Club Notes: Week Ending 26.10.14
22nd October 2014 By Munster Rugby
This week’s Club Notes come from Thurles, Richmond, Old Crescent, Waterpark and Shannon.
If you would like to see your club on the Munster Rugby website, please send on any club news, upcoming events, match reports or photos to seangeary@munsterrugby.ie.
Click here for Thurles RFC Notes
Click here for Richmond RFC Notes
Click here for Old Crescent RFC Notes
Click here for Waterpark RFC Notes
Click here for Shannon RFC Notes
Courtesy of:- Brian Scanlon, Club PRO
Thurles RFC First XV 47 – 3 Presentation RFC – Munster Junior Challenge Shield:
The Thurles First XV went on the road to Limerick last weekend where they faced Presentation RFC in the last 16 of the Munster Junior Challenge Shield. Thurles continued their impressive start to the season with a comprehensive victory, running in 6 tries along the way.
Thurles got the game underway, playing into a testing wind for the first half of the game. The away side took the game to Presentation from the off, with Conor Cooney and Donnacha Duggan making good ground in attack. Thurles continued to add pressure and were rewarded when the referee awarded a penalty, which
![""]("http://db0847ijr709w.cloudfront.net/munster/Thurles_EoghanODwyer_Content.gif")
Eoghan O'Dwyer (pictured right) had no problem slotting over for 0-3.
The home side responded instantly from the kickoff, after the pack had won the contest from the restart, Presentation's Out-Half used the wind to his advantage and nailed a drop goal from 35 yards out to put the sides all square again.
Thurles didn't let the home side build any momentum, with the pack taking control of proceedings and making great ground up the field, earning a couple of penalties along the way within shooting distance of the posts, which Eoghan duly obliged by slotting over 2 well struck penalties in a row to stretch the lead, 3-9.
With 15 minutes until the end of the half, Thurles upped the ante, a few great breaks from Peter Coman, Aidan Dwyer and Shane Moloney, put Thurles into position for the latest attack on the try line. The pressure, once again proved too much for the home side as Colm Skehan powered his way over for Thurles for a try after another fine series of plays which was converted by Eoghan, 3-16.
Thurles gathered the ball from the restart with Duggan, who was having a fine game, pulling the ball from the sky after a great lift from Dave Kelly and Skehan. The ball made its way up the field again through the pack, with Emmet Kavanagh and Larry O'Gorman making great headway towards the line, when Irwin flashed the ball wide, where Aidan Dwyer drew the last man in and sent Adrian Bourke over in the corner, with the difficult conversion narrowly missing the posts to leave the scoreboard reading 3-21 at the halftime break.
The second half kicked off with Thurles receiving the ball from the kickoff, Brian Lyons took the ball, offloading to Duggan who made good ground before being bundled into touch near the halfway line. Thurles turned the ball over at lineout time as Cooney reacted quickest to rob the ball from the jumper as he landed. The Tipperary men made great ground up the right flank before Colm Skehan crossed the line again for his second try of the game as the difficult conversion was missed, 3-26.
A trademark of Thurles' season so far has been their defence, with the few chances Presentation created, being nullified with some great tackles being made, both in tight and out wide, by John Coman, Eoghan O'Dwyer and Peter Kinane when introduced.
As the home side were left frustrated with their lack of luck in attack, they found themselves on the back foot once again and with legs starting to tire, the Pres defence totally switched off to allow Irwin coast in under the posts for a try which O'Dwyer converted for 3-33. Shortly after this, Thurles had a scrum, as Irwin made a run out wide, the Pres defence forgot about Duggan at Number 8, he saw the space and raced in from 40 yards out with Eoghan adding the extras for 3-40.
