Rugby Gaels - Gaelic Football Team

22/08/2026

17/08/2026

A tough game for the Gaels against Leicester yesterday.

Leicester proved to have too many key players available, while unfortunately the Gaels had two integral players pull out first thing this morning. The fines committee will be in touch with them!

Despite the absences, the Gaels still put their best foot forward. Captain Freddie Stephenson was a constant threat up and down the pitch, with midfield partner Archie Gall putting in a strong and aggressive shift alongside him.

Vice-captain for the day, Ben Crawley, had an outstanding game at corner back, keeping his man busy throughout while also contributing to one of the best moments of the year. If you know, you know!

Zak Wright registered another goal, once again proving to be a serious threat in front of goal when he can arrange a lift and remember his boots! 😂

A big mention for Seb Crawley, who got a good point on the board and was crucial in winning breaking ball and supporting the midfield line throughout the game.

After picking up MOTM a few weeks ago, young Gabriel Treacy was given the difficult task of marking Leicester’s star half-forward. Despite the challenge, Gabriel never stopped running and did an excellent job of limiting his influence.

Lee Ashwell once again showed his physicality, putting in a strong performance and competing for every ball throughout the game.

Rhys Ashwell was also very composed with the ball in hand and contributed well throughout.

A big congratulations to Leicester and best of luck for the remainder of their championship campaign. As always, it was a pleasure to stay in the Emerald for a pint afterwards. 🍻

🏆 MOTM: Seb Crawley

A deserved MOTM award for Seb. For the first time all season, he managed to stay away from the Saturday night celebrations, and the difference certainly showed on Sunday! 😂

A strong all-round performance, contributing in every aspect of his game and fully deserving of the award.

Strengths: Weekday pints, fastest man on three legs, physical presence, strong general Gaelic football IQ, is related to Ben Crawley

Weaknesses: Weekend pints, car tyres, being the second-best boxer in his family, eating a full cheeseburger three minutes before kick-off, and will heckle you during your wedding speech.

09/08/2026

RUGBY GAELS 𝗩𝗦 ST FINBARRS — MATCH REPORT

The Gaels took on St Finbarrs in Coventry today, with a few lads away meaning the reins were handed to James Treacy to put the team together, while Freddie Stephenson returned to the helm as captain for the day.

From the opening whistle, it was clear Freddie intended to dominate the midfield. His partnership with Archie Gall proved a real handful for St Finbarrs, with Freddie using his knowledge of goalkeeper James Treacy’s kick-outs to great effect, helping the Gaels win a huge amount of ball in the air.

Archie Gall covered every blade of grass, putting in another huge shift and, importantly, registering his first point for the club. 🎯

The defence were equally impressive.

Ollie Poole put in some outstanding tackles and, as always, appeared willing to use absolutely any means necessary to bring his man down.

Paddy Treacy also put in a solid performance, working hard throughout and making sure he was always involved when the Gaels needed him. His work rate and commitment helped keep the pressure on St Finbarrs and contributed to another strong defensive display from the Gaels.

At full-back, Mitch Aires produced one of the best displays of communication the club has seen, keeping his man extremely quiet throughout the game.

The half-back line of Lee Ashwell, Rhys Ashwell and Ciaron Beasley proved deadly for very different reasons. Rhys was excellent on the breaking ball and put in a massive shift, while Ciaron’s attitude and work rate helped keep the entire defence positive as he tracked his man all over the pitch.

Then there was Lee.

Lee Ashwell appeared to take today's game personally. For the full 60 minutes, he simply refused to stop running. Up and down the pitch, involved in everything, driving the ball forward and more than happy to step through anyone who stood in his way.

Will Pritchard also made his presence felt in the middle, producing some excellent work on the breaking ball, becoming a real nuisance for St Finbarrs and registering an assist in the process.

Conor Deery was excellent in possession, moving the ball quickly and accurately and creating several opportunities with some very neat passing and assists.

Young newcomer Jacob deserves a special mention too. Despite picking up an injury, he showed serious grit to continue and produced what may well be one of the greatest tracking runs ever witnessed in a Gaels jersey. 💪

There were also standout performances from Freddie Stephenson, who somehow continued to win the ball regardless of how many men surrounded him, while contributing goals and points throughout the game.

Finn Thompson also produced his personal best performance of the season, making an impact at both half-forward and full-forward and helping steady the ship at both ends of the pitch.

After a strong team talk from James Treacy and Freddie Stephenson, the lads went back out and showed exactly what it means to wear the Gaels jersey — plenty of fight, plenty of effort and plenty of pride.

