Excitement is building in County Clare as the Ennis RFC senior women’s team begins training for their biggest season yet — their debut in the Energia Women’s All-Ireland League (AIL).

Just last season, the team — playing as Ennis/Kilrush — completed a fairytale run, capturing the Munster Division 1 League & Cup, the Munster Open Cup, and the All-Ireland AIL qualification series. It was a string of achievements that exceeded all expectations.

Now, they’re making history: Ennis RFC’s women are the first team from County Clare — men’s or women’s — to qualify for the All-Ireland League.

As team captain Michaela Glynn recalled before their AIL qualifier final:

“The last few years surpassed any of the expectations we ever had as a squad at the beginning. The team started off as a way for women in Clare to get the chance to play competitive rugby, as there was no senior women’s team around. To win an All-Ireland final with promotion to the All-Ireland League would be the beginning of the next part of our journey — and it would top off the amazing success we have had over the past few years.”

And they did it.

Guided once again by coach Gareth O’Hanlon, the squad now faces 18 fixtures in the 2025/2026 season — nine away, nine at home in Ennis. This isn’t just participation — they’re aiming to make a real impact in the Women’s AIL.

But national competition brings with it countrywide travel. With away games as far afield as Belfast, Cork, Galway, and Dublin, the step up comes with a steep financial cost.

That’s why we’re refocusing on our online fundraising campaign: https://www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/EnnisRFCWomensRugby

Thanks to the incredible support during last season’s excitement, we’ve already raised 40% of our €10,000 goal. Now we’re asking our community — and everyone who supports rugby in Clare and believes in women’s sport — to help get us the rest of the way.

This team started three years ago with a dream: qualify for the AIL. They’ve done that — and they’re just getting started.

Please donate if you can, share the link, and help us back a team that’s rewriting the story of rugby in Clare.