Club News: Week Ending 08.03.15

This week’s Club News comes from Waterford City, Thurles, Richmond, Bruff and Shannon.

Click here for Waterford City RFC News

Courtesy of:- Fintan Purcell, Club PRO

Senior Challenge Match: Waterford City 48-7 Dungarvan
Conditions were far from ideal for rugby on Friday night with strong wind and rain, however that didn't stop either side trying to move the ball and play some excellent rugby as evidenced by the 9 tries scored.

Dungarvan are Munster Division 3 champions having gone through their league campaign unbeaten this year and so they travelled full of confidence to take on City in this challenge game. Despite playing against the wind in the first half, the home team came out of the blocks fast and took control of the game early.

The Waterford City forwards were dominant throughout the match, the pack from 1 to 8 put in an impressive performance which had the away team on the back foot all evening. The pack set the tone early with a powerful 5 metre scrum which they pushed over for the opening try with Simon O'Hara touching down. Man of the match Ben Duggan was next on the score sheet following a strong run breaking tackles which was a feature of the game, Ben had an excellent game with ball in hand and was a key part of a solid lineout. Jason Power who also had an impressive game scored another 2 tries before the break, one a cheeky dive over a ruck which caught the defence napping and the other a strong drive from 5 yards out.

After the break, City picked up where they left off and kept the pressure on Dungarvan. Line breaks from the back row of O'Hara, Foskin and Whelan kept City going forward. Despite the difficult handling conditions, the back line were able to move the ball wide and create plenty of opportunities. Arron Foskin was picking excellent lines to cut through the defence, he supplied Damien Kennedy with a lovely pass early in the half and Damien didn't need a second invitation to slide over in the corner. Kennedy wasn't content with one though and showed his finishing ability again to notch a second try not long after. Philip Kennedy on the other wing got in on the act too with a good finish following a centre like pass from forward Tom Bowe, who had a big impact when he came on.

City made a number of changes as the second half went on to get everyone game time but there was no letup in performance or intensity. Dungarvan to their credit kept fighting and got a consolation score at the death for their efforts. City needed a game following a couple of recent league games being called off due to the weather and it was a valuable run out for the team ahead of big games this month. Congratulations to Aiden Power on his first senior start and having a great game. Waterford City would like to thank their sponsors Kingfisher, The Premium Butcher, Sun Life Financial, The Three Shippes and Brennan Catering. City would also like to congratulate Dungarvan on promotion and look forward to meeting them in division 2 next season.

Thurles RFC News

Courtesy of:- Brian Scanlon, Club PRO

With the 6 Nations in full flight and Ireland playing on Sunday, there were very few Senior games played at the weekend. There was however a fantastic game played at Thurles Rugby Club on Saturday morning with the U18 Girls taking on the mighty Shannon RFC

THURLES v SHANNON (U18 Ladies Rugby)
Munster League
On Sunday last, our U18 girls played a Shannon in the league at home. This was our fourth game in the league. This team is really coming into its own, and with two victories behind them, confidence was high. They were, however, facing a highly fancied Shannon team who had a powerful pack and some fast wingers. However, Shannon were short players and so this was as 12-a-side match.

Thurles kicked off and made their intentions clear from the start. The Shannon pack were driving up the middle, but with our own pack making telling tackles, Shannon could not break through. In this regard, Kerry Fitzgerald had a magnificent day stopping the Shannon girls in her tracks. With Mary O'Connor and Saoirse Caffrey also putting in telling tackles, Shannon quickly ran out of ideas. Then, in the 8th minute, the ball came quickly out through the line from Holly O'Dwyer to Gemma Dunican and Aoife Maher, Thurles winger Elise O'Connor got the ball and ran down the wing to score in the corner. The conversion was narrowly missed but Thurles were off the mark, 5 – 0.

We didn't have long to wait for our second try. Again, following some good work by our forwards, especially by the excellent backline of Aisling Scanlon, Jane Ryan and Catriona Molumby, we got into the Shannon 22. Kerry Fitzgerald won the ruck and the ball was passed to Jane Ryan who made good ground before offloading to Mary O'Connor, who still had work to do but grounded the ball under the post. This was duly converted by Aisling O'Hagan. Score after 12 minutes, 12 – 0.

