Ballinasloe stars set to shine on the Rugby World Cup stage as the club celebrates its 150th anniversary, and local heroes Béibhinn Parsons, Aoibheann Reilly, and Méabh Deely prepare for the 2025 Rugby World Cup with pride and determination. The trio are ready to represent not just Ireland, but their tight-knit community, and they hope to make Ballinasloe proud on the global stage.
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A Remarkable Rise for a Small Town
In many towns, producing even one inter-county athlete is a rare achievement. In Ballinasloe, however, the past few years have brought an incredible surge of talent. Since 2021, the town has produced an Olympian, three senior women’s rugby internationals, and five Ireland Under-20 men’s internationals. For a club that once struggled to compete, this is an extraordinary turnaround.
The Origins of a New Era
The success story began in 2013 when a full women’s team was formed for the first time. Aoibheann Reilly’s father, Stephen, played a major role in launching it, bringing together talented girls from local schools and GAA clubs. Many of them had played other sports and quickly adapted to rugby. Over time, the number of girls involved grew rapidly, and their early efforts laid the foundation for years of progress. What started as a single team has now become a thriving girls’ rugby programme.
Overcoming Setbacks and Staying Focused
The journey to the 2025 World Cup has not been without its challenges. Reilly’s Olympic hopes were dashed by a knee injury, while Deely missed the 2025 Six Nations through injury. Parsons did represent Ireland at the Paris 2024 Olympics, even though the team only managed one win. Thanks to perseverance and hard work, all three are now back in form and ready to compete. Reilly says the time has flown by during pre-season and that she’s fully focused on performing at her best.
Eyes on Northampton and Beyond
The squad’s aim is clear: reach London for the latter stages of the World Cup. Deely confirms that their team motto is to “get to London”, and Reilly adds that once they reach the quarter-finals, they’ll push all the way. They believe the talent within the squad is strong enough to challenge any team if they perform to their full potential.
Proud Traditions and a New Generation
Former Ireland star Noel Mannion, now director of rugby at the club, is incredibly proud of Ballinasloe’s recent achievements. He credits both talented young players and high-quality coaching for the club’s current success. Mannion points out that very few junior clubs produce provincial or international players, and Ballinasloe’s ability to do so is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved.
Punching Above Their Weight
With players from 18 counties making up the national squad, Ballinasloe RFC is flying the flag for Connacht. From humble underage beginnings to international recognition, the club is proving that dedication and strong community support can produce world-class talent. As the Rugby World Cup approaches, the town’s proud rugby tradition continues to grow, and its stars are ready to shine brighter than ever.
