Club News Weekending 25th November 2007

Take a look at the latest news from clubs around the province

KILLORGLIN RFC
Aidan Clifford PRO

Killorglin Rugby Club seniors were due to play host to Galbally of Limerick on Sunday last, but the match was postponed. In Juvenile Rugby, Killorglin had a disappointing weekend, with both the Under 13’s and Under 16’s losing at Tralee.
Fixtures: Next Sunday, Killorglin Seniors travel to Waterford City in the Munster Junior League.
Senior Team training takes place every Tuesday at 7pm and Friday at 7:30, at the Dragon’s Den All-weather pitch on Iveragh Road. New faces are always welcome and the club is happy to introduce new players to the game of rugby.

SHANNON RFC

Andrew McNamara PRO

Wet and miserable it may have been, but as the final whistle blew last Saturday in Clontarf there was a distinct feeling of warmth and joviality swept amongst out faithful support as our latest victory took us to the top of the AIB league. Few, even amongst ourselves would have predicted four wins from our opening four games in the first phase of the league against tough opposition. It’s a just reward for the lads for their work ethic and commitment from the start of the season, but again it’s worth reiterating that there’s a long, long way to go in the league. Despite the 23-16 scoreline, we did in fact win the game a bit more comfortably than that score would suggest. Three tries could easily have been more, but given the conditions and the fact that we would have taken a one point victory prior to the game, it was a fantastic result. Frankie was in rousing form as he blasted out the Isle in the post match dressing room. Another very pleasing aspect to the day was the wonderful support that travelled as well as our numerous Dublin supporters who made their way to the match. It’s a support that is never undervalued by the team and management and it’s greatly appreciated. The supporter’s bus, by all accounts, was a haven for unearthed singing talent and with slight provocation, or should that be encouragement from MC Tom O’Connor the journey from The Final Furlong was a highly enjoyable affair. This week’s focus turns to the Munster senior cup semi final on Saturday when we head across town to Clifford Park to play Cork Constitution. This should be a lively affair, with one eye looking to our January meeting in the AIB league. The senior cup is very dear to our hearts here in Shannon and it was huge regret that we relinquished our firm grip on the cup last season. While the AIB league is naturally the main event so to speak, the lads are putting enormous emphasis on Saturday’s game. Kick off is at the earlier time of 2pm.
For our U/20’s it was a case of a big effort un rewarded when Young Munster inflicted our first defeat in the AIL last Saturday. The country wide weather conditions made it a difficult day for both teams. 9-6 was the final score in a game that yielded no tries. Playing against the strong wind in the first half we went into the break 6-3 in arrears, but soon after the resumption we made it level. The strong wind that was so influential in the first half seemed to die down considerably and Young Munster were holding their line well. Another Young Munster successful penalty could not be matched and defeat was our lot, however we still remain leaders of the league and I wouldn’t bet against an opportunity to avenge this defeat before the seasons over. The lads will no doubt pick themselves up fro this Saturday’s trip to Athlone to play Buccaneers.
In our only other adult fixture, our 2nds are scheduled to travel to play Cork Constitution on Sunday.
At Underage, the U/18’s play St Mary’s in Coonagh at 11.30.
A reminder to our members that an EGM has been called for Thursday , 29th November in the Woodfield House Hotel to discuss the proposed redevelopment of our clubhouse in Thomond Park.
Finally, our finance committee headed by Ex Offico John Leahy are in the process of re launching the Club Lotto. This will hopefully be a good source of revenue and we urge all our members, supporters and players to get involved. In an effort to simplify matters we would hope to use a direct debit system allied to the more traditional ticket sales in order to maximise the potential of the lotto. If anyone is in a position to help us out in selling tickets feel free to contact me on 087 2717163. Keep an eye out in the next few weeks for ticket sellers.

KILFEACLE RFC
Denis Wade PRO

Under 18’s win contest against Waterford City.
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 25 Waterford City R.F.C. 10

Kilfeacle R.F.C. Under 18’s team had put together some excellent results to demonstrate their intent to stake a claim at honours this year. Another stride towards the elusive prize was this task of facing Waterford City. Kilfeacle RFC were determined when they took to the pitch not to let themselves, their coaches, supporters and club down. Although wearing the tag of favourite Kilfeacle accounted themselves well. When the final whistle sounded the scoreboard showed that the homeside had triumphed by 25 points to 10. To say the weather was inclement would be the understatement of the year. Both sets of players and supporters deserve praise just for being here in these conditions. On days such as today it is a bit of a lottery and today Kilfeacle had the winning ticket!
Team coach Davy Donovan said he was delighted with the result. He said that there next game would be yet another fiercely contested game against local rivals Cashel. However he brought it to the team’s attention that the visitors this week had made them work very hard and that a concerted effort was needed by the whole squad if they were to improve to the standard needed to progress in the manner they wished. He said that Cashel will be a different prospect and that they will be very hard to beat. He continued by saying that it had been a good season so far but complacency could be our downfall. Any Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. team never welcomes the thought of taking on Cashel R.F.C. for a competitive fixture, as any result against these opponents is always hard earned. Kilfeacle would like to extend a heart felt thank you to Waterford City R.F.C. for a tough and fairly contested game and also were delighted to see such strong support at an under 18’s game.

Kilfeacle Under 16’s win quarter-final.
Kilfeacle R.F.C. 43 Nenagh R.F.C. 5

Kilfeacle R.F.C. welcomed Nenagh to Morrissey Park for this league game. The game was of vital importance, as the home side need to keep on winning if they are to stay in touch with Waterpark in the league. Nenagh by admission were the underdogs but still posed a formidable threat. The homeside won the toss and opted to play against the wind and rain in the first half and believe me there was plenty of both present. This was the kind of weather that prompted Noah to take out his hammer and nails and start building. The home side knew that a good start was vital and in the first half put on a very brave performance playing against the elements. Nenagh were resolute in their defence and held the home side to a very respectable score, of 17 points to 5 in favour of Kilfeacle, until halftime. Kilfeacle had a lead but in the conditions not necessarily a winning lead. During the halftime talk, team coach Seanie Heuston, reminded the team of how good an outfit the opponents were and that a good display in the second half was essential if the team were to win. Nenagh started the second half in admirable form and put the home side under immense pressure from the first kick. The next ten minutes proved to be a battle fought in the Kilfeacle 22, both sides, knowing the importance of this period of play, fought like their lives depended on it and to their credit the Kilfeacle defence did not capitulate. When after 11 minutes of the second half Kilfeacle managed to score their fourth try, the result was a foregone conclusion. However the homeside buoyed by exuberant support didn’t stop here and put on a virtuoso display running in another 3 trys and finishing the game on the right side of a 43 points to 5 scoreline. All of the players are deserving of a mention however players who shone on the night were Eoin Bradshaw, Sean Compton, Jonathan Doyle, Paddy Dalton and Brian Lowry. A special mention goes to Pat Ryan who suffered an injury on the night. Pat has been playing exceptionally well and was unlucky to be injured. Everyone in the club wishes well and a speedy recovery.
Team coach Seani Hueston said he was delighted with the result. He wished Nenagh all the best and thanked everyone for supporting the boys as the support is often the deciding factor during close and exciting games. This squad of players have performed well however he brought it to the team’s attention that the visitors were under strength and that with their full team on another day they could have made it a much tougher contest.

Under 7’s and 8’s exemplify the true spirit of Kilfeacle and District RFC
The underage Blues at U8 and U7 have experienced phenomenal success and importantly lots of fun in playing exceptionally well in all of their games played this season so far. The young blues have entertained with a run of exciting games showing considerable skill and ability. Results have been favourable against teams such as Waterpark, Cashel, Galbaly, Fethard, Thurles and Clonmel. The young Kilfeacle players are eager and willing to learn all the skills and this is noticeable in the way the coached plays are converted into practice in each of the games. It is encouraging as the underage numbers continue to grow with U8 numbers reaching upwards to sixty young boys and girls coming to Morrissey Park on the hill in Kilfeacle each Friday night at 19.00hrs. All of the young players are deserving of a mention however with restricted space there are a few who have improved considerably and look to have bright future in rugby and these are: Zac O’ Halloran, Kieran Breen, Andy Byrnes, Brian Barlow, Jake Flannery, Kieran and Brendan Ryan (the twins), Aidan Loughman, Byron O’ Neill, Shane Farrell, Alan Flannery, Christy Farrell, Jack Richardson, John Ryan, Killian Noonan, Alex Ryan, Keelan O’ Connor, Oisin Kelly, Kevin Fitzgerald, Colin McInery, Mikella Farrell, Sean Dowdall, Sean O’ Connell, Jimmy Ryan, Mark Compton and Owen Kelly.

Next week’s fixtures list.
Firsts: Kilfeacle versus Bandon 2.30pm on Sunday 25th
Seconds: Kilfeacle versus Scarriff on Sunday 25th
Under 16s: Kilfeacle versus Cashel on Sunday25th

CLONAKILTY RFC

Another Loss – But Hope Alive and Well in The Vale

Faced with the worst injury crisis in ten years Coach Terry Dillon, staring the big 40 down the barrel, had to start at 10 himself last Saturday. As The Vale Faithful arrived at the ground they were faced with the news that the entire front row and the half backs were out. In came veteran Dillon at 10 and Eric Murphy deputised for big brother Colin at 9 with another veteran Emmet McCarthy on the bench. Dillon’s last senior game was in 2002 when injury forced his retirement and McCarthy last played AIL in 2004. The game may have been lost but it could have been won and perhaps like the Buccaneers game should have been. In the end the supporters were not downbeat. They had seen their team deservedly lead a side with Irish international, Andy Ward and at least ten other Ulster and internationally capped players at different levels into the second half of a game that they did not deserve to lose. It was an encouraging for all players and supporters alike to meet the difficulties head on and emerge with pride intact and the belief that better times lie ahead. Dillon was excellent and only those from Clon would have known that he had had such a long absence. All the old touches were there, the tactical kicking, distribution, reading and most importantly no one came through the 10 channel. It seemed to lift the team and all played with purpose and it was no surprise when Paul Dillon confidently went for the interception to score the first try. Clon led 10 nil with the conversion by David Lombard added to an earlier penalty. It should have been 17 – 0 ten minutes later as Paul Dillon again intercepted and was on his way to the posts when called back as Terry Dillon was adjudged to have obstructed. It would have been nice to have reached the half in such control but the referee found eight minutes of extra time and Quins rolled a maul over for Andy Ward to score against the run of play. Despite their best performance of the AIL this season the West Cork side were unable to take the four points and had to settle for the losing bonus as Quins added another try, conversion and penalty to take a game Clon left behind. In appalling conditions Clon stuck to the task and provided much hope for the future with a barnstorming finish that threatened to win the game with Emmet McCarthy and others held short by an excellent defence. The gap of a week before they travel to Leixlip to take on Barnhall hopefully will allow the many injured some respite. The squad was Derek Dillon, John O’Donnell, Paul Dillon, David Lombard, Noel O’Sullivan, Terry Dillon, Eric Murphy, Eoin Murphy, Hugh O’Neill, Dave Dowling, Mike O’Hea, Mike Keohane, Aaron Spring, John Darvill, John McCarthy, Eddie Knowles, Darren O’Farrell, John O’Regan, Emmet McCarthy and Shay O’Donovan. The Under 16’s went down to Mallow 12 – 10.

This weekend’s fixtures: –
Sat 24th Under 18s League Mallow The Vale 11.30
Under 16s League Dolphin The Vale 12.00
Under 14s League Highfield The Vale 11.00
Sun 25th Extra-Firsts Senior Seconds League Old Crescent The Vale 2.30
Bulldogs League Ballincollig Cork 2.30

THOMOND RFC
John Ryan PRO

Thomond 3pts Trinity 3pts. The score tells it all really, and when you add that DU’s best try scoring opportunity was in the first 90 seconds you can get the picture the game on a horrible wet gray day. The game was played in constant rain which sometimes moved into the torrential category. Thomond won the toss and played against the strong cross wind. In the first half with the wind Trinity failed to apply any real pressure as the line out was just a mess for both sides. On a rare attack in the first half we yielded a penalty from Declan Cusack but Trinity came back when off a 40 metre driving maul Thomond infringed by collapsing the maul and the sides were level. In the second half Thomond exert some pressure but the conditions in the second half the torrential rain at times could have forced an abandonment. All in all two points is two points, the weather was the real winner on the day. In the conditions it is hard to pick out any individuals but our pack scrummaged very well and at times were at the end of curious referring decisions, also David Guerin a late replacement at scrum half acquitted himseld very well. This weekend the AIL takes a break but the following week we travel to Malone and hope we can put back to back away wins together.
The U20’s went down 24-0 to Garryowen in the league played at LIT. This Saturday we are at home again, this time back in Fitzgerald Park at 2.30pm versus UL Bohemians. Hopefully with a number of the senior squad available they can get back to winning ways. Our Thirds are also in action on Saturday when the recommence their Glesson League campaign we an away fixture to St. Senan’s. On Sunday our Seconds travel to Bruff to play in a vital senior seconds league game. Our U13’s continue their league games at home to Shannon at 11:30am in Fitzgerald Park. The club would like to pass on their congratulations to Peter Fitzgibbon on his officiating of two Heineken Cup games in the recent round of games. The club would also like to pass on their sympathy to the Kiely family on the death of Phonsie.

OLD CRESCENT RFC
Pat Rickard PRO

A very disappointing week on the playing fields.
Our 1st XV travelled to Dublin on Saturday to play Wanderers in the AIL and came off a poor second best. We played against the elements in the first half and with half time approaching we were down by nine points and given the conditions were confident of perhaps getting something from the game but we conceded two soft tries which gave our hosts a 21 point lead at the interval and effectively ended the game as a contest. We were unable to mount any significant attacks in the second half and conceded another try which left the score at the end 26 points to nil in favour of Wanderers. One can only hope that the fact that we have no AIL game this weekend will give those involved to prepare for the critical games before Christmas to ensure that we do not enter the New Year in the relegation dogfight. Our 2nd & 3rd XV did not have a game last weekend but both are in action this weekend. The 3rds are in action on Saturday playing Young Munster in a critical Gleeson League game while the 2nds have a Munster Senior Seconds League game against Sunday’s Well on Sunday. Our under 20’s were also in action last weekend playing Newcastle West in the AIL and despite putting in another brave performance were on the wrong side of the scoreline at the final whistle. This weekend they travel to Tipperary Town to play Clanwilliam on Saturday with a 2.30pm kickoff

On the under age front the under 14s had a narrow defeat to Thomond in a friendly played at Crescent Comprehensive on Sunday morning and the under 8 hosted Thomond and UL Bohs in a club day and both our teams did the club proud. The under 9 club day was postponed. This weekend the under 12s travel to Ennis to compete in a club day on Sunday and training for all other groups takes place as usual at 9.45.
Finally this week a big thanks to all those involved in the organisation of the very successful Fashion Show which took place in the South Court Hotel last Thursday night and a reminder that the club is holding an EGM on Monday December 3rd in the clubhouse at 8pm ans we would ask as many members as possible to attend.