Club News Weekending 18.01.09

Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. win against Clonakilty in third round of Munster Junior Cup.
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 20
Clonakilty R.F.C. 0

After a run of excellent performances and results in the League, Kilfeacle and District RFC were drawn at home against Clonakilty RFC in the third round of the Munster Junior Cup. Although our form of late has been showing signs of improvement everyone, from players, selectors, coaches and supporters, knew that the Munster Junior Cup is a different beast to the league and if we were to take something from this game we would have to perform to the best of our ability as a team. So the 15 that took the pitch knew what they had to do, there was a resilient look about them and the same determined look in their eyes as they had for previous games. When you reach this stage of the season you tend to build up a head of steam to raise the tempo and momentum. Games are coming thick and fast and coaches need to keep their squads grounded, as we all know to our cost, one good performance does not win any competition especially not the Munster Junior Cup.
In Morrissey Park on Sunday the 11th of January the conditions were far from ideal for Rugby. To say the weather was inclement would be an understatement but both teams played in the same conditions and there is enough talent and skill within the squad to overcome such obstacles.
Kilfeacle won the toss and elected to play against the wind for the first half. Clonakilty started with the win and rain at their backs and their target was to build up a sizable lead, as against the wind in the second half would be a very difficult and exhausting task they never achieved their goal. The vast majority of the first half was played in the visitors’ half, only on rare occasions did Clonakilty break into the Kilfeacle 22 and when they did so they met a Kilfeacle defensive wall which they could not breach on the day. The home side were on top for the majority of the half but for all their possession and territorial advantage the home side found it very difficult to build up good phases of play and their endeavours were plagued with handling errors partially induced by the playing conditions. With 12 minutes played and the game scoreless a break by Shane Flavin set up an opportunity for Johan "Joey" Bourdal to score in the corner and as ever Joey seized the opportunity. Joey put in a fine display with some "memorable" kicking from hand. The subsequent conversion kick, from the touch line just outside the opponents 22 was into the wind and in treacherous conditions, was taken by Shane Looby but did find its target. Clonakilty defence was admirable and they kept forcing errors from the Kilfeacle team, who, as the half wore on became more and more anxious to score. In the 20th minute John Keehan attempted a drop goal to increase the lead to 8 points to 0 but the elements contrived to deny him. The following restart was to provide the first real scoring opportunity for Clonakilty. Clonakilty’s out half put up a monstrous kick which with the help of the swirling gale eluded everyone’s grasp to bounce just outside the Kilfeacle 22 in the ensuing exchanges Clonakilty were awarded a penalty from a very kickable position. However, to their dismay, they learnt, what Shane Looby already knew, that every kick at goal was a lottery in these conditions and they failed to convert the opportunity. The remainder of the half was played in the Clonakilty 22 but blighted with handling errors there were no further scores.
The half time break was short and neither side complained, as the conditions were not conducive to standing around. In that brief time both coaches communicated their message to their charges and could be heard doing so over the noise of the storm that was blowing. Kilfeacle started the second half well and used the wind to their advantage however they were still having the same difficulties, as they were in the first half. Handling errors, lost footing, misplaced passes and loose ball seem to be the menu for the day. After 8 minutes the Kilfeacle team had come to grips with the weather conditions and started to build good phases of play, some great work and breaks from Jack O’Sullivan, Damien Gavin, Shane Flavin and James Mullane put Kilfeacle in a scoreable position when they were awarded a penalty just outside their opponents 22 and left of the posts. However, to Shane Looby’s dismay, he found that kicking with this wind behind him was just as difficult as kicking into it as he watched his attempt blown just wide. However buoyed by inroads made the team started to build again, each time getting closer and closer to the visitors try line. On one occasion, after 12 minutes, the home side had 17 phases of play starting in their own 22. During this move some fine contributions by Ger Looby, Mark Hanley, and Diarmuid Carr set up a scoring opportunity for Davy Stapleton. A telling pass from Packie Bourke, who looked dangerous every time he got ball in hand, put Davy through under the posts to score Kilfeacle’s second try which Shane Looby converted to bring the score to 12 points to 0. Kilfeacle were now in the ascendancy and it seemed to be a case now of damage limitations for Clonakilty. It seemed only a matter of time now before Kilfeacle would score again and after some good play they earned themselves a penalty in a kickable position, which Shane Looby converted to bring the score to 15 points to 0. Alan O’Mahony and Stephen Flood have to be singled out for their tireless work in dismal conditions, they embodied everything that was good about Kilfeacle and District on the day. So when Tom Tierney kept the ball alive and an incisive pass from an impressive Mark Hanley found the on rushing Stephen Flood, justice was done. With the home support cheering him on and his team mates willing him on, he went over to score the final score of the game with a well taken try.
We would like to thank everyone who travelled on the day and all from Clonakilty RFC, thank them for a good game and wish the club the best for the rest of the season.
Our fist team is back in competitive action next week in the Munster Junior Cup fourth round at home to Dolphin RFC with kick off at 2.00pm on Sunday the 18th of January. Dolphin will be hot favourites for this one after disposing of Kinsale in the last round. The "little club on the hill" has had a long and colourful love affair with this competition but on Sunday we will need the help of our supporters if we are to progress, the team are delighted by the amount of support they receive and hope that their supporters will continue to come along and support the "Boys in Blue".

