Connacht dominated the second half to defeat Ulster 15-10 in the opening Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship match at Affidea Stadium. Two tries from the dangerous Irish international Anna Mc Gann and a penalty kick from Meabh Deely secured the victory after a hard‑fought contest. Mc Gann’s first‑minute effort, sparked by a cross‑field kick, set the tone, while Ulster’s first try came from skipper Claire Boles, who captained the side in the absence of India Daley. The home side stayed patient in the opening half, but a yellow card to Kara Mulcahy after a tap penalty gave Connacht momentum. In the second half, a try from Sophie Barrett briefly gave Ulster the lead, only for Anna Mc Gann to race over for her second score, with Meabh Deely converting to stretch the lead. Ulster’s late pressure, including a formidable scrum, was penalised, and Deely added another three points. Boles praised her team’s effort despite the loss, vowing a stronger finish in the remaining fixtures.

Ulster: Niamh Marley; Katie Gilmour, Caitlin Crowe, Lucy Thompson, Siobhan Sheerin; Abby Moyles, Rachael Mc Ilroy; Sadhbh Mc Grath, Maebh Clenaghan, Sophie Barrett; Fiona Tuite-O'Sullivan, Rebecca Beacom; Moya Hill, Christy Hill, Claire Boles (capt). Connacht: Clara Barrett; Anna Mc Gann, Lyndsay Clarke, Siofra Hession, Ava Ryder; Meabh Deely, Aoibheann Reilly (co-capt); Ella Burns, Kara Mulcahy, Lily Morris; Faith Oviawe, Emma Fabby; Emma Kelly, Ailish Quinn (co-capt), Jemima Adams Verling.

The result leaves Ulster to face Munster at Energia Park on 15 August before returning to Affidea Stadium for the final round‑robin clash against Leinster.