With the referee not far from blowing the final whistle, contributions from the bench, including James Ryan at scrum half, Ger McCormack, Charlie Langley and Dwayne Stanley ensured Thurles kept the pressure on in the dying minutes. This continued pressure was once again rewarded as Eoghan O'Dwyer picked up near the half way and scored a deserved try to cap a great team performance once again, with Eoghan adding the extras himself, the referee blew the final whistle, as Thurles booked their place in the Quarter Final after this comprehensive 3-47 win.
Next week sees the Thurles men having their first weekend off after 7 weeks of great performances which has propelled the club a point shy of top spot after an unbeaten start. The Second XV have had a number of good run outs in the past few weeks, but numbers needs to improve at training for our seconds team to have a chance of fulfilling the potential that is there.
Our next game is away to Castleisland the weekend of the 2nd November, continued support is appreciated by both management and the players.
Don't forget about our Annual Halloween Fancy dress which takes place next Sunday (26th October) with doors opening at 9pm, €10 entry, we hope to see you all there, for a night that always produces some interesting sights.
Thurles Scorers: Colm Skehan x2 Tries, Adrian Bourke, Donna Duggan, Nicky Irwin, (1 Try each) Eoghan O'Dwyer (1 try, 3 pens, 4 cons).
Thurles Squad vs. Presentation: 1. Jason O'Mahony 2. Dave Kelly 3. Colm Skehan 4. Larry O'Gorman 5. Brian Lyons (c) 6. Donna Duggan 7. Conor Cooney 8. Emmet Kavanagh 9. Nicky Irwin 10. Peter Coman 11. John Coman 12. Aidan Dwyer 13. Shane Maloney 14. Adrian Bourke 15. Eoin O'Dwyer 16. Ger McCormack 17. Charlie Langley 18. Peter Kinane 19. Dwayne Stanley 20. James Ryan.
![""]("http://db0847ijr709w.cloudfront.net/munster/Thurles_U18_LineOut_Content.gif")
Thurles gave a great display of rugby and the score line does not reflect the game. We had tries from Ryan McDonnell and Paddy Dunican and Brandon Shanahan kicked an outstanding conversion from the sideline and also kicked a penalty.
A man-of-the-match performance was given by Thurles wing forward Donogh Moore who has really found his feet this year after being switched in from the backs.
Line-out action from the U-18s clash with Fethard
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Munster U18 Girls:
Aishling O'Hagan and Gemma Dunican (pictured right) were selected to play for the Munster U-18s in last weekend's Interpro blitz in Dublin
Thurles v Clanwilliam U14 Friendly – Thurles 26 – 12 Clanwilliam:
Thurles picked up their first win of the year in highly entertaining game under lights in Loughtagalla. Both sides kept ball in hand and attacked from all areas of the pitch. Thurles playing with a strong breeze started strongest and after initial hard running by Connor Bailey Thurles recycled left for Owen Byrne to stretch for Thurles first try after 6 minutes.
Two more tries followed on 10 and 20 minutes from Thurles try machine James Devaney the pick of which was good move by the Thurles backline with his centre partner putting him in space 40m out, Devaney outstripping the cover the run in close to the posts. Both scores were converted by Sam Quinlan. Clan finished the half strongly and Thurles scrambled well in defence before conceding a try just before half time.
Devaney completed his hat trick just after half time with a solo effort after good work by Edmond Connolly, sprinting from 30m, momentarily halted by a tackle only to spring to his feet and get in . The try was well converted by Quinlan into a strong breeze. This left Clan with an up hill battle but they enjoyed the majority of possession and field position for the second half picking up converted try 5 minutes from time.
Thurles set piece was solid with great work by the front five in winning a couple scrums against the head and great effort that driving the Clan pack back, and the home team edged the contest at the break down with excellent rucking all day. The back row were excellent as a unit and their work rate in defence laid the ground work for the win.
Courtesy of:- Natalie McNamara, Club PRO
Club Focus:
Anyone that missed last Fridays Independent Article on the club the link is here. Thanks to Brian and Paddy for the interviews and to everyone else that gave me pictures and feedback for the update, and to Seán in Munster Rugby for pulling it all together for us.
