lead, but the Lions refused to blink. Clodagh Dee became the hero of the mid-half, showing incredible pace and determination to score two consecutive tries, bringing the game to a dead heat.
The Grand Stand Finish with the scores level and the clock ticking down, the momentum was firmly with the Lions. The referee called last play at a Lions penalty and they took the move straight off the training grounds with backs and forwards working together at a crucial time of the game for Chloe McGrath to touch down in the corner to seal the victory for the Lions to finish off an unbelievable week securing their second cup. The Lions under guidance of managers Gráinne Barron and Annette Guinan have had a fantastic year and would like to thank our wonderful supporters who travelled the length and breadth of Leinster supporting them. South East Lions 27 New Ross 22. .A spectacular performance to seal the silverware and end the season in style.
1. Shannon Codd
2. Emma Walsh
3. Orla Guinan
4. Leah Guinan
5. Thyla Clare O’Neill
6. Seana Kane
7. Bronagh Boggan
8. Sineád Barron
9. Clodadh Dee
10. Caoimhe Reville
11. Lily Sidney
12. Mia Kelly
13. Molly O’Gorman
14. Nessa Carty
15. Bonnie Kinnard
16. Caitlin Doyle
17. Aisling Evans
18. Viktorija Kubiliute
19. Eva Nolan
20. Ciabha Carty
21. Chloe McGrath
22. Erin Cahill
Date: Friday, May 1st, 2026
The South East Lions ended their season on an unforgettable high, staging a powerhouse second-half comeback to defeat New Ross 27-22 and claim the Bryan Murphy Cup in a thrilling final. New Ross started the game with intent, catching the Lions off-guard with an early clinical try. They quickly doubled their advantage with a second try and a successful conversion, putting the Lions under significant pressure.
The South East side found a lifeline through Lily Sidney, who powered over for a try to get her team on the board. However, New Ross struck again before the whistle, leaving the Lions trailing 5-17 at the halftime break. The Lions’ Surge the second half saw a completely different South East Lions side emerge. With clinical leadership from Ross Barbour and Will Morris, the Lions began to dictate the tempo. The comeback ignited when Caoimhe Reville crossed the white line, followed by a crucial conversion from Mia Kelly to narrow the gap to 12-17.New Ross responded with another try to momentarily extend their lead, but the Lions refused to blink. Clodagh Dee became the hero of the mid-half, showing incredible pace and determination to score two consecutive tries, bringing the game to a dead heat.
The Grand Stand Finish with the scores level and the clock ticking down, the momentum was firmly with the Lions. The referee called last play at a Lions penalty and they took the move straight off the training grounds with backs and forwards working together at a crucial time of the game for Chloe McGrath to touch down in the corner to seal the victory for the Lions to finish off an unbelievable week securing their second cup. The Lions under guidance of managers Gráinne Barron and Annette Guinan have had a fantastic year and would like to thank our wonderful supporters who travelled the length and breadth of Leinster supporting them. South East Lions 27 New Ross 22. .A spectacular performance to seal the silverware and end the season in style.
1. Shannon Codd
2. Emma Walsh
3. Orla Guinan
4. Leah Guinan
5. Thyla Clare O’Neill
6. Seana Kane
7. Bronagh Boggan
8. Sineád Barron
9. Clodadh Dee
10. Caoimhe Reville
11. Lily Sidney
12. Mia Kelly
13. Molly O’Gorman
14. Nessa Carty
15. Bonnie Kinnard
16. Caitlin Doyle
17. Aisling Evans
18. Viktorija Kubiliute
19. Eva Nolan
20. Ciabha Carty
21. Chloe McGrath
22. Erin Cahill
