Club News: Week Ending 25.01.15

This week’s Club News comes from Kilfeacle, Waterford City, Thurles, Bruff 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 Kilfeacle RFC News.

Courtesy of:- Jamie Keaty, Club PRO

Kilfeacle put Newcastle West to the sword
On Sunday last Kilfeacle RFC welcomed Newcastlewest RFC to Morrissey Park for a Munster Junior League fixture. Playing conditions on the day paved the way for an open game of rugby with only a slight wind blowing from the clubhouse side of the field. Kilfeacle have remained unbeaten at home in the league this season but this record was expected to be under serious threat as Newcastlewest had resumed pole position in the league last weekend following defeat for Clonmel RFC v St. Senans. As such an attritional affair was expected with the away team having a reputation for a very strong forward pack backed up by an ever threatening backline.

Kilfeacle started brightly, determined to set down an early marker on their home patch. Great physical work from the pack led to a kickable Kilfeacle penalty after five minutes. However difficult underfoot conditions for Darren Lowry at outhalf led to a narrow miss and allowed Newcastlewest to clear their lines. This miss was further compounded minutes later when great work by Newcastlewest stretched the Kilfeacle defence out wide and their winger James Kelly had the easy task of scoring in the corner. This triggered a response from the boys in blue and following some great interplay between backs and forwards alike Pat Ryan sped over in the corner after 11 minutes. Both sides were determined to try to get the upper hand in the next period of the game with collisions at the breakdown as fierce as have ever been seen on the hill. Sustained Kilfeacle pressure allowed them to set up a maul from a lineout and following great work from the pack, prop Danny Lambe touched down after 23 minutes. Newcastlewest responded with a penalty 5 minutes before half time to leave the score 10-8 at the break.

Kilfeacle started the second half brightly with outhalf Darren Lowry pinning Newcastlewest back in their own half with some great kicks to the corner. A great break from Cormac O'Donoghue from the back of a scrum combined with a flawlessly timed pass to JJ Cooney put Kilfeacle 15-8 ahead after 51 minutes. Kilfeacle took control of proceedings from this point and a perfectly weighted grubber kick through from Pakie Bourke was pounced upon by his brother Wallace to score a well worked try. This was soon followed up the score of the game. A skip pass from hooker Tom Doyle put Wallace Bourke into space he drew the cover and offloaded to winger Pat Ryan to who fed Conor Hartigan whose clever offload out of the tackle put Keith Bourke over in the corner to the delight of the home support. Darren Lowry and Diarmaid Carr took advantage of some slack Newcastlewest defending to score tries of their own. Newcastlewest scored a late try to leave the final score 35-15 to the home side.

In what was a fantastic panel performance it is difficult to single out individual players for praise however a dominant display from the pack with notable contributions from Steven Flood, Danny Lambe, Tom Doyle, Diarmuid O'Donnell, Ger Luby, Conor Hartigan, Scal 'the machine' O'Mahony and Cormac O'Donoghue provided the perfect platform for the backline to finally click and convert the chances that came their way. We would like to wish Gavin Heuston a speedy recovery from a shoulder injury he sustained in the first half. With no match next weekend, attention now turns to the Junior Cup tie versus Thurles RFC on the 1st of February in Kilfeacle. As ever all support is greatly appreciated.

Waterford City RFC News

Courtesy of:- Fintan Purcell, Club PRO

J2 South League Round 2: Highfield 22-19 Waterford City
City travelled to Highfield RFC, Cork on Sunday. Highfield got the opening converted score after 18 minutes despite a solid City defence. Joe Delahunty was retired early after carrying an injury into the game, unfortunately the pace and intensity of the opening 15 minutes and some superb carries and tackles forced him to the line. John Kearney took up the role at blind side and Elliot O Mahoney slipped into the second row. They crossed the line again after 35 minutes from a set piece on the 5 metre line and added the extra points to leave the score at half time 14-0 to the home side. Brian Meehan and Captain Phillip Kennedy had to turn and make ground on a grubber kick by the Highfield centre, a sure score for them was stopped by great team work.