Young Seconds put on a brave display and win away to Waterpark.
Waterpark R.F.C. 5
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 18
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. travelled to Waterpark RFC in the first round of the Gleeson Memorial Cup on Sunday the 11th of January. The weather was inclement and praise must be extended to both teams for the quality of play in such hazardous playing conditions. The visitors played with the driving wind and rain in the first half and set about their task to try gain an unassailable lead before halftime. Drop goals by Michael Collins and Eddie Grace put Kilfeacle and District RFC 6 points to the good in conditions that were too wet for ducks. A well taken try by Aidan Long and converted by Michael Collins saw the scoreboard read 13 points to 0 at half time to the visitors but team coaches Pat Hueston and an injured Brendan Ferris were fearful that this might not be enough. Their fears were galvanised when after only 7 minutes of the second half the Waterpark no. 6 touched down to score an unconverted try. What followed was an impressive display of controlled defending by Kilfeacle which meant that Waterpark were to score no more. The icing on the cake for an excellent squad performance was when Tom Breen broke out of defence to dash 40 yards and score a brilliant try in the corner.
After the game Pat Hueston said, "We are delighted with the win and the performance against a very strong Waterpark team who we wish the very best for the rest of the season. I thought that the squad performed very well in trying conditions and as well as those already mentioned special praise must go to the Dundrum contingent, and John Ivors, Alan Kiely, Kevin Hourigan, Anthony Bowes, Shane Morrissey and Diarmuid O’Halloran. I cannot praise this bunch of lads enough and if we keep training and giving full commitment anything is possible."
Our Seconds team is back in competitive action next week in the second round Gleeson Memorial Cup at home to Cashel RFC with kick off at 12.00pm on Sunday the 18th of January. Local rivals Cashel will carry the mantle of favourites for this one.

Kilfeacle Under 18’s put in an impressive display to win!
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 17
Nenagh R.F.C. 7
On Sunday the 11th of January Kilfeacle and District RFC welcomed Nenagh RFC to Morrissey Park for a league encounter knowing that a victory would put them top of the league. The weather conditions were not conducive to playing rugby and both teams and their selectors and supporters were to be admired for their commitment to the game. The homeside knew that their foe would be formidable opponents and that a stout defence would be essential to create a platform to build on. Kilfeacle started the game well and immediately pushed Nenagh back into their own 22. This was to be a marker for the entire game as Kilfeacle pressed there home advantage and held their opponents to very few scoring opportunities. From the start, Kilfeacle immediately took the game to Nenagh who seemed unable to come to grips with the weather conditions to gain any territorial advantage. The home side defended well and attacked even better and it seemed inevitable that Nenagh would see their defensive wall breached. Kilfeacle and District sliced through the Nenagh rearguard and scored two trys after some excellent team play. The try scorers were Ed Meehan in the first half and Sean O’Connor in the second half. The scoring was finished off by a conversion and a penalty by Roggie Peters.
After the game John Dwyer said, "We are delighted with the win, but Nenagh made us work for it! I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nenagh for a hard fought but sporting match and wish the club the very best in the future. I thought that the team played well as a unit in these conditions and special mention must go to Darren Lowry, Jerry O’Brien who gave a great captain’s display, Joey McEniry for his Man of the Match performance, Michael Hayes and Ricky Barry. The performance was worthy of the effort put in but there is still room for improvement, so a full attendance at training is vital!"

