Athy bring Towns Cup glory to Kildare with thrilling final win

Athy 18

Carlow 17

The surge in rugby’s popularity was on full display in Kildare on Sunday, as Naas RFC played host to a vibrant 2025 Leinster Provincial Towns Cup Final between Athy and Carlow.

In scenes more like a music festival than a rugby match, fans from both clubs packed into the Kildare venue, where Athy were crowned champions for the first time since 1984.

Both clubs have long and proud histories with the Towns Cup. Before this year, Carlow had claimed the trophy 12 times from 16 appearances, while Athy had lifted it five times in 15 finals. Sunday's clash marked the fifth time these two sides have faced off in the final, with Carlow winning the first three encounters and Athy coming out on top in the last two.

It had been a long road back for both: Carlow hadn’t reached a final since 2002, nor won it since 1997. Athy's drought stretched even further, last reaching the decider in 1991 and last taking home the silverware 41 years ago.

Athy dominated early possession in a lively opening spell, but Carlow’s defence stood strong. They turned the tide and opened the scoring when Jonathan Crossley found a gap to cross the line, with Ben Crotty converting to make it 7-0.

Carlow threatened again straight from the restart, but Athy won a crucial turnover, and David Downey produced a sensational solo run to race the length of the pitch for a superb try. Athy hit the front shortly before halftime when Jack Henry burst onto a well-timed pop-pass and dotted down in the corner.

There was more joy for Athy moments later when Cathal Fennessy created space on the wing and sprinted over for their third try. Fennessy, unfortunately, suffered a hamstring injury in the process and had to leave the field. Despite late pressure from Carlow, Athy led 15-7 at the break.

Carlow responded perfectly after halftime, with Crotty finishing strongly in the corner to narrow the gap. They then turned to their forward power, and Rhys Edgehill's try midway through the second half nudged them ahead 17-15.

Darragh Farrell, who had missed three tough conversions from the sideline in the first half, kept his composure when it mattered most. With an hour played, he slotted a superb 35-yard penalty to restore Athy’s lead, a score that would ultimately decide the contest.

Carlow threw everything at Athy in the final stages and earned a long-range penalty after the clock had gone red. But Crotty's kick came up just short, sparking wild celebrations among the Athy supporters as their 41-year wait finally came to an end.

Scorers: Athy: David Downey, Jack Henry, Cathal Fennessy (one try each), Darragh Farrell (one pen).

Carlow: Ben Crotty (one try, one con), Jonathan Crossley, Rhys Edgehill (one try each).

ATHY: Aidan Henry; David Downey, Tom Sheedy, Darragh Farrell, Cathal Fennessy; Craig Miller, Culann Carbery; Karol Donohoe, Niall O'Hanlon, Teodor Ciobanu; Kevin Downey, Niall Dunne; Jack Henry, James Sheedy, Tadgh Foley. Replacements: Shane Horgan, Aaron Rowan, John Sheedy, James Harris, Eoin Farrell, Oran Kelleher, Graham O’Shaughnessy.

CARLOW: Ben Crotty; Jonathan Crossley, David McDermott, Sean Quinlan, Jamie McCabe; Brian Broderick, Daniel Crotty; Patrick Rogers, Scott Neale, Tadhg Ronan; Wesley Shirley, John Lyons; Cormac McElligott, Joel Brown, Conor Tracey. Replacements: Evan Gordon, Caolan Fitzhenry, Rhys Edghill, John Murphy, Josh Cope.

REFEREE: Ian Thompson (Tullow)

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