The second half produced a City revival and every man drew strength from somewhere and decided that we would not lie down and drive home empty handed. A fine move from replacement Nicky Jacob (for Brian Meehan) saw Stephen Walsh power through their defence and cross the white line. A converted penalty gave the home side a 10 point advantage at 17- 7, but we were not about to stop there. The City gears started to grind and the tempo was raised, the finish was in sight and Stephen O'Rourke took advantage of a catch and drive, with Elliot O Mahoney in tow. 17-12. Stephen Walsh again outpaced their backline to touch down in the corner, which was successfully converted by Aaron Foskin. 19-17, with 10 minutes to go, we were going to beat Highfield on their ground. In a cruel twist of faith though after errors by both sides, Highfield were awarded a penalty 15 meters out. They went for a scrum, carried, rucked and somehow found the line through our tight defence. The 2 points were not added which left the game at 3 points the difference. Hope was still there but the clock was ticking. The wing for Highfield, threw the ball over the line thinking time was up, which gave us a penalty in the last minute, but which also should have had him yellow carded. We opted to go for the jugular to win the game, as the kicking angle was tight but it was to be Highfield's day. A knocked on ball beckoned the final whistle and the game finished 22-19 to the home side.

This day proves one thing. Waterford City can compete with the best of teams from Cork and throughout Munster. A narrow defeat last week by Cork Con, a narrow defeat yesterday by Highfield. This is a revived and highly motivated squad of young guns. Highfield were lucky to earn the spoils today, we were unlucky not to come home with a win. Well done all, especially to Brian Meehan, Aidan Power, John MacNicholas, NJ Carlton Alex Crowley, Liam McCarthy, Stephen Walsh and man of the match Aaron Foskin. Dolphin at home next week. Big effort in training required during the week.

Thurles RFC News

Courtesy of:- Brian Scanlon, Club PRO

Bandon RFC 33 – 0 Thurles RFC
The Thurles first team's promotion challenge took a dent on Sunday as they travelled to Cork to take on League Leaders Bandon in a game Thurles needed to win. Having lost narrowly to Bandon before Christmas in the semi-final of the Munster Junior Shield, Thurles travelled with a full bill of health and confidence, but in truth, it was the Cork men who set out their stall early, while Thurles never got out of first gear.

Bandon opened the scoring with a couple of penalties early on to put them 6-0 ahead. Thurles were starting to put phases together and building momentum on the attack, but just as it looked like the Thurles backline were away, the Bandon centre intercepted a pass and ran the length of the field underneath the posts to increase their lead.

Bandon continued to add scores from the boot of their scrum half to keep the scoreboard ticking over, Bandon also ran in two more tries before the end of the first half to put any ideas of a Thurles comeback out of their head.
Thurles RFC's Donnacha Duggan attempts to stop the Bandon RFC attacker in Sunday's league game

The second half kicked off and credit to the Thurles men, they took the fight to the Cork men. The Thurles scrum started to take control and dominated the large part of the second half as they attempted to get themselves back in the game. Bandon were ably match for anything Thurles threw at them and went on to get two further tries to end the game as a contest.

There were a few fine individual performances on the Thurles side, but as happens to most teams, they team as a unit had an uncharacteristic off day. This defeat will have hurt the Thurles men but they have the perfect chance to make amends next weekend, as they make the short trip to take on Kilfeacle RFC on 'The Hill' in the Munster Junior Cup. This will be great game and one that Thurles will be hoping to take the scalp of a Division one side and hopefully go on a good run in this prestigus cup. Kick off is 2.30pm and all support would be greatly appreciated.

Thurles Squad vs. Killarney: 1. Ger McCormack 2. Colm Skehan 3. Jason O'Mahony 4. Phil Kelly 5. Brian Lyons (c) 6. Donnacha Duggan 7. Paddy Phelan 8. Emmet Kavanagh 9. Nicky Irwin 10. Peter Coman 11. John Coman 12. Aidan Dwyer 13. Shane Moloney 14. Adrian Bourke 15. Eoin O'Dwyer 16. Damien Dunne 17. Charlie Langley 18. Larry O'Gorman 19. Joey Kelly 20. Peter Kinane, Dave Kelly, Conor Cooney, Colin Feeley, Ollie Delaney.

Thurles U18 Girls win local derby: Cashel 5 – 20 Thurles
On Sunday, our U18 girls played Cashel in the league. After the challenge match last week ended in a 12-12 draw, this was a match to look forward to, especially since both teams had missing players back.
Again, Thurles started brightly, but the Cashel defence was resolute. Thurles seemed to be camped inside the Cashel half but could not make that all important breakthrough. Then, after fifteen minutes, Saoirse Caffrey got the ball close to the tryline after excellent forward work from Mary O'Connor, Aisling Scanlon and Aisling O'Hagan, and Thurles were up 5-0. From the kickoff, Thurles were back on the offensive and again camped in the Cashel 22, when Holly O'Dwyer picked off the base of the ruck and went over for Thurles' second try in the corner; 10-0 to Thurles after 17 minutes.

