Club Notes

This week’s Club Notes come from Old Crescent, Thurles and Waterford City.

Old Crescent RFC
Courtesy of Frank Larkin

Two surviving members of the first Old Crescent RFC team to play Dungannon RFC in Dungannon in 1955, Gerry Clancy and Mick Manning, were guests of honour at the pre match lunch before the Old Crescent v Dungannon UBL clash in Rosbrien, which Old Crescent won by 38 points to 20 last Saturday. Sadly, a third member of the 1955 team who was due to attend the lunch, Jim Roche, passed away suddenly a week ago.


Pictured at the lunch were, l-r, Roy Campbell, President, Dungannon RFC, Mich Manning, Gerry Clancy, and Pat Monaghan, President, Old Crescent RFC.

Thurles RFC Notes
Courtesy of Brian Scanlon

Munster Junior League: Thurles RFC 13-12 Youghal RFC
The Thurles First XV welcomed Cork side Youghal to Loughtagalla on Sunday last as they looked to make amends for their disappointing defeat to Castleisland the week previous. Thurles were forced to play the game with a new look front row as short term injuries had ruled out two-thirds of last week’s front row. 19 year olds Jack Kavanagh and Shane Nugent filled the gaps at prop and hooker as Dave Kelly moved from hooker to prop for the day.

Thurles received the ball from the kick off and from the off took the game to the Cork men, some good carries from Ciaran Ryan, Eoghan O’ Dwyer & Joey Kelly saw Thurles threaten inside the opposition 22 early on. An early drop goal attempt from Aidan Dwyer sailed just left of the posts having started with early promise before Thurles were rewarded for their early pressure, John Lillis stepped up to slot over a penalty after 15 minutes to put the home side ahead, 3-0.

Thurles continued to apply the pressure from the restart, as Ciaran Ryan continued to cause Youghal trouble with his strong running. Youghal were stuggling to keep pace with the game as players continuously dropped for treatment. The game passed the 25 minute mark, an attempted kick & chase by the Youghal Full Back was claimed by Aidan Dwyer who had jumped highest to secure possession, he in turn brushed off the would be tacklers to break the cover and set Tommy Stevens down the right wing. Tommy who had a great game throughout, drew in two defenders and supplied John Lillis with an excellent inside pass, who raced in from 30 yards out, Lillis added the extra’s himself with an excellent conversion out wide, 10-0.

As the half progressed, Thurles looked to have their second try of the game secured from a well worked lineout but for a slight infringement spotted by the referee cancelling out the score. Youghal hit a purple patch with 10 minutes remaining in the half and started making some ground inside the Thurles half of the field, as the Cork men got closer, Thurles conceded a penalty 5 yards out from the line and some quick thinking from the Youghal scrum half saw him take a quick penalty and shoot over in the corner to bring the away side back into the game, the conversion was added to leave the half time score reading 10-7.

The second half kicked off and the opening 20 minutes of the half saw a lot of play around the middle field as both sides threw the kitchen sink at each other in a fascinating contest. Both sides were reduced to 14 men during this time for what seemed like harmless offences but off they went for 10 minutes and it was Youghal who took advantage, they crossed for their second try of the game just to the right of the posts to edge in front, crucially, the straight forward convert for the left footed kicker was missed to leave the game hanging in the balance as a one score game, 12-10.

Thurles put the shoulder to the wheel for the final 15 minutes and controlled possession in that time. The evergreen Charlie Langley was introduced to the front row earlier in the game and was giving a masterclass in scrummaging as Thurles dominated with the help of Nugent, Kelly & Kavanagh before he made way for Langley after a great days work.

Thurles approached the final few minutes excellently, Nicky Irwin conducting proceedings and unlucky not to get a score of his own from a break, Peter Coman was excellent on the left wing, causing headaches for the opposition any time with ball in hand, it was a high tackle on Coman which led to the referee awarding a penalty near the sideline between midfield & the Youghal 10 yard line. With only minutes remaining, John Lillis was in no doubt and called for his kicking tee straight away; with ice running through his veins, Lillis nailed the 50 yard plus kick with a bit to spare to put Thurles back in front by the minimum, much to the delighted of the home crowd as Loughtagalla shook from roar that went out after the kick sailed over, 13-12.

Thurles secured possession from the restart and saw out the game excellently until the referee called last play and Irwin did the honours by booting the ball out of play to secure the victory for Thurles and move them back into 3rd position and put promotion back in their own hands.

Thurles have a free weekend this coming Sunday, the next fixture will be another battle as they take on St. Mary’s of Limerick who currently occupy the position above them in second place. The support at Loughtagalla on Sunday was great to see and hope that everyone will be out in force again on Sunday 5thFebruary for the 2.30pm kick off.

Training continues Wednesday & Friday nights at 7.30pm sharp for both Firsts & Seconds.

Thurles Scorers: John Lillis (1 Try, 1 Conversion & 2 Penalties) Thurles Starting XV vs Youghal: 1. Jack Kavanagh 2. Shane Nugent 3. Dave Kelly 4. Phil Kelly 5. Joey Kelly 6. Mark Cummins 7. Paddy Phelan 8. Ciaran Ryan 9. Nicky Irwin 10. Aidan Dwyer 11. Peter Coman 12. Shane Moloney 13. Eoghan O’Dwyer (c) 14. Tommy Stevens 15. John Lillis Subs Used: Charles Langley, Luke Kelly.

U18 Girls
Thurles U18 Girls made the long journey to West Cork on Saturday last to play Bantry Bay RFC in the quarter final of the Munster U18 Cup. The girls knew the challenge they faced and had trained hard since they defeated Newport Vixens in the first round.

The game kicked off a few minutes late due to the U15 Girls game not finishing on time. When we finally got going, the first quarter of the game was end to end with some great breaks and equally good tackles being made by both sides. Thurles were taking the game to the home side but were driven back time and time again by a very disciplined Thurles defence with the back row of Aoife Flanagan, Kate O Dwyer and Captain Jane Ryan, impressing in particular.

After this wave of attack Thurles turned the ball over and through great work from the half back pairing of Holly O Dwyer and Emily Lane, Thurles made their way up the field and into the opposition 22. After a number of failed attempts at the line, Thurles eventually conceded a penalty and the resulting kick was launched by the very impressive Bantry Bay no 10, giving the home side a very welcome line out just inside the Thurles half. Further indiscipline by the visitors gifted Bantry a penalty straight in front of the posts which was easily converted to 3 points giving the Cork Girls a 3-0 lead.

To their credit, Thurles re-started the game with such high intensity that it wasn't long before the reward from some super counter rucking released the flying Emily Lane to run 60 meters and touch down under the posts. The conversion was narrowly missed by Holly O Dwyer and Thurles went in at half time in front 3-5.
Despite taking the lead, Thurles weren’t living up to the performances we had become accustomed to over the past couple of weeks, with some uncharacteristic errors and 1 or 2 poor decisions being made across the field. From the restart, Thurles made their way up the field again but a knock on ended any further progress being made, this handed the initiative to Bantry who were eager to impress in front of a large home crowd, and it wasn't long before they ran in the first of their 3 second half tries to take the lead again, a lead which they would hold until the final whistle.

The Thurles Girls fought hard for every ball with the Woodlock sisters, Megan and Niamh, doing all they could in the battle of the forwards. It was a first start at tight head prop for Julia Hieden and along with Ciara Nyland and Rachel Ryan, they easily coped with all the Bantry pack had, at scrum time. With the score at 10-5, it was still all to play for, but despite some Trojan defense from Christine Coffey and Sophie Sheehan at midfield, Bantry managed to score two more tries in quick succession ensuring a very hard fought victory for the home side. In a game of very tight margins, the Thurles Girls were outstanding and with the 2 wingers, Melanie Deveraux and Amy McGrath displaying some fine skills both in defense and attach, Thurles were always in touch with this years league finalists right up to the final whistle.

As time was running out for Thurles, the “never say die” attitude ensured that the girls would play right up to the final whistle and were unlucky not to have crossed the line after a fine break by the flying full back , and birthday girl, AnnaBelle Wynn Jones, but the clock was against the visitors and Bantry move into the next round to play Abbeyfeale in the Semi Final. Our unused sub on the day was Siobhan Quinlan.
We wish the very best of luck to Polly Murphy and all the C/F girls in their next game against Listowl/Tralee. Next up for the Thurles girls is a home Q/F against Ballina / Killaloe in the Munster Shield, on Saturday at 12:00.