At this stage, Thurles were controlling the game. The forwards were all playing as a solid unit and Gemma Dunican was altering the point of attack utilising both Amy Kirby and Elise O'Connor on the wing. Aisling O'Hagan was hitting the line at speed and constantly broke through the Shannon cover. Further scores for Thurles came from Elise O'Connor (16 minutes), Catriona Molumby (22 minutes) and Aisling O'Hagan (30 minutes) leaving the half time score 27 – 0.

We lost Elise O'Connor to ligament and head injury at half time and she was replaced by Leah Scott. Then, after 4 minutes, Aisling Scanlon took a heavy knock in the ruck and the game was stopped for 6 minutes while she was assessed. Thankfully, she seemed to be ok (though bruised and battered) and the game continued. Aisling was replaced by Bhrianne Beatty. It is a testament to how far this team has come that even though they lost these two star players, they were able to reshuffle and still put Shannon under pressure.

Scores were harder to come by in this half with Thurles now against the wind. However, after another brilliant backline move after our forwards got the ball, Holly O'Dwyer passed the ball out to Gemma Dunican and onto Aisling O'Hagan (below right) who got in for her second try after 45 minutes. The score was now 32-0. On 47 minutes, Niamh Graham went on for Amy Kirby on the wing and after 52 minutes, Aibhe Connolly went on for Aoife Maher. Meanwhile, Shannon got their first score after 50 minutes when they converted a penalty, and they also got a try after 57 minutes. This made the score 32-8. However, the dominant Thurles team had the final say, with Jane Ryan scoring a try at the death. Final score 37-8.

So another win for Thurles, who were missing a number of players as well. They ran in 7 tries from 5 different players, and only conceded 1. All 16 girls played brilliantly, and we wish Elise O'Connor and Aisling Scanlon a speedy recovery. Our next game is in two weeks, and this young team will be looking for another win. They have proved again that it is never too late to start playing this fun game, and remember we have an U15 team too. So come along to training and give it a try. Training continues on Tuesday and Friday at 7:30 in the rugby club. See you then.

U16 Boys v Ballincollig
Thurles u16s travelled to Ballincollig to play a friendly against a good side. Thurles made a great start putting Ballincollig under a lot of pressure pinning them back in their own 22. Thurles failed to make the pressure tell and it was Ballincollig who were first to score. The first half was a tight affair but it was Ballincollig who went into half time 12 nil up.
Thurles started the second half with more urgency and were awarded with a try when Ciaran Connolly touched down for Thurles's only score. The Thurles line out struggled with the conditions and couldn't set a platform to build any phases. Ballincollig went on to score two more tries. Thurles kept going and were held up just short of the line in the last play of the game. It was a good experience for the lads to play a team from Cork.
After the game the boys were well fed by Ballincollig and then went on to watch Munster v Glasgow in the opening of the renovated Irish Independent Park.

Richmond RFC News

Courtesy of:- Natalie McNamara, Club PRO

Weekend Round Up:
Last Saturday our senior team picked up a valuable 5 points, in our fight to stay senior. As Boyne and DLSP didn't pick up any points we jumped 2 points ahead of them, we still have three tough games ahead with league leaders Highfield due in the canal bank this Saturday. We travelled up to Ards last weekend, and the conditions on the day were terrible with rain, hail and a strong breeze affecting the play. Ards were first off the mark with a penalty, but we were quick to bounce back with a penalty try at the 12min mark, and Wayne Murphy kicked the conversion for a 3-7 advantage. Our pack dominated the game and were far too strong for Ards, Pat McNamara was next to cross the line with an unconverted try while Ards had 2 players in the Sin Bin. Just as their players came back on the pitch we had our third try with Brian Collins scoring on the far wing for a superb 3-17 lead at half time. In the second half we had the breeze with us, and once again we got awarded another Penalty try and the bonus point was secured with Brian Mullins kicking the conversion, Final score was 3-24. Well done to everyone involved with Eoin Hanley and Ian Ryan given excellent performances. At this stage every point is crucial to us for staying up, and your support would greatly be appreciate for the next 3 games.

New York Tour 2016:
Next Season there will be a Men's adult Club tour to New York. This will be the 10 year anniversary of the last new York trip. The tour will be run towards the end of next season and is open to all club members and players. The Tour committee have reviewed all options and we would cost the tour at 700-800, but with fundraising events this will come down significantly. We have a serious of events planned for the next 12 months starting with the cycle in June, Race nights, Halloween Dance, bag packing, sponsorship and many more events to be announced at the end of this month. If you are interested in going you must be a fully paid up member of the club, and you can give you name to Dave Young now. All bookings will be confirmed with a €100 deposit that must be paid by the end of April. Every month, we will have a night in the club that if anyone wants to call down and paid money of their tour they can do so. We plan on holding an information night in April for anyone that's interested in going and will have all the details there. Not forgetting the Ladies there is a possible ladies tour been discussed also, once the details are available I will pass them on to all.