The next kick off was a copy of the previous one. The ball was caught by Gemma Dunican who made good ground, and was supported by Aibhe Connolly and Niamh Graham into the 22. The Cashel defence was again resolute, but Thurles, ably captained by Catriona Molumby, got the ball out wide to Niamh Moore, who jinked through the defence. Aisling O'Hagan got the ball 5-metres out and went over about five Cashel players but she was not to be stopped, and Thurles were 15-0 up with 7 minutes left in the half. Thurles again pressed on, with Kerrie Fitzgerald, Aoife Delaney and Amy Kirby giving excellent go-forward ball, but Cashel held out. Half time 15-0.

In the second half, Cashel came out a different team. Time and again they attacked Thurles, but Jane Ryan again had an outstanding game, and Aoife Maher, back for the first time this season after being out through injury, showed that she had not forgotten how to tackle and kept excellent control of the ball in attack.

Cashel were unfortunate not to score after 20 minutes in the second half, but they kept pressing. At this stage, a number of the Thurles girls had come off through injury, but Leah Scott moved position and Lara Unger and Melanie O'Halloran, who is growing in stature with every game, slotted easily into the vacant positions.

However, with 10 minutes of regulation time left, Cashel got a try. 15-5, could they come back?
From the off, Thurles again had Cashel on the defensive, but again Cashel held out, until 2 minutes to go, when Jane Ryan (above) burst through for another try and the final score of the game. Another victory for Thurles! Final score Thurles 20 – 5 Cashel

Thurles played a very controlled game throughout and only looked panicked for a 15 minute period of the second half when they were forced to rearrange their back line.

Thanks to Stephanie Wicksted, Lisa Norton and Bhrianne Beatty who made up the squad but were unable to play. Also, get well to Amy Kirby, Holly O'Dwyer and Aisling O'Hagan who were taken off injured with slight knocks.

While we are at it, get well soon too to coach Pat Dunican, and well done to the other coaches, Brian Scanlon, Polly Murphy, Dawn Fitzgerald, and Gerry O'Hagan, Ellen Dunican for First Aid, and to the parents, family and senior women who cheered the girls on.

U16 Boys v Waterford City
Waterford City travelled to Loughtagalla last Sunday in the second test between these two U16 sides. Thurles had made a few changes to the team that got the win in Waterford City.

It was Thurles who were to score first when Jack Flanagan who was playing on the wing intercepted a pass and kicked ahead. He won the chase to the ball and from the second kick of the ball a ruck formed with Conor O'Hagan scoring the first try which he converted. Waterford City scored a try when the ball was chipped in behind the winger who slipped on the muddy field.

Thurles hit back quickly when some great inter play between Nick Cooney, Ciaran Connolly and Dylan O'Shaughnessy resulted in a try straight out of the top drawer.

Thurles forwards again were immense making tackle after tackle. David Conway at No 8 lead the charge with Seamus Holohan at 9, contributing with a huge number of tackles. Some of the younger players who played well and are putting their hand up for selection are Ciaran Murphy, George Stapleton,Aaron Maher and Dylan O'Shaughnessy. Both teams were very disciplined and the game was very entertaining for all present. Hopefully, with another win under the belt, Thurles can take their form into the Pan Munster competition which starts at the end of the month.

Bruff RFC News

Courtesy of:- Seamus Sheahan, Club PRO

Underage Results
The U18s are North Munster league champions after beating Newcastle West/Estuary in Sundays final. In a nail biting finish Bruff ran out winners on by the narrowest of margin winning on a scoreline of 18-17. It was a game played with a high tempo by the two best teams in this year's North Munster league.

Read the full match report here.

Adult Rugby Latest
The U-20s guaranteed themselves a place in phase 2 of U-20s S/W Conference with a 29-20 bonus point victory over Buccaneers on Saturday. Bruff had tries from Liam Tracey, James Guina, Cian Tierney and Paul Downes. Downes also chipped in with 9 points from the kicking tee. The 20's still have 1 game to play in the first part of the league away to Galwegians before they go into competition with the teams from the Cork half of the league next month. This is a team full of potential but have yet to peak this season. If they can get a run of consistent performances together there's no doubt that they can compete with any of the teams left in the competition.

Team: 15. Brian Fanning 14. Shane Doona 13. Liam Treacy 12. Cian Tierney 11. James Guina 10. Paul Downes 9. David O'Grady 8. Thomas O'Dwyer 7. Niall Mallon 6.Darragh Fanning 5. Adam O Brien 4. James Keogh 3. Brendan Keogh 2. Eamon O'Dea 1. Shane Breen
Subs, John Carew, Eric Finn, Chris Casey, Robert Laffan, John Richardson, Killian O Riordan, Ciaran Ryan, Conor O Dwyer

The Seniors are on the road to Navan this weekend as they travel to play the home side in the 9th round of the UBL. The seniors currently sit in 8th position in the league after drawing with Sligo in their last game and will be hoping for a good performance following the Christmas break.

