Club Notes: Week Ending 07.02.14

This week’s club notes come from Carrick-on-Suir, Midleton and Shannon rugby clubs.

Carrick-on-Suir RFC

Courtesy of:- Dermot Keyes, Club PRO

Munster Junior League Division Three: Carrick-on-Suir 16 Charleville 3

Carrick maintained their promotion hopes with an excellent 16-3 victory over Charleville in a suitably soggy Tybroughney on Sunday which has, to be fair, held up superbly in the wake of the recent spell of poor weather.

A try from captain David Kiersey (pictured), which was converted by Charlie Boland, in addition to three penalties which Charlie also bisected the uprights with, ensures that Carrick remain in contention for a Division Two slot as the business end of the season approaches.
Just as Ireland's conceding only six points to Scotland today made for impressive reading, to limit the Cork visitors to a single penalty speaks volumes for the quality of Carrick's defence, for our application at the breakdown and, most critically of all, the excellent discipline levels which the team has demonstrated more often than not this season.

It's worth noting that Carrick have conceded just 74 points in seven league matches to date this season, and should the lads continue to keep the points against tally at a rate of barely more than 10 points a match, then they're certainly giving themselves every chance of achieving the season's ultimate objective.

Abbeyfeale's impressive 35-7 win in Scariff leaves the Limerick side on top of the table with 28 points after seven matches, with Dungarvan in second spot on points difference. Just four points separate third placed Ballincollig (21 points from five matches) and Carrick (17 points from six matches), with Carrigaline sandwiched between both (20 points from seven matches).

Carrick's margin for error for the remaining four matches is incredibly narrow; three wins from four ought to be enough to secure a promotion play-off spot but even such a sequence of results does not, at the time of writing, guarantee such a berth.

But when one considers that Carrick lost two of their opening three matches this season (and that defeat in Dungarvan continues to craw in the gut), the mettle the team has demonstrated in winning three matches on the bounce over such a storm-interrupted winter speaks volumes for the character and attitude of the squad.

So what lies ahead? Carrigaline are scheduled to visit Tybroughney on February 16th and another home win will put Carrick a point ahead of the visitors and into the top four for the first time this season.

And that will be followed by the trip to high-flying Abbeyfeale on March 2nd, and a home fixture with Ballincollig on March 9th. All three teams are above Carrick in the table, and given the scrap that's likely to be waged in the home stretch of the season, you couldn't wish for a more exciting conclusion to the 'regular' season.

All that remains thereafter is the re-arranged trip to Scariff, who've lost all seven League matches they've played thus far, with a scoring differential of minus 159 points, so one would expect a suitably motivated Carrick to go to Clare and get the job done.
Those above Carrick are bound to have the odd slip-up between now and the end of this intriguing campaign, and while two more home wins and a victory in Scariff may be enough to keep Carrick's promotion hopes alive, the only guarantee to end a season of gutsy endeavour will be to win each of the remaining four matches.

And after three wins on the bounce, you can't bet against our First XV at present.
PS: If anyone finds a tooth in Tybroughney over the next few days, Sean Fitzpatrick is keen to be re-united with it!

Under-16: Carrick-on-Suir 10 Thurles 17

Our Under-16s put in a fine showing against Thurles in a saturated, windswept Tybroughney yesterday, but alas their best efforts just fell short against visiting Thurles, who emerged victorious on a 17-10 scoreline.

The match was played on a 14-a-side basis, with Thurles proving agreeable to three of their players lining out in Carrick colours to supplement our starting team.

Unfortunately, one of our own players picked up a knock and given the numbers situation couldn't be replaced, so we ended the match with 13 players, which certainly proved a factor in our coming out on the wrong side of the scoreline.

Nonetheless, there was no disgrace or anything of the sort in this defeat for our lads, who hadn't played a game for some considerable time.

Thurles themselves haven't had too much rugby of late either so both sides were delighted with the run-out, with Carrick due to return the favour by visiting Thurles for a return fixture. Thanks to Thurles for the match and we look forward to seeing our Under-16s in action again very, very soon!

