31 October 2026, Liam Fitzgerald Park, Moyross, Limerick – Round 5, AIL Division 2B South
A view from the sideline by OMAHD 🐕
Thomond RFC 12 – 29 Bective Rangers FC
There was no Halloween fright for Bective Rangers in Limerick on Saturday. The Rangers produced another strong away performance to defeat Thomond 29–12 at Liam Fitzgerald Park and make it four wins from five in the opening rounds of the Energia All-Ireland League.
This was the fifth meeting between the sides in the past 18 months, with Bective having taken three of the previous four. The visitors arrived in confident form after their emphatic 59–7 win over Buccaneers in Athlone the previous weekend.
After dealing with Storm Bóeló in Athlone, the Rangers found a more typical Irish Halloween afternoon waiting in Moyross – grey skies, light drizzle, a slight breeze and the occasional firework from the nearby housing estate. Bective had the wind in the first half and referee John Lillis MAR IRFU got the game underway.
The start could hardly have been better. Just three minutes were on the clock when Matthew Gilsenan crashed over under the posts. David Fitzgibbon added the extras and Bective led 7–0.
Bective make the early running
The Rangers stayed on the front foot. In the 13th minute Evan Galvin crossed for the second try to stretch the lead. The pack provided a solid platform and the backs looked dangerous every time they got possession. Thomond found it difficult to contain the visitors’ attacking shape.
The third try arrived in the 33rd minute through Gavin Kelly. Fitzgibbon converted again. Just before the break, captain Christopher Hennessy finished in the second minute of added time to secure the bonus-point try. Fitzgibbon’s conversion made it a very satisfying first half for the travelling support.
Half-time: Thomond 0 – 26 Bective
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Thomond fight back
Thomond needed a response after the interval. With former Ireland international Keith Earls (101 caps) in their coaching set-up, they found one through Colin Slater, who scored in the 45th minute. Slater struck again on 54 minutes, and Evan Cusack converted to cut the deficit to 14 points.
For a period, the home side had real energy, but Bective stayed composed. They kept their shape, worked hard without the ball and refused to let Thomond turn pressure into a serious threat to the result.
The Rangers steadied things and, in the 64th minute, Fitzgibbon landed a penalty that effectively closed the door. The final score of 29–12 reflected a dominant first-half display and a mature second-half performance when the home side tried to fight their way back into the contest.
Four wins from five
This was another valuable away win and continued the positive momentum built in recent weeks. After the opening-day setback against Old Crescent, Bective have responded with victories over Bruff, Midleton, Buccaneers and now Thomond.
There will be satisfaction in the way the side handled Thomond’s second-half surge. Two tries from Slater brought the home team back into it, but the Rangers kept their discipline and saw the game out professionally.
Four wins from five leaves Bective firmly in the mix in Division 2B South.
The task now is to keep that consistency going.
Next up: Monkstown at home
Attention turns to Round 6 and the visit of near-neighbours Monkstown to Energia Park, Donnybrook on Saturday 7 November (kick-off 2.30pm).
The result in Limerick also carries extra significance in the table. The 29–12 win moves the Rangers to within three points of current leaders Clonmel, a side they have yet to face. The home game against Monkstown will be another important test in what is shaping up as a competitive division.
Local pride and valuable league points will be on the line.
Final score: Thomond RFC 12, Bective Rangers FC 29.
Bective scorers: Tries – Matthew Gilsenan (3'), Evan Galvin (13'), Gavin Kelly (33'), Christopher Hennessy (40+2'). Conversions – David Fitzgibbon (3', 33', 40+3'). Penalty – David Fitzgibbon (64').
Thomond scorers: Tries – Colin Slater (45', 54'). Conversion – Evan Cusack (54').
BECTIVE RANGERS 1st XV:15 Tim Carroll; 14 Chris Rolland, 13 Alex Walsh, 12 Matthew Gilsenan, 11 Edward Kelly; 10 David Fitzgibbon, 9 Charlie Reilly; 1 Christopher Hennessy (capt), 2 Chris Poole, 3 Conor Kelly; 4 Andrew Treacy, 5 Conor McMenamin; 6 Gavin Kelly, 7 Evan Galvin, 8 James Gallagher.
Replacements: 16 Scott Barron, 17 Luke Mion, 18 Tiarnan McCloskey, 18 Bobby Holland, 19 Craig Cantwell.
Referee: John Lilis, UAR IRFU.