Underage Round-Up:
The U-18s started their season off well with a win against Ennis in the league, Well done to all involved. Hard Luck to the U-16s who lost their opener in the league. Both teams are in action against this weekend, wishing them the best of luck.
Ladies Rugby:
The Ladies team have selected Sarah Quin as Captain for the season. Sarah is one of 9 new players to the ladies set up this year, playing with young Munster's for the last number of years. Wishing Sarah and the rest of the girls the best of Luck on Sunday with their first league game against St Marys at 2pm in the Canal bank.
Bunnies:
The underage girls had Munster rugby development officer Amanda Greensmith training them on Sunday morning. Special thanks to Amanda for giving up her time and knowledge to help the girls and coaches out. The 'Bunnies' are training every Sunday at 11am in the club, and all new players are welcome to join in at any time.
Leprechauns:
On Monday October 27th we are playing against the Limerick Leprechauns in the Canal Bank. Any player that is interested in playing can you please get in contact with Kieran Considine or Ian Madden. This will be a fun game for all the family to enjoy. Our legends will need all the support they can get, so please come down and show your support. BBQ will be available on the day.
Membership:
Any Supporters wishing to become a member of the club, please contact Irene Flanagan or Adrian O'Hanlon. Adult Membership is €50 or a Family Membership is €80 (2 adults and 2 kids up to 16).
Drominbeg – Drive Carefully:
As the volume of matches and training increases across all teams, can you please ensure that you drive slowly and carefully through Drominbeg Estate when you are entering and leaving the grounds for matches and training. Thanks.
Volunteers & Coaches:
We are always actively looking for new coaches and volunteers to get involved with the club. If you think this is something you would like to get involved in please get in contact whether it be with the adult teams or underage or helping around the club. We badly need more people to get involved in Coaching in the club, especially with the boys (Mini Sections). Anyone that is interested in helping please get in contact ASAP with Brian Hanley. They train every Sunday morning from 10.30am. The coaching of these teams is fundamental to the development of new players for the club.
Old Pictures/Memorabilia:
If anyone has old pictures that they would like to give to us to upload them to our Facebook and twitter accounts we would be very greatly. All pictures will be returned in a couple of days in the same condition. We have been getting a few requests over the last few months for pictures, Thanks.
Auction:
In December we are running the club Auction after the success of last years, this year it will be held in the clubhouse. We are looking for volunteer's so anyone interested in helping out please get in contact.
UBL – Tullamore:
We are away to Tullamore on the 1st of November in the UBL, if anyone is interested in travelling on the bus. Can you please get in contact with Irene Flanagan, as places are limited.
Weekend Fixtures:
Sunday the 26th of October
U16s League, Richmond/Pres V Young Munsters, 12pm, TBC
U18s League, Shannon V Richmond, 11.30am, Coonagh
Ladies Dev League, Richmond V St Marys, 2pm, Canal Bank
Courtesy of:- Frank Larkin, Club PRO
Munster Senior Cup:
Our senior team took on Cashel RFC in the second round of the Munster Senior Cup at home in Rosbrien last Saturday afternoon. The team look splendid in their new kit, sporting the logo of our sponsors, Keane's Jewellers, for the first time. Unfortunately, that was as good as it got, as we suffered a comprehensive defeat at the hands of a rampant Cashel side.
Playing with the aid of a strong breeze in the first half, we were first to score when Shane O'Brien kicked a penalty after fifteen minutes. However, while most of the play was in the Cashel half, we were unable to take advantage of the wind, and Cashel were next to score with a converted penalty on one of their few excursions into the Crescent half.
The first half ended all square at three points apiece, and we now faced a difficult second half in which Cashel would have the wind advantage. We suffered a further blow when our Captain for the day, Cathal O'Reilly, was sin binned five minutes before half-time.
