Club News Weekending 30th November 2008

Read the latest news and reports from clubs around the province

KILLORGLIN RFC
Aidan Clifford PRO

The Killorglin Rugby Club Social takes place on Friday night, December 5th at Top Deck Restaurant. Starting at 8pm sharp, a limited number of tickets are available from club members.
Killorglin RFC Seniors hosted Killarney on Sunday last in the Munster Junior League. They lost out on a scoreline of 17-6 in terrible weather conditions. The hail and rain made it an ugly game as repeated knock-ons stopped the game from flowing. Killarney took the lead in the opening minutes with a penalty from Kieran O’Leary. Killorglin leveled the game midway through the first half with a penalty of their own scored by Brian Gannon. Killarney scored tries five minutes each side of half time, which O’Leary duly converted. Gannon scored another penalty to keep 11 points between the teams but Killorglin never threatened the Killarney try line & couldn’t do enough to earn a losing -bonus point.
Fixtures:- On Saturday, the Under 18s & 14s host Corca Dhuibhe RFC in the Community College Grounds, while on Sunday, the Seniors travel to Kilrush in the Munster Junior League. Kickoff on Sunday is at 2:30pm
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, & 14 teams will train on the Dragon’s Den All weather pitch at the Intermediate School at 11am. The Under 18 players will train on the Dragon’s Den 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.

KILFEACLE & DISTRICT RFC
Denis Wade PRO

Kilfeacle and District R.F.C.win in the League away to Tralee.
Tralee R.F.C. 3 Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 20
Kilfeacle R.F.C. cemented 5th position in the league with this excellent performance on Sunday the 23rd of November. At this time of the year with the weather being the way it is and having to travel such a distance it is these types of encounters that are sometimes seen as a burden. Performances can easily deteriorate into mediocrity, priorities change and enthusiasm wane, however this was not the case in Tralee as both teams served up a gem of a game. To say the weather was bearable would be an injustice to both sides, as driving wind and rain had a large bearing on the game. In this recessionary times there was plenty of work for welders if the were willing to work on brass monkeys. Kilfeacle won the toss and elected to play against the wind for the first half. Tralee started with the wind and rain at their backs and the target was to build up a sizable lead as against the wind in the second half would be a very difficult and exhausting task. A large portion of the first half was played in the visitors’ 22. 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. For the majority of the first 15 minutes Kilfeacle played as if they were immersed in a deep, thick fog. Unsure of their bearings, unable to find their way or each other and disappointingly at times they even looked lost and the large contingent of travelling supporters feared the worse. On the other hand Tralee R.F.C. started this game like their lives depended on it. Within the first five minutes they were 3 points up and had declared their intent after they scored a well-taken penalty. With a place kicker who was in impressive form they had the home side pinned back and were unlucky not to be further ahead. At this stage of the game Kilfeacle looked shell-shocked and Tralee looked menacing. Cometh the man cometh the hour, Ger Looby lead by example when he burst forward out of defence with a 30 yard run which he finish with an expertly off loaded ball to Johan Bourdal who ran 40 yards to touch the ball down and score a try under the posts which was duly converted by Shane Looby. This try coupled with the realisation that unless they raised their game that they could be on the wrong side of a bad, bad result finally sunk in and Kilfeacle began to perform better. With 12 minutes of the first half remaining Kilfeacle, after some fine teamwork made Tralee concede another penalty which was again converted by Shane Looby even though it was into the driving wind and rain. This was the final score of the half to have the halftime score reading 3 points to 10 for the visitors.
At the start of the second half the travelling supporters were expecting Kilfeacle to come out all guns blazing and put the game to bed. This they tried but the Tralee 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 first 6 minutes of the half last ditch defending by Tralee stopped what seemed certain tries. In the 29th minute Shane Looby scored another penalty from a good 40 yards out to increase the lead to 3 points to 13. The following restart was to provide the start of a period of time, which was pivotal to the rest of the game. Tralee’s out half put up a monstrous kick which was held up by the swirling gale and eluded everyone’s grasp to bounce on the halfway line, the on rushing Tralee player kicked the ball forward past the Kilfeacle guard to gain valuable ground. Once Tralee had gained this ground they did not relinquish it easily, the next 7 or eight minutes were played in the centre of the park and the Kilfeacle team seemed to be happy just to defend and soak up the pressure. The game needed something or someone to kick-start it again and that person was Packie Burke and that thing was a hack and chase down the field. After some excellent work at the breakdown by the Kilfeacle pack, notably on this occasion Stephen Flood and James Mullane, the ball was passed out to Kilfeacle’s out half John Keehan who put in a lovely cross field kick which was expertly fielded by Damien Gavin to score a wonderful team try. Which fittingly was converted by Shane Looby. The remaining minutes of the half were played in the Tralee 22 but blighted with handling errors on both sides due to the weather conditions and there were no further scores. After the 80 minutes were up and the referees final whistle sounded, Kilfeacle had run out deserved winners by 3 points to 20.
Along with those already mentioned other players who played well on the day were Jack O’Sullivan (just back to first team action after a long lay off), Ian Byrnes, Diarmuid Carr, Liam O’Gorman and Aidan Noonan. Kilfeacle would like to thank everyone from Tralee RFC and wish the club the best. 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" next week as we take on Thurles RFC in the League above on the "Hill" in Morrissey Park at a time to be confirmed.