Fitness Classes:
LM Active are running fitness classes, on every Thursday Morning at 10am. The Class will involve all types of fitness challenges and will be designed to suit all levels. Classes are pay as you go and a great value at only €4 a session. There might be an evening class coming soon, once we have more details it will posted up.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/LM-Active/292505660774655?fref=ts

New Clubhouse:
Live music is on Sunday night from 7.30pm. We have plenty of events going on in the bar in the coming weeks keep an eye on the bar Facebook Page, and we are also accepting Bookings for parties, application forms available in the club bar. Bookings are only confirmed by the Bar Manager Sean Bennett and not anyone else. If you have a booking please ensure that he has the details, otherwise the booking will not be confirmed. Facebook Page is below:
https://www.facebook.com/RichmondRFCBar

Development Projects:
In the coming weeks, we will start work on replacing all the fencing around the main pitch with new fencing and also new footpaths around the pitch with a new emergency entrance on to the pitch adjacent to the main gates. Please be aware that this work will be starting soon and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause during the re-development. Also if anyone is interesting in helping Mike and the team they will be looking for bodies to come down and help out. New pitch works will start once the season has been complete.

Underage Committee :
Our underage committee are actively looking for new members, if you are interested in joining the committee please get in contact. The underage committee do great work and have plenty of fundraising events during the year that they need help with.

Match Ball Sponsorship:
Match Ball Sponsorship for all games is available costing €100 per game. Anyone that is interested in sponsoring a Match ball or if you think you might know someone please get in contact and we can discuss the upcoming games that are available. Thank you.

Cycle to Kilkee 2015:
The date for the cycle has been confirmed for Saturday the 11th of July. This is always a massive event for the club kicking off the start of the new season for us. The event is open to all to take part in, the cycle will consist of three stops along the way for light refreshments and plenty of games and fun once we get to Kilkee. Loads more details to follow soon.

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

Weekend Fixtures:
Saturday 7th of March 2015
UBL, Richmond V Highfield, Canal Bank,2.30pm
Webb Cup, Richmond V Thomond, Garryowen Green, 2.30pm

Sunday the 8th of March
U13 Conference, Richmond v Newcastle West, Garryowen Green, 11.30am
U16s League, Listowel v Pres/Richmond, Listowel, 12pm

Bruff RFC News

Courtesy of:- Seamus Sheahan, Club PRO

Away win for the Seniors
The seniors were on the road last Saturday with an away trip to Armagh. Bruff travelled knowing that 4 wins from the last 4 games is a must to have any hope of finishing in the promotion spots.

Bruff went into the game as underdogs with Armagh 7 points ahead on the table. Bruff started brightly scoring a try early on. Sean Darcy made a clean line break and found himself in acres of space.

To his credit he pinned back his ears and made the 40 metre run to the line beating a number of defenders on his way to touching down for the 5 points. Tony Cahill stepped up and nailed a monster conversion from the touch line to make it 7-0 to Bruff.

The game was played in tough conditions which didn't allow for flowing rugby with numerous knock -on's from both sides leading to a series of scrums. Armagh kicked a penalty not long before half time making it 7-3 to Bruff going into the break.

In fact 7-3 was to be the final score with neither side managing a score in the second half. Bruff had a penalty chance drop just wide mid-way through the half but it was a tough kick given the conditions. The Bruff defence has been resilient when tested and again Bruff showed their metal in the closing 15 minutes. With Armagh battering the Bruff line players again put their bodies on the line to hold the home side out and come away with the 4 points.

A quick mention for Brian Fanning who made his UBL debut in Saturday's game. He's the 4th player to be blooded by the seniors this year giving a good account of himself on the wing.
Kanturk are the visitors to Bruff this weekend and will travel with confidence after a 30-10 demolition of Old Cresent last weekend. Bruff will need to pull out all the stops if they are to get the much needed victory to keep promotion chances alive.

