Divine intervention helps inspire Terenure win

Conall Boomer believes that a little assistance from his uncle, Fr Desmond Sweeney, helped him play a scoring part in Terenure College’s superb Energia All-Ireland Rugby League Division 1A final success at the Aviva Stadium.

Boomer and Campbell Classon - from Rosbeg, outside Ardara - both came in from the sideline to help their side dethone reigning champions Clontarf in spectacular fashion on a scoreline of 50-24.

But Boomer admits that his involvement in Sunday’s decider appeared completely out of the question when he suffered what was described at the time as a season ending injury. 

“I tore my pectoral muscle seven weeks ago and needed surgery,” he said.  “I was told it would be September at the earliest before I’d be back. I remember going up to Ramelton after that operation to see my uncle, Fr Desmond Sweeney.

“At that stage Santry (Sports Clinic) had completely ruled me out, no hope. I remember just sitting in his living room and he said a mass. He was kind enough to then bless the chest for me. 

“But as the days went on, and things improved it felt like I might have a chance. The danger was and I was told it, I risked tearing the peck off the bone once more. 

“Given all that doubt, I was just so grateful to have even been named on the bench for Sunday. For me - that was amazing. But to get on and score a try, it was beyond anything I could have hoped for”. 

As well as securing their first ever title, Terenure also avenged last season’s decider loss to the same opposition. 

“We were really motivated,” said the former Ardara GAA underage player. “Campbell came on as well and he did really well because our scrums hadn’t been working as we’d have liked until that point. He set me up for my try as well with an assist. 

“To come from such a small place like Rospeg, it brings a lot of pride for us”.

Meanwhile, Classon explains that he didn’t actually pick up a rugby ball until he was 13 years of age. 

“I’m so proud and to do it with Conall makes it even more special. Conall has a rugby background but for me, I only really took an interest from my early teens. 

“I knuckled down in the last few seasons and I’ve really put in an effort to get into shape. Sunday’s performance was unreal. I remember running back near the end and just looking up at the scoreboard. 

“It was incredible.  It was so comprehensive. The amount of family and friends that travelled up, that made it extra special. 

“The scenes in Terenure on Sunday evening were unbelievable. I remember at a very young age, about four or five, and Ardara taking a senior championship back into town, it was 2004. 

“That’s the only kind of comparison I can make. It’s a really close knit community. Everyone knows everyone. They love their rugby and they’ve waited a long time for this”.