Kilfeacle Under 18’s
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C 15 Clonmel R.F.C. 8
The under18 team were called into competitive action in the league this weekend at home to Clonmel. Recent games and performances have been of great benefit to the team and the team continues to make steady improvement. Kilfeacle were delighted with the attitude and endeavour displayed by our players on the day. Recent encounters between these sides have all been close with either team capable of winning. The game was played with great spirit, commitment and at a fantastic pace, with a lot of free flowing moves and running of the ball. Kilfeacle did not relent in the second half when another Try, at this time would have brought the game level. On this occasion the visitors were to run out winners at 15 points to 8. Both teams showed their intent and how important the game was to them by the manner in which they approached the game. Selectors and the backroom staff were buoyed by many of the performances on the day. The full compliment of substitutes were needed and performed well on the day. This was a display in which it was the teamwork that impressed.
Kilfeacle would like to thank everyone from Clonmel RFC who traveled on the day and wish the club the best for the rest of the season. The team as ever are delighted by the amount of support they receive and hope that their supporters will continue to come along and support.

Kilfeacle Under 16’s win handsomely against Clonmel in the league.
Kilfeacle R.F.C. welcomed Clonmel side to Morrissey Park for this league and put in another fine performance to out muscle and out class their opposition on the day. The team coach said he was delighted with the result. However he brought it to the team’s attention that the visitors had made a game out of it. He said that other opponents will be a different prospect and that they will be very hard to beat. He continued by saying complacency could be our downfall. This squad of players have performed well but need to keep putting in the effort at training.

Kilfeacle U14s lose in the Cup to Fethard.
Fethard R.F.C. 7 Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 0
Kilfeacle under 14’s traveled to Fethard on Sunday for a Cup game but a bruising battle ended with a 7 – nil victory for the home team. Kilfeacle made a huge effort in the second half with most of the play taking place in the Fethard half but the Fethard pack managed to keep drive after drive at bay. Losing is part of the game that this team are not used to but hopefully lessons will have been learned and will make for a stronger team.

Kilfeacle U10s compete against Nenagh and UL Bohs.
Kilfeacle U10A vs. Nenagh U10A 3 – 0 (Kilfeacle won)
Kilfeacle U10A vs. UL Bohs U10A 2 – 0 (stopped at half time due to the weather)
Kilfeacle U10B vs. Nenagh U10B 1 – 2 (Nenagh won)
Kilfeacle U10B vs. UL Bohs U10B 0 – 4 (UL Bohs won)
Kilfeacle U10C vs. Nenagh U10C 0 – 6 (Nenagh won)
Kilfeacle U10C vs. UL Bohs U10C 1 – 0

Kilfeacle U10s brought some 35 young ‘Blues’ to Nenagh Ormond Rugby Grounds on Sunday 23rd November 2008 to play some strong UL Bohs and Nenagh opposition. Weather conditions were poor but despite that every single child got the opportunity to line out in blue and represent Kilfeacle & District Rugby club. 6 games were played and the results generally were good. Notable players for Kilfeacle U10 As were James Dee, Jake Flannery & David Byron. Notable players for Kilfeacle U10 Bs were: Timothy Clarke, Christopher Irwin & Mark Compton. Notable players for Kilfeacle U10 Cs were: Stephen O’ Brien, Connor Leahy & Mickey Kearns.

