Club News: Week Ending 22.03.15

This week’s Club News comes from Waterford City, Clonmel, Thurles, Bruff and Nenagh Ormond.

Click here for Waterford City RFC News

Click here for Clonmel RFC News

Click here for Thurles RFC News

Click here for Nenagh Ormond RFC News

Waterford City RFC News

Courtesy of Fintan Purcell, Club PRO

Munster Junior League, Division 2: Ennis 0 – 5 Waterford City
Waterford City picked up a hard fought win on the road this week. Despite the long journey to Clare, the away team showed no signs of the travel, with a strong start. The Waterford team looked dangerous in the first half, they created a number of chances early but just couldn’t quiet convert them into scores. The Ennis defence was well organised, their line speed was good and there were plenty of big hits being made. There was a half hour played before the first and only score of the game arrived. City went through a number of phases to reach the opposition 22, quick ball from the ruck allowed Fintan Purcell through the line and he offloaded to Simon O’Hara to cross for a try. At that point City looked in control and expected to build on the lead but there were no more scores before the break.

City kept possession well early in the second half but were playing mostly in their own half. As the game went on, Ennis began to get on top in terms of possession and territory but the City defence was exceptional. Connor Power and Nicky Jacob stopped anything through the middle while the packs defence around the ruck was impressive. The Waterford forwards matched Ennis at scrum time and got the better of them in the line-out. Andrew Condron’s throwing was again faultless while Simon O’Hara and Cian Foskin stole a number of opposition throws. With 15 minutes to play, City received 2 yellow cards in quick succession and were under serious pressure for 10 minutes with only 13 men. It was from a line-out that City got some relief, the pack put in an unbelievable effort and mauled the ball some 50 meters before it was brought down for a penalty. City declined the shot at goal and went for the corner in an attempt to kill off the game through either a score or running down the clock deep in the opposition 22.

Ennis held out on their own line and managed to clear their lines but the lineout and several ensuing drives took sufficient time to allow the binned players back in the game. The home team were not done though and threw everything at City for the final 5 minutes with wave after wave of attack.  There will be sore bodies this week as they were continually put on the line to keep Ennis out. Ennis got to the 5 metre line but a penalty won by Jason Power and Kevin Whelan brought a welcomed final whistle. Well done to the whole squad on a huge effort and good victory which takes City up to 5th with one game left. There were many outstanding performances from the pack but Simon O’Hara was a well-deserved man of the match. Waterford City would like to thank their sponsors Kingfisher, The Premium Butcher, Sun Life Financial, The Three Shippes and Brennan Catering.

Clonmel RFC News

Courtesy of Paul Condon, Club PRO

All Tipperary Women’s League Final.
The Clonmel RFC women’s team will meet Thurles women for the third time this season when the sides line out against each other again in the Munster Women’s League Division 1 Final on March 29th.

Clonmel travelled to Abbeyfeale on Sunday last as runners up in the East / South section of the league to take on the winners of the West / North section of the provincial league and came away the 34-26 point victors. In an evenly balanced game, tries from Mary Gorey, Kate O’Loughlin, Catherine Kenny and Lisa Corcoran coupled with points from Lisa Tobin accounted for the Clonmel scores. Clonmel led 29-5 at half time and looked comfortable to make it to the final, however Abbeyfeale showed great determination and following an early second half try rallied to narrow the margin to 8 points with most of the possession and scoring by the Limerick side in the second half. However determination by Clonmel and some good defensive play netted the Clonmel side the win and a place in the final.

In the other semi-final, Thurles were at home to Richmond and ran out comfortable 25-0 winners over the Limerick side. The respective Tipperary team wins sets up an all Tipperary Munster Women’s League final on March 29th. Time and venue to be confirmed.

Pictured right: Clonmel full back Mairead Comerford on the attack in last Sunday’s league semi-final v Abbeyfeale. 

Ali Askins plays scrum half to clear the ball in Sunday’s game v Abberfeale.

Munster Junior League Division 1.
Following the historic scenes in Clonmel the previous weekend which saw Clonmel crowned Munster Junior League Division 1 champions for the first time in the club’s history, it was back to relative normality on Sunday last when Clonmel travelled to Cork side Old Christians to complete this seasons league campaign. With the title secured, it was a time for cool heads and a desire to close out the league season with a win. And so it was on the day. Tries from Mick Barry, Daragh Foley, Padraig Keating, Alex Sheehan, Stephen Pyke, Darren Cass and Luke Hogan coupled with penalties and conversions by Conor Cooney and Dylan Cadogan secured a solid performance and 51-12 win over Old Christians.

The league win now sees Clonmel head into the round robin series of matches which make up the All Ireland Provincial League Championship with a home game against the Connacht winners (to be decided) on Saturday March 28th  and away games against Dundalk (Leinster winners) on April 11 and Instonians of Belfast (Ulster winners) on April 28th. The winners of the round robin then play the third from bottom side in Division 2B.     
Meanwhile its back to Munster Junior Cup action next Sunday when Clonmel host Presentation RFC with a 2.30pm kick-off.

Scheduled Fixtures:.
1st XV at home to Presentation RFC in the Munster Junior Cup on Sunday March 22nd  at 2.30pm.
Fixture Updates will be posted on the club’s website, Facebook page and on Twitter @ClonmelRFC.

Thurles RFC News

Courtesy of Brian Scanlon, Club PRO

Thurles RFC 1st XV 48 – 3 Youghal RFC
The Thurles First XV kicked off a busy weekend for the club, as they welcomed Cork side Youghal to Loughtagalla for a long awaited Friday Night Lights game in the Munster Junior League.  It was a perfect evening for a game of rugby and the large crowd in attendance were hoping for a good display from the home side, whose promotion hopes were dashed in the past number of weeks.

Thurles started brightest on the night, camping themselves inside the away sides half for the first quarter of the game but it was Youghal who opened the scoring when their outhalf kicked a sweetly struck penalty between the uprights, for an early 0-3 lead.

It wasn’t long before Thurles were back in an attacking position, they won the kickoff with a great leap from Paddy Phelan and from there they put together several plays before the ball reached Ger McCormack out wide, the prop forward powered past three players to touchdown out wide for an unconverted try.

Further tries from Nicky Irwin, Eoghan O’Dwyer and Peter Coman and two conversions from Aidan Dwyer saw the home side go in at half time with a comfortable 24-3 lead and the bonus point secured.

The second half continued similar to the first.  Youghal were able to frustrate Thurles at times but when the crunch came, the Tipperary men had too much quality and they added another 24 points with tries from Eoghan O’Dwyer (x2), Shane Moloney, Paddy Phelan and 2 more conversions from Aidan Dwyer to complete the rout.

This victory may well indeed complete the First XV’s league campaign, as the final team they are due to play (Crosshaven), have been unable to field a team in the past number of weeks, which casts doubt over the fixture, as Crosshaven are already doomed to relegation.

The First XV are still active in the Munster Junior Shield, a competition which Thurles last won in 2009, they will be hoping to finish off this season with this piece of silverware to compliment, what looks highly likely now, their 3rd place League finish.  Keep an eye out on Facebook for updates on the date and time of the Quarter Final of the Munster Junior Plate, they take on Richmond at the Limerick venue, all support in these last few games would be greatly appreciated by the players and management.

Scorers vs. Youghal: Eoghan O’Dwyer (3 Tries), Ger McCormack, Nicky Irwin, Peter Coman, Shane Moloney and Paddy Phelan (1 Try Each), Aidan Dwyer (4 Conversions).

Team vs. Youghal: 1. Ger McCormack 2. Colm Skehan 3. David O’Dwyer 4. Phil Kelly 5. Brian Lyons (c) 6. Conor Cooney 7. Paddy Phelan 8. Peter Kinane 9. Nicky Irwin 10. Peter Coman 11. John Coman 12. Aidan Dwyer 13. Shane Moloney 14 Adrian Bourke 15. Eoghan O’Dwyer 16. Dave Kelly 17. Jason O’Mahony 18. Dwayne Stanley 19. Luke Kelly 20. James Ryan.

Thurles Senior Wonen v Richmond RFC – League Semi Final
Thurles Women’s RFC coasted to a League Final with an impressive 25-0 semi-final victory over Limerick side Richmond on Sunday at home in Thurles. Thurles got over to an excellent start with some wonderful early play from Jean Ryan, Ciara Quinn and Ciara Dwyer. A fantastic run from Niamh Coman saw Thurles gain vital ground. Richmond had quite a few scrums in their favour early in the game but Thurles dealt with the threat calmly and efficiently. Aisling O’Hagan executed a wonderful catch as a result of a Richmond kick off the back of the scrum and made great ground. Moments later it was yet another Richmond scrum however but Thurles were firm in defence and forced a lineout. Maria Woodlock dominating what was a confident lineout for the home side.

When Thurles were penalised for holding on visitors Richmond were afforded a good passage of play but they were stopped firmly in their tracks by the formidable strength of Jean Ryan. Moments later with Richmond once again in the driving seat Ciara O’Dwyer blocked a Richmond kick with impeccable accuracy allowing Maria Whelan the opportunity for a wonderful catch. Although unlucky to be forced over the line Whelan made tremendous ground. The visitors maintained possession for a short while afterwards but their attack could not match the intensity of a solid Thurles defence.

Thurles’ first try came from a magnificent passage of play from Aisling O’Hagan who executed a magnificent kick and chase. Combined play between O’Hagan and Ciara Quinn secured the all-important first try for the home side. A marginally missed conversion left the score 5 – 0 in favour of Thurles. Thurles were deservedly in the lead.

Thurles seemed to settle after the try and were firmly in control. A wonderful passage of rugby followed with Catherine Kearney and Aisling O’Hagan putting in some wonderful play. Combined play from Maria Whelan and Maria Woodlock saw the home side edge closer to the try line. Thurles were awarded a penalty and chose to kick for the posts but the kick came just short.

Thurles, however, were firmly in control from the re-start. Ciara Quinn had a superb catch from the Richmond kick and made some vital ground. Aisling O’Hagan and Maria Whelan teamed up to bring play up to the try line. Maria Woodlock went in over the line for a try that exhibited both skill and strength. With a missed conversion from a very tight angle Thurles were now 10 – 0 up.

Thurles were awarded a scrum shortly after play resumed and Ruth Purcell executed a wonderful run from the back of the scrum making vital ground. Although conceding possession for a brief period afterwards the visitors never really looked threatening in the first half. Claire Mockler got her hand to the ball in the Richmond lineout and although they retained possession they lacked the confidence to form an attack. The first half ended 10 – 0 in favour of Thurles.

Thurles were even more impressive in the second half and played some skilful rugby. Maria Whelan, Niamh Coman and Jean Ryan were all impressive from the start and both Ruth Purcell and Megan Callanan put in some big, important tackles. Richmond were awarded a penalty but despite holding onto possession were unable to make ground thanks to wonderful tackles from Ciara Quinn and Catherine Kearney as well as superb rucking from Maria Woodlock and Linda Ryan.

Elaine Molumby and Aimee Crowe came on as replacements for the home side and both immediately made an impact to both the defensive and attacking games. Richmond were awarded yet another scrum and secured possession but Aisling Byrne with an immense tackle drove the visiting player over the line. Though Thurles failed to secure possession from the lineout Maria Woodlock and Catherine Kearney  pulled off some wonderful tackles.

Both Maria Whelan and Maria Woodlock were impressive in the passage of play that ensued and with Jean Ryan dodging numerous tackles Thurles were making ground. Richmond however were solid in defence and trying desperately to prevent another try. A Richmond lineout saw them secure vital possession but Linda Ryan, Ciara Quinn and Jean Ryan drove the Richmond player over the line. It was a scrum to Thurles. Thurles won the lineout with ease and passed the ball out to the backs. Niamh Coman showed some fantastic pace. Helena Bermingham and Aoife Healy both came in as a replacements for the home side.

Moments later it was yet another lineout, this time in favour of visitors Richmond. Thurles however managed to secure the ball in the lineout  and a lovely passage of play from the backs ensued with Miriam Harrison and Niamh Coman particularly impressive before Aisling O’Hagan was given possession and went in over the line for an impressive and well-deserved try. The score now stood 15 – 0 in favour of Thurles.

Thurles’ fourth try was once again evidence of a well-oiled machine in the back line with great intuitive play from Miriam Harrison and Niamh Coman, who both had technically brilliant games, to set Aimee Crowe up for a magnificent and slick try that saw the home side comfortably ahead on a 20 – 0  score line.

Richmond had a real chance late in the second half to put points on the board but Thurles proved that they were just as skilful and determined in defence as they were in attack and both Ruth Purcell and Jean Ryan were among the players to but in vital tackles to halt the Richmond attack. Aisling O’Hagan and Aoife Healy teamed up for a wonderful passage of play when Thurles secured possession once more. Once again Miriam Harrison and Niamh Coman were involved in the phases approaching the end of the game. Thurles final try was a real team try. Aoife Healy was the try scorer, her ability to read the play immense. She was ably supported by Aimee Crowe and Niamh Coman after skilful play and quick passing from Ruth Purcell, Maria Woodlock, Megan Callanan. The final score was 25- 0  to Thurles.