Two minutes into the second half, Cashel made swift use of the wind advantage, and the extra man, when they scored a converted try on the wing. They followed this up with an unconverted try ten minutes later, putting the visitors 15 points to 3 clear.
Despite being behind, Crescent continued to press forward and troubled Cashel for most of the second half but just couldn't get on the scoreboard. Cashel wrapped up the win with a converted third try on full time. The final score was Old Crescent 3 Cashel 22. Our quest for a first Munster Senior Cup continues.
Our A Team played Richmond in the Munster Senior Seconds League last Sunday afternoon in Rhebogue, and came away with a convincing win by 22 points to 13.
Last Friday night, our Thirds travelled to Annacotty to take on UL Bohs in the Gleeson League. After the previous week's disappointing loss to Richmond, player/coach Andy Cunnane and his team were looking to rebound with a strong performance. In very wet conditions both sides started brightly, but as the first half went on Old Crescent grew into the game and took a deserved lead right before the interval. After a powerful line break by back row Martin Kelly, Crescent recycled the ball and centre Don Caulfield charged over the line from ten meters out, breaking through three tackles in the process. Winger Sean O'Dea converted to leave the visitors 7-0 up at half-time.
In the second half, Crescent began to control the game through out-half Kevin South, while lock Gerry Fitzgibbon dominated the line out, stealing several of the home side's throws. Crescent extended their lead when South intercepted the ball in his own half and raced to the corner, showing quick feet to beat the opposition cover.
After an impressive performance, the forwards got a well deserved try before the end when debutant Welsh back row Marc Fussell broke off the back of a rolling maul and touched down in the corner. The game finished 17-0 to Old Crescent.
John O'Riordan Memorial Tournament:
Old Crescent RFC Underage Section held the annual John O'Riordan Memorial Tournament for Under 11's in Rosbrien last Saturday morning. We hosted sixteen teams from the following clubs: Ballinasloe RFC, Cork Constitution RFC, Galwegians RFC, Garryowen FC, Muskerry RFC, Newcastlewest RFC, Sundays Well RFC, Willow Park Dublin, and of course, Old Crescent RFC. Rosbrien was in festive mood last Saturday morning with over 200 young players, parents and coaches, enjoying the sunshine and showers.
The Tournament got underway at 10.30am with eight games being played simultaneously. After the first three games were played by each team, everyone retired to the clubhouse for a well deserved break and refreshments. Anthony O'Dwyer and his staff played a blinder dishing out sausages and drinks to all. The only downpour of the day occurred during the break so someone was obviously looking out for us!
The rugby resumed after the break with eight teams left in the competition, four in the Cup and four in the Plate. The teams in the Plate were Ballinasloe RFC v Willow Park B and Galwegians RFC v Garryowen FC. The Plate final was contested by Willow Park B and Garryowen FC, which ended in a close one-all draw.
The four teams left in the Cup, winners of their respective Groups, were Willow Park A V Old Crescent White and Old Crescent Blue v Sundays Well. The Cup final was between Willow Park A and Old Crescent Blue. After a closely contested final, Willow Park A from Dublin were the overall winners.
Collette and Michelle O'Riordan, widow and daughter respectively of the late John O'Riordan, past President of Old Crescent RFC in whose memory the Under 11 Tournament is held annually, presented the prizes. Congratulations and thanks are due to Peter Duggan, Tournament Organiser and his team, for running an excellent event that was enjoyed by all. Special thanks also to the O'Riordan family and the parents of our Under 11's, without them the event couldn't have gone ahead.
Upcoming Fixtures:
The only senior Old Crescent fixture over the upcoming bank holiday weekend is an Under 20 South Western Conference game at 2.30pm next Saturday in Rosbrien between Old Crescent U20's and our near neighbours Young Munster.
Courtesy of:- David Bowe, Club PRO
Munster Junior Challenge Cup: Waterpark fall short in Cup
Skibbereen 13 – 10 Waterpark
With a much changed team and a much better defensive performance the visitors came up just short in the cup match in Skibbereen last Sunday.