Contact the PRO
Feel free to email Dermot Keyes at dermotkeyes@yahoo.com at any time. He'd love to hear from you on anything related to Carrick-on-Suir RFC. And don't forget to support our Facebook page (currently featuring 926 friends!) and follow our Twitter feed (@CarrickOSRFC).

Midleton RFC

Courtesy of:- Jason Boyle, Club PRO

Skerries 13 Midleton 0
Storm conditions for the latest AIL outing for Midleton when we travelled to Skerries. The first half was a tense affair with neither team giving much ground. Skerries got play underway win a low kick that is gathered easily and with a cross wind for the duration of the game both teams were hesitant to put boot to ball in any sort of searching way in the opening phase of the game.

Skerries attack well and probe the Midleton defence but are unable to find a way through. Play stays around the middle of the pitch for a lot of the half with both teams giving little away. The weather plays havoc with any structured play and a lot of scrums and frees result. Midleton on balance are much stronger in the scrum and at one point push for the line searching for a try but it’s judged to be held up. So the first half ends scoreless.

Second half underway and it’s all to play for. Skerries are in a new strip and come out with a strong attack. They are soon rewarded with a penalty and with the wind at their backs just to the right of the posts it’s an easy 3 points for the home side. Skerries 3 Midleton 0.
Play underway again and Midleton go searching with some great attacking play but under tough conditions errors start to creep in on both sides, but to eventually its to the home teams advantage as Skerries win another penalty. Now the game stands at Skerries 6 Midleton 0.
Midleton are still searching for that opening in the Skerries defence but the attack from the home side sees them advance towards the Midleton line. The attack starts on the left and some strong disciplined play sees the ball recycled well and it’s a try to the home side. With the conversion its Skerries 13 Midleton 0.

The last 20 minutes of the game is all about Midleton. The attacking is organised and structured however the conditions work against us and despite at one point being camped on the Skerries line for the best part of 10 minutes the scores were not forthcoming.
So the games ended, our first scoreless game this season; but a lot of positives are there to take from the match. The team should great resolve and discipline in adverse conditions and the scoreline does little to reflect the actual effort and commitment that was shown on the day.

Next up is Boyne away where we expect a tough home encounter.

Shannon RFC

Courtesy of:- Siofra Scanlan, Club PRO

We would ask everyone to come along and support all our teams. If you cannot make the matches you can also support the club by sponsoring or attending any of the upcoming events.

Events & News

Match Replay
Please note that the AIL match Blackrock V Shannon which had to be abandoned recently is now due to be replayed on Saturday February 22nd in Blackrock.

Heineken Cup Tickets Munster V Toulouse
Shannon RFC will have a limited number of tickets available for the quarter final Heineken Cup Match Munster V Toulouse. We are currently awaiting communication and confirmation of tickets allocated.Should you wish to apply for tickets please contact Tadhg Crowe on 087 6524958 or email secretary@shannonrfc.com. PLEASE NOTE APPLICATION FOR TICKETS DOES NOT GUARANTEE TICKETS.

Champ or Chimp- Fundraiser

Members are encouraged to get behind a potentially major Shannon RFC fund raising effort. Between now and the end of February the Club will be very actively promoting the “Champ or Chimp” sports forecasting competition. There are 14 individual sporting events listed and points will be awarded on the outcome of each event. The competition begins with the Cheltenham racing festival and concludes with the All-Ireland football final in September. Log onto http://www.shannonrfc.com/club/news/item/344-are-you-a-champ-or-a-chimp.html for more details.

Please get involved. It is a fun competition, which can raise much-needed funds for the improvement of Club facilities. You can show your support through playing the game or, even better, through getting your friends involved as well. Entry Forms can be acquired from any Executive Committee member all contact details can be found at http://www.shannonrfc.com/contact.html

Volunteers Always Needed
All at Shannon RFC would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who helped out at the club in 2013. It is much appreciated. We are currently looking for people to help out with upcoming fundrasing events. If you are a student doing a course in the media/ marketing sectors or English, retired, unemployed or would like to donate your free time we would urge you to support your Club and Volunteer. It is a great opportunity to develop your current skills and always looks great on a C.V. If you would like to volunteer in the club during 2014 please contact any committee member. All details can be found on our website at http://www.shannonrfc.com/contact.html

Shannon RFC Race Night
We will be hosting a race night in Shannon RFC Clubhouse April 2014. We would urge everyone to support this event as all monies raised will be going to upgrade the facilities in Coonagh and Clubhouse.