U18 Boys
Old Crescent 17 Thurles 23.
Thurles had a hard fought battle in Limerick on Sunday. Thurles started very brightly in the first 10 mins when prop forward Mikey Ryan went over for the 1st of his 2 try's which Conor O Hagan converted from the sideline. Thurles were very much on top and were given a penalty which Conor duly put over to make it 10 nil to Thurles. Thurles seem to fall asleep and let Crescent back into the game to score 2 good try's before halftime sending them in leading 12 – 10. Crescent started well in the second half. Thurles then got a penalty which Conor obliged with to put Thurles up 13-12. Crescent replied immediately with a quick try. This woke Thurles up with some good carrying from Colin Nolan and Mikey Ryan Mikey got over for his second try. Thurles were back in front again. Thurles got a lineout on halfway which they mauled all the way down to the Crescent 5m line, where they got a penalty and with quick thinking from outhalf Conor Hagan, took a quick tap and passed to winger Paddy McGrath who scored in the corner. Notable performances by Colin Nolan, Mikey Ryan, Kieran Dunne and Conor O Hagan. There was a close call for Man of the Match in the end it went to Colin Nolan. Keep up the good work boys.

U16 Boys
Thurles U16s welcomed Youghal to Loughtagala on Saturday afternoon in a fixture that was to be repeated by their respective senior teams on
Sunday. The results were the same with Thurles recording wins at both levels. However the 16's margin of victory was a little more comfortable running in eight tries to two. By half time Thurles were 24 to nil ahead a margin that did not flatter their comprehensive dominance of the first half. Eoin Byrne was first on the board with a close in pick and drive after good approach work by the pack. Jack Lillis and Ed Connolly both picked up tries evading a number of defenders to score their first of two and three tries respectively. Pick of the tries was a rehearsed move from the Thurles backline which James Devaney in the middle of the field beating a number of defenders and sprinting from fifty metres. A feat he was to repeat in the second half from even further out. Ed Connolly picked up the match ball with a hat trick of efforts two from interceptions. Peter Wall with one of his many bullocking runs was the other try scorer. More impressively the tight head landed a conversion from the touchline a feat that will not be repeated by too many tight heads this year. All round excellent display by the team with the lineout functioning very well and many rehearsed moves executed well. A tougher test awaits next Sunday in Cork Con.

Newcastle West RFC Notes
Courtesy of Martin O'Sullivan

Munster Junior League: Newcastle West – 23 Bandon – 8
Another tough day in the Cullinagh office last Sunday when Bandon made the trip to West Limerick. On a perfect day for rugby a great game was served up by both teams. Scores proved hard to come by despite the score line suggesting otherwise. Sean Herlihy opened the scoring with a penalty on 9 minutes. James Kelly crossed for a try 10 minutes later which Sean duly converted to leave it 10-0. Bandon got on the board with a penalty on 33 minutes leaving the try being the difference during the break. Bandon flew out of the blocks with a try in the first minute of the second half but failed to level the game by missing the conversion. Sean Herlihy steadied the ship with penalties on 48 and 56 mins before young centre, Sean Murphy stole a brilliant intercept to run 60 meters ad kill the game off as a contest. Sean again converted and despite some serious Bandon pressure the lads held out for a precious 4 league points.

Scorers: James Kelly, Sean Murphy, 1 try each. Sean Herlihy. 3 pens 2 cons
Fixture: Munster Junior Cup Sunday January 29th Cashel v Newcastle West, in Cashel @ 2.00pm

U18s
Newcastle West / Estuary RFC 15
Muskerry RFC 8
Despite a plethora of injuries we came away with a victory but the score belies what was an exceptionally tight game. We scored on three minutes when Liam Tierney reacted well to gather a loose pass and jolted past his cover to touch down for an unconverted try on the corner. Muskerry came straight down the field and failed with a kickable penalty on 6 minutes. Then on fourteen minutes good work by the Muskerry pack earned them a converted try. This stung NCW/E and from the restart our pack won us a penalty which Charlie O'Doherty converted from a long range effort on 16 minutes. The score stayed at 8 to 7 for the remainder of the first half and up to the final two minutes of the game when a break from Michael Bourke in his own half took us down field where Liam Tierney was in good support to collect the pass and score by the posts. Conversion by Charlie O'Doherty.

While this sealed the game it could have gone to either side in the end term. Several times we had to defend our line and the pack performed diligently. Good kicking by Stephen Hennessy and Noelie Griffin got us out of tight spots. Our front row of Donnacha Scanlon, John Forde and Evan Donovan gave 0 ground to the opposition. Connie O'Connor and Dawid Marcinjak gave good performances in the engine room. What really kept us alive though was the back row of tackling of Michael Murphy, John Walsh, and Killian Fitzgerald. Huge tackles also required by Eamon Ambrose, Jack Kelly, and Liam McSweeney on the backs. In a tight game tensions spilled over a few times resulting in a yellow to NCW/E and a yellow and red to Muskerry. Nevertheless our faith is still our own and everyone on panel is needed for our next game against Cork Aristocrats Dolphin.
Thanks to supporters and sandwich makers team.
Team: Donnacha Scanlon, John Forde, Evan Donovan, Dawid Marcinjak, Connie O'Connor, Michael Murphy, John Walsh, Killian Fitzgerald, Noel Griffin, Michael Bourke, Eamon Ambrose, Jack Kelly, Liam Tierney, Liam McSweeney, Stephen Hennessy, Cormac Nash, Charlie O’Doherty, Emmett Wrenn, Michael Begley, Milan Hop, Paudie Flavin.

U16s
Newcastle West/Estuary RFC 13 Cork Constitution 29
We welcomed Cork con to Kilelline Rugby Grounds on Sunday Last in the Munster Plate Top of the Table Clash. It was a beautiful day for rugby. Kick off was delayed due to a prolonged injury to a player from Kilrush in the u15 game. We wish him a speedy recovery. The game started with us receiving the kick off which was gathered by David Massey who charged forward with the ball set up a good ruck aided by Eoghan Heffernan and Diarmuid O Flynn. The ball was moved wide by Kieran Carmody to Alan McGrath. We knocked on in this move and spent the next ten minutes defending with some good tackles from Sean Bourke and Aiden Shanahan. Eventually our defence was stretched and Cork Con got in for their first try. They led 5 to 0 at this stage missed the conversion. On the restart our boys applied pressure with good counter rucking from Christopher Walshe and Bryan Hartigan. We got a penalty on the ten metre line we chose a kick at goal Alan McGrath stood up and slotted the penalty right between the posts. From the restart we were under pressure and with good tackles from Oliver Lynch and Tom Murphy we kept Cork Con at bay until 2 minutes from half time where we were sliced open by a good move for Cork Con to score another try they missed the conversion. We were unlucky not to get a try on the stroke of half time but a dive by Jack Grimes over the line but just knocked on as he was touching it down.

Well what a start to the second half by our boys in what can only be described as a moment of genius and class. The skill of Killian Collins was called upon. We kicked off hung the ball in the air for Killian to run on to their winger stood put his hands out ready to receive the kick. But it never arrived Killian caught the ball sweetly in his stride and sprinted over the line what a try. We converted the try with the help of the cross bar. From the kick off we were defending the our ruck the ban was put through the hands with an overlap developing Daniel Normoyle kicked ahead but Cork Cons Fullback was positioned well and ran back at us and scored missed the conversion. The score was 10 to 15 with fifteen minutes to go.

From the kick off Cork Con again applied pressure and turned the ball over and got behind our defence a good tackle from John O Connor and Daniel Normoyle slowed Cons progress but they eventually went over for their fourth try and converted it 10 to 22 the score. We brought on Bobby O Donovan for Bryan Hartigan and switched pack around a little. We got pressure on them and were awarded a penalty on the ten metre line again we chose to kick for Goal again Alan Slotted it over to leave us trailing 13 to 22. We brought on Turlough O Connor for Kieran Carmody and Robert O Grady For Oliver O Connor. Liam Callanan replaced Sean Bourke. We were again defending with ten minutes to go when Cur Con Got in Again for their fifth try and converted it leaving the score 13 to 29. We brought on our last two subs Cian Doody for Diarmuid O Flynn and Christopher Walshe was replaced by Keith Begley.

While the score line seems good for Cork Con it Doesn’t reflect the game this was a very honest hard game played by two teams we were missing a few players and started players out of position. Only for a few missed time tackles it would have been a lot closer. We believe our boys would have won. We would like to thank our parents for again providing a beautiful display of food. We would like to wish Cork Con the best for the rest of the tournament we had a good chat and laugh after what rugby is all about. The team was as follows: 1. David Massey 2. Bryan Hartigan 3. Christopher Walshe 4. Eoghan Heffernan 5. Aiden Shanahan 6. Sean Bourke 7. Diarmuid O Flynn 8. Jack Grimes 9. Kieran Carmody 10. Alan McGrath 11. Killian Collins 12. Oliver Lynch 13. Tom Murphy 14. John O Connor 15. Daniel Normoyle 16. Cian Doody 17. Keith Begley 18. Bobby O Donovan 19. Liam Callanan 20. Robert O Grady 21 Turlough O Connor

U15s
Newcastle West/Estuary – 27
Kilrush – 5
It was a cold morning in Killeline as we hosted Kilrush. Short a few players through injury and absence, we knew we had a tough morning ahead of us. From the first kick off we made a mistake and knocked it on. So Kilrush had a strong position to attack from straight away. Their No.8 picked around the side of the scrum expecting to power his way over but he met a wall in the shape of Mike Cremin. We forced the turnover and attacked from inside our 22. It was one of the best tries to be scored in Newcastle this year. Aaron Heffernan spotted space out wide and fed Sean McMahon. Sean made a break up to the half way line and, when tackled, offloaded the ball to Jack Corkery. He and Jack Kiely carried the play up to the line. The ball came out to Andrew Mortell, who the offloaded out of contact to Mike Cremin and he then played in Jack Duggan who wrapped it up with a splendid finish in the corner.

Our forwards continued to dominate the gain line. Tries from Bobby Donovan, Sean McMahon and Eddie Murphy left the half time score 22-0 and a bonus point wrapped up. Kilrush got off to a better start in the second period and got on the scoresheet early in the second half. We then got back into the red zone and Bobby Donovan powered his way over the line for a try. Fairly soon after this, the match had to be abandoned when one of the Kilrush players got injured in a tackle. I am glad to let everyone know that the player is ok and when the ambulance gave him the all clear, he went home on the team bus. This left the final score 27-5.
Panel: Andrew Mortell, Jack Duggan, Sean McMahon, Eddie Murphy, Cormac Lyons, Aaron Heffernan, Kevin O'Connell, Bryan Mortell, Cormac Browne, Bobby Donovan, Eouenn Ferron, Chris O'Riordan, Jack Kiely, Mike Cremin, Jack Corkery, Oliver Flanagan, Ciaran Aladi

U13s
Garryowen 17. Ncw/estuary 0
Well done to all the boys on the match on Sunday. A dominant performance in the first half unlucky to not be rewarded with a score. And a spirited second half performance with Garryowen having to go to the same lad for all scores. Proud of the way they applied aspects from training into the game and the way they kept their heads up and made some great last ditch tackles and defence to prevent Garryowen getting any other scores. A real gutsy performance!!!Hope all our injury worries are feeling ok and a few days rest will sort them out. Thanks guys see ye at training next week !!

U8s
The u8s have their home blitz next Sunday welcoming Garryowen rfc, Young Munster rfc , old crescent rfc, Bruff rfc and our neighbours Abbeyfeale so please come along and support these boys in Killeline next Sunday morning.

Lotto
Results from Friday 20th January Lotto Draw

Numbers Drawn 1, 2, 11, 20 – NO WINNER

FRANK MCENERY , BALLYGOWAN
TOM BUTLER C/O CENTRAL BAR
TARA KENNEALLY C/O GERARD O’ CONNOR
EOIN CAHILL C/O KILLELINE SHOP
ELLA WHELAN C/O WHELAN’S BAR
JOHN NUGENT, SNUG BAR
DICK KELLY C/O LEE’S BAR
Promotors Prize GERARD O’CONNOR

Next week’s draw will be in Whelan’s Bar on Friday 27th January The jackpot stands at €;9,800.

Waterford City RFC Notes
Courtesy of Deirdre Barry

Senior Squad
Due to bereavement in Crosshaven RFC the senior squad’s game was cancelled. Waterford City RFC sends our condolences to the family and the club. Next weekend City is away to Young Munster in the Munster Junior Cup.

Under 18s
Cobh 38 v Waterford City 21
The under 18’s were away to Cobh this weekend and in a well fought game the lads just couldn’t get the scores to overcome Cobh. Keep up the good work.

Under 16s
Charleville 13 v Waterford City 15
Early on Saturday morning our under 16’s made the long journey to north Cork to take on Charleville RFC in what turned out to be a very impressive performance from this young team. From the kick-off the city lads looked relaxed and composed being led by team Captain Bryan Brown who really stepped up and took control of the Team. Charleville started off with some great pressure from their large pack trying to force their way through but City’s forwards defended gallantly making tackle after tackle resulting in a turn over which was quickly off loaded to City’s backline and first centre Cian Wadding making use of the space tore through the Charleville defence for City’s First try. Charleville came back with some great pieces of play and a penalty just outside City’s 22 giving Charleville their first score of the day. On the restart Charleville pushed forward but City’s calm and collected defence held tough turning over the ball again and again and going forward, an infringement just outside Charleville’s 22 allowed City’s Out half Keelan Taylor an opportunity to further the lead with a well struck penalty between the post City now lead 8 points to 5. After some great back and forth play from both teams a line-out thrown in by City’s toughest hooker Chris Cuddihy allowed the lads to display their technically perfect lift of their No 6 Keelan Foley who dominated the lineouts for the rest of the match, just before half time a lapse in judgement followed by Charleville pressure opened up space for a try in the corner finishing the half 8-8 .
The second half began with some great phases from City’s forwards especially Paddy O’Donovan City’s No 8 who’s non-stop work and willingness to put his body on the line kept pushing his team forward their constant pressure caught Charleville on the back foot allowing Out Half Keelan Taylor & First Centre Cian Wadding to pull off an amazing display of skill and talent catching Charleville’s defence by surprise when they linked together a looping pass followed by a dummy pass which opened space for Keelan Taylor to charge through and get city’s second try followed by a decisive penalty putting city in the lead 15 -8.Charleville still with plenty of life in them began to pile on the pressure throwing everything at city powering their way through city’s defence only to be met by full back Darren Kennelly who was on top form stopping everything that made it through the defensive line. After a stoppage of play Charleville gathered themselves and from a 5 meter scrum their scrum half worked the ball out to the wing and joined with a supporting number 8 who while being tackled reached for the line and just barely touched down for a try in the very corner of the pitch making it 15 points to 13 to city.
On the restart Charleville’s new found confidence pushed them forward again to City’s try line, Citys winger Brandon Walsh putting in another great hit slowing down the Charleville momentum. In all the fray a loose ball was picked up from substitute Ciaran Mitchell resulting in a ferrous hit from a Charleville’s forward the City player somehow manged to keep hold of the ball and place it perfect for forwards to ruck over and our backs to clear the line. With the clock ticking Charleville once again stormed the line where team captain Bryan Brown who when the team needed him most put his body on the line and stopped the Charleville scrum half going over and denying him what would have certainly been a winning try for Charleville. City finished strong as they pushed forward in the dying seconds as the whistle blew a well-deserved win for these young lads who put in a huge performance. Final score City 15 Charleville 13.

Under 14s
Thurles 0 v Waterford City 45
The under 14’s took on Thurles on Sunday and with the lads putting in a phenomenal performance came out convincing winners. The lads showed outstanding commitment and composure. Well done!!

Minis Rugby
Minis rugby is on every Sunday morning from 11-12pm. All new members welcome. Come along on Sunday morning and give it a go.