Club News w/e 4th Jan 2008

Read the latest news from clubs around the province

BRUFF RFC
Richard Leonard PRO

Stephens day: It turns out that not enough exiles were around for them to fulfil their annual fixture against the presidents XV on the day so the ones that surfaced joined some of the tag rugby teams that took part in the Second annual Reindeer tag day blitz. With proceedings wrapping up at around half five or so we all then retired into the pavilion to finish off the evening. Good day had by all.

U20 XV: The under twenty squad had a good win in their friendly over Dolphin away in cork on Saturday last. Up 28 points to nil at half time, Dolphin managed a late comeback but were more than matched by Bruff’s further two tries to give them a total of seven for the day. Bruff eventually running out 47-19 winners on the day.
Bruff: T. Quirke, G. Bolger, C. Laffan, P. Dempsey, S. Casey, S. O’ Donnell, A. White, P. Cleary, E. Maher, S. Luby, N. McNamara, P. O’ Brien, P. O’ Loughlin, J. Loughman, S. Daly.

J2 XV: The thirds had a good win on Sunday beating Galbally by 30 points to 3 at home in Kilballyowen. Bruff went 3 nil down after 15 mins and this was the wakeup call that they needed to spring into action. The opening try came after 20 mins when Mike McCarthy broke from the back of a scrum and eventually went in under the posts. Bruff added another try before half time going in 10-3 up at the break. 4 more tries were added in a one sided second half. As the score line suggests none of the 6 tries were converted. The game also marked the return to action of former club captain Brian McMahon who had a fine game in the Second row.
Bruff: 1. Steve O Shea 2.Tim Quirke 3.Ger Collins 4. Brian McMahon 5.Jame McCarthy 6.Darren Sheehan 7.Des Power 8.Mike McCarthy 9.Niall McCarthy 10.Ger Cronin 11. Noelie McNamara 12. Paddy Cleary 13. Mike Collins 14.Graham Bolger 15.Joe Guiney 16. Seamus Sheahan 17.Ben Begley 18.Richard Lynch

Results:
U20 XV: Dolphin 19, Bruff 47
J2 XV: Bruff 30, Galbally 3.

Fixtures: Keep an eye on the website for this weekend’s fixtures as there are a few to be confirmed.

Many Congratulations to club members Helena Gubbins and Edmond Hayes on their nuptials last Monday in Kilmallock, Edmond played a couple of seasons in the backline for Bruff early on in his multi-talented sporting career and we wish them a long and happy life together.
Finally, The Committee of Bruff RFC would like to take this opportunity to wish all of its members and supporters the very best for 2009 and hopefully we’ll be in is good nick as we seem to be at this stage next year.

OLD CRESCENT RFC
Frank Larkin PRO

Old Crescent members were saddened yet again to learn of the death of another former President of the Club, with the death of Pat Carroll on Christmas Eve. Pat was a founding member of Old Crescent RFC and was Captain of the Club in our second season 1948-49. He served as President of the Club for three consecutive seasons, in 1959-60, 1960-61, and 1961-62.

At Pat’s funeral, his family spoke of his abiding love for Old Crescent, and current and past players and members of Old Crescent can certainly attest to that as Pat was ever present at our home games in Rosbrien. We extend our deepest sympathies to Pat’s widow Joan and her family, and we thank them for supporting Pat in his involvement in Old Crescent over many decades.

In the space of a few weeks, Old Crescent has lost three fine ex-Presidents of the Club, Niall Cantrell, Brendan McElduff, and Pat Carroll. It is particularly sad that all three will miss Old Crescent’s first appearance in the Final of the Munster Senior Cup in over 45 years, when we take on Cork Constitution FC in the Final next Sunday, 4th January.

Our traditional St Stephen’s Day fixture against Young Munster RFC for the Michael Kelly Memorial Cup took place before a large crowd in Rosbrien last Friday. Both clubs decided to rest First team players and the teams on the day consisted of a mix of Seconds, Thirds, and Under 20’s players, who gave the crowd an entertaining Christmas feast of competitive and open running rugby on a dry but very cold day.

JP Hartigan opened the scoring for Old Crescent with a penalty, which turned out be the only score in the first half, giving Crescent a 3-nil lead at half-time. Crescent held on to this small lead throughout the second half, despite sustained Young Munster pressure, and our lead was doubled to 6 points on the stroke of full time with a penalty converted Ger Finucane. After the match, Mick Kelly, son of the late Michael Kelly, presented the trophy to the winning Old Crescent Captain on the day, Donal Sheehan.

Next Sunday will be one of the most important days in the history of Old Crescent RFC when we take on Cork Constitution FC in the Final of the Munster Senior Cup, at 2.00pm in Young Munster RFC’s grounds at Greenfields (Kick-off is at the earlier time of 2.00pm to allow for extra time if required). Currently lying 6th in AIL Division One, Cork Con will start as favourites, however, all Old Crescent supporters, and many neutrals, are confident that our First team will do us proud next Sunday and that we have every chance of recording our first win in a Munster Senior Cup Final.

In wishing our team the very best of luck for next Sunday, it is imperative that every Old Crescent member and supporter, both active and lapsed, comes to Greenfields at 2.00pm next Sunday to give our team their full support and encouragement on what we hope will be a memorable day for Old Crescent RFC.

Finally, our Thirds play St Senans RFC at home in Rosbrien at 2.30pm next Saturday, 3rd January, and they too would welcome your support.

KILLORGLIN RFC
Aidan Clifford PRO

Killorglin RFC held a friendly on Sunday last against an ‘Exiles XV’ – A team made up of former Killorglin players who wore the blue jersey over the past eight years. On a day where result was not the main focus, the Senior side prevailed on a scoreline of 21-14. The Exiles had talent at their disposal, including AIL club Dolphin’s scrum half Gary O’Keeffe, and Internationally capped Rugby League player Peter Cunningham, both of whom played for Killorglin until five years ago. Killorglin RFC would like to thank all that attended the match and added to the atmosphere at the game.

Senior Team Training continues every Tuesday & Friday at the Intermediate School at 7:00pm. New players are most welcome and our coaches are happy to introduce novice players to the game. Killorglin RFC Underage training continues. Under-age training continues every Saturday at the Intermediate School. It is not too late to join us as coaches will be happy to coach novices to the game. All are welcome. Under 10, 12, & 13 & 14 teams will train on the Dragon’s Den All weather pitch at the Intermediate School at 11am. The Under 16 & 18 teams will train at 1pm. For information on any age grade issues, contact Youth Officer John Costello on 0863558185 or P.R.O Aidan Clifford on 0879065927.

Membership for Killorglin Rugby Club is still open for the 2008-2009 season. Family membership costs €50, a single membership costs €30, while a juvenile membership costs €10. The above numbers can be contacted also for more information.