Club News Weekending 15th September 2008

Read the latest news from clubs around the province, including details of UL Bohemian’s Pat Lawler Tournament taking place next weekend.

UL BOHEMIAN RFC NEWS

The 25th Pat Lawler Under 13 Rugby tournament takes place on Saturday 13th September at the University of Limerick campus.

This year is a very special one and we are starting with a Mayoral reception on Tuesday 9th September in City Hall to honour a great player and clubman. We have also increased the number of teams participating from 16 to 20. The 20 teams will play in 4 groups of 5 with the top two teams in each group playing off for the Cup and 2nd and 3rd teams playing for the Shield. There will be a total of 54 games staring at 11-00am and finishing at 5-00pm. We are also issuing a full 30 page colour brochure with many photographs of the past not least Pat’s involvement with Bohemians and Limerick AFC etc. – a must have for players from the 60’s and 70’s. As usual after registration, the Boherbuoy Brass & Reed band will provide the music for the team parade at 10-30am. This promises to be a festival of rugby and many of the players on view no doubt going on to represent their province and country. You only have to look at the teams that have won the Cup in the past and names like Andrew Trimble, Ronan O’Gara, Paul Wallace and Tom Tierney are revealed. All the local clubs are represented along with Tralee, Cork Constitution, Galwegians, Sligo, Malone, Coolmine, Nenagh Ormond and Clanwilliam. UL Bohemians as has proven for the last four seasons will have two teams participating (Stags & Lions). Rugbytech will have a stand there offering rugby gear and equipment, face painting facility available amongst other services. The organising committee and UL Bohemian supporters are looking forward to a great day’s rugby and afterwards we are all joining the Lawler family for our Social in Gooser’s Corner in Corbally at 9-30pm.

Tournament Coordinator
Mick McLoughlin

Ph. 087 7594 940 & 061-327042

KILLORGLIN RFC
Aidan Clifford PRO

Killorglin Rugby Club Senior Team Training has begun. It takes place every Tuesday & Friday at the Killorglin Community College grounds at 7:00pm. New players are most welcome and our coaches are happy to introduce novice players to the game.
Killorglin RFC Underage training begins for another season on Saturday next, 13th September. 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 players will train at our home pitch at Killorglin Community College grounds at 11am also. For information on any age grade issues, contact Youth Officer John Costello on 0863558185 or P.R.O Aidan Clifford on 0879065927.
Killorglin Rugby Club’s fundraising draw continues, with a chance to be part of history as its prize. For a price of €10, you are in with a chance to win two tickets to the historic Munster v All Blacks game in the newly revamped Thomond Park on Tuesday, November 18th, along with one night’s accommodation in Limerick’s Clarion Hotel. This may be the official opening of the new Thomond Park and marks the 30th anniversary of Munster’s finest hour, when they beat the All Blacks on 31st October 1978. For information, call or text Aidan Clifford on 0879065927 or Jerome O’Sullivan on 0873710104. Alternatively, contact any committee member. All money raised will go towards developing the new home ground.
Membership for Killorglin Rugby Club is now 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.

GARRYOWEN FC
Christopher Barry PRO

There was a palpable sense of relief in Dooradoyle on Monday evening when Conan Doyle foot rushed the ball to the line to set the seal on a 21-12 victory over a well balanced Thomond side. The "soda cakes" can consider themselves unfortunate to have trailed 6-0 at the interval as they spurned a number of kickable goal chances in that opening period. When Willie Staunton found the range with two fine penalties it seemed only a matter of time before we established control. However the Thomond pack forced their way over near the posts soon after the break but the relatively straight forward conversion bounced back off the post. The game was very open as one might expect at this stage of the season, but it was the visitors who unexpectedly took the lead. A defensive error proved extremely costly and the visitors seized the opportunity with open arms to run behind the posts. Declan Cusack added the extra points. S ome fine line kicking by Alan Kingsley brought play deep into the opposition territory. A series of drives on the line failed to yield the required touchdown and Kingsley eventually settled for three points to reduce the deficit to 12-9. Some outstanding defensive work deprived the light blues the crucial score but eventually the pressure did yield a penalty try. At 16-12 the ball got plenty of width and the game could have gone either way. One final sortie by the visitors in the dying seconds broke down near half way and the speedy Doyle showed commendable control and determination to close out the game. On Saturday we play UL Bohemians in the semi final in Dooradoyle at 3.00. The Munster Meteor Sevens were held in Dooradoyle last Saturday and the host club was delighted to see Captain Paul Neville pick up the first piece of silverware of the season following a 7 tries to 3 win over UCC. Despite the inclement weather earlier on, everyone had a super day, what with the burgers, the bouncy castle and some light refreshments for the adults. It was a perfect opener for any season and the time for some of the new players to show their form. A sincere thank you from the committee to everyone who helped make the event so enjoyable.
Our junior team entertains Abbeyfeale in the Transfield Cup in Dooradoyle on Sunday at the earlier time of 1.30.
In Under Age our U15’s played Thomond in the NML on Wednesday evening and recorded a 17-3 victory.
On Sunday the U18 team play St. Mary’s in the annual Tony Colbert Memorial Cup, while our U15’s have a NML game v Richmond. Both games are in Dooradoyle and kick off at 11.30.
The committee and members of Garryowen FC would like to express their deepest condolences to the family of George Cierans who died recently. George was a great clubman who also worked tirelessly and unselfishly for Goal. His efforts took him to the most inhospitable places imaginable but his grace, diplomacy and sheer hard graft have ensured a better quality of life for countless disadvantaged people. May he rest in peace.

KILFEACLE & DISTRICT RFC
Denis Wade PRO

Kilfeacle and District Rugby Football Club look forward with anticipation to a new season!

Its the beginning of a new season, a new year. Another season of memories, of friends, of games won and lost, of battles, of injuries, of near misses and of close calls. Another season where there will be new names, old faces, different positions, conflicting views and raised voices. When a bounce of a ball, wrong decision, mistimed tackle, foot in touch, the weather, the pitch and injuries will be blamed. Where referees and linesmen will be shouted at, spoken to, ridiculed, laughed at, cajoled, codded but always obeyed. When ten minutes will not seem enough and on other days seem a lifetime. When players will be remembered for the knock on not the countless tackles made and endless yards gained. New friendships will be formed, old enemies seen off, tales exaggerated, heroes and legends born.
It’s a new season for everyone and thus for everyone its potential for success is boundless and it’s promise of glory tantalizing. We at Kilfeacle and District Rugby Football Club look forward eagerly to meeting all or opponents and wish you good luck and fortune. May you all end only one position behind us in all competitions! As ever on the pitch we will meet you face-to-face, stand toe to toe. We will contest ever ball, fight for every inch, give no quarter and ask for none in return. Never ceasing until after the final whistle is blown and the result known. Whereas off the pitch we will extend the hand of friendship to all visitors and be as hospitable off the pitch as we are competitive on it!
The summer months were far from quiet "On the Hill" there have been many developments in the club with new coaches, new management systems, new buildings, fundraising, planning and countless meetings. All these ingredients will hopefully provide a recipe for success and will definitely provide an atmosphere for enjoyment through participation for each and every individual that wears the blue. As ever we welcome anybody interested in joining the club or helping in any way, from sponsors to players, patrons to supporters, coaches to physio, grounds men to fundraisers everyone is welcome

Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. win first round clash in Mansergh Cup
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 8
Young Kilfeacle R.F.C. 5

Newport travelled to Morrissey Park on Sunday 7th of September to face Kilfeacle and District RFC in the first round of the Mansergh Cup. Kilfeacle had a game plan and that was to start at high tempo, to match the start of the visiting side and ignite the home support. The game was played with great spirit and commitment with a lot of free flowing moves and running of the ball and Kilfeacle started the better of the two teams. After 13 minutes Kilfeacle’s territorial dominance was awarded with a penalty, which was duly converted by John Keehan. 6 minutes later Kilfeacle had another penalty attempt by John Keehan which drifted inches wide of the post. Kilfeacle did not ease off on the pressure but met with a resolute, skilful and committed Newport team who were starting to find there feet and come more and more into the game. With halftime looming the visitors started to show some promise and were able to break out of defence and exert some pressure and test the Kilfeacle defence. Newport were now matching their opponents stride for stride and a subsequent very well taken and deserved try by the visitors saw the halftime scoreboard read 5 points to 3 in favour of the Newport side.
Although trailing by 2 points at half time, Kilfeacle, were optimistic about achieving their goal and coming away with a win. The second half started with Kilfeacle, buoyed by their home support and on the ascendancy. Kilfeacle were now playing with more fluidity but were unable to convert their territorial advantage to points on the scoreboard. Newport always looked dangerous and were protecting their lead with some great defensive play. It was midpoint through the second half when Kilfeacle and District gave the home support something to shout about as they took the lead with a well-taken Try scored by Mark Hanley after some fine phases of play by the forwards. The subsequent conversion attempt failed so the scoreboard now showed the homeside leading by 8 points to 5. Newport had an opportunity to draw level with 10 minutes to go but saw the penalty attempt drift agonisingly wide. The final 10 minutes was a hard fought period of play in which neither side could gain the upper hand. Kilfeacle had amounted a lead that would remain that way until the final whistle.
Kilfeacle and District RFC would like to thank Newport for a very sporting, hard fought game and wish them every success in the coming season. Kilfeacle looked a formidable team when they were playing as a unit and areas such as the lineouts, scrummaging and ball handling were impressive. The atmosphere among the squad is very positive and training sessions have been very productive. Players that deserve special mention are Shane Looby, Ian Burns and Liam O’Gorman. The team as ever are proud and humbled by the amount of support they receive and hope that their supporters will continue to come along and support the "Boys in Blue". The season ahead augers well and promises to be a fruitful one. Training continues as ever in Morrissey Park. Our next competitive action is in the second round of the Mansergh Cup against Clonmel RFC at 3.00pm on Sunday 14th of September in Morrissey Park, Kilfeacle and we hope that we will see many of our supporters there to cheer us on, as this will be a very tough game against a Clonmel side that performed very well last season!!

Juvenile Training Returns
We are back!!!
Both mini and youth Rugby training resumes at Morrissey Park, (the Hill), in Kilfeacle on Friday 12th September 2008 at 19.00hrs.
With a primary focus on fun, safety, learning the skills and improving the all important agility, balance and co-ordination of each child we welcome back our regular players and we extend a warm welcome to any new players who would like to come and play for the Blues.
The under age’s of Kilfeacle have experienced quite a degree of success over the past number of years and it is envisaged this year will be no different.
Children from the ages of 6 and upwards are most welcome and importantly parents of the children are encouraged to come to the sessions, meet the coaches of each of the grades, meet the other parents and generally integrate within the groups.
So see you all in Kilfeacle on Friday 12th at 7.

CLONAKILTY RFC
Loosehead PRO

Half Full or Half Empty?

Was the glass half full or half empty was the question at The Vale last Saturday when results were even in the double derby with Midleton. The main match was lost. This is inescapable but many positives could be taken. A very experimental side lost to an extremely well drilled, focused and motivated Midleton. The experimental nature of Clon’s team takes nothing away from the fact that Midleton were very deserving of this victory and their side were the best Midleton outfit seen by Clon since the turn of the millennium. On the other hand, the challenge game between the clubs at J1 level was won by the home side convincingly and the manner of its execution, added to the previous week’s victory over Kinsale, sent a ripple of excitement through the club. It has long been agreed by all, that a successful senior side can only be judged through the strength of its back up and this is needed more than ever this year.
On view were many players making an appearance for the first time this season. Normally the lack of training and game time would have meant an indifferent team display punctuated by individual moments but this side gelled immediately and played some sparkling rugby. In the forwards Danny Whelton playing his first game for "years" was as good as ever turning over many balls with great upper body strength. Joe Knowles also opting to play "seconds" steadied the scrum and John McCarthy also away for some time stood out.
Matt Kirby home from Australia slotted in at outhalf with some nice touches and newly-wed, Jonas (henceforth Jonah!) Harte capped a great game with two trys on the wing. Jonah normally played second row and may very well have found his real position showing pace, neat changes of direction, the ability to break tackles and great lines. He could very well have been man-of-the-match but that accolade went to Olan Hayes.
A former underage player he was playing in his first senior game and his tackling brought many a promising Midleton move to a halt. In attack his support and deft touches singled him out for many. Clon were very much in control for most of the game increasing a 17 – 9 half time lead with another try and holding that up to the closing quarter but then had some anxious moments as a typically doughty Midleton struck back and were only denied trys by great defence particularly from Cíarán Calnan who saved a certain try that could have changed the whole game at a crucial point. Ger McCarthy and Eoin Ryan also scored trys for Clon to leave the final score 22 – 12.

The Squad was; Cian Clancy, Shane Deane, Joe Knowles, Danny Whelton, John McCarthy, Ger McCarthy, Cíarán Murphy, Michael Peter O’Regan, Eoin Ryan, Matt Kirby, Padraig Kingston, Olan Hayes, James O’Brien, Jonas Harte, Cíarán Calnan, Derry O’Neill, Mike Griffin, Martin Fitzgerald, John O’Regan, and Timothy Boohig.

The Charity Cup in the words of Coach Eugene Murnane was a disappointment and he drew little solace from the fact that he was arguably short up to eight of his expected AIL starting fifteen.
"Its all about strength in depth" said "Ginger" and although buoyed by the great performance of the players in the challenge match reiterated the need for regular training together and regular games together. However there is no doubting that the performances will improve as the side settles and the talented newcomers gain experience as the AIL draws near.
Encouraging was the performances of yet another set of Clon brothers-in -arms The Dignans, Seán and Sam in the engine room and the return of Darragh Lynch will give selection headaches when all are available. Alex O’Mahoney and James Deasy so recently up from underage rugby did not look out of place and Padraig Kingston’s huge talent, never available to Clon for a full season before, may also add to the drive for honours this year as the extended senior squad takes shape for the AIL.
Although the final score was 12 – 27 in favour of Midleton and although nobody would argue that they weren’t the better side, Clon will be very disappointed in the manner in which they conceded two converted trys late in the game. Having battled back from a poor start they were only a point adrift at 12 – 13 shortly after the start of the second half.
Noel O’Sullivan proved himself the fastest player on the pitch capitalising on a forced error to out-sprint everyone for a try that kept Clon in touch in the first half. Gary Cribb added a second with a typical break after the restart and his conversion left just the point in it. Clon had much of the game after that without scoring and will rue the lapses that put a one-sided look on the scoreboard in the last ten minutes. Midleton certainly impressed and it would be a good bet to suggest that another Munster club will be in Division Two next season.

The squad was; Eoin Murphy, Cathal Kirby, Robert Bogue, Sean Dignan, Sam Dignan, Ger Hegarty, Lenny Harte, Mike Keohane, Dave Cookson, Gary Cribb, Noel O’Sullivan, David Lombard (Capt), Darragh Lynch, Alex O’Mahoney, James Deasy, Padraig Kingston, Matt Kirby, Hugh O’Neill, John McCarthy, John O’Regan, Cian Clancy and James O’Brien.

This Weekend’s Fixtures: –

Sat 13 Senior Friendly Sunday’s Well Cork 2.30
Sun 14 Senior A South Munster Junior League Highfield The Vale 3.00
Bulldogs Friendly Skibbereen Skibbereen 3.00

KINSALE RFC
Maria O’Mahony PRO

Kinsale 1st XV play Youghal in the first round of the Munster Junior Challenge Cup in Youghal on Sunday 14/9/08. Kick Off 14.30

Kinsale 2nd XV play Bandon in the first round of the Dennehy Cup in Bandon on Sunday 21/9/08. Kick Off 12.00


GARRYOWEN FC
Christopher Barry PRO

Already the weather has played havoc with fixtures and there were no games played last weekend. As a result, the semi final of the Charity Cup v UL Bohemians was re-fixed under lights in Dooradoyle on Tuesday evening. In an open and entertaining game, Garryowen emerged victorious 21-7. The first half was more noticeable for missed chances particularly by the light blues. Willie Staunton kicked us into a 3-0 lead in 10th minute, but we had to wait until an individual effort on 32 minutes to bring some cheer to the home supporters. Willie Staunton punted the ball into space and left wing Diarmuid McMahon showed commendable pace to gather the ball. Although tackled, he managed to off load to the supporting Kieran Lewis for a lovely try. UL Bohemians reduced the deficit with a Lawler penalty on 50 minutes and for a period put a lot of pressure on our 22. Our boys seemed comfortable enough and counter attacked when the opportunity arose. Conan Doyle almost had a replica of his opening-round try when a ‘robin’ spilled a pass in field and our centre was on the ball like a flash. His pace took him clear of the defence but somehow the ball eluded his despairing dive. There was to be no reprieve however for the visitors and Conor Hartigan showed excellent technique by getting down real low to force his way over from a ruck near the line in the 67th minute. Both benches got a run on this damp and cold evening. As the full exposure of our splendid, TV-Standard, floodlights beamed around the ground, Brian O’Shea added the icing on the cake with a last minute touchdown following another big hit in midfield and race to the line. Before the game, a minute’s silence was observed for Willie Doran RIP who was a great Bohemian stalwart and indeed supporter of youth rugby in the city. Two matches listed for this Saturday see our 3rdXV travel to play Kilrush in a friendly at 4.00, while our U20’s play Richmond in a friendly in Dooradoyle at 3.00.

SHANNON RFC
Andrew McNamara PRO

Even at this early stage of the season the weather is playing havoc with the fixtures.
Both the thirds and the second’s games were called off and this weekend the rescheduling of the Transfield cup game against Richmond takes place this Sunday in the Canal bank at 3pm.
Friday evening sees our charity cup game against Young Munster take place in Greenfields at 6.15.Given our lack of a first round game this match takes on a new significance with the AIB league just around the corner. Match sharpness is the big focus for the next few weeks so the more we progress in the Charity cup the better preparation for the lads.
Saturday sees the senior squad head to Tralee for a training camp while the U/20’s and the thirds head a little further south to Dingle for a similar training run.
Our underage sides are well up and running by now with all teams in training. This Sunday the U/18’s open their league campaign against Richmond in Coonagh starting at 12.30.
Given the inclemency of the weather the mini’s will train this Sunday in Villiers, that’ the U/6’s to U/9’s.
The U/13’s kick-start their season with the annual Pat Lawler memorial blitz which takes place this Saturday in Annacotty.
The club Lotto has been running over the off season with reasonable success. We would urge anyone who had lapsed over the summer to reinstate their tickets and anyone looking to join up can get the relevant application forms from our website. www.shannonrfc.com
There are still a number of ticket packages available for the moment , but I would advise anyone interested to get in contact with Tadgh Crowe as soon as possible to ensure their application so successful.
Finally we send our condolence s to Bob Mc Conkey and his family on the death in America of his sister Doreen O’Connell last week. Many or our older members will remember Doreen from a number of years back when she was a member of the ladies committee.
May she rest in peace.