The Women's Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle

Record Crowds And New Directions

Episode 19 of The Women’s Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle signs off the series with a full deep dive into the final round of the Women’s Six Nations, reflecting on a landmark occasion for Irish rugby as Ireland defeated Scotland in front of a record crowd at the Aviva Stadium. Hosted by Diarmuid Kearney, alongside Aimee Clarke (Railway Union) and Stacy Hanley (Galwegians), the panel brings player insight, tactical analysis, and press-box perspective to another historic week for the women’s game in Ireland. The trio break down Ireland’s win over Scotland, the significance of the occasion, and what it means for the future of the sport, from creating more days like this at the Aviva Stadium to ensuring the achievements of past players remain recognised and celebrated. Attention then shifts toward the future of the domestic game, with discussion around the new 1A and 1B structure for the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division next season. The panel looks at the addition of MU Barnhall and Enniskillen, the increased competitiveness of the league, and how the changes can help drive the continued growth of women’s rugby in Ireland. This week’s special guest is former Ireland international Lynne Cantwell, now Head of Women’s Strategy for Irish Rugby and still Ireland’s most capped player. She joins the show to discuss the AIL restructuring, the historic day at the Aviva Stadium, and the long-term vision for the women’s game in Ireland. Big games, big voices, and big moments, everything you need to know at the Final Whistle.

From Underage Success To The Big Stage

Episode 18 of The Women’s Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle returns for a full deep dive into the Women’s Six Nations, with Ireland v Scotland front and centre this weekend, alongside a look back on the success of the Ireland U21s campaign. Hosted by Diarmuid Kearney, alongside Aimee Clarke (Railway Union) and Stacy Hanley (Galwegians), the panel brings player insight, tactical analysis, and press-box perspective to another landmark week for women’s rugby in Ireland. The trio break down Ireland’s Six Nations clash with Wales, before turning attention to Sunday’s meeting with Scotland at the Aviva Stadium, a history-making occasion for the women’s game in Ireland, with more than 28,000 tickets sold for the fixture. Attention also turns to the Ireland U21s, who completed a clean sweep in their campaign. The panel reflects on the dramatic one-point victory away to England, followed by the win over Wales, and what the performances say about the continued growth of the underage pathway in Irish rugby. Big games, big voices, and big moments — everything you need to know at the Final Whistle.

From Aviva Drama To Six Nations Tests

Episode 17 of The Women’s Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle delivers a full debrief on a dramatic Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division Final, where UL Bohemian edged past Blackrock College at the death to secure a remarkable three-in-a-row. Hosted by Diarmuid Kearney, alongside Aimee Clarke (Railway Union) and Stacy Hanley (Galwegians), the panel brings player insight, tactical analysis, and press-box perspective to a standout weekend for women’s rugby in Ireland. The trio break down the final in detail, from key moments to the late drama that decided the title. Reaction from the UL Bohemian camp features, with Alana McInerney, Ciara O’Dwyer, and captain Chloe Pearse sharing their thoughts post-match, while head coach Sarah Quin also reflects on the victory at the Aviva Stadium. Attention then turns to the international stage, with the panel reviewing Ireland’s Six Nations defeat to France and looking ahead to upcoming home fixtures against Wales and Scotland, while the U21s return to action this weekend. Big games, big voices, and big moments, everything you need to know at the Final Whistle.

All Roads To The Aviva

Episode 16 of The Women’s Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle is a near two-hour special dedicated to previewing the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division Final, as UL Bohemian face Blackrock College this Sunday at 1:30pm in the Aviva Stadium. Hosted by Diarmuid Kearney, alongside Aimee Clarke (Railway Union) and Stacy Hanley (Galwegians), the panel brings player insight, tactical analysis, and press-box perspective ahead of the biggest day in the Irish women’s club rugby calendar. After a season packed with drama, it all comes down to a heavyweight showdown, UL Bohemian chasing three in a row and a 16th title, while Blackrock College return to the final for the first time since 2022, targeting their seventh crown. The trio break down how both sides reached the decider and assess two squads stacked with quality and experience. The episode also features voices from both camps. From UL Bohemian, Kerry native Ava O’Malley discusses her debut season and first final, Éabha Nic Dhonnacha reflects on her role as the competition’s top scorer heading into a third consecutive final, and Clodagh O’Halloran looks ahead to making her mark after missing last year’s decider through injury. From Blackrock College, Lauren Farrell McCabe shares her journey to the club following Suttonians folding last season, Catherine “Catz” Martin brings insight from the centre, and Maeve Óg O’Leary, who played a key role in that 2022 triumph, reflects on her return from double knee surgery last season and her leadership role within the squad going into Sunday Big games, big voices, and big moments, everything you need to know ahead of the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division Final at the Final Whistle.

Conference Champions And Continental Challenges

Episode 15 of The Women’s Rugby Podcast on FinalWhistle reflects on a decisive weekend in the Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division, while also turning attention to Ireland’s progress in the Six Nations. Hosted by Diarmuid Kearney and Aimee Clarke, the panel is reunited as Stacy Hanley returns from her break, bringing player insight, tactical analysis, and press-box perspective at a pivotal stage of the season. The trio look back on the Conference Final, where Wicklow were crowned champions after overcoming Galwegians, ending the campaign on a high and securing silverware. Attention then shifts to the international stage, where both Ireland U21s and the senior side recorded wins over Italy at the Dexcom Stadium, before looking ahead to a major test away to France this weekend. Big games, big voices, and big moments, everything you need to know as the season reaches its climax at the Final Whistle.