ULSTER’S only representatives in the Energia Women’s All Ireland rugby league, Cooke, open their campaign tomorrow, Saturday, September 28, away to Suttonians at the JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds in Dublin (5.00pm).
Cooke finished bottom of the table last season, but there looks to be quite a buzz developing at Shaw’s Bridge following the appointment of Brian McLaughlin, the former Ulster Men’s head coach and Ireland skills coach.
Cooke won the Rosie Stewart Memorial Bowl recently with a 43-5 victory over Banbridge with young winger Katie Gilmour scoring a hat-trick of tries. Suttonians beat the Belfast side twice last season, including a 24-3 triumph at home where versatile back Farrell McCabe scored nine points.
Meabh O’Brien has taken on the captaincy role at Suttonians, and they are also guided by a new coaching team for the club’s centenary year. Colin Keogh has the head coach reins, assisted by Niall Mahon, and recent Ulster debutant Lauren Farrell McCabe is their player-coach.
Recent League Meetings – Saturday, October 21, 2023: Cooke 0 Suttonians 44, Shaw’s Bridge; Saturday, March 9, 2024: Suttonians 24 Cooke 3, JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds
