An incredible comeback from Andrei Molnar’s Senior Men’s team won Ireland bronze at the inaugural 5-Nations Championship. Both Ireland Senior teams overcame their Northern Ireland opponents with Mark Delahunty’s Senior Women clinical and composed in a 3nil clean sweep, just after the Men’s dramatic reverse.
The Senior Men’s team found themselves two nil down and facing consecutive 3nil defeats to Northern Ireland, but inspired performances from MVP Patrick Cawley and Gareth Gilmartin, who combined for 30 kills, were ably supported by some dynamic middle play from teenager Julian Njuguna dragged Ireland back into it. In fairness Ireland could have won the second set losing out 26-24, before swapping that in the third.
Once the first set was on the board Ireland grew in confidence with Libero Ciagan Davoren continuing his fine form with several players like Ben O’Sullivan, Alameen Disu and Lachlan Donnelly coming off the bench to impact the game at critical times – Donnelly making some eye catching plays.
Talismanic middle Peter McGlynn was consistent throughout with setter Jordan Donnelly putting Northern Ireland under pressure with his serve. It was a memorable match and historic win for Ireland’s Senior Men’s team, claiming at first victory at this level for over 20 years.
The Women’s game wasn’t as dramatic, with Ireland dominant. A slow start, perhaps impacted by celebrations from the Men’s game gave Northern Ireland a head start. Ireland hung on in there, eating away at the deficit through the second half of the set. The team kept their cool with captain and leader Emily Frazell stepping up at key points. Libero pair Caitriona ni Riordain and Grace Moloney interchanged well, keeping the back court focused. Ireland edged ahead at the perfect time and held their nerve to one up.
From that point on it was cruise control with Ireland operating in third gear – the Byrne sisters were impressive, with Emma the likely Ireland MVP across the whole weekend hitting hard from the back court, and younger sister Eimear growing in confidence every game. Ireland were mixing up the attack getting rewards down the middle and with some nice setting from TJ Sweeney (match MVP), Northern Ireland were kept guessing.
Carly Donaghy and Laura Connolly were on hand blocking well to squash any NI momentum, before it was left to captain Emily Frazell to finish things in style as Ireland ran out winners 27-25, 25-15. 25-18.
Those results mean both teams finish third, with Ireland taking the bronze medal for the combined 5 Nations Championship. Congratulations to England who narrowly beat Scotland to the overall title. England won the Men’s title whilst Scotland took gold in the women.
Some key stats:
- Gareth Gilmartin finished the tournament as the 2nd highest points scorer
- Jerry Obiekwe had the joint 4th most aces
- Peter McGlynn had the second most blocks
- Ciagan Davoren had the best libero rating
- Laura Connolly was the joint highest best blocker
- Emma Byrne was the tournament’s 5th best spiker
- Caitriona ni Riordain had the most perfect receptions (57)
- Jess Dowling had the 4th most aces and topped the aces/serves leader board