If you would like to get involved by sponsorship the prices are as follows:
Sponsorship Per Race ~ €;100
Full Page in Programme ~ €;100
Half Page in Programme ~ €;50
Horse ~ €;20
If you would like more information or would like to sponsor from list above please contact Ger Mulqueen on 087-6731676, Tom O'Connor on 087-412844 or Jack Bourke on 086-2543369/email – vp@shannonrfc.com

SHANNON RFC APP
The info is in and we have officially reached hits of 8,046, 806 have downloaded the app and we have a following in 78 countries all over the world. Please feel free to share the link with anyone who may be interested. We would love some feedback from all of you who are following us on the app so feel free to email me directly at siofrascanlan@gmail.com
If you still have not downloaded yet here is the link. http://clubapplive.com/shannonrfc.

Get Your Name Out There On Our Website
Do you want to get your company name more widely known? Are you a tradesman looking to advertise at a reduced rate? Why not advertise with Shannon RFC. We are currently in the process of setting up a Shannon RFC Tradesperson's page on our website. This will be a one stop contact page for all kind of trades and businesses. We urge any member, supporters or local business to get involved. It is a great way to advertise at a fraction of normal rates. The cost for an advertisement is Eu50.00. Anyone who wishes to place an ad or would like more information please contact Siofra on 0863018993 or email siofrascanlan@gmail.com

SHANNON RFC SCRAP METAL CHALLENGE SUNDAY
All at Shannon RFC would like to thank everyone who contributed to this event. You have raised some very important funds for the club and it is much appreciated. A special mention to Morgan who organised. Their will be a scrap metal skip on an ongoing bases in Coonagh on Sunday mornings. Your ongoing contributions are appreciated.

A Great Gift for All
Why not give someone near or far the gift of a Shannon RFC membership. A great gift for any occasion with the added bonus of supporting your local club. Packages, including family membership, are available. Should you wish to find out more information or purchase membership please contact Barry McConkey at honsec@shannonrfc.com

PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY THROUGH COONAGH
We would ask everyone to please take care, slow down and observe the speed limit through Coonagh Village on the way to and from the matches and training.

YOUR CLUB, YOUR THOUGHTS
We always like to hear from our members near and far. If you have a story, any interesting historical information or an article about the club that you would like to share we would love to hear it.Any submissions for consideration can be sent to siofrascanlan@gmail.com

Fixtures Weekend 8th/9th February

PLEASE NOTE ALL MATCHES THIS WEEKEND ARE SUBJECT TO PITCH INSPECTIONS AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

SATURDAY 8th February
SWC ~ U20 ~ NUIG V SHANNON, Galway 2.30pm

SUNDAY 9th February
MSSL ~ 2nds ~ SHANNON V GARRYOWEN, Coonagh, 2.30pm
3rds ~ Friendly ~ SHANNON V WASHINGTON IRISH, Coonagh, 2.30pm

Monday 10th February
Ladies ~ SHANNON V NENAGH ORMOND, Coonagh, 8.00pm

Underage Training and Fixtures

ANY FIXTURES PROPOSED FOR COONAGH FOR THIS WEEKEND ARE WEATHER DEPENDENT
IN LIGHT OF THE CURRENT CONDITIONS AND THE WEATHER FORECAST ALL MINI RUGBY WILL BE IN VILLIARS THIS SUNDAY MORNING AT 10.00AM.

As of now U10s blitz will go ahead on Well Pitch at 10.00am as scheduled.
Youth Rugby will train on Training Pitch
U13 League match on Well Field at 11.30 am
All these are dependant on the condition of the pitches

Thought Of The Week

"Keep the faith, don't lose your perseverance and always trust your gut extinct".