Leinster Lions Wheelchair Rugby team celebrate a landmark year of success

THE Leinster Lions wheelchair rugby team have every reason to celebrate as 2025 has proven to be one of the most successful and inspiring years in the club's history. With dominant performances, new player development, and an expanding supporter base, the Lions have roared louder than ever on both national and international stages.

The club based in Vicarstown attracts players from all over the country, as players travel from Laois, Kildare, Wicklow, Tipperary and Clare to take part with the club.

It has been a real breakthrough year for the club in terms of success. They travelled to Germany to take part in the Bernd Best competition earlier in the year which is a club competition that tests the best teams in the world with clubs coming from Germany, France, Sweden, Poland, the Netherlands among others.

They were hugely successful in the competition coming runners up in their category after losing to the Patriots a German club in the final.

They built on that success and won the Irish League Championship title to finish their season off in style.

Current player Jonny Mulhall spoke about the success of the year the club has had and the upward trajectory the club is pointing to.

He said: “The season was a great success—our strongest to date. We saw development across the board, player performance, squad cohesion, and competitive outcomes.

“We laid down a clear roadmap at the start of the year, and we delivered on it. The squad matured, our new talent integrated well, and ultimately, we finished on top.

“Germany was a key milestone. We came away as runners-up after a tough final, but more importantly, we left with credibility on the international stage. We were up against some very strong teams and showed we belong at that level.

“The team performed with grit and professionalism. We executed great rugby under pressure, adapted to unfamiliar styles of play, and built resilience. From a player development and exposure standpoint, it was invaluable.” Mulhall admits the secret to all the clubs success this year was dedication and hailed everyone involved in bringing that success to the club.

He said: “We closed out the season by winning the Irish League Championship title. The secret was simple: dedication. We built everything on commitment to the process, clear tactical frameworks, and playing to our strengths. Despite integrating a number of new players over the past 12 months, we established clarity in roles and held everyone to consistently high standards. That cohesion allowed us to peak precisely when it mattered most.

“This wasn’t our first title—but it was certainly one of our most significant. It validated the long-term vision and investment we’ve put into the club’s infrastructure and talent pathway. We’ve been building the team for some time now, and this was proof it’s working.

“Consistency and long-term vision. We’ve focused on player development, high levels of fitness and game play. Our recruitment has been relentless —we don’t just look at ability, we look at attitude and character. That’s made the difference.” The club are already looking ahead to next season and retaining their title and keep building on the success of the last 12 years and Mulhall had advice for any people considering joining the club.

Mulhall finished: “Domestically, we’re committed to expanding our player base through Leinster Wheelchair Rugby, developing depth, and retaining our Irish League title next season.

“We’re also actively exploring opportunities for international club competition, contingent on funding and logistical support. The ambition is to raise our standards across the board—performance, participation, and presence on the European stage.

“As for new members, you don’t need to be perfect—you just need to show up. The courage to try will take you further than talent alone ever will. Every top player in the sport once felt the exact same nerves. Make the first step to attend and the rest will follow.”