Training still going strong.
We are delighted to announce that the training for the underage/younger teams continues every Friday. If you missed last week’s training do not fear, as the place to be is Morrissey Park, Kilfeacle, every Friday night. If you enjoy team sports in healthy surroundings with experienced coaches, great facilities and loads of fun then Morrissey Park is the place to be Friday nights!! Also congratulations to all who organized and supporter the table quiz in Lowry’s pub last week, in aid of our under age players.

BRUFF RFC
Richard Leonard PRO

Following the magnificent display by Munster last Tuesday night and the festival that took place on the night, it was going to be hard for the international squad to match up to it at the weekend but despite what all the pundits say, a result is a result and Ireland put Argentina to the sword. This was the second best team in last year’s world cup and even though it was depleted by the loss of two of their back line, it was always going to be tough. The Argentinians have been a bogey team for Ireland for as long as I remember. It’s back to basics from this week on with the return of the AIL.

1st XV: Bruff first team continued the great week of rugby that last week was by taking care of the Dolphin 1st XV in their re-fixed Munster Senior Cup ¼ final on Sunday. Bruff dominated the forward exchanges in the first half, on top in both the scrum and lineout. With a strong breeze at their backs they went in at half time with a 20 points to 3 lead courtesy of a Tony Cahill try in his comeback 1st XV game and 5 penalties (Two from half way) from the boot of David Maw. A sole penalty was all that Dolphin had to show for their defensive efforts.
Second half was a slightly different affair with Dolphin beginning to use the strong breeze and kicking to the Bruff Back line, the Bruff boys returning the kicks with interest, David Maw, Brendan Deady and Paul O’ Brien all kicking returns.
David Maw was again successful with the boot. A final ten minutes of Pressure from Dolphin finally saw them crossing the whitewash in the corner but it was only a consolation score and Bruff closed out the remaining time to run out 23 points to 8 winners giving them a semi-final clash with Old Crescent on 20th of December.
Team: D. Horan, C. O’ Regan, S. Foster, A. Laffan, D. Murnane, A. Bourke, J. Shine, P. Malone, T. Cahill, D. Maw, B. Cahill, J. Malone, P. O’ Brien, B. Deady. Subs: G.Ryan (For S. Foster 57 ) M. O’ Donnell (For C. O’ Regan 75) M. O’ Rourke (for D. Murnane 63) G. Leonard (for F. Hogan 65) E. Cahill. (Foster for Horan 76)

J1 XV: The seconds made the trek into Dooradoyle for their Munster Senior Seconds League clash with Garryowen on Friday night. Garryowen ran out eventual winners by 24 points to 13, Bruff scores courtesy of tries from Tony Cahill & Tommy Carroll with Alan Kilcoyne adding a penalty.
Team: G. Collins, J. Hogan, K. Laffan, B. Laffan, S. Danaher, A. Bourke, L. McGrath, P.Cleary, T.Carroll, A. Kilcoyne, J. Carroll, D. Dowling, T.Cahill, M.Callaghan, M.Mulvihill, Subs: B.Kiely, M.Laffan, E.Maher, B.Crofton.

J2 XV: The thirds went down to Shannon in their friendly against Shannon on Saturday. Final score 18 points to 8, Try by JP Moloney and a penalty by P. Twomey in the first half to 18 points by Shannon were the only scores in the game. An exciting second half saw both sides held scoreless, the half finishing as it began on 18-8 to Shannon. This game saw the return of Mikey Carroll to adult rugby. Nice to see him back after his long break.
Team: C. Hayes, B. Kiely, S. O’ Shea, P. Fogarty, J. Donworth, J. Power, D.Power, J.P. Moloney, R. McAuliffe, P.Twomey, S. O’ Kelly, T.Carroll, G. O’ Donoghue, M.Laffan J. Guiney. Subs: S.Sheehan, M. Carroll, D. O’ Rahilly, B.Begley.

U20 XV: The U20’s made the longest trip of the weekend when they made their way to Athlone for their South-Western Conference clash with Buccaneers on Sunday. Half time score was 12 points to nil but in the second half they were very much outclassed by their table topping opponents, and finally finished going down by 27 points to nil.
Team: D. Keogh, J.O’ Leary, T. Quirke, P.Dempsey, B. Morrissey, C. Laffan, G. Bolger, S. Casey, E. Maher, B. Enright, J. Loughman, P. Cleary, P. O’ Loughlin, M. Fitzgerald, S.Daly.