There were numerous impressive aspects to this game. The team played with skill and determination. They played like a side that have been well coached and have trained hard under Liam Ryan and Sean Lanigan Ryan but more importantly they played like a team with real team spirit. Two tough weeks of training are ahead of Thurles Women’s RFC before the League final showdown.

Pictured right: Ciara Quinn storms for the line at Thurles on Sunday.

Thurles RFC’s Maria Woodlock finishes off a well worked move to score in the corner at Thurles RFC on Sunday.

East Munster U18 League Final: Thurles 3 – 10 Fethard
This game was a worthy final and a top class game of rugby to watch. Thurles held on to the ball for long periods of time but there was great defence from both sides on the day. Fethard kicked a penalty to make it 3 nil in which Thurles replied from the boot of Cillian Kavanagh.
This was the story of the game up to the final play where the bounce of the ball beat Thurles. Each and every player on the panel was outstanding on the day – Adam Troy gave a man of the match performance. Onwards and upwards from here lads. Cup rugby is starting. Well done lads, you should be proud of yourselves. That was a sterling performance.

Thurles RFC U18 Girls v St Mary’s RFC.
On the back of a 3 match winning streak, the Thurles U18 Girls travelled to Limerick side, St Mary’s for a very difficult away fixture. This was a top of the table clash with first hosting second.
Thurles travelled with an experienced side with some notable exceptions unable to travel for various reasons.

A super performance from the girls saw them put up a fighting battle with a very strong defence in the first half  but unfortunately St Mary’s got the better of them and scored 2 tries. Thurles suffered a few injuries in the first half with Ashling o Hagan going off with an injury in the 2nd half the girls came back out with great spirit.

Aisling o Hagan came back on and with the help of Gemma Dunican off-loading it to her at the 5 metre line Thurles put their first score on the board. Minutes after Thurles scored another try, this time it was by Mary o Connor who capped off her player of the match performance with numerous hard tackles time after time – always there to support her team mates.  In the end saint Mary’s got the final score which ended 19-10

Thurles U16 Boys v Fethard
Thurles welcomed Fethard u16s to the club last Thursday evening to play a friendly under lights. It was a very entertaining game for all present. Both teams were equally matched but it was Fethard that came out on top scoring three tries to one. It was an experimental Thurles team with several players playing out of position due to injuries and other players away with the East Munster set up.

Credit to all the Thurles players who gave it a real go and stuck to their jobs even though they lost Aaron Maher in the first half. Early in the second half Conor o Hagan tweaked his ham string and with all subs used Conor went to the wing. Thurles defended really well and were still in the game until Fethard scored the killer try late in the game.

Sale of Work
Next sunday Thurles RFC are holding a sale of work in the clubhouse and all are welcome. There will be trailers of fuel, occasion wear, cake sale, a coffee shop and much more. Hope to see you there from 12 noon.

Thurles U16s in action on Sunday v Fethard RFC.

Bruff News

Courtesy of:- Seamus Sheahan, Club PRO

The u18’s & 16s are both into the semi-final of the Pan Munster leagues thanks to victories over Cork opposition at the weekend.

The 18’s were first into action coming away from Cork with a 32-14 win over Highfield. Bruff were 15-0 up at half time thanks to 2 trys from Mattew O Dea and 5 points from the boot of Kevin McManus. Bruff added 3 second half tries from McManus, Dylan Reeves-Wasik and Jack O Grady.

Waterpark provide the opposition for the Munster Semi-final which is due to be played next Saturday in Bruff.

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

The u16’s were at home to Clonakilty on Sunday and had to produce their best display of the season to come away with the win. Bruff started well and attacked Clonakilty right from the off. Clon showed great defence and kept Bruff at bay until a long Mikey O Grady pass put Jason Fitzgibbon away to score in the corner.

Bruff’s second try was a great team effort with no8 Liam Cunnigham making a fantastic 50 metre run into the Clon 22. He showed great balance and foot work to beat a number of defenders before being eventually taken down. Bruff to their credit showed great support and didn’t panic when Cunnigham was taken down. They recycled well before moving to ball from right to left. Mikey O Grady received a nice pass from No.10 John Bateman and slipped the covering defence to go in under the posts. Bateman converted to make it 12-3 at half time.

Jack O Malley added a 3rd Bruff try early in the second half, the blind side flanker crashing over off the back of a well set maul. But it was Clon who were to finish the stronger and Bruff were forced to defend for the last 25 minutes of the game. Clon added a late try but that was all they had to show for a great 2nd half effort. It finished 17-8 to Bruff.

Younger Munsters are up next in the Pan Munster semi-final, which is to be played next Sunday in Tom Clifford Park.

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.

Calling all support
With 2 teams in Pan Munster semi-final action we would urge all supporters to come out and shout on 1 if not both teams at the weekend. The 18’s play on Saturday evening at 5.30 in Bruff with the u16’s in action Sunday at 11:30 in Tom Clifford Park.

Under 18  Bruff V Waterpark  Saturday 5:30 Kilballyowen
Under 16 Young Munster’s  Sunday 11:30    Tom Clifford Park

The u20’s travelled away to Athlone to play Buccaneers in a playoff for a place in the u20’s All Ireland Series. They travelled minus a number of key players and came up short loosing on a scoreline of 19-7. Bruff try coming from full back Brian Fanning.

Ladies Rugby
Girls and women’s rugby in Bruff Rfc: every Friday evening girls u12 u15 and u18 (= from approximately 10 and older) train from 19hr till 20hr. There are still a couple of blitzes and matches for all age grades left to train for! The women’s team is training from 20hr to 21:30hr under Mike Cahill. So spread the word and ask your sisters, cousins, neighbours, best girly friends, mums, aunts and wives to come along and train with Bruff! Contact Heidi @ 087 667 9783 or Claire 089 4272 402.

Vital win for the Seniors (report from 7th March)
Bruff and Kanturk met for the first time at Senior level on Saturday when the ‘Turks’ were the visitors to Killballyowen. A Bruff win was a must to keep promotion chances alive with only 3 games left going into this clash. Bruff would have hoped for a win but a bonus point victory it would be fair to say surpassed expectations. To say Bruff had the advantage of a stiff breeze in the opening half would be putting it lightly. It was more like a hurricane blowing from the road end down to the visitors 22.

With the gale at your backs you would expect that most of the game would be played in 1 half of the field and indeed it was. Kanturk did make a few visits to the Bruff 22 in the opening period but some clever box kicking from Tony Cahill kept ‘Turk’ on the back foot for most of the 1st half. Bruff clocked up 26 points in the first half securing the bonus point after 39 minutes of play.

The first Bruff score came courtesy of Brian Cahill. Out half Dave O Grady made a clean line break on the Kanturk 22, drew the last defender and released to Cahill for the easy touchdown. Tony Cahill who nailed 3 first half conversions stepped up to add the extra’s. O Grady was involved again in the second try this time picking up the 5 points for himself after a defence splitting pass from Player coach Mikey Carroll.

Not content with looking on from the fullback position it was Brendan Deadys turn to get in on the act with another 5 pointer. Deady made a lovely break down the right wing with some lovely interplay between himself and rookie winger Brain Fanning. The play made its way to the Kanturk line with a series of rucks developing. Deady again got involved and finished off the score receiving a nice pop pass from scrum half Tony Cahill.
The forth try was far less subtle then the previous efforts. No 8 Jake Considine took a short pass from Tony Cahill 5 metres out and crashed over to secure the bonus.

With the half time break upon us it was time to get the mobiles out and take to twitter to see how the other games were shaping up. To us supporters surprise every game was going our way with most of the teams just above us loosing at the mid-way point. But it was a short lived joy as all the teams turned the sores around putting in winning performances. 

It was now Kanturks turn to play with the gale and try and manage the elements. They did in patches and scored 2 trys from Matt Handy and Sean Cremin either side of another Jake Considine try for Bruff.  A hard man to take down in full flight Considine’s second try was similar to his first half effort barging over from a few metres out.

31-12 the final score to Bruff and hopes still alive of reaching the promotion spots.

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.Brendan Deady 16.Colm O Sullivan 17.Paddy Clery 18.Jake Considine 19. Mark Cosgrove 20 D Mulcahy 

Nenagh Ormond News

Courtesy of: Eithne Darcy

Munster ‘A’ in New Ormond Park this Thursday! 
Nenagh Ormond are delighted to host another Munster ‘A’ match at New Ormond Park.  Munster ‘A’ will play their first interprovincial of the season against Ulster Ravens at Nenagh Ormond RFC this Thursday, March 19th, at 4:30pm.

Munster ‘A’s first encounter since their British & Irish Cup quarter-final defeat to Doncaster Knights sees them return to Nenagh for the first time since September 2010. Ulster were also the opposition on that occasion with the likes of the then emerging Conor Murray, Simon Zebo and Dave Foley helping Munster ‘A’ to a comprehensive 30-3 win.

Head Coach Mick O’Driscoll will bring a mix of emerging stars from the Munster academy and sub academy ranks as well as senior squad members to Nenagh for Munster A’s first interprovincial of the season.

Munster Junior Plate
The Munster Junior Plate continues this Sunday, March 22nd, with a home fixture for Nenagh Ormond Seconds against Galbally.  Kick off at 2.30pm in New Ormond Park.  

Under 16’s 15-20 Kilfeacle 
Nenagh Ormond Under 16’s faced Kilfeacle at home on Sunday morning.  This was a high stakes game as the winner would go forward to take on Dungarvan in their League Final. Nenagh started well, playing an expansive game which stretched Kilfeacle and Fiachra Carey scored a great early try to go ahead 5-0. 

However, Kilfeacle took control in the second quarter and Nenagh struggled to execute their own game plan when they had possession, getting sucked into a tighter game which suited the visitors. After a sustained period of possession, Kilfeacle scored and converted to go ahead by 7 points to 5. They held possession well following this and added two penalties to push the gap out to 8 points by half time. 

The second half began with Kilfeacle in the driving seat and, although Nenagh worked very hard in defence, a fumble inside their own half gifted possession to Kilfeacle and they burst through the disorganised Nenagh line to touch down under the posts. They slotted the easy conversion to go ahead by 20 points to 5 and seemed to

 be out of sight. 

Credit to the Nenagh lads, they regrouped and began to play their own game again with great success, scoring two tries out wide, the first from Luke Fahey and then Fiachra Carey got his second, to bring the score to 15-20 with only minutes to go. 

Unfortunately, they ran out of time in the end and Kilfeacle emerged victorious.  The Nenagh lads can be proud of a gutsy performance and can move forward now to prepare for their upcoming Cup matches with heads held high. 

Team: Conor Fahy, Eamon Hough, Darragh Flannery, Shane Mitchell-Steed, Fiachra Carey, Martin Rainsford, Nathan Deely-O’Meara, Michael Kennedy, Tommy Wells, Michael Bourke, Stephen Harding, Cathal Ryan, Jake O’Kelly, Samuel Kroupa, Evan Murphy.  Reps: Jack Dunne, Peter Ryan, Conor O’Brien, CiannanO’Hanluain, Luke Fahey, Colum Moylan. 

Under 12’s
The Under 12’s travelled to Birr on Sunday morning to play the home team in perfect conditions.  Both teams served up a very enjoyable brand of rugby with some lovely open passages of play.  It is becoming obvious as we come near the end of the season that it’s beginning to dawn on these young fellas that attacking space is much more advantageous than running back into contact. 

Nenagh scored 3 tries during this 50 minute game with James Finn, John Brislane and Niall O’Sullivan touching down.

Squad: Jack Gleeson, Daire Slevin, George O’Leary, Patrick Fogarty, Cian White, Eoghan Tighe, DarraghTucker, Eoin O’Brien, Tom Kennedy, John Brislane, Niall O’ Sullivan, James Finn, Andrew Ferris, Evan Rainsford, Tommy Ryan, Sonny Dower.

Under 9s & 10s
Last Sunday on a lovely fresh morning for rugby, 29 Under 9 and Under 10 players travelled to UL Bohemians in Annacotty, Limerick to take part in a really well organised mini blitz.  Our Under 10’s played 3 games – 2 against the home side and 1 against Newport RFC.  We competed very well against both sides.  We scored some marvellous tries and our tackling was excellent.

Our Under 9’s did very well against the home side aswell.  Every one of our players got lots of game time and we thank UL Bohemians for the invitation and their hospitality.

These young players are a credit to our club and their families in the way they play and compete – their rugby has improved and there is a strong team spirit in the squad and we hope to see them all back in September.  We thank all the parents who travelled to Limerick.  We wish speedy recoveries to Catriona Finn and John Mulvihill who picked up a few knocks.