Waterpark led 10-7 at half time with a try from wing forward David O'Donoghue and a conversion and penalty from out half Kieran Butler. The home side had to defend heroically in the final minutes as Waterpark laid siege to their line with the visitors turning down a number of kickable penalties as they searched for the winning try.
Alas Skibbereen held on and so move onto the next round. Waterpark now have a week off and will hope to have some players available after injury to face a tough task away to St Mary in the league.
U-20 South league:
WIT/Waterpark 0 – 60 Cork Con
A baptism of fire for the under 20, in their first league game of the season against Champions Cork Con. While Waterpark competed well during the game, but Con had too much power and pace for their opponents.
Best for Waterpark were wing-forward Conor Queally and winger John Frampton. Next weekend this side travel to Cork to take on Dolphin
East Munster U-18 League:
Nenagh 5 – 28 Waterpark
Good win for this side in their first league outing for the season against a physically bigger Neangh side. Tries came from prop Tom Swift, flanker Robbie Walsh, out half Paddy Kieresy and full back Alex Molloy. Molloy also landed 4 conversions. Best for Waterpark were hooker Tom Greene and Centre Darragh Hogan.
East Munster U-16 League:
Nenagh 5 – 69 Waterpark
A facile win for this talented team in Nenagh last Sunday, Waterpark ran in 11 tries in total with both back and forward crossing the try line.
Darragh Dawson picked up a hat-trick of tries from the back row while centre Sam Hogan and winger Ben Daly scored 2 tries a piece. Harry Donnelly, Jack Kelly, Alex Deegan and John Monghan also scored.
East Munster U-14 League:
Clonmel 0 – 53 Waterpark
In a game played on Saturday in Clonmel Waterpark ran out easy winners to pick up their first league points of the season.
The tries came from Mark O'Hare (2) , Jay Traynor(2), Gavin Corbett(2) while Kevin Mahony, Paddy Leavy and Sean Harney also scored. Out half Paddy Leavy landed 3 conversion and Josh Duggan also kicked one conversion
Fixture for Weekend commencing 25th of October:
Junior 2 League Section C:
Waterpark Home to Waterford City in J2 League on Sunday ko2.30pm
U-20s League
Waterpark Away to Dolphin on Saturday ko 2.30pm
East Munster U-18s League Group B
Waterpark Home to Thurles on Sunday ko 11am
East Munster U-16s league Group B
Waterpark Home to Thurles on Sunday ko 11am
East Munster U-14s League Group A
Waterpark away to Waterford City on Sunday ko 11am
Minis Blitz in New Ross on Saturday at 10.30 am
Teams traveling are:
U-7s
U-8s
U-10s
U-12s
Please contact your coach from more details on this Blitz.
Courtesy of:- Siofra Scanlan, Club PRO
Adult Teams:
A narrow loss for our Senior XV against Dolphin last Saturday. A great display of rugby but our lads were just pipped at the post. Final score Shannon 12 Dolphin 13. Congrats to our 2nds who had a great win over Bruff in Coonagh last Sunday.
There are no senior fixtures this weekend
Remember If you cannot come to the matches we would ask that you come out and support any of our upcoming events. All details can be found at www.shannonrfc.com
Events & News
Come Along to the Clubhouse This Friday:
Come along to Shannon RFC Clubhouse and Beer Garden, at Thomond Park on Friday October 24th before the Munster v Saracens ERCC game. There will be live music before the match and hot food served all night. So come along and enjoy the craic at your local Clubhouse from 6pm.
Kind Bravery:
All at Shannon RFC would like to pass on best wishes and a speedy recovery to Johnny Paradise, who in a truly selfless act recently, donated one of his kidneys.Once Johnny had established that you can and will live a healthy life with one functioning kidney, he was happy to donate to someone who needed it.Johnny played with Shannon for a number of years. He won an AIL winning medal with the U20s team of 2005/2006 and has featured on the senior squad in recent times. A truly proud act that Johnny can be proud off. You can read the full story here.
ERCC Tickets Munster V Saracens Friday 24th October 2014:
Shannon RFC have a limited number of tickets are available for our Club Members,for the ERCC (Old Heineken Cup) fixture Munster -v- Saracens, on Friday 24th October, Thomond Park. If interested, please contact Tadhg Crowe, on 087-6524958.
Club Assistant Treasurer Needed:
Due to a work commitment abroad our current assistant treasurer has had to step down. As a result the position of volunteer assistant treasurer has now become available and Shannon RFC are excepting applications from anyone who may be interested. A background in an accounts environment would be an advantage but not essential. Anyone who may be interested in applying can email their details to secretary@shannonrfc.com
Support Shannon RFC Everytime You Shop at Tesco (Coonagh Roundabout Branch):
Great news! Now every time you shop at Tesco you'll be helping Shannon RFC.
How can you get involved?
Each time you shop, you'll receive a goodwill token which you can use to vote for Shannon RFC to receive fundraising from the Tesco Community Fund.
Every six weeks, money from the Tesco Community Fund will be shared out according to the number of tokens each cause receives. So remember to support your Club on your next shop.
Volunteers Always Needed:
All at Shannon RFC would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who helped out at the club in 2013. It is much appreciated. We are currently looking for people to help out with upcoming fundrasing events. If you are a student doing a course in the media/ marketing sectors or English, retired, unemployed or would like to donate your free time we would urge you to support your Club and Volunteer. It is a great opportunity to develop your current skills and always looks great on a C.V. If you would like to volunteer in the club during 2014 please contact any committee member. All details can be found on our website at http://www.shannonrfc.com/contact.html
Shannon RFC App:
Please feel free to share the link with anyone who may be interested. We would love some feedback from all of you who are following us on the app so feel free to email me directly at siofrascanlan@gmail.com If you still have not downloaded yet here is the link: http://clubapplive.com/shannonrfc
Get Your Name Out There On Our Website:
Do you want to get your company name more widely known? Are you a tradesman looking to advertise at a reduced rate? Why not advertise with Shannon RFC. We are currently in the process of setting up a Shannon RFC Tradesperson's page on our website. This will be a one stop contact page for all kind of trades and businesses. We urge any member, supporters or local business to get involved. It is a great way to advertise at a fraction of normal rates. The cost for an advertisement is €;50. Anyone who wishes to place an ad or would like more information please contact Siofra on 0863018993 or email siofrascanlan@gmail.com
A Great Gift for All:
Why not give someone near or far the gift of a Shannon RFC membership. A great gift for any occasion with the added bonus of supporting your local club. Packages, including family membership, are available. Should you wish to find out more information or purchase membership please contact Tom Hackett at honsec@shannonrfc.com
Please Drive Carefully Through Coonagh:
We would ask everyone to please take care, slow down and observe the speed limit through Coonagh Village on the way to and from the matches and training.
Your Club, Your Thoughts:
We always like to hear from our members near and far. If you have a story, any interesting historical information or an article about the club that you would like to share we would love to hear it. Any submissions for consideration can be sent to siofrascanlan@gmail.com
Underage Training and Fixtures Sunday 26th October:
Minis
No Training
Youths
11.00am
U13s Training "Well Field"
U14s Training Pitch
U15s Training Pitch
11.30am
U18s v Richmond Top Pitch
There will be registration in the cabin this Sunday from 10.30 am
Registration is still ongoing at the cabin:
*Please note that all players, coaches and managers are required to become members of the club*
We now have WIFI in Coonagh its sponsored by Auto exchange and the password is "iloveautoxchange"
*Please support our gear / food shops in Coonagh*
Thought Of The Week:
"Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced"