Youth:
U13: This was the only game that took place yesterday, The Tommy O’ Dwyer and Liam Doherty mentored team managing to beat Newcastle West by fifteen points to five. Scores: D. Cosgrave (try), T. O’ Dwyer (Try & Conv) and J. Doherty (Pen). Yes, that’s right an O’ Dwyer and a Doherty both scoring with kicks, what’s the world coming to? Skills definitely coming from the mothers side in both cases.

Fixtures:
Sat 29th Nov:
1st XV: AIL, Bruff V Dublin University, 2:30pm.
J2 XV: GL, Bruff V Scariff, 2:30pm TBC.

Sun 30th :
J1 XV: MSSL, Cork Constitution V Bruff, 2:30
U20: AIL SWC, UL Bohemians V Bruff, 2:30pm TBC

Underage fixtures on the website.

Last week there was a multitude of changes in the fixtures for most of the adult teams not least the re-fixing of the Munster Senior Cup game against Dolphin for Sunday kicking out the friendly against Garryowen on Friday night. While every effort was made to get the changes out to the public via the radio, I can only ask that people please check out the website as any fixture changes will be noted there first before anywhere else. Web address is http://www.bruffrfc.com/.
Next Executive Committee meeting on Monday night next at 8:00 pm.

UL Bohemian RFC
Denis Ryan PRO

The 1st XV had a friendly training game against Shannon in anticipation of the resumption of the AIL in Annacotty on Saturday. While the score was secondary in the light of the more serious business ahead, UL Bohs came out on top by 24-17 in a game which will be of benefit to both in the weeks to come. On Saturday, the real competition starts with the game against Young Munster in Thomond Park and the opening of our new clubhouse. This match is a reprise of the first ever played in Thomond Park in 1934, and that day, in the Munster Senior League, Young Munster were narrow victors by 8-0. Like the All Blacks recently, we are anxious to correct that record, and would urge all our supporters to turn out for a great occasion and what should be a terrific game between two ambitious sides.
In the Munster Senior Seconds League, a pulsating game in Annacotty against UCC ended with the sides level at 19-19. This Sunday we continue with another home fixture when we meet Young Munster at Annacotty.
The U-20s continued their winning way when travelling to Galway and emerging victors over Corinthians by 58-0. On Saturday they entertain Bruff in Annacotty. Congratulations to Finbar Ryan who last weekend represented the Barbarians against Wales in the game for deaf players. Finbar has been an outstanding athlete with UL Bohs and Ahane and is now a valued member of our U-20 squad.
The Women also continued victorious when beating Navan away by 61-0. On Sunday, in Annacotty, they play Waterpark and with the Seconds also playing there, this should make for a great evening’s rugby.
Reports on these games can be read on http://www.ulbohs.com/.
The members and committee of UL Bohemian Rugby Club would like to commiserate with the families and friends of Frankie Flynn and Niall Cantrell, both of whom passed away last week. Both were institutions in their own ways. Frankie saw his beloved Shannon make the transition from Junior to Senior and then to, without doubt, the most successful club in the country over the past two decades. Opponents must have felt that Frankie had too many opportunities to sing ‘There is an Isle’ in recent years, but he was never triumphalist, merely acknowledging the joy of victory with that wonderful voice of his. Niall was another former player, much respected during his active career with Old Crescent, and later a lively reporter and pundit with The Limerick Post. We will all miss their contributions to the local, and indeed national, rugby scenes.

KINSALE RFC
Maria O’Mahony PRO

Sunday 23 November 2008 – J3 League – Kinsale 2nd XV v Listowel

Last Sunday saw Kinsale 2nds play Listowel in the J3 league at Snugmore with a 2.30 kickoff.

In terrible wet and windy conditions, Kinsale 2nds overcame Listowel but ensured a good competitive game was played. Early in the first half Listowel took a 5 nil lead with a try. Kinsale exherted some consistent pressure and were rewarded with a penalty taken by James Lynch. Just before half time, after some good forward play, David O’Connell scored a try, which was converted by James Lynch, leaving the home team 10 – 5 going into the break. With the wind in their wings for the 2nd half, Kinsale turned the game around with veteran Gordon O’Sullivan scoring an early try. Listowel replied immediately with a penalty to leave the score 15 – 8. At this stage, Kinsale upped the tempo of the game and put Listowel under a lot of pressure resulting in a fine try from James Collins which was converted by James Lynch (22 – 8). Minutes later an opportunistic drop goal from David O’Connell increased Kinsale’s lead to 25 – 8. Finally with minutes left to play, a fine individual try by David O’Connell was converted by James Lynch leaving the final score 32 – 8.

