Brian Fitzgerald Memorial Shield a Great Success

The Brian Fitzgerald Memorial Shield and Plate Competitions were held in Thomond Park at the weekend with a very good turn out from the local clubs. There was a total of fourteen teams competing.

The Brian Fitzgerald Memorial Shield and Plate Competitions Age Group – Under 12 Season 2002/2003 Venue – Thomond Park Date – Sunday 27th April 2003

The above competitions were held in Thomond Park last week end with a very good turn out from the local clubs. There was a total of fourteen teams competing. The first game started at 9.45am with the Shield final concluded events at 3.00pm. A total of thirty games were played to complete both competitions. All games were played in a very sporting manner with a more than average attendance from the clubs encouraging the boys in a positive manner. After all first round games were played the stage was set for a very enjoyable quarter and semi final set of games for both trophies. Many games went to extra time with the young players giving their best at all times. After twenty eight games Ennis and Bruff were left in the Plate Final and Garryowen and Newcastlewest in the Shield Final.

Plate Final – Ennis 3 Bruff 0

This was a very open game with Ennis starting the stronger scoring two early tries to leave the score 2-0 at half time However a very gallant Bruff fought hard to try and get back into the game but eventually were beaten by a stronger and very focused Ennis side. Their captain Jonathan Bennis accepted the plate trophy from the Fitgerald family

Shield Final – Newcastlewest 4 Garryowen 2

This was a fitting end to a great competition. Both teams went for the win from the start. Garryowen imposed themselves early and were unlucky not to be more than 1-0 up at half time. The light blues scored their second try early in the second half with a sweet backline move using the full width of the pitch for their captain Cian O’Shea to score in the left hand corner. Newcastlewest responded immediately from an interception in the middle of the pitch and their centre ran in unhindered for their first score. Going into the last minute of the game NCW got a penalty close to the Garryowen and from a quick tap scored to tie the game at 2-2.Extra time was played and within one minute Newcastlwest scored two quick tries to put the game beyond reach for Garryowen. A great game with both teams playing open rugby at all times, Newcastlewest’s captain William Long accepted the Shield trophy form the Fitzgerald family.

Brian Fitzgerald’s wife, parents and extended family were in attendance for both finals. Alice his wife along with his parents Martin and Bridie presented both trophies and medals to all four teams who competed in the finals. At the presentations Chairman Paul Broderick thanked the Fitzgerald family and in particular Alice, Martin and Bridie for supporting the competitions and hoped that this event will be held every season. The clubs competing are to be commended for entering into the spirit of Mini Rugby and both competitions were played in the true spirit of the game. Paul also thanked St. Mary’s RFC for their commitment to ensuring that this event happened. Paul stressed that this event would not have taken place at HQ but for the full backing of the Youth and Senior Committee’s of the North Munster Branch and for that everyone is most grateful. Last but not least Paul thanked the referees for the day who were – John Airey, Mike Cahill, Ger Madden and Niall O’Connor.