MOTM: Lee Ashwell

Strengths: Literal strength. Surprisingly good fitness. Loves contact. Enjoys tackling. Willing to run through anything. Probably wakes up in the middle of the night thinking about contact.

Weaknesses: Nobody was brave enough to say one. Have we mentioned he likes contact?

06/08/2026

The Rugby Gaels took on Four Masters in a friendly on Wednesday evening.

Despite being without our regular goalkeeper, Michael O'Meara stepped up and did an excellent job between the posts, showing great leadership.

Finn Thompson and Will Pritchard put in solid performances in the full-back line during the first half, while the half-back line was outstanding throughout. Archie Gall seemed to be involved in everything on the pitch—including, unfortunately, his own teammates at times! Oisin McKenna continued his excellent recent form, winning high balls, putting in strong tackles, and dominating around the middle. Mitch Aries worked tirelessly, getting stuck into every challenge and leaving nothing on the field.

Gabriel Treacy covered every blade of grass and was a constant attacking threat, capping off his performance with an excellent point from a difficult angle. Seb Crawley opened the scoring with a well-taken point and came close to finding the net on two occasions, only to be denied by the impressive Four Masters goalkeeper. Freddie Stephenson once again impressed, particularly with his forward runs, while Joe O'Brien also made a strong impact going forward.

Following a number of second-half changes, James Treacy moved into the corner-back position and delivered several well-placed kick-outs after Archie Gall decided to RKO his own goalkeeper. Those restarts allowed Oisin McKenna to claim several consecutive high balls, with Freddie Stephenson also continuing to excel in the air.
Ben Crawley slotted into the full-back line and brought plenty of experience, keeping his marker quiet and limiting any threat close to goal.

Overall, it was a strong team performance from the Gaels, but credit must go to Four Masters, who proved to be a well-drilled side. We wish them all the best for the remainder of the season and thank them for a competitive and enjoyable game.

Motm : Gabriel Treacy

Strengths: Running, communication, concrete arriving at half 5 on a Friday evening.

Weaknesses : Weekends in Rosscommon, the session, facial hair, John Cenas farewell tour

03/08/2026

A Rugby Gaels side down to the bare bones, with several players missing due to holidays and others away in Dublin for the weekend, refused to let their depleted numbers affect their performance. The Gaels put in a tremendous effort against a strong John Mitchells side.

John Mitchells started brightly, opening the scoring with the first point of the game before quickly adding a two-pointer in quick succession.

The Gaels then got themselves on the scoreboard properly when Alex Baalham-Donaldson curled over an excellent free from a tight angle after the Gaels won possession high up the pitch as Mitchells attempted to play out from the back.

The Gaels continued to build momentum and levelled the game when Oisin McKenna drove half the length of the pitch from defence and put the ball over the bar. The Gaels and John Mitchell's went toe to toe in an entertaining spell in the match seeing both teams exchange scores. Freddie Stephenson dominated the midfield event after John Mitchesll had tactically reshuffled to cope with him. The Gaels found themselves 5 points down before half time following two unfortunate moments firstly a long shot for a point sailed over stand in goalkeeper Lee Ashwells head and into the Gaels net and then shortly afterwards a seemingly hapless shot at goal from the John Mitchell's forward from distance bounced in front of the Gaels post and went over for 2 points.

Second half: Rugby started the brightest in the second half Freddie Stephenson continued to dominate in midfield and scored a fine point when he took a high ball from a goal kick and drove forward before placing the ball over the black spot. The deficit was cut to 4 points when Alex Baalham-Donaldson kicked a free following a foul on the free running and athletic Danny Walsh who took a break from his promising professional boxing career. Just as Rugby looked like they had the momentum a costly mistake at the back led to another easy and unfortunate goal for John Mitchell's to put them 7 points ahead. By this stage John Mitchell's had made their 3rd tactical reshuffle to cope with Freddie Stephenson but this had little impact as he won everything and contributed with a lovely point after a driving run as well as being brought down on the 21 for Alex Baalham-Donaldson to tap over another point. Mitchell's then scored a two pointer and the game appeared to be over going into the last 10 minutes until Michael O'Meara scored the points of the game shooting over from just inside the John Mitchell's half for 2 points. This was then followed by another 2 pointer by Zak. Rugby were in touching distance and appeared to have the momentum with Freddie Stephenson and Joe O'Brien winning the midfield battle but John Mitchell's again had luck on their side when a long range shot fell short and bounced over the bar for 2 points and following the restart the Gaels gave away a soft free for passing back to the goalkeeper which was converted by the Mitchells forward. 6 points down with minutes to go The Gaels threw caution to the wind with some good attacking play Zack shot narrowly wide after breaking free from the defence and shortly afterwards Alex Baalham-Donaldson saw a well hit shot saved by the fingertips of a John Mitchell's defender on the goal line.

Despite a late surge and relentless pressure in the closing stages, the Gaels just ran out of time. John Mitchells managed to slow the game down and retain possession when it mattered most, edging out the final exchanges to protect their lead.

At the final whistle, there was disappointment for Rugby Gaels, but also immense pride in a performance full of heart, resilience, and determination despite a heavily depleted squad.

Result 2-15 to 0-15 to John Mitchell's

MOTM : Freddie Stephenson

Strengths : threat all over the park, massive engine, aerial dominance.

Weaknesses : refuses to read the groupchat, Brazilian women, behaviour after his third pint, chocolate cake. List goes on but he's really good at catching a ball

27/07/2026

Another great outing for Rugby Gaels as we ran out 4-1 winners over Quigley's Vets in a friendly in Clifton.

Charlie Smith grabbed a brilliant hat-trick, while Shay Young capped off a superb performance with an outstanding long-range strike from inside his own half.

The Young brothers, Shay and Tommy, controlled the midfield throughout, with Alex Donaldson contributing at both ends of the pitch. Mitch put in a commanding display at centre-back, while Oisin McKenna covered every blade of grass with his trademark no-nonsense football.

 Seb Crawley provided some dangerous early runs, Gabriel Treacy impressed at left-back on his return to football after many years, Joe Sullivan was once again dependable in goal, and Will Pritchard made sure nobody got an easy run through on goal!

🏆 MOTM – Mitch Aries 

 Strengths: Pure aerobic fitness and strength 

Weaknesses: his girlfriend  is a better boxer than him

05/07/2026

Another outstanding team performance saw the Gaels put in a huge shift against Leicester, with quality all over the pitch.

Pierce Ryan got himself on the scoresheet with an excellent goal and a point, while Oisin McKenna continued his outstanding form by finishing with a superb 40 yard goal and another point to his name. James Treacy added a brilliantly worked goal after a perfectly weighted assist from Charlie Smith, who also chipped in with a point of his own. Rhys Ashwell also got on the scoresheet with a well taken point.

At the back, Oisin McKenna once again commanded the half back line with Seb Crawley and Gabriel Treacy, who has spent much of the season at half forward, was switched to half back for today's game and produced a superb performance. His composure, work rate, and defensive display proved to be a real game changer for the side.

Ben Crawley marked his return to the team with a composed and solid display in the corner, while Owen Bachelor and Joe O'Brien both put in tremendous work rates in midfield. Shay Young produced several moments of real quality, creating multiple attacking opportunities with his vision and passing.

James Evans worked tirelessly in the forward line, linking play well and providing important assists. Zak Wright continued to show his versatility and commitment, impressing wherever he was asked to play. Seb Crawley carried his recent form into another excellent performance, bringing aggression and energy in both attack and defence.

Patrick Treacy once again kept his direct opponent scoreless with another disciplined defensive display. Ollie Poole put in a huge shift, while Lee Ashwell remained calm and dependable at the back throughout.

A special mention goes to Oisin McKenna whose relentless work in defence and willingness to drive the team forward were instrumental all game.

New signing Mitch enjoyed an outstanding debut in the full back line, looking fearless and composed from start to finish.

Man of the Match: Joe O'Sullivan. An incredible display between the posts, producing a string of acrobatic saves that kept the Gaels in the game, along with outstanding kick outs that consistently launched attacks.

Strengths: Acrobatic saves, taste in women, kickouts

Weaknesses: Still supports Coventry.

02/07/2026

🏐 Match Announcement

Rugby Gaels are back in Intermediate Championship action this Sunday as we take on Naomh Padraig.

📅 Sunday 5 July
🕐 Throw in: 1:00 PM
📍 Newbold

Your support makes all the difference. Get down to Newbold and cheer the lads on as we look to secure another important result. Up the Gaels! 💙💛

29/06/2026

Another strong team performance, based on the reports from those who were there.

Freddie Stephenson put in a tremendous shift, leading the midfield with an outstanding display. Alex Donaldson and Zak Wright caused problems throughout with some excellent attacking play.

Charlie Smith made an immediate impact on his return from a few solo trips away,hitting the ground running with two goals on the scoresheet.

At the back, Oisin McKenna and Archie Gall were commanding in the half back line, helping to keep the opposition under control.

Final score : 6-08 - 3-07 to

Man of the Match: Archie Gall

Strengths: Tackling, running, new haircut.

Weaknesses: Talking to women, pollen.