Man of the Match: David O’Connell for consistent and impressive play throughout the game

Next Sunday: Kinsale 2nd XV v Charleville in Snugmore. Kick off 12.00

Sunday 23 November 2008 – Ladies League – Shannon v Kinsale 2nd

A bitter cold day in Shannon and a comparable scoreline, Kinsale playing with only 14 players took a knock back when Shannon, realising their oppo’s weakness, changed tactics and the overall scoreline leaving the visiting team a little frosty! – Shannon 24 Kinsale 5

Next Sunday Kinsale Ladies host Young Munster in Snugmore. Kick off 13.00


Sunday 23 November 2008 – – Kinsale 1s XV v Muskerry

29 nil at half time. Final score 34 – 5 – Try scorers : Barry Wright / John O’Sullivan / Shane O’Regan / Peter Murphy / Lyndon Kiely /
Jason Murphy – 3 con + 2 pen.


Next Sunday: Munster Junior League Division 1 – Charleville v Kinsale – kick off 2.30.


Please support

Carrick-on-Suir RFC

No game again in Galbally leaves Carrick frustrated

The pitch up Galbally way was unplayable a fortnight ago, which led to a rescheduling of their Division Three Group B meeting with table-topping Carrick-on-Suir, due to be played last Sunday.

Yet as the teams took to the dressing rooms ahead of their re-arranged face-off, a problem emerged: there was no referee.

It has subsequently emerged that the regular email of fixtures circulated to Munster Branch referees the previous week didn’t list the Galbally/Carrick match, suggesting why there was an official no-show on Sunday.

Galbally offered to play a challenge match but a frustrated Carrick contingent declined the offer. "To travel up twice in the space of three Sundays and not have a competitive match was frustrating, to put it mildly" said one Carrick player. "I could describe it in other terms but I couldn’t see you printing it." The club has made its frustration over the non-playing of this fixture officially known to the Munster Branch. "It’s pretty farcical to have travelled twice in three weeks and not have the match played," said a club official. "Players have lots of commitments away from rugby and to have given up two Sundays out of the last three and not had a game is just not good enough."

The first XV faces local derby action next Sunday when Dungarvan travel to Carrick, with the hosts seeking their fourth successive league victory (kick-off: 2.30pm).

Meanwhile, Carrick’s second XV, now mainly the domain of players in their late teens or early 20s, mounted a stirring comeback but failed to overturn Clanwilliam’s early lead at Tybroughney on Saturday evening.

Two tries conceded inside the opening 10 minutes left the hosts facing a challenge that Carrick teams have been well acquainted with over the years.

But to give Carrick their credit, they didn’t lie down and mounted a great recovery before going down 19-10, finishing the game much the stronger of the two.

Young talent including James Hogan, Colin Dwyer and debutant John Cantwell featured prominently and the work which player/coach Jamie Walsh has undertaken these past few months is clearly reaping rewards.

In fact, so good has that work proven that there is even talk of a third team being established in Carrick, a suggestion which would have raised a titter not too long ago.

It is tremendously encouraging to see so many young players emerging into junior rugby, and with returning talent such as Alan ‘Thunder’ O’Sullivan returning to the fold, Carrick’s rugby future looks very promising.

The second XV take to the Kilbarry sod next Saturday evening (6pm kick-off TBC) when they take on Waterford City.

CLONAKILTY RFC
Loosehead PRO

Big Test Facing Clonakilty

This Saturday at 2.30pm, Clon will line out against high-flying Malone from Belfast as the All Ireland League resumes after a four-week break for the "Autumn" Internationals.

The first part of the season had been a disappointment for the ambitious West Cork club as they lost three of the four opening games. A plethora of injuries contributed to this scenario and it was not unreasonably hoped that the break would benefit the recovery of many players. As it stands it appears that a considerable number of first choice players will still be unable to start on Saturday thus the probability of a new look side for this important match is an interesting prospect in itself. Clonakilty are probably the most settled side across all three divisions with 90% of the squad, when all available, have been together for over seven years. It is very hard to break into a team like that and that opportunity will be presented to some this weekend.

Clon are currently lying in 12th place, three places and only four points off the relegation spots and so are desperate for points. Likewise Malone will be looking for a bonus to consolidate their place in the play-off spots. However should they win with a bonus they will in all probability be occupying a promotion spot to division one as they lie 3rd just one points off the pace. Other results may of course influence placings after this weekend but that will provide the visitors with a huge incentive.

The record between the clubs favours Clonakilty as they have won both previous meeting by an aggregate of 43 – 16. That 27-point advantage is in serious jeopardy this weekend. The club would be very appreciative of support from the West Cork sporting public at this time.

This weekend’s fixtures:

Sat 29 Senior All Ireland League Malone The Vale 2.30
Under 18 League Bandon The Vale 11.00
Under 16 League Ballincollig The Vale 11.30
Sun 30 Senior A Munster Seconds League Sunday’s Well The Vale 2.30
Bulldogs League Bandon The Vale 12.00

OLD CRESCENT RFC

All at Old Crescent were deeply saddened to learn of the death at the weekend of our former President, Niall Cantrell. Niall was a staunch member of Old Crescent since his school days, and he served the Club at every level as player, coach and administrator.

Niall loved all aspects of Limerick rugby and he spread the gospel of Limerick rugby far and wide. Through a chance meeting with some Welsh rugby supporters in Cardiff, Niall and his late wife Linda, developed a close relationship with members of Llandovery RFC, which resulted in teams from Old Crescent visiting LLandovery and Llandovery RFC visiting Limerick on many occasions. In August 2006, the writer was delighted to be present in LLandovery when Niall presented the Linda Cantrell Memorial Trophy to Old Crescent when we won the inaugural game for this trophy for fixtures with LLandovery RFC.

Our First team were due to play Wanderers FC in a friendly last Saturday morning. As the team had travelled to Dublin before learning of the death of Niall Cantrell, it was decided by both clubs to go ahead with a short game of 30 minutes a side, before which the teams observed a minute’s silence in memory of Niall and out of respect for his son Bevan who plays with Wanderers. Old Crescent won the shortened game by 12 points to nil, scoring two tries, one a pushover try scored by the pack and the other a brilliant try scored by Alan Purcell.

Our Seconds game against Waterpark RFC on Sunday was cancelled. Our Thirds played Thomond RFC in the Gleeson League last Saturday, and won by 16 points to 3. The Thirds scored two trys, one by Brian Hogan and the other by Mike Gleeson. Two penalties were converted by Brian Cantrell.

In underage news, our Under 18’s won 18 to 13 when beating Abbyfeale RFC in a friendly on Sunday. Abbyfeale are currently top of the U18 League.

Fixtures for next weekend: The AIL starts up again after the Autumn internationals, and our Firsts play Ballynahinch RFC at home in Rosbrien at 2.30pm next Saturday. Ballynahinch currently lead the AIL Second Division so Saturday’s game is a very important opportunity for Old Crescent to progress up the league table.

Our Seconds play Dolphin RFC at home in Rosbrien at 2.30pm on Sunday, and our Thirds play Young Munster away at 2.30pm on Saturday.

Our Under 13’s will play a league fixture against Richmond in Rosbrien at 11.30am on Sunday next while our Under 12’s will travel to Ennis for a blitz.

In other news, the Old Crescent grounds at Rosbrien will be one of the venues for the inaugural Limerick International Sevens being at Easter next year. Clubs from Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, France, Canada and Australia, will take part in this new festival of rugby which is set to become an annual Easter event in Limerick. Old Crescent’s Ed Daly is Tournament Director for the Limerick International Sevens, and further details are on the event website, www.limerick7s.com.

Our next away AIL fixture will be in Belfast on Saturday, 6th December, when we play Instonians RFC. Please contact any committee member if you would be interested in travelling by coach to Belfast for this important game.
Shannon Notes Weekending November 29th 2008

SHANNON RFC
Andrew McNamara PRO

It was Friday morning at around 7.45 when I got the call. It was around 7.46 when it sunk in that this was the end of an extraordinary era. Frankie O’Flynn died at 5am, and with his passing came the conclusion of a glorious chapter in the history of Shannon RFC.
Glorious in so many ways. Frankie was without equal in his humility, his gentleness and his love of Shannon. News filtered through to the media outlets as the morning progressed and such was the standing of Frankie in Irish rugby circles that RTE Radio 1 produced a short tribute to him at 11am while locally his death was the top story in the news bulletins. That in itself tells the story of Frankie’s enormous popularity. Quite simply, he was a unique individual who left a lasting positive impression on those that had the pleasure of crossing his path. Fortunately for us in the club, it was quite often.
The deep sense of loss that we all felt was the overriding emotion of the day, but while we had lost a great friend, Violet had lost a husband, his 8 children had lost a father and his grandchildren lost a granddad, but I know their sense of loss was cushioned by the enormity of the goodwill and condolences received from the length and breadth of the country.
Frankie’s time had come, and although we will continue to mourn his passing for some time, we will never forget his contribution to Shannon Rugby Club.
The traditional postponement of games was obviously offered to Frankie’s family, but that notion was rejected on the grounds that Frankie was a rugby man ,and what better way to pay tribute, than to play the game that he loved so much.
Laid out in his Club blazer, Frankie was as dignified in death as he was in life. The queues outside Griffin’s funeral home began before 5pm on Sunday and didn’t subside until well after 7. Thousands paid their respects to Frankie, and then his final journey to his beloved St Marys church began with an honour guard of the present senior side and his colleagues of Shannon’s famous 1960 cup winning side.
As it was in his life, There is an Isle played a big role in his funeral. Three poignant renditions marked the occasion, beginning with The St Marys choir whose performance left not a dry eye in the church. At the Funeral mass his long time friend Olive O’Brien was magnificent throughout the ceremony and as Frankie’s sons carried the coffin down the church aisle, her beautiful voice accompanied the procession. Perhaps the most moving of all came at the graveside when Vinny Ryan led the congregation in what was Frankie’s last post. It was a highly emotional occasion, but it was also a beautiful way to remember the man we loved so much.
The Clubhouse that Frankie helped build hosted the gathering after the burial and as the day went on, the sadness turned to pride in what Frankie had achieved in his 77 years. There was no better way to celebrate his life than in the pursuit he will be mostly remembered; singing. I have no doubt in my mind that Frankie would have approved as his great friends Bobby Keane and martin Clancy lead the gathering. His family, his friends, his colleagues and even old adversaries celebrated his life with some wonderful songs and stories. As the age old saying goes, he got a great send off, befitting a man that we in Shannon owe so much to. With respect to all the great Shannon men and women who have passed before, Frankie was the greatest of them all. He will be always missed, but he will never, ever be forgotten. The Isle will be sung a million times more, but never will it be the same. Every time we are victorious we will sing the Isle with his memory close by, and with the knowledge that Frankie O’Flynn was the proudest Shannon man of all. Frankie, You are our pride. May you rest in peace.
A minutes silence was held before all our games last weekend and we had a mixed bag of results. With the resumption of the AIB league this weekend our seniors went to Annacotty to play UL/Bohs in a challenge. Trailing by 19-0 at the half time break a much better performance in the second half saw them eventually lose by 24-19, but what was needed more than the result was a tough game and that is what they got. Three weeks of continuous league action could define the course of our campaign, however they are three difficult games. Starting with UCD in Coonagh this Saturday and continuing with Clontarf in Thomond Park and then St Marys in Coonagh on the14th , all games of the utmost importance. This Saturday’s game starts at 2.30.
The seconds were narrowly beaten by Young Munster while the U/20’s came from behind to beat the same opposition by 12-9.
Both sides are in action against Garryowen this weekend with the 20’s playing prior to the seniors in Coonagh at 1pm while the seconds play on Sunday also in Coonagh at 2.30.
The ladies recorded somewhat of an unexpected win over table toppers Kinsale in the league which will surely give them a great boast for the season. Hopefully they can maintain their confidence when they travel to Nenagh this Sunday.
It was quite for our underage section, but this Sunday sees a number of games taking place. The U/18’s host Castleisland in a friendly, while the U/16’s are away to Richmond at 11 am.
The U/12’s host a blitz and the U/13 Blues are at home to Young Munster with the blacks away to Thomond.
The annual mass for deceased members will have an added significance this Friday evening in the clubhouse. All are welcome to attend the mass at 8pm with Fr. Noel Kirwan our celebrant.