Team was: 1.Davie Horan 2. John Clery 3.Stephen Foster 22.Tom O Dwyer 5.Mike Cooke 6.Danny Keogh 7.Andrew White 8. Mike Carroll 9.Tony Cahill 10. Dave O Grady 11.Cian Tierney 12. Brian Cahill 13.Sean Darcy 14.Brian Fanning 15.Dave O Grady 16.Colm O Sullivan 17.Paddy Clery 18.Kevin Madigan 19. Mark Cosgrove 20 G Leonard

Under 16s Qualify For Last 8
Bruff RFC 34
Kilorglin RFC 0
Bruff U16 team booked their place in the last eight of the Munster U16 League following their victory over a gallant Kilorglin side last Sunday. This was their third win in this group of 5 and ensures their quarter final place but will have to wait until after next weekend's games to find out if they have a home draw. They play Muskery in Kilballyowen in a top of the table clash and whoever wins will at home in the quarter final.

Last Sunday's game was moved to Tralee due to a water-logged pitch in Kilorglin. Bruff played with the aid of a very strong wind in the first and though they were well on top the sides were scoreless after 20 minutes. The game changed in the 10 minutes leading to half time .Winger Jack Houlihan was first to cross the line as he was at the end of a good back movement and beat a number of tacklers to touch down in the corner.

Centre Jason Fitzgibbon caught the kick off and raced from his own half to score in the corner .Confidence was now high and with a good supply of ball from the pack Bruff backs were always dangerous and ran in 2 more tries before half time, one each again from Houlihan and Fitzgibbon. Out-half John Bateman converted one to leave the score at half time 22-0 to Bruff.

Kilorglin, with the wind behind them piled on the pressure in the early stages of the second half but the Bruff defence was gallant. Midway through the half Bruff lifted the siege and were well in control for the remainder of the game. Winger Sean McCarthy touched down under the posts following another flowing back movement and Bateman converted it.

Shea Donworth got the fifth try when he was at the end of another good back movement and took his try well.
This was a competent performance but the players know they have to up the ante for next Sundays top of the table clash. The game is fixed for Kilballyowen Park next Sunday with a 12.30pm kick off.

Squad, U16s Callum Winship, Jamie Carey, Michael O'Grady, John Bateman, Jason Fitzgibbon, David Carroll, Martin Carew, Liam Cunningham, Jack O'Malley, Donnacha McCarthy, Jerry O'Dea, Daniel Gleeson, Bradley Riordan, Michael O'Donovan, Joseph O'Connell, Niall Breen, James Hanly, Seamas Bulaeir, Gearoid Moynihan, Declan Kenny, Mark Hanly, Shea Dunworth , Jamie McCarthy , Jack Houlihan, Jack O Connell, Sean McCarthy & Jonathon Fitzpatrick.

Under 18's
The under 18's had to fight hard to earn a 16-0 away win over Shannon in Coonagh on Sunday. Bruff knew they needed a win to guarantee qualification for the quarter final of the Pan Munster.

Bruff played with a stiff breeze in the opening half and struggled to control the game with the wind at their backs. A number of kicks went dead which handed easy possession back to the home side. Bruff's opening score was a penalty from the boot of Kevin McManus with Jack Fitz adding a try just minutes before the half-time break. The try came at a crucial time as Shannon were looking confident playing against the wind.

The half-time team talk seemed to spark Bruff into life and they played much better in the second period. Dylan Reeves- Wasik added a second Bruff try off the back of a good Bruff maul, before McManus added a second penalty to make it 16-0.

Bruff now go on to meet Highfield who topped group 2 in the ¼ finals date TBC

Squad- Kevin McManus, Dean O'Shea, Odhran Ring, Thomas Breen, Darren Kennedy, Matthew Lockhart O'Dea, Tadgh Leddin, Brady Day, Thomas Quigley, Darragh Moore, Cian Mulqueen, Fearghal Cooke, Gareth Cooke, Conor Fitzpatrick, Simon Divilly, Jack Fitzgerald, Brian Bulfin, David Crofton Young, David Moloney, Cian Clifford, John Bulfin, Jack O'Grady, Dylan Reeves- Wasik, Niall Byrne , Sean Hartigan ,Adam Sheehy ,Cormac Daly ,Aaron Daly ,Lorcan Hayes

Ladies Rugby
Bruff women took on St Mary's on a murky Friday evening. After last week's win over Richmond all player were keen to keep de momentum going, none more than Fiona Neenan returning after a lengthy recovery. Playing 12-a-side Bruff again had to settle down a bit before organisation shone through.

Towards the end of the first half after several phases of play the ball had moved from left to right and back again to winger Eileen O'Gorman who got past the last defenders to score: 0-5 to Bruff. Straight after de kick off by St Mary's de ball got caught and played out to full back Audrey Dempsey who ran half the pitch along the side line and managed to scrambled over the try line: 0-10 to Bruff.

And then it was half time. Early on in the second half winger Aoife O'Sullivan for de 2nd week in a row was able to finish off with a try after the ball had been gone through all the Bruff hands. This was also the last Score: 0-15 to Bruff. Next week de girls will enjoy a break and then on to de final couple hurdles before the end of the season. With rugby fitness on Tuesday at 20hr and rugby training on Friday evening at 20hr, we always welcome new players.

Shannon RFC News

Courtesy of:- Síofra Scanlan
A great display of rugby last weekend in Coonagh as our Senior team took on Dublin University.It was a very close match at times but Dublin University edged out the homeside in the end to win by 13-19 but we came away with a valuable losing bonus point. This Friday night sees another important AIL/UBL match being played as we take on UL Bohemians in Thomond Park with again some valuable points up for grabs. We would urge anyone who can make it to Thomond Park on Friday Night to come along and support our Senior team. Kick off is at 7.30pm

Fixtures Weekend 28th February

Friday March 6th
Seniors ~ AIL ~ UL Bohemians V Shannon ~ Thomond Park 7.30pm
Saturday March 7th
Webb Cup ~ Garryowen V Shannon ~ Dooradoyle 2.30pm

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

SHANNON RFC SCRAP METAL CHALLENGE
Shannon RFC in conjunction with United Metals have a scrap metal facility available once again in Coonagh. You have raised some very important funds for the club from the last scrap metal challenge and it is much appreciated. Their will be a scrap metal skip on an ongoing bases in Coonagh on Sunday mornings. Your ongoing contributions are appreciated.

D KUBE
Shannon RFC is running a fundraising event on March 12th in the Strand Hotel and the club needs your support.
Please take a moment to read the information on our upcoming Fundraiser.

The event is based around the TV gameshow, The Cube, where contestants complete challenges within a 4m × 4m × 4m perspex cube. Participants are given straightforward tasks, which become quite challenging when confined in the cube and put under pressure in front of an audience of 600 people.
The contest is limited to 40 Contestants with 5 groups of 8 Contestants challenging to go through to win the €3,000.00 prize money on the night.
Places are going fast with the most popular option of €500.00 entry which allows a Company to enter a Contestant into the Kube along with tickets for 15 guests on the night. There is finger food and a free pint included with that , so it really represents good value along with great entertainment on the night.

The YouTube clip provided will show you how the evening works along with the PDF Flyers which gives details of the night. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u4a-qcE2-A&sns=em

We would really appreciate your support in this fundraising event, which promises to be a great night of fun, games and entertainment.

If you are interested in taking part, please contact Barry McConkey at 087 2793 007 , Tom Hackett at 087 2237 119 or Neil O Carroll at 086 256 615

Sunday Morning BBQs In Coonagh
There will be a BBQ each Sunday Morning in Coonagh while training is taking place. There will be a selection of food available including fresh made breakfast rolls. Why not treat yourself to breakfast on a Sunday!!

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 8th March
Friday 7.30pm
Seniors V ULBohs Thomond Park Still need all the support we can get

Saturday
U11s "Willow Park" Dublin Good luck to all

Sunday
10.00am
U6/7/8/9 Top Pitch
U10 New Pitch
U11 No Training
U12 Blitz Well Pitch use half training pitch until 11.00am
U13s
League V Young Munster @ Tom Clifford Park 11.30am
Conference V St Senans @ St Senans 11.30am

Youths
11.00am
U14 Training Pitch
U15 Training Pitch

11.30am
U18 Cup V Pres/ St Marys Top Pitch

"Champ or Chimp" cards will be handed out on Sunday please cooperate with the lads who are handing them out.
Mini coaches meet in the cabin at 9.55 am to have a quick chat about what you should be doing
Youth Coaches meet at 10.55 am in the cabin for the same
We have less than 1 month to get these out and back so please push them.

Topaz Petrol outlets have launched a "cash for clubs" offer if you spend €40 or more you get a sticker on a card and when full you are entered into the draw. The station we have nominated is the one in Corbally so please go there if you want fuel.

*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
"Never give up, and be confident in what you do. There may be tough times, but the difficulties which you face will make you more determined to achieve your objectives and to win against all the odds"