Fixtures
Please keep an eye on the website for the latest fixtures which will be updated by Wednesday Each week. www.bruffrfc.com

Unwanted Clothing collection
Bruff underage will be having a secondhand collection of Clothes/Belts/handbags and shoes in January. Items can be brought to the club in the New Year. Please give what you can. Only items listed will be collected.

Shannon RFC News

Courtesy of:- Síofra Scanlan

A huge congratulations to our Shannon RFC 2nds team, who secured their MSSL title for a second year in a row last weekend. Well done to all the players, coaches, management, and all the volunteers who have helped out with the team during the year.

Your support is always important so if you can, come along and support your local club and your local team

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
ERCC ~Munster V Sale Sharks Thomond Park Weekend 25th January 2015
Shannon RFC have a limited number of ground tickets available for this ERCC match. If interested, please contact Tadhg Crowe, on 087-6524958.

Shannon Supporters Bus to Belfast
Shannon RFC are planning to run a supporters bus on Friday February 20th for the Belfast Harlequins V Shannon AIL game. The bus will be leaving early on Friday morning with the possibility of taking a trip to the Titanic Visitors Centre. Overnight stay in Belfast on Friday night and then the bus will be dropping supporters to the AIL match on Saturday. The bus will then depart back for Limerick on Saturday evening. It will be a great trip with the chance to show the players some extra support on match day. Pricing to be confirmed.
Anyone interested in going on this trip please contact Gerry Ryan on 0860618333 or Siofra Scanlan on 0863018993 or you can email info@shannonrfc.com

Congratulations to Nicole
Everyone at Shannon RFC would like to pass on huge congratulations to Nicole Cronin who has been included for the Irish Women's RBS 6 Nations squad. This is a brilliant achievement. We are all very proud and wish Nicole the best of luck. Click here for the full story.

Shannon Well represented In Irish U20s RBS 6 Nations Squad
Again congratulations are in order as Three Shannon Senior players have been named on the Irish U20s RBS 6 Nations squad. Well done to Greg O'Shea, Stephen Fitzgerald and Jack Cullen who as always will be representing the club proudly. Click here for full news of the U-20 squad.

Volunteers Always Needed
All at Shannon RFC would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who helped out at the club in 2014. 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 2015 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 Eu50.00. 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 25th January
Minis
9.30am
U8s Blitz New Pitch
PLAYERS AND COACHES ONLY ON THE PITCH. PARENTS MUST STAY ON THE PERIMETER OF THE PITCH

10.00am
U6/7/9/10 Top Pitch

U11/U12 Training Pitch

Youths
U13 League v ULBohs 11.15 Coonagh Top Pitch
U13 Conference v Newcastlewest 11.30 Coonagh Well Pitch

U14s No Training
U15s Training Pitch
U18s Training Pitch
U15 Conference v Pres/Newport Newport @ 11.00am

THE PITCHES ARE UNDER HUGE PRESSURE THESE DAYS WITH THE WEATHER AND ALL GAMES ARE SUBJECT TO A PITCH INSPECTION ON THIS FRIDAY
If you don't receive an email from me on Friday take it that all games fixtures are as is.

Our club needs to play in the top tier of Rugby in this country and thats where we want to be but we all need to do our bit. I as underage chairman want underage coaches , players,parents etc to support our seniors when ever they can but most especially at home.All players from U6 to senior want to have their own support them it gives them that little extra that is needed to compete. So when we next play at home lets get out there and support.

*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*

A Message from the Branch
"Throughout the province there have been increasing reports of verbal abuse and threatening behavior at all levels of the game.

The abuse is verbal and predominately directed at referees. There have been increasing reports of instances of verbal abuse of players by opposition coaches and spectators. Some instances have been very threatening and unsavory.

This form of behavior is not warranted in our game and has no place. We must remember that adult behavior is mimicked by the children and young men who play our game. We the coaches, managers, spectators and mentors must provide a positive role model for the players of all ages.

All clubs are responsible for the conduct of their coaches, players and spectators. You are requested to make it clear to your coaches, players, spectators and club mentors that the verbal abuse of referees, opposition players, coaches and spectators is not acceptable. Your help and co-operation is requested to reduce and stop such unwarranted behaviour"

Thought Of The Week
"Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties"