Club News Weekending March 25th 2007

A round up of club news, views and reviews from around the province

GARRYOWEN FC
Christopher Barry PRO

Our Seniors embark on what will be a heavy schedule over the next few weeks. The AIL reaches a crucial stage on Saturday when we face fellow play-off aspirants Blackrock College in Dooradoyle at 2.30. The team returned to action in the annual O’Donovan Cup in Rosbrien on St. Patrick’s Day. A penalty try converted by Conor Kilroy and a further try by Willie Staunton was just enough to beat a determined Old Crescent team. It wasn’t a day for fancy rugby with the bitterly cold wind and driving rain keeping the ball very much between the packs. Crescent scored first when former light blue Alan Purcell darted over but in the second half our greater class ensured the trophy was retained on a 12-5 score-line. Some of the fringe players were given an opportunity to impress and competition for places was very evident in training this week. The customary pre-match luncheon has proved very successful this season and we have the same format at 12.30 this Saturday. John Noonan 087 9308318 or Geraldine Morrissey 087 2466815 are the contacts to reserve a place or table. The increased level of interest in this function seems to augur well for the future of club rugby and the terraces have become more populated than earlier in the season. With under-age thriving and Dooradoyle the official Limerick venue for Tag Rugby 2007, there won’t be many car spaces available. Niall Wixted’s 3rdXV have had a mixed season but they are certainly giving the Webb Cup a fair old run. Prior to the Senior game they play Old Crescent at 1.00 in what is sure to be a keenly contested semi-final. Our 2nd XV have to wait for the outcome of the Dolphin v Young Munster game before their Munster Junior Cup semi-final opponents are known. In preparation for this game, they travel to Cashel for a friendly on Sunday at 3.00. We are no more than a week away from the under-age cup competitions springing to life. Our u16’s played a challenge game v Scariff last Sunday after the Clare side conceded the league points before the game. The AIB cup semi-final v Clonakilty takes place on Saturday 31st March in Dooradoyle. We are away to Clontarf on 7th April in the AIL and finish up our campaign in Dooradoyle when we play Galwegians on 21st April. The club would like to express condolences to the Dobson and Carmody families following the recent deaths of their Mothers.

CLONAKILTY RFC
PRO Loosehead

Clon Complete Stones Double
Clonakilty 17 Greystones 10

Clonakilty completed a very significant cup and league double when defeating Greystones last Saturday. Significant in as much as ‘Stones will be playing in division one next season and could also be Clonakilty’s opponents in the championship plays-off should the top three placings in the league remain as they are. Clon still have work to do and the West Cork V East Cork Derby in The Vale on Saturday will have a big bearing on this scenario. The visit of Midleton will provide a fitting home finale to a great season for Clon. Although Midleton are struggling in the drop zone they will provide a really formidable obstacle for Clon’s back to back championship aspirations by virtue of their desperate fight for Division 2 survival. Clon would derive little satisfaction from despatching Vale favourite David Corkery’s men to the lower division but their own success may well depend on just that.

Greystones quickly absorbed early Clon pressure to launch a series of attacks on the Clon line. The best defence in the league was up to the task and a breakaway movement looked promising for Clon until Mike O’Hea’s inside flick failed to find a supporting runner. The early departure of Clon’s captain Eoin Scannell through injury might have been disruptive but the experienced Tadhg Wright slotted in seamlessly. Clon were almost in again until they were penalised for holding five metres from the line after a superb driving maul from a lineout taken by O’Hea. Indeed a series of penalties against Clon, much to the chagrin of the faithful, allowed Greystones to gain a foothold in Clon territory. It was shortlived and Clon were soon back on the attack. A penalty to Clon was narrowly wide and then a short while later a crash ball by Paul Dillon made ground and won another penalty this time in front of the posts. Bizarrely this also went wide and the wind was beginning to appear more of a hindrance than the help it should have been in the first half. The positive was that Clon were playing a sparkling brand of rugby and the players were clearly "up" for this game. The reward finally came when the pressure yielded another penalty and this time Gary Cribb slotted. The handling game produced a great try after 35 minutes when a superb move that went through the whole team was finished by Mike Keohane in the corner. The ball had gone across the line one way and then returned with backs and forwards mixing effortlessly and Eddie Knowles, Alfie Harte and Declan Coppinger prominent before Keohane was on hand to finish spectacularly. The superb touchline conversion from Cribb put Clon out to a deserved 10 – 0 lead. Clon missed another penalty and another miss just on half time albeit from within their own half only served to underline the fact that Clon could have been maybe another 15 or 20 points up at this stage. Facing in to the gale for the second half it was feared that those misses could be costly. The kick off was well chased and Dan Spencer caught the receiver. Inexplicably "Stones ignored the prevailing wind and attempted to clear their lines by running. It was an error and they were pinned in their 22 and conceded a penalty. Against the wind it was always going to be a difficult ask but it was narrowly wide. Clon maintained the pressure and looked to have scored a perfectly good try when David Lombard bullocked his way to the line and was then driven over. He turned and placed the ball but the referee adjudged it to be held up. Greystones had learnt their lesson and proceeded to use the wind to advantage gaining 60 metres at a time from defensive clearances. Each time Clon kept the ball and beat their way back upfield. Mike O’Hea and Dan Spencer were superb, John O’Donnell was almost in but the final pass from Cribb in the tackle was too low.

The brand of rugby by Clon would have stood up to an examination at any level. In attack and defence they were flawless in the open and in the tight the scrum, which had been solid in the first half, were now in control and destroying the stones pack. This was borne out when a Spencer led shunt pressured the Wicklow eight on their own put in and the ball came out the side. Clon Scrum Half Colin Murphy was quickest to react and scooping the ball drove for the line taking the defenders with him for a great try. Cribb’s conversion put Clon out to 17 – 0 and against the wind to concede the first score was a huge psychological blow to the visitors. They did attack through their talented backs but when held five metres from the line and awarded a penalty their option was to take the three points. A sign of a side conceding defeat but looking for a more achievable target of a bonus point for getting within eight? The penalty was kicked and entering the last quarter "Stones needed seven points to clinch division one rugby next season. Clon returned to the opposition half with a mixture of their running game and well angled kicks to touch from Cribb despite the wind. The visitors’ lineout was not functioning well and O’Hea and Keohane were spoiling well keeping Clon out of danger. However Greystones would not be where they are today if not a good side and they showed just how good when a wind-assisted kick brought play deep into the Clon half. Crisp passing put their danger man Cian McNaughton in to a rare and tiny gap and he needed no further bidding scampering in beside the sticks for a fine try.

The conversion gave the losers a bonus point and automatic promotion to division one. Clon nearly spoiled the party when they created a two-man overlap but then ignored it to take it into contact and lost the opportunity. A win is a win however and it keeps Clon on course for the top four championship play-off perhaps against Greystones again for the third time this season – only this time in the Wicklow seaside resort. Remarkably the game on this Saturday in The Vale against Midleton will be the first time the clubs have met in The AIB All Ireland League. They have of course met many times at junior level and at senior level have contested the Munster Senior League and The Munster Senior Cup. Clon emerged victorious in the latter earlier this season in Midleton by 18 – 13 but that will have no bearing on this vital clash for both clubs. The East Cork side will not be short of vociferous travelling support and so it is to be hoped that the West Cork sporting public will lend theirs on this last occasion this season in The Vale.

The squad was: Derek Dillon, John O’Donnell, Paul Dillon, David Lombard, Shay O’Donovan, Gary Cribb, Colin Murphy, Eddie Knowles, Alfie Harte, Dan Spencer, Dan Whelton, Mike O’Hea, Eoin Scannell, Declan Coppinger, Mike Keohane, Joe Knowles, Batt Duggan, Tadhg Wright, Lenny Harte and Felim O’Neill.

Extra-Firsts
Crosshaven 40 Clonakilty 7

It was described as a major upset when Crosshaven defeated Clonakilty in The County Cup last Sunday. Indeed it was as Clon had selected a team on paper that should have taken the club to the next round. However they were fatally weakened by a number of absentees and late defections and were unable to hold a rampant Crosser in Crosshaven. In the game to half time Clon looked as if they could dispute the result with Mel Shanley scoring a trade mark try taking a tapped penalty and driving through the defenders. Eric Murphy converted but the second half proved to be one way traffic as Crosshaven deservedly advanced. The Squad was: Felim O’Neill, John Kingston, Timothy Boohig, Adrian Fleming, Conrad Lehane, Eric Murphy, Anthony Neville, Hugh O’Neill, James Kingston, Mel Shanley, Sean Duignan, Danny Collins, Michael Peter O’Regan, Shane Walsh, John McCarthy, Vince Tubbs, Colm Twomey, Sam Duignan. The loss of the influential Shane Walsh with a recurrence of his collarbone injury did not help it is not too difficult to imagine the difference the availability of the following would have made to bolstering that squad; Batt Duggan, Gearoid Ryan, Noel O’Sullivan, Joe Knowles, Eoin Murphy, Lenny Harte, Ray Coppinger, John O’Regan, Jason Applin, Joe Lee, Ian Murphy, Colin Barrett, Conor Moloney, Cathal O’Regan, Killian O’Donovan, Michael Cahill and Daniel O’Donovan. Hopefully they can now bounce back and show solidarity as they face into a Cork Junior League semi final in a couple of week’s time against Sunday’s Well in The Vale.

The Bulldogs
Clonakilty 33 Ballincollig 10

The Bulldogs delivered the first silverware of the season for Clonakilty at any level when Captain Michael Murphy hoisted the Munster Junior Three League Trophy over his head in The Vale last Sunday. The conditions were not conducive to running rugby with driving wind and showers of sleet, however The ‘dogs made light of the elements producing the style of play that is becoming the standard throughout the club at all levels. The cold day made handling difficult in the early stages for the backline but the Clon pack were very strong and dominated up front from the outset taking balls against the head. The pressure told and a penalty award allowed Matt Kirby to put Clon 3 – 0 into the lead after ten minutes. Five minutes later Sean Beamish increased the lead with a great try off first phase. A well won lineout set the backline motoring and Beamish came at pace to take the final pass and out sprint the cover from 30 metres. Phil Hayes on the other wing got into the act off third phase five minutes later. From a scrum the rucked ball was taken on by Mike Murphy and support from Brian Blackwell, Padraig Kingston and Alan Harte ensured continuity at the breakdown and Hayes scorched in at the corner and continued his run to ground behind the posts. Kirby’s conversion put The Bulldogs out to 15 – 0 after 21 minutes. The tempo of the game dropped from both sides for a period in which Ballincollig gained some parity by keeping play in the Clon half but Cathal Kirby finished off a driving maul by breaking off the side and barging over for a try the first time that Clon returned to the ‘Collig half to extend the lead to 20 – 0 after 35 minutes. Great play from Jonas Harte winning a ball on the Clon 22 resulted in the backline sweeping downfield and Beamish coming off his own wing to take the final pass and score on the far side. The magnificent touchline conversion from Matt Kirby put Clon out to 27 – 0 at the break. This was a clincher numerically and psychologically as it was achieved while the dogs’ big no. 8, Kenneth O’Regan, was in the sin bin. With the game virtually won Mike Murphy exhorted his side to keep ‘Collig scoreless as the new target for the second half. Overconfidence was the undoing of that goal as loose passing in a promising attack resulted in an intercept and five points went to the visitors. Clon responded immediately as play was brought to the ‘Collig 22 and Matt Kirby converted the penalty award at the breakdown. The lead was extended to 33 – 5 when Blackwell and Alan Harte combined well to retain possession and Alex O’Mahony found Kirby who had slipped back into the pocket and he coolly dropped a goal. The final score was 33 – 10 when Ballincollig used their powerful rolling maul to good effect scoring another try.

The Squad (all played) was: Stephen O’Regan, Sean Beamish, Padraig Kingston, JD O’Mahony, Phil Hayes, Matt Kirby, Alex O’Mahony, Stephen Lowney, Cathal Kirby, Mike Murphy (Capt), Bartle Murphy, Jonas Harte, Alan Harte, Mike Griffin, David Houlihan, Eamon Walsh, Sam Kingston and Tim Walsh. They now look forward to this Sunday when they travel to Skibbereen for the J3 Cup semi-final.

The Ladies
Clonakilty 12
Waterpark 14

The Ladies were unfortunate when going down to Waterpark by the narrow margin of a conversion in their All Ireland Cup semi-final in The Vale Last Sunday. Leading for the best part of the match they allowed their Waterford opponents to take the spoils in the end 12 – 14. Irish World Cup Prop, Laura Guest, played at out half (every prop’s dream) returning from Italy where she had helped Ireland to victory in the ladies six nations on Friday. Denise Jennings was outstanding for Clon while Stephanie Coleman and Mairead Duggan also caught the eye. Aoife Deasy scored two trys and Lisa Brick converted. Irish squad member Deirdre Scannell and ex Munster player Kate McCarthy were also effective but it was not Clon’s day. This Sunday they will regroup to take on Dublin’s glamour side, Blackrock, in the All Ireland League division one. This will also serve as a warm up for the semi-final as that place is guaranteed. The result however could effect who the opposition is.

The squad was; Lisa Brick, Aoife Deasy, Evan Hunt, Jennifer O’Donovan, Vicky Pettit, Laura Guest, Claire McCarthy, Kate McCarthy, Mairead Duggan, Denise Jennings, Eileen Foley, Catherine Morning, Stephanie Coleman, Niamh McCarthy, Deirdre Scannell, Catriona Greene, Marie Trese, Anna Christine Eike.

This weekend’s fixtures:

Sat 24 Senior All Ireland League Midleton The Vale 2.30
Under 14 Cup Semi-Final Ballincollig Ballincollig 11.00
Sun 25 Ladies All Ireland League Blackrock The Vale 2.30
Bulldogs J3 Cup Semi-Final Skibbereen Skibbereen 2.30

Fogra: Watch out for the new official Clonakilty RFC website www.clonakiltyrugby.ie
Launching soon it will be full of info, stats, profiles, gossip, photos etc.
Details in this column soon.

SHANNON RFC
Andrew McNamara PRO

In the ¼ final of the Munster Thirds league our lads gained comfortable passage to the next round courtesy of their 34- 10 victory over Bantry. The country wide gales and chilling winds didn’t over pass Coonagh and both sets of players had to contend with the difficult conditions, but it was the home side that looked far more comfortable, even when forced to defend facing into the Gale. Bantry were determined in the opening exchanges, but the well organised defence kept them scoreless in the first half. The first half saw our forwards in top form, especially the back row whose influence on the proceedings went a long way to securing the result. The 12 point half time lead can be attributed to our forwards efforts. First it was No.8 Mark O’Brien and then Tony Flynn who claimed tries after their colleagues mauled their way over the line Tony Hall converted Mark’s effort and by the time the half time whistle came we were well on our way. The advantage was pressed at every opportunity and the lead was extended when scrumhalf Ger Ryan pounced on attempted clearance and soon after, if there was any doubt as to the result; those doubts were soon dispelled when Graham Culliton showed pace to cross the Bantry line.

Bantry to their credit never gave up and enjoyed their best spell after that try and a clever chip and chase saw their first try come about. Shannon however, sensing the Bantry impetus, reasserted themselves and scored twice more. Pat Dundon benefited from an exquisite chip through by Tony Hall and then Alan Kennedy powered his way over. This was a typical performance from a team that we have become accustomed to winning and now face Ballincollig in the semi-final, but before that they face Kilfeacle in the Semi final of the Webb Cup next Saturday at 4pm in Coonagh.

Elsewhere on Coonagh’s top pitch Nenagh provided the opposition for the senior side in a challenge game prior to the resumption of the AIB league next Saturday. It was a very worthwhile outing with the Tipperary side ensuring the lads had to be on their toes throughout. In the end we recorded a 24-5 win, but the result was of little consequence with the management looking for a good performance. In a mixed side, we did indeed play well, but Nenagh’s presence wasn’t merely to be there as battering rams. They gave as good as they got and their try at the end was no more than they deserved as they had us stretched on several occasions. Andrew Finn opened the account with a well judged intercept inside his own ’22 and his pace ensured he wouldn’t be caught in the subsequent 80 metre dash to the line. Prop Kevin Griffin demonstrated pace of his own when he out ran several Nenagh players with a fine break from 35 meters out. That try and Andrew Thompson’s conversion gave us a 12 point half time lead which soon after the resumption was extended by Pat O’Connor. Joe Manuel’s line break midway through the half racked up the forth try. The game was an opportunity for some of the younger and fringe players to impress and several did just that. Saturday sees the AIB league resume and no one needs to be reminded how crucial the game with Lansdowne is. For the first time ever an AIL game takes place in Coonagh so we would urge all our supporters to come early and please respect the residents of Coonagh. Kick off is at 2.30.
Saturday will also give those who have yet to see the Thirds in action and opportunity to do just that as their game follows immediately after the senior game on the Well pitch. So if you can spare the time support the lads, I know it will be greatly appreciated.

Underage fixtures were for this Sunday sees the U/14’s travel to Annacotty to play the league semi-final reply at 11.30 while the U/16’s are away top Richmond in the league. The U10’s are away in a blitz and the U/18’s host Richmond in the cup with a 12.15 kick-off.

Finally the dramatic conclusion to the six nations may have ended in disappointment from an Irish point of view, but there’s no doubt that the county is extremely proud of the effort. The contribution of Shannon players can not be underestimated in the campaign and the pride that we have for Marcus Horan, Peter Stringer and Jerry Flannery and indeed John Hayes continues unabated. That pride extends beyond the players through to Niall O’Donovan whose input into the most successful period for the National side can never be undervalued…Eoghan Grace once again played a role in Irish U/20 side that claimed a historic grand slam while Amanda Greensmith was our sole representative on the Women’s squad whose fortunes were mixed. Congratulations to all our internationals this season.

Carrick-on-Suir RFC
Dermot Keyes PRO

Munster Junior Plate: Carrick 14 Ballincollig 6

Our First XV recorded a magnificent win over higher division opposition on Sunday last when defeating Ballincollig in the Munster Junior Plate in Tybroughney. In a dogged tussle, and despite missing a few key players in both the pack and across the back line, Carrick battled magnificently to take a thoroughly deserved victory. Our solitary try was scored by Alex Hunter, with Emmet Lonergan and James Wallace adding the penalties which ensured a famous victory against a team we’ve lost to narrowly in other competitions in recent seasons.

Next Sunday, Carrick make the long trip to Tralee (kick-off: 2.30pm), with the winners to progress to the semi-finals, and the guaranteed whiff of a final in their nostrils to whoever proves successful. Incidentally, Tralee were soundly beaten by Ballincollig in league action recently so if the attitude, as it was last Sunday, is once again on the button, the boys have nothing to fear ahead of our trip to the Kingdom.

We would appeal to all club members to get behind the team this weekend and travel to Kerry in as many numbers as we can.

We’re now in with a decent shot of winning this competition having recorded wins over Kinsale and Ballincollig. Confidence is growing and that would be bolstered by additional support next weekend – so let’s be having you!

Carrick XV: B Dignam, N Griffin, B Slattery; A Hunter, P Downey, E Lonergan, J Wallace; A Murray (c), W Stokes, J Heffernan; B Phelan, J Phelan; P Lanigan, J Walsh, E Barry.
Replacement: J Steele for E Lonergan.

Cheltenham fundraiser

The club enjoyed another highly successful Cheltenham fundraising draw, and would like to thank everyone who sold a ticket or bought one. We’re a small club with an eye firmly fixed on the future as ongoing developments at Tybroughney are testament to, so every assistance is greatly appreciated.

The top points scorers during the draw, which involved predicting winners for each of the festival’s first four daily races (1st – 100 points, 2nd – 60 points, 3rd – 40 points) were as follows:

Joint 1st on 840 Pts: Annette Murphy and JJ Ryan.
Third on 800 Pts: Peadar Downey.
760 Pts: Philip Walsh.
740 Pts: Donal Moriarty.
720 Pts: Sean Lonergan, Billy Murphy, Strand Cleaners 2.
700 Pts: John Campbell, Jim Moloney/Barry Kent, Mickey Pollard/John Murphy.
680 Pts: L Ryan, Donald Walsh.

Congratulations to our prize winners and many thanks to the committee for all their hard work of late which ensured another successful draw. Thanks to all.

Email Carrick Rugby

If you’d like to drop a line to Carrick RFC, then feel free to email carrickrfc@yahoo.ie

UL Bohemian RFC
Denis Ryan PRO

In the Munster League Cup semi-final played in Fitzgerald Park, UL Bohs just got the better of the home side on a scoreline of Thomond 10-UL Bohs 11. Unfortunately, the victory came at a cost with both Brian Madigan and Chris Delooze receiving injuries which may see them unavailable for the next important AIL game against Dolphin on Saturday. As the AIL reaches the closing stages, every game is of critical importance so we urge all available supporters to make this trip to Cork as successful as our last pilgrimage when we beat Crosshaven to qualify for the final of the Munster Junior Cup.

The women have not been in action since the start of the month, with so many representing Ireland in the successful 6 Nations tournament, when Ireland won 2 games for the first time. In a recent game UL Bohs beat Clonmel by 24-5 in a gale force wind, touching down twice in each half. Sarah Jane Cody started the scoring by working hard down the touch line in little space, then stepping inside the last defender to score in the corner. New International, Nicole Fitzgerald, was next to get on score sheet. After a quick tap penalty she straightened the line against a drifting defence, broke through and ran in from 20 metres. Mairead Kelly was first to score in the second half after great work by the forwards. When the ball came out she spotted a gap in the defence and was through touching down under the posts. Nicole added the extra points. Within 5 minutes UL Bohs extended their lead when Ciara Ryan sucked in the Clonmel defence and passed to Nicole Fitzgerald who powered down the left wing to score. Nicole went on to convert her own score. Clonmel came back in the dying minutes to finally break through the UL Bohs defence using their huge pack to crash over from 5 yards. Player of the match in her first start was Fiona Reidy who fitted in seamlessly into an experienced pack.

In the U-16 game played in Ennis UL Bohs won by 19-0 in a game dominated by the windy icy weather. While the visitors held the upper hand from the start, Ennis defended well until midway through the half. Then, a misplaced clearance gave the lively UL Bohs backs a chance to run. Good passing out the line gave Darren Moroney the ball outside the opponents 22 from where he sprinted in to cross the line in the corner to touch down for a good try. Darren successfully kicked the conversion from the touch-line to put UL Bohs 7-0 in front. Good forward play led to another break, again Darren Moloney made it into the corner and despite the strong wind, put over another excellent conversion to leave UL Bohs ahead by 14-0 at the break. On the resumption Phil Nolan sprang from the subs bench to start on the left wing, Brian Rolls moved to scrum half and Jack Kenny to the right wing, Darren Moroney moved to the centre. Ennis restarted in a more determined fashion and put some good phases together forcing UL Bohs to defend much more than the first half. This renewed energy from Ennis gave the visitors fewer chances to attack the Ennis line, but persistence paid off when the forwards applied the pressure to give Mark Foley a good touch down for try in the corner. This time Darren Moroney, kicking into the wind that was now coming cross field was just short with his effort from the side line. Ennis never gave up and right to the final whistle kept on pushing forward but could not cross the line thanks to good defending by forwards and backs, in particular David Quinlan, who was selected as man of the match. It finished 19-0 in a game that saw sunshine, drizzle, hail-stones and a bitter cold wind, so a good victory in horrible conditions.

DOLPHIN RFC
Ger Hodkinson PRO

Weekend Fixtures

Senior- Sat -2.30pm -UL Bohemians -Musgrave Park -AIB League
Junior 1 Sun- 2.30pm Young Munster Musgrave Park MJ Cup Q/F
Junior 2 Sun 12.00pm Douglas Moneygourney Friendly

U/16 Sat 10.30pm Bandon Musgrave Park Cup

U/10 Sat 10.00am Cobh Pirates Musgrave Park Friendly

U/8 Sat 10.00am Cobh Pirates Musgrave Park Friendly

Dolphin v UL Bohemians

Sat 24th March 2.30pm Musgrave Park

Referee – Mark Hermin (Ulster)

followed at 5 pm by Club Race Night

Form Guide:
DOLPHIN – Last Five AIB League Games: L L W L L
– Last Five HOME AIB League Games: L L W L W
UL-BOHEMIAN – Last FIVE AIB League Games: W L W W W
– Last Five AWAY AIB League Games: L W W L W

UL Bohemians
Munster Players
Contracted Player Barry Murphy
Academy Players- Ian Hanley, Gary Walsh
Development Contract – Chris Delooze
Most capped Player Brian Spillane 13 caps
Top Points 2005/06- Ben Martin (134) including 9 tries
Conceded the least ( 144 ) points in Div. One since Oct. 14 ;
Kicked the least ( 11 ) penalty goals in Div. One after twelve rounds this season ;
Won five of their last six Div. One matches.
2006/07 to date Points 85 Ben Martin Tries 8 Martin McPhail

Record against: Munster clubs P 46 W 27 D 2 L 17 61 % success
Record away to: Munster clubs P 25 W 11 D 1 L 13 46 % success

DOLPHIN

Record against: Munster clubs P 61 W 33 D 1 L 27 55 % success
Record at home to: Munster clubs P 33 W 18 D 0 L 15 55 % success

Kicked the most ( 25 ) penalty goals in Div. One after twelve rounds this season
Playing UL-Bohemian for the first time in AIBL – 1 ;
Won only one of their last five Div. One games.
George Finn is due to make his 60th league appearance for Dolphin and over the next three games will face two of his brothers, the first today, Coleman, the UL Bohs centre and captain.

Congratulations to Aaron Daly from the U16’s who won the chance to train with Brian O’Driscoll on March 25th in Dublin. His mum Tricia entered a competition on Red FM and Aaron will be bringing 4 pals from U16 squad with him on the day.
They are looking forward to representing Dolphin and have forwarded their
questions to Brian in advance.

Munster Junior Cup 3rd Round

Dolphin 30 Richmond 3

Dolphin qualified for a quarter final fixture at home against Young Munster with a compehesive victory over Richmond.

Dolphin led by 13-3 after tries by Aidan O’Shea and David Griffin and a conversion by John O’Mahony.
O’Mahony kicked 2 penalties in the 2nd half and covereted tries from David Conway and Kevin Buckley.

J2’s into semi final

Dolphin 10 Highfield 8

Dolphin came from 8- 0 down through a try by Collins converted by Pat Aherne.
The only score in the 2nd half was a penalty by Pat Aherne to give Dolphin a narrow victory.
The other semi finalists are Shandon, Bandon and Ballincollig

Final Games

Dolphin
UL Bohs (H) Lansdowne (A) Shannon (A)

Buccaneers
B Harlequins (A) UCD (H) Lansdowne (A)

UCD
Cork Con (H) Buccaneers (A) B Harlequins (H)

Belfast Harlequins
Buccaneers (H) Ballymena (A) UCD (A)

Top Try Scorers No. Points Scorers No.
Eric Moloney 5 Barry Keeshan 98
Peter Owens 3
George Finn 2
Tomás O’Leary 2
Ed Mills 2
Gary Conway 1
David Harty 1
James Coughlan 1
Alan Daly 1
Rory McGrath 1
David Griffin 1
12 Gary O’Keeffe
Total 21 98

Team News

The side has not yet been finalised and will come from the following.

John O’Sullivan, Richie McKinnie, Shane Heffernan, Fergus Gately, Kieran Murray, Andrew O’Driscoll, Dave Harty, Dave Pomeroy, Rory McGrath, Donnchadha Murphy, George Finn, Henry O’Flynn, Alan Daly, Garry O’Keeffe, Barry Keeshan, John O’Mahony, Eric Moloney, Aidan O’Shea, David Kingston, Gary Conway, Ed Mills, Kevin Lynch.