U14 Rugby Match Report
Portarlington v Birr – Leinster Schools Youth League U14 Division 2

Portarlington hosted Birr in the opening match of their Leinster Schools Youth League U14 Division 2 campaign, and it was a performance that set a very high standard for the season ahead.
After the Christmas break and a five-week gap since their last outing, the Port lads arrived in great spirits — chatty, relaxed, and approaching warm-up and jerseys as they would any other match day. What followed once the whistle blew, however, was something special.
From the outset, Port showed real determination and rigour, particularly in the basics. Set pieces were solid, rucks were secured with intent, and quick, clean ball allowed the backs to flourish. That platform paid immediate dividends when Luca Hynes received the ball on the left wing, turned on the pace, broke two tackles, and crossed to open the scoring.
That try settled the nerves, and Port quickly built momentum. Captain Michael Owens (C) was next to strike, taking ball from a textbook ruck, breaking left, and showing great speed and strength to finish Port’s second try.
Birr responded well, capitalising on a loose ball during open play to reduce the deficit. That only spurred Port on. Sean Fitzpatrick powered down the left flank to restore the gap, before Bradley Cooper, hungry for a score before half-time, spotted space on the right. With an evasive step and explosive pace, he created his own gap and couldn’t be stopped despite two strong attempts from Birr defenders.
Port went into the break firmly in control, leading 24–7.
After a well-earned breather and some substitutions, Port picked up exactly where they left off. Within three minutes, their passing, ruck work, and positional play were again to the fore. Fitzpatrick launched a clever kick from midfield, releasing Arran Dunne on the wing. Running from the 50-metre line into the Birr 22, Arran gathered under pressure and powered through two defenders, carrying them over the line to open Port’s second-half account.
Birr showed resilience and struck back with an interception try, but Port quickly regained control. From a penalty just outside the Birr 22, Tom Coen — a powerhouse all day — looped into the backline, broke two tackles, and crossed in trademark fashion. Bradley Cooper then sealed the result with his second try of the day.
The final whistle confirmed a well-deserved and welcome win for Portarlington.
This match was a perfect example of what happens when the fundamentals are executed properly. Huge unseen work around the field — securing rucks, making tackles, and getting into position — laid the foundation for the tries and allowed the game to be played with confidence and enjoyment.
Outstanding Performances
Ciaráin Moore, Finn Costello, Jack McDonnald, Sam Lyons, Sean Kiernan, Dan Carroll, Jack Turley
Man of the Match: Bradley Cooper

Team

Jack McDonnald, Ciaráin Moore, Harry Robinson, Finn Costello, Oisín Geoghegan, Sam Lyons, Charlie Merriman, Tom Coen, Tadgh O’Connor, Bradley Cooper, Luca Hynes, Sean Fitzpatrick, Michael Owens (C), Sam Petriw, Dan Carroll, Sean Kiernan, Aidan Scully, Arran Dunne, Michael McCallum, Jack Turley