Breath taking performance sees Under 16’s impressive win.
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 15
Nenagh R.F.C. 12

In Morrissey Park on the morning of Sunday the 11th of January in weather conditions that were miserable Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. Under 16’s team welcomed Nenagh for a league encounter. Their campaign continued with a very impressive win over local rivals Nenagh RFC in a hard fought game. With the aid of the wind Kilfeacle led by 15 points to 0 at half time. A penalty kicked by Gavin Hueston in the dying seconds of the half was to prove to be vital as Nenagh put in a sterling performance in the second half. It was another all round strong squad display with players such as Cathal Donovan, Ivan Mullins, Sean McGrath, Fintan Ryan, and Gavin Hueston impressing on the day for Kilfeacle.
Denis Kenneally team coach said he was delighted with the result and looked forward eagerly to the rest of the season. He said that the season so far has been fulfilling for everyone and the team has progressed in leaps and bounds. They thanked Nenagh for an enormously entertaining game played in only the best spirit.

Kilfeacle Under 14s lose in the East Munster under 14 Cup Final

Kilfeacle under 14’s traveled to Clonmel on Sunday to take on Waterpark in the East Munster under 14 cup final. Dreadful playing conditions were the order of the day resulting in a battle of the forwards. The Waterpark lads were considerably bigger but the boys from the hill still managed to score first with a fine try by Bryan Roche. Unfortunately, Waterpark leveled just before half time and scored again in the dying minutes of the game. Kilfeacle can however hold their heads very high after a spirited display and will, on this performance be back challenging once again for honours.

Important Notice – Kilfeacle Mini Rugby:
U8, U10 & U12 Rugby Training resumes on Friday 16th January 2009 at 19.00hrs.
All coaches are looking forward to seeing all the young players back at the hill this Friday night for training ahead of some important upcoming matches.

SHANNON RFC

AIB All Ireland Cup
Ballynahinch dethrone Shannon
Shannon 14 Ballynahinch 15

The English FA cup has always had the romantic ideal of the underdogs upsetting the established sides and such ideals proved the inspiration for Ballynahinch as they unceremoniously dumped defending champions Shannon out of the AIB cup last Saturday. It was the shear drama of their highly unlikely win that will send reverberations throughout the second division of which they are flying high in, and beyond. They played the considerable elements to a tee and even when it appeared in the final few minutes of injury time that they would return home empty handed, they never relinquished their desire to win and forced a kickable penalty. As it was four times previous, Ballynahinch’s only scorer Ryan Bambry kicked the ball over the bar and before it hit the ground the final whistle blew.
Just two minutes earlier Shannon appeared to have matters in hand as they were camped inside Ballynahinch’s ’22 attempting to add to their 14-12 lead.
Their victory is probably all the more remarkable as at one stage early in the second half they were reduced to 13 men for a period after Rob Dewy was sin binned just before the break and he was then followed almost immediately after the resumption of play by Garrett Rourke.
At this point Shannon had the advantage of the very strong wind and went about chasing ‘Hinches 12 point half time lead.
The first half saw Shannon rarely venture into their oppositions 22, but given the wind it was somewhat understandable and Ballynahinch and more accurately, outhalf Ryan Bambry punished the home side with four successful kicks at goal. An indication of the strength of the wind saw Bambry land two from the half way line and beyond.
Ballynahinch utilised their strong forward unit to retain possession for lengthy spells and it was that retention throughout the game that seemed to give them confidence. Not to be outdone by their bulkier colleagues, their backline cut some nice lines and handled with equal dexterity. Shannon did defend these tactics well and ‘Hinch rarely threatened the try line.
Shannon’s first opportunity at a score of any sort came in the 42nd minute after Rourke was binned, but Bennett’s effort drifted wide. However the outhalf made up for the miss when he set in motion the move that would see John O’Connor burst over the line in the 44th minute. The simple conversion was added and Shannon appeared to regain control of the game. This was further emphasised when, just six minutes later Fiach O’Loughlin darted over after a sweet inside pass from David O’Donovan cleared the way and with Bennett’s second conversion, Shannon took the lead for the first time.
Instead of curling up into a shell and taking whatever Shannon threw at them, Ballynahinch battled hard and continued their earlier tactics of using big hitters to break the gain line and then set their backs in motion, but again Shannon looked comfortable in defence and for all their possession, all the visitors had in scoring opportunities was a blocked down drop goal.
The final three minutes of normal time and the extra five that was added decided the outcome and it could and possibly should have been Shannon that were celebrating passage to the quarter finals. Bennett failed to land a drop goal in the 78th minute after a big Shannon charge and then a minute later Ritchie Mullane appeared to have the result wrapped up when he darted into the far corner, but the touch judge rather tentatively raised his flag and awarded a lineout to Ballynahinch. Still though, Shannon appeared in full control and scarcely reckoned on Ballynahinch’s final battling flurry. Aided by three quick penalties in succession, ‘Hinch motored their way into Shannon’s half and the final penalty came when Fionn Mc Loughlin was adjudged to have committed a dangerous tackle. He was given a yellow and Bambry a shot at making himself a hero. The outhalf held his nerve and landed the not too easy kick and then began well deserved celebrations for his side.
Shannon.
D. O’Donovan R.Mullane, J.Manual (J. Clogan) F.Mc Loughlin, M.O’Driscoll T. Bennett, F. O’Loughlin K. O’Neill (G.McNamara), M.Essex, K.Griffin P.O’Brien (P.Loughnane), F. Walsh, E. Grace J. O’Connor (E.O’Loughlin) D. Quinlan.
Ballynahinch
A.Craig,J.Cullen,D.Harris,R.Dewey,S.Morrow,R.Bambry,D.Drake(H.McAleese),C.Stevenson(P.McAllister)N.Hanna(M.Nelson),G.Cronin,C.Napier,G.Rourke,M.Graham,R.Greer,S.Lamb
Referee Dave Keane

KILLORGLIN RFC
Aidan Clifford PRO

Killorglin Rugby Club are hosting their annual Table Quiz on Thursday 5th February. More details to follow in coming weeks.
Killorglin were due to play Killarney RFC in the Munster Junior Plate last Sunday, but due to adverse weather conditions, the game was postponed.
The Club’s under 18 played Abbeyfeale on Saturday. They lost 32-10, picking up two tries scored by Mikey Griffin and David O’Sullivan. They put up a brave performance against a team far bigger than them and managed to unearth a new talent in wing Maurice O’Dwyer. The Caherciveen man was making his debut on Saturday and played like a veteran.
The Under 16 team travelled to Killarney on Saturday also. In similar fashion to the under 18 team, they were conceding weight to their opposition and subsequently lost 25-0. One performance of note though was that of Kevin Courtney. The fullback was drafted up from the under 14s and held his nerve very well. With safe hands under high ball and running at much bigger players, his performance was virtually flawless.
Senior Team Training continues every Tuesday & Friday at the Intermediate School at 7:00pm. New players are most welcome and our coaches are happy to introduce novice players to the game. Killorglin RFC Underage training continues. Under-age training continues every Saturday at the Intermediate School. It is not too late to join us as coaches will be happy to coach novices to the game. All are welcome. Under 10, 12, & 13 & 14 teams will train on the Dragon’s Den All weather pitch at the Intermediate School at 11am. The Under 16 & 18 teams will train at 1pm. For information on any age grade issues, contact Youth Officer John Costello on 0863558185 or P.R.O Aidan Clifford on 0879065927.
Membership for Killorglin Rugby Club is still open for the 2008-2009 season. Family membership costs €50, a single membership costs €30, while a juvenile membership costs €10. The above numbers can be contacted also for more information.
There is also a couple of places left on the Killorglin Rugby Club tour to Edinburgh on the weekend of March 13th, 14th, 15th to see Ireland take on Scotland in the Six Nations Championship. It is an ideal opportunity for a genuine rugby fan. Contact PRO Aidan Clifford on the above number for more information.

Carrick-on-Suir RFC by PRO Dermot Keyes

"Being in the middle of things on the field of play is the best sporting drug I can think of. There’s simply no substitute for playing"

The Carrick-on-Suir dressing room was a quiet one last Saturday night in the appropriately windswept Ardgeeha grounds, the impressive home of Clonmel RFC. Having just gone down by 36 points in this Gleeson Cup outing, the initial sound of silence was understandable. Taking the gear off and preparing for the trip home is always a weightier task after a defeat and morale was, initially, low among the Carrick group, containing a slew of youngsters.

As a coach and, as a player, silence is a sound that oddly comforts you in the aftermath of a reversal. It demonstrates that losing hurts, that pulling on your club colours does count for something; that you’re not just out there purely for the fun of it. The muddied team jerseys lay on the dressing room floor alongside the kitbag as the players digested what had gone wrong, having trailed by just a converted try at the break.

A slick Clonmel team, whose handling skills on so blustery a night were quite outstanding, had punished virtually every error Carrick made during the 80 minutes. And one senses such thoughts were running through quite a few vanquished minds in the immediate aftermath of a hard-hitting fixture. Sensing that something needed to be said, prop forward Eddie Barry, the senior player in the group, took to his feet to address his team mates. "It’s never nice losing, lads," he began, prompting a few sets of shoulders to broaden. "But all any of us can ask of each other is honesty, effort and commitment out there, and we got that today."

The words were timely, words which can only be genuinely uttered by somebody who has stood in a huddle for several tough, often difficult campaigns. Eddie has been there and done just that. A young player gains nothing from having someone with a few more rings on the bark going off on one after a match. That’s not to say that players don’t occasionally benefit from a good old-fashioned dose of the ‘hairdryer’. Certain times demand certain words, and the Carrick man chose his words wisely as the wind howled outside and the shower water nearby already began to run cold.

"Sure, there were things we didn’t do as well as we should have. We did make mistakes out there, but the most important thing is that everybody in here kept going out there until the final whistle. That gives us something to work on. And that’s where training comes into it, lads." He concluded: "So what do we do from here? We work on those things we need to get right at training, we learn from the mistakes we’ve made and we’ll try to move it up a level for the next match. So we keep our heads up, lads, and we’ll take it from there." Eddie’s words were, justly, met with applause. Some of the other, more experienced players in the group, also took time to have a quiet, encouraging word with many of the younger players. The spirit among the team is a credit to manager Jamie Walsh, and as a clubman, I took great pride while listening to those words being spoken. It’s what sport is all about.

The game itself was largely played in good spirit, with humour aplenty emitting from sheltered spectators as the tornado-like wind sweeping around the paddock made the game something of a lottery. For the first time in my life, I saw a ball kicked to touch by a player actually lead to his team losing ground, the strong gale sending the oval 10 metres backwards. Clearly this was not a night for kicking; indeed the wind was so strong that a few clearances from inside the Carrick 22 careered over the Clonmel dead ball line during the first half. As the game wore on and Clonmel’s greater offensive quality became evident, keeping the spirits up in Carrick colours didn’t, notably, prove too difficult. Enthusiasm is an important ingredient in any group, and the significant number of players in their late teens and early 20s also brought the best out of their older colleagues.

Up front, Carrick competed when getting to the breakdown promptly – but a few of the team – myself included, needed to get through the gears a little quicker in the contact zone. The scrum held up quite well; bar my failure to hook the ball back just minutes after entering the fray which eventually led to a Clonmel try. I held my hands up immediately. I’d little option since the try was, undoubtedly, my fault. There’s no buttering up some boo-boos. But, in keeping with the attitude exemplified on the night, there was little to be gained by feeling sorry for myself. So, like the rest of the lads, I put my mouthguard back in and just got on with it.

Despite trailing, the match finished with Carrick on the attack after a couple of quickly tapped penalties had seen us move upfield and firmly on the front foot. But the second try (our only try being scored and excellently converted by Ross Clery) which our efforts surely deserved was destined not to come our way. And that was that, leaving us with wounds to nurse but spirits to lift as we accepted Clonmel’s three cheers, which we duly reciprocated.

"The only safe ship in a storm is leadership," according to American humanist Faye Littleton, and that’s exactly what Eddie Barry offered his young team mates thanks to his post match comments.

Reflecting upon the events of Saturday night, the words of an American songstress also sprung to mind. Stevie Nicks hit the nail on the head when putting the lyrics "players only love you when they’re playing" to sheet music. Sure what else, while the body so permits, would you want to be doing?

* Full credit must be extended to Clonmel RFC for the superb facilities which they have developed in recent years. Their superbly finished patrons’ stand puts them at a high rank amongst many of the All-Ireland League club facilities and gives you some idea as to where the club intends to position itself looking towards the future. Always accommodating hosts, I’m already looking forward to my next visit to Ardgeeha.

** On Sunday next, Carrick-on-Suir’s Under 14s host Fethard at Tybroughney while the Under 16s welcome Waterpark to their neck of the rugby-playing woods.

Old Crescent RFC by PRO Frank Larkin

Old Crescent played their refixed AIL Division 2 home match against Belfast Harlequins last Saturday (originally due to be played on 13th December but postponed due to flooded pitch). The game was played in gale force winds which made it a game of two halves. Old Crescent played into the wind in the first half. Old Crescent started brightly and immediately put Belfast Harlequins under pressure, which resulted in Old Crescent being awarded a penalty after 5 minutes which No. 10 Mark Woods converted.

Belfast Harlequins began to use the wind at their back to pin OC back into their own half, and after 10 minutes they were awarded a penalty which was kicked by their No.10, who followed up with another successful penalty kick a few minutes later. Belfast Harlequins got their big break, midway through the first half, when after a period of pressure, their No.8 went over for a try wide out, which wasn’t converted. Their No. 10 landed another penalty on 25 minutes, to put Belfast Harlequins 14 – 3 in front. Mark Woods converted a penalty on 35 minutes to pull back the Old Crescent deficit to 14-6 at half time.

Old Crescent started the second half with the strong wind behind them, and Mark Woods got quickly into his stride with a converted penalty 3 minutes into the second half. A few minutes later, their No.10, Niall O’Connor, replied with another penalty for Belfast Harlequins to bring them to 17 points. After that it was Old Crescent all the way, with Mark Woods converting a penalty on 55 minutes, and then his replacement, No. 19, Brian O’Shea, kicking a penalty a few minutes later.

Old Crescent’s big break came with 10 minutes to go, when Captain on the day, Mark Ryan, went over for a try near the corner post, which was converted from the touchline by Brian O’Shea, to Old Crescent in front for the first time 22 -17. Our scrumhalf, Alan Purcell, rounded off a good day for Old Crescent with a try out wide which was again converted by Brian O’Shea, leaving the final score, Old Crescent 29 Belfast Harlequins 17.

Our Seconds played St Mary’s RFC away last Sunday in the Munster Junior Plate and lost 16 points to 5. Our Thirds match against Bruff RFC last Saturday was postponed, due to a bereavement in Bruff, and our Under 20’s played Richmond away and lost 18 points to 10.

Fixtures for next weekend:Our Firsts entertain Bective Rangers RFC at 2.30pm next Saturday at Rosbrien in their AIL Division Two fixture. Bective are currently just above us in the league table so it should be a tough competitive game. Our Seconds play Ballingcollig RFC in the Munster Junior Bowl at home in Rosbrien at 2.00pm next Sunday. This is a knock-out competition and extra time will be played if necessary. Our Thirds play their postponed fixture against Bruff RFC next Saturday in Bruff at 2.30pm, and our Under 20’s play Clonmel RFC at home in Rsobrien at 12.30pm next Saturday.

In Under Age News, Old Crescent continues to be as popular as ever, and as always, all kids from Under 6′ up to U18’s are welcome at 10am each Sunday morning. Club members are also encouraged to pass on the word to friends, neighbours, work colleagues, etc, that every child is welcome and we more than happy to introduce them to mini rugby. Next Sunday we are having a ‘Bring a Friend Day’, when our current young rugby players are invited to bring a friend.