Unbridled joy as Mayo women help Connacht to historic win

RUGBY: Women's Interprovincial Championship

A minute into injury time in Saturday's opening interprovincial of the season and with Connacht trailing by four points the western women surged up the pitch looking to overtake hot favourites Leinster and secure a breathtaking victory. Suddenly, space opened up. Clara Barrett sent Méabh Deely through the Leinster backline for a try and the home side were in front in Galway.
However, Connacht still had to endure eight more minutes – including a penalty miss from Leinster captain Hannah O’Connor – before being confirmed as winners of a six-try thriller.

Among the Mayo interest in this monumental victory were Clara Barrett, Ava Ryder, Lily Brady, Eva McCormack and Niamh O'Grady on the pitch and former Westport out-half Lyndon Jones guiding his team's fortunes from the touchline.

Beaten 37-10 in last season's meeting with Leinster, the home side were a completely different proposition on Saturday and were 8-5 clear at half time. However, Leinster powered back after the break and built up a 17-8 advantage at the start of the final quarter.

Connacht refused to fade away and were just four adrift as injury time arrived. Then, the women in green swept forward, Barrett timed her pass to perfection and Deely put her side in front.

Seven minutes later, the final whistle sounded and scenes of wild delight broke out under happy western skies.