Club News: Week Ending 12.04.15

This week’s Club News comes from Thurles and Shannon.

Thurles RFC News

Courtesy of:- Brian Scanlon, Club PRO

Garryowen Cup Quarter Final: Galbally 16 – 13 Thurles
Thurles made the short journey over the border into East Limerick to face Division 1 side Galbally . On a day that was perfect for running rugby, it was the home side that scored first with a well worked break down the blind side to score under the posts making the conversion attempt an easy 2 points.

While the discipline was good on both sides, an unnecessary penalty from Thurles in front of the posts gifted Galbally another 3 points to bring the score to 10 – 0 in favour of the home side.

A fine individual performance in the first half from Com Skehan kept Thurles within striking distance and this was soon rewarded with a fine individual try in the corner from Eoghan Dwyer. the difficult conversion attempt was left of the uprights leaving the score at 13-5 to Galbally.

The second half started at.the same ferocious pace as the first half had ended and it was Thurles that responded to some Galbally indiscipline, with Aidan Dwyer slotting over the penalty kick to bring Thurles back within 5 points. With Galbally now down to 14 men with their blind side flanker in the sinbin, Thurles punished the limerick men with another Eoghan Dwyer try to level the scores on 70 minutes to 13-13

The day was to be Galbally's as their out half kicked a fine drop-goal on 78 minutes to re-take the lead and seal a deserved victory. Final score Galbally 16-13 Thurles.

Next up for Thurles First XV is the difficult trip to cork Constitution in the semi-final of the Munster Junior Plate
The seconds were also in action away to Abbeyfeale RFC at the weekend in the QF of the coveted Webb Cup. This ended with a narrow victory for the home team, final score Abbeyfeale 22 – 19 Thurles

U16 Boys Cup QF: Cashel v Thurles
Thurles U16s travelled to Cashel last Sunday to play Cashel in the quarter final of the cup. Thurles travelled with just 15 players. Cashel had the best start when from a penalty thurles fell of tackles and Cashel secured all 7 points. Thurles made their way up the field and when the ball was kicked into the corner from a penalty.

Thurles won the line out and mauled over the line. Cashel got hands on the ball and manager to told it up. Thurles put into the scrum and from the carry Thurles went of their feet and Cashel were awarded the penalty to releive pressure.

Thurles found it hard to make head way as the game was very stop start. The Thurles pressure finally told when the ball was moved quickly across the line after the forwards were just short of the line , Kieran Dunne went over in the corner. The kick was missed. Cashel scored a kick from a penalty to go into half-time 10-5 up. The Thurles line put performed well all day and from a line put Anthony Ryan went on a mazy run and scored a great individual effort to leave the score level. The pressure was then on the out-half and from near the touch line he put it over the bar.

The drama was not over yet. Cashel were awarded a penalty inside the 22 to win the match but just put it wide. Thurles managed to hold on to the leed and now face Waterpark in the semi-final in Waterford. Thurles will have to play much better if they want to reach the final.

Shannon RFC News

Courtesy of:- Síofra Scanlan, Club PRO

A great win for our Senior side in Coonagh two weekends ago against Ballymena. This win guaranteed that the Senior Side are safe in 1B Division for another season. Another great win if not very close, for Shannon on the Sunday in Coonagh. With a last minute try ensuring a win over a very strong St Senans side it sees the 2nds advance to the semi final of the Munster Junior Cup which will be played this weekend. See fixtures for this weekend as follows:

Fixtures Weekend 11th/12th April

Friday 10th April
Ladies ~ Friendly ~ Shannon V Richmond, Coonagh, 8.00pm

Saturday 11th April
AIL ~ Seniors ~ Malone V Shannon, Gibson Park, Cregagh Road, Belfast
(Last AIL/UBL match of the season)

Sunday 12th April
MJC ~ Semi Final ~ Shannon V Kilfeackle, Coonagh, 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

CHAMP or CHIMP
The CHAMP or CHIMP is a fundraising effort supporting the ongoing development works at Coonagh. You may have noticed the major improvements that have been made there during the past year, these developments were part funded by the proceeds of last year’s competition. This year we want to continue further improving facilities for players, parents and visitors alike. We badly need to upgrade the showers and dressing rooms and funds raised by the Champ or Chimp will play a vital part in this.

This years competition involves 18 predictions and runs from The US Masters (Apr 9th) to the Rugby World Cup Final (Oct 31st). There are 18 different events but only your top 16 will count, this allows you to have two little hiccups along the way, and not affect your overall score.

Entry Fee is €;10, and each entry received will be included in a draw for €;250. Prizes too have been increased with this year’s prize fund exceeding €;3,000.

This year we have decided to give a Quick Pick option. If you mark Quick Pick in the REF NO box, the computer will randomly complete your form from amongst the favourites for each event. (ie there will be no chance of getting Leitrim as your selection for the All-Ireland Football)

We have also revised the scoring scheme with extra points being awarded for the more difficult predictions.
All entrants supplying a valid email address will receive a copy of their entry (so no need to keep a copy of your entry form) and an up-to-date leader board will be published on our Web Site after each event.

We would strongly encourage you to participate in this year’s competition, and would ask that you get other family members and friends involved. This may provide an opportunity for some one you know, who has emigrated, to reconnect even in a small way with their sporting homeland.

CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF ENTRIES 8th APRIL 2015 BUT PLEASE NOTE THAT PAT DOWNEY WILL BE IN COONAGH ON WEDNESDAY 8TH AND THURSDAY 9TH APRIL AT 7.00PM TO COLLECT CHAMP OR CHIMP CARDS

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 12th April

Friday 10th April
U18 Friendly Shannon v Richmond 7pm Coonagh Well Pitch
Ladies Friendly @ 8.00pm Top Pitch

Saturday 11th April
AIL V Malone @ Belfast 2.30pm

Sunday 12th April
Minis
U6/7/8/9/10 Top Pitch
U11s New Pitch
U12s V Ennis Well Pitch
U15 Cup Bruff v Shannon 12 noon Bruff
U13 League Bruff v Shannon 11.30 Bruff
Junior Cup Semi Final v Kilfeacle @ 2.30pm Top Pitch

Wednesday 15th April
U13 Conference Shannon v Richmond 7pm Coonagh

Sunday 19th April
U13 League Old Crescent v Shannon 11am Rosbrien
U13 Conference Old Crescent v Shannon 12 noon Rosbrien

*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
"Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds"