Club Notes: Week Ending 07.04.13

This week’s club notes come from Clonakilty, Kilfeacle and District, Shannon and Young Munster Rugby Clubs.

Click here for Clonakilty Club Notes

Click here for Kilfeacle And District Club Notes

Click here for Young Munster Club Notes

Click here for Shannon RFC Club Notes

Clonakilty Club Notes – Courtesy of Roy Magurie, PRO

Clonakilty May Face Play-Off for Survival

Clonakilty 15, Naas 21

Clonakilty may well have to face a play-off with one of the provincial junior champions to maintain their 12 year senior All Ireland League status following a narrow heart-breaking loss to Naas last Saturday in The Vale. It was billed as a must win game and it may well prove to have been that given results elsewhere. If this is to be their fate it will most definitely not be because of this game and the finger will be pointed at the away games with Sligo and Suttonians where three try and big leads were squandered. The team that turned up against Naas would have comfortably taken ten points from those games and Clon would have gone on to contest the placing’s at the other end of the table.

There was a large crowd in The Vale and they will have been bitterly disappointed with the result but equally they will have been immensely proud of the squad for the manner in which they fought and played to the end with a win always on the cards. Their commitment and physicality against the number two side in the league was flawless, errors were kept to a minimum and discipline generally was much improved. Clon were without talisman Alfie Harte who had to sit this one out due to receiving a second yellow in the previous game but it is doubtful that even the brave Harte could have improved on such a focused performance.

Having said all that it speaks volumes for Naas who won the game on the day despite Clon’s best performance of the season. This was mainly down to the 8, 9, 10 axis which won the day and maintained their promotion chances. The latter took a blow though by the failure to score four trys, which had been the target but Clon were never going to concede them such was the ferocity of their defence with David Lombard outstanding again.

The first 10 minutes were evenly contested with both sides showing in attack and indeed in defence. The Clon scrum was holding up well against the bigger pack and their mauls were also impressive. Naas were living offside at the rucks and mauls frustrating Clon’s chances but the visitors drew first blood with a penalty to inch ahead 0 – 3 after 12 minutes. Clon stuck to the task and had a chance of drawing level with a relatively simple penalty which just drifted wide. Naas came straight back to score what can only be described as a soft try in the corner following a missed tackle. The improbable conversion from the touchline gave the Kildare men a 0 – 10 advantage.
To their credit Clon were visibly stirred by this and raised the intensity and physicality of their game especially through Batt Duggan and Aidan Foley. Tomas Keogh robbed two line outs in succession and from the last steal a typical Keogh break split the defence and good work from Mark Purcell and Lombard got the ball to Kieran Howlin who showed just how lethal a finisher he is by scoring a great try. Deasy converted and the momentum was now clearly with Clon.

A superb drive by Ger McCarthy, who had a great game at the back of a pressured scrum, gave Purcell the chance to put in a great kick to the Naas 22 and although the line out was with Naas, Keogh again won and set up a maul which was collapsed by a desperate Naas defender and Deasy brought the sides level with a penalty. Clon had an opportunity to go in at half time three points up when Deasy attempted an audacious 52 metre kick which was not far off the mark.

Clon started the second half as they had finished the first running the ball from everywhere with Luke O’Shea’s passing inch perfect but Naas got a foothold in the home half and, following the sin-binning of Mike Keohane, three scrums in a row had the Leinstermen clearly on top. Their last, near the Clon line, destroyed the home scrum driving them over the line and their antipodean number 8 Timeoto got the try to put the visitors back ahead 10 – 15. Worse was to come with 20 minutes to go as the losing bonus was in extreme danger when Naas went 10 – 18 ahead with a penalty.

Clon never dropped their heads and their tenacity was rewarded with one of those great Clonakilty trys we have witnessed over the years. It is always difficult to single players out in these cases when it seems the whole team handles in a series of phases but Stephen Cotter, Joe Lee and Lombard in particular outstanding in the moves that finished with Tony Illstrom driving over for the try to reduce the gap to 15 – 18. Clon were finishing strongly and there was every hope of victory despite a drop goal which forced Clon to seek a converted try but unfortunately time ran out on a great game.

It was not a game that one could say Clon should have won, it certainly was one that one might say Clon could have won but certainly the performance was one that was deserving of a win. If that can be replicated against Rainey Old Boys, the leagues runaway leaders, in Magherafelt next week or indeed, if the worst comes to the worst, and the play off is the likely conclusion then it would be a very bad gambler that would bet against Clon surviving.

The squad was James Deasy, Kieran Howlin, Jason Wycherley, David Lombard, Chris Spearman, Mark Purcell, Luke O’Shea, Derry O’Neill, Batt Duggan (Capt), Aidan Foley, Tomas Keogh, Mike Keohane, Courtney Canning, Tony Illstrom, Ger McCarthy, Stephen Cotter, Gary Shannon, Sean White, Joe Lee and Ciaran Calnan.

Under Age Activities

The Underage mini section had a marvellous day out in The Vale when Munster hero James Downey showing the effects of the previous night’s game in Glasgow presented 150 minis with a commemorative medal of their season. Out in force to introduce James to all and sundry were his relatives the Clonakilty Downey family.

The club is very grateful to James for taking this time, particularly after such a gruelling night, to honour the young players of Clonakilty’s future. Speaking of the future Clonakilty’s Munster Under 17 champions beat Kanturk in the first round of the Munster cup south in Kanturk last weekend.

LOTTO!

The club Lotto for week 2/4/2013 produced no Jackpot winner. The numbers drawn were 3, 8, 14 and 18. Lucky Dip winners were Colm O’Donovan, Phil Kiely and Paul Stapleton from Naas. Next week’s Jackpot will be €8,700. If you’re not in you can’t win!

Autism Appeal

The Cork Association for Autism is holding its Flag Day across Cork City and County on Thursday the 2nd of May and is urgently seeking volunteers in Clonakilty at any time that suits the volunteers over the course of the day. All funds raised on the day will go directly to the provision of frontline services for adults with Autism in Cork. The club have been asked to assist and anyone who could help for however short a time should contact the office on 021-4271808.

Golf Classic

The major Golf Classic fundraiser is not that far away now. It will be held in Dunmore Golf Club on May 10th & 11th. Book your Tee times on 086 255 9799.

This weekend’s fixtures:

Saturday:
Under 15 Development Cup Semi-Final, Kinsale v Clonakilty, Kinsale 12.00pm
Under 17 league Final South, Clonakilty v Kanturk, PBC Wilton, 3.30pm
Sunday;
Munster J2 Cup Quarter-Final, Clonakilty v Kanturk, 12.00pm

Kilfeacle And District RFC – Courtesy of: Denis Wade, PRO

Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. lose against Cork Constitution  in the Quarter Finals of the Munster Junior Cup.

Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. – 12
Cork Constitution R.F.C. – 17 

After excellent performances and results against St. Marys and Kinsale in the previous rounds, Kilfeacle and District RFC were drawn away against Cork Constitution  RFC in the Quarter Finals of the Munster Junior Cup. When you reach this stage of the competition you tend to build up a head of steam and the squad as a whole, realize that three more good results and you raise the cup. On Sunday 31st of March the team produced a great performance but alas didn’t achieve the desired result.

In Morrissey Park on Sunday the 31st of March Cork Con showed their intent from the start. As with many games in this competition the opening minutes are a cagey affair as both sets of players test and probe their opposition. Eventually the game fell into a pattern which was the team with the advantage of the strong breeze having the Lion’s share of possession and territorial advantage. In the first half this was the visitors as their forwards combined well to build phase after phase of good play and maintained control of the ball for long periods. This dominance was reflected on the scoreboard when they went ahead when Philip O’Leary touched down for a push over try in the corner which they were unable to convert. Kilfeacle are resilient and in a matter of minutes the pack consisting of Simon Barry, Stephen Flood, James Mullane, Sean McGrath, Diarmuid O’Donnell, Keith Kearns, Ger Luby (Captain), John Hannigan, John Doyle, Jack Sullivan, Cormac O’Donoghue and James Ryan (Salmon) were now on top and providing great possession for the backs who in the form of Kilfeacle now enjoyed a spell of concerted pressure and the backs, J.J. Cooney, Packie Burke, Wallace Burke, Diarmuid Carr, Pat Ryan, Charles Walsh, Shane Morrissey and Bernard Callaghan looked dangerous every time they got the ball. Diarmuid Carr gained ground and off loaded to Packie Burke, who had an outstanding game, he subsequently beat two tacklers and drew in two more defenders before releasing Shane Morrissey who side stepped and skipped his way past defenders to score in the corner. Shane Morrissey was unable to kick the conversion so the game was tied with 26 minutes gone. UCC again put together some good play and finally Yasin Brown breached a stubborn Kilfeacle defence to score an unconverted try, which left the scoreboard reading  10 – 5 with half time looming. However once again Kilfeacle showed their determination and in the dying minutes of the half Sean McGrath burst out of his own half and supplied quick ball to Diarmuid Carr who fed Packie Burke, Charles Walsh burst through the line to create space for the onrushing Bernard Callaghan, his perfectly timed pass found Pat Ryan in space at speed. Pat had the beating of those who stood before him and managed to get his touch down closer to the posts. Shane Morrissey kicked the conversion and the half time whistle sounded and so the tale of nearly and almost began, a tale unluckily for Kilfeacle that would end in tears! At half time the score line read 12 – 10 to the home side.

The second half started with Cork Constitution putting all the pressure on the Kilfeacle defence. Kilfeacle defended well and when after 26 phases of play, in which Cork Con held the ball for 8 minutes, Kilfeacle finally stopped them and earned possession of the ball in the form of a scrum ten yards from their own line. Now was the opportunity to clear their line and earn some respite. However in the resultant scrum Kilfeacle’s scrum half JJ Cooney was impeded from taking the ball out of the scrum which allowed the scrum to go 90 degrees. Cork Con were given the put in and on this occasion Kilfeacle could not halt the onslaught and when Pat Parfrey scored the try under the posts it gave Brian Derham the simplest of conversions which was vital as it put Cork Con 5 points ahead with 24 minutes to go. Now the pressure was on Kilfeacle to respond and do so rapidly, as time was not on our side. Respond they did and after a gargantuan team effort, they were inside their oppositions 22. Cork Con were finding it hard to stop their opponents from gaining ground and were doing everything to ensure that their opponents didn’t get the essential try they needed. Kilfeacle were awarded penalties but each time turned down the kicking option because of the 5 point margin. Soon Cork Con were down to 14 men. The Kilfeacle supporters, of which there were many, were expectant of more. The score board now read only 17 points to 12 in favour of Cork Con, in  the Munster Junior Cup Quarteri-final, we had an extra man and we were at home. It was then I heard a familiar voice ask those two very important questions, "What’s left?" followed by "Why for Jayus sake do we put ourselves through this?"

Indeed, why do supporters of Munster Junior Rugby stand in rain sodden fields, leaning sideways into gale force winds, with umbrellas being whipped inside out, wearing numerous layers of clothes over our thermals and under a mix mash of gloves, scarves, hats, caps, hoods, mittens, Wellingtons and boots? On days that Brass Monkeys wouldn’t even venture out of bed! In conditions that Artic explorers wouldn’t survive more than mere minutes! Is it because we are assured that every contest we see is going to be a classic? That every gladiator who enters the arena is going to be of the highest standard, a beacon of fitness and conditioning, without fear or doubt in their hearts and with a mental focus that would overwhelm any extremist. Why do we give up our time, time that could be spent in more comfortable pursuits, more profitable endeavours? Time that could be spent with loved ones or enhancing or parenting skills to ensure that our offspring achieve all those unrealistic goals we set them, goals we never achieved ourselves! Why are we elated by victory, shattered by defeat, infuriated by errors, disgusted by ineptitude, bemused by decisions, disappointed by reality, satisfied by good fortune and philosophical about bad luck? 

Is it because we no longer can or never were able to play. Is it because it makes us feel like we belong. Is it because we can live vicariously through their efforts. Are we there for the team or for one particular individual. Is this a stepping stone for an up and coming or is it one final hurrah for a wily old veteran? What drives us on to stand there and scream until our voices are gone and our throats are sore? Always knowing better than the opposition, the coaches, the referees, the linesmen and even the players. Seldom happy with the team selection and never happy with the tactics. What drives us on when we are seldom if ever happy? Well for Kilfeacle supporters it is days like 31st of March 2013 when the side you support are so close to reaching the Munster Junior Cup Semi-Final. There was still time and Kilfeacle gave it their all and came very close, but as I said previously on the day our luck wasn’t in. When the final whistle sounded a spent band of players wearing the blue of Kilfeacle stood dejected and wondered how this one got away? Peter Ryan wished every success to Cork Con as they progress through the competition. He said, "It was not a question of skill or commitment, as one would back this current panel to a man. No, on the day some vital decisions did not go our way. To say we are disappointed would be putting it mildly however this is all part and parcel of the game and there is no use crying over spilt milk. Cork Con took all their scoring opportunities and seemed to gain a psychological advantage on us at vital stages during the game. We never really got to impose our game on them for long enough periods of the game. We can and will rectify these problems in training. Yes we lost but are not beaten! We will bounce back a better and stronger team. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved for their commitment and effort especially Packie Hallissey, James Hallissey, David Donovan and John Flaherty. The season so far has been a fantastic experience and we have one last chance of securing some silverware."

On Sunday 31st of March 2013, Kilfeacle’s first team stepped on to the pitch thinking that their faith was in their hands and that if they gave their all and performed as a team to the standard they are capable of they would stride off that patch of green as victors. 80 minutes later they realized that the only ingredient they lacked on the day was luck! They gave their all and did the club proud, every single man, but our hopes of winning this year’s Munster Junior Cup died in the celebrations of our opponents. We would like to thank everyone who travelled on the day and all from Cork Con RFC, thank them for a good game and wish the club the best for the rest of the season. Our seconds team will be in action next week at a time and venue tba, so please come and support them. Our fist team is back in competitive action at a time and date yet to be decided in the Garryowen Cup Final against Nenagh Ormond RFC. The game promises to be a mouth-watering tie and Nenagh have been installed as favourites. Yet it is a Final and only one game and as ever Kilfeacle and District will do their very best to bring the Cup back to Morrissey Park, so please come and lend your support to the team from the Hill, the Boys in Blue.

Congratulations to Jamie Heuston.

Everyone in Kilfeacle would like to congratulate Jamie Heuston after the Castletroy College team won the Munster Schools Junior Cup final.

Young Munster RFC:- Courtesy of Olivia O’Sullivan, PRO

Young Munster Golf Classic 2013

Young Munster RFC will be holding a fundraising Golf Classic on Friday 19th April 2013 at Limerick Golf Club, Ballyclough, Co. Limerick. As many of you know, these are very difficult times for all rugby clubs and Young Munster is no different. We also understand how difficult it is for all individuals in these times but would greatly appreciate your support for Young Munster RFC by entering our Golf Classic.

This year’s event is being kindly sponsored by GGL Security and we are doing everything possible to make it a most enjoyable day out for our teams and their guests. We have put together a package on an excellent parkland course with 15 top quality prizes on offer for the competing teams.

All teams that compete on the day will also be automatically entered into a draw that evening at our presentation of prizes for a signed and framed Paul O’Connell jersey which Paul himself has kindly donated, which will be presented to the winning team drawn. Paul O’Connell will be presenting the prizes that evening.

We would greatly appreciate your support by entering a team on the day.
Please contact the organising committee for further information:

– Darragh O’Sullivan 086-7246563
– Ger Haugh 087-2584341
– Mike Prendergast 087-8311297
– Brendan Collopy 086-6062606
– Johnny Smalle 087-2497428

Entry for team of four people €300
Includes: 
? Goodie bag on sign-in
? BBQ at "wee tee" (10th hole)
? Dinner afterwards in Clubhouse
? Entry into draw for signed and framed Paul O’Connell jersey
? Presentation of prizes by/photograph with Paul O’Connell that evening

Tee Box Sponsorship:
€50 an individual/company can sponsor a tee box on the day.
(Cheques/drafts made payable to Young Munster RFC)

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Another mixed bag for results

Our home encounter with UL Bohemians last weekend in the Ulster Bank League is one that many at Clifford Park will choose to forget pretty quickly. The game finished 0-6 to Bohs who are fighting to avoid relegation in division one.

Young Munster are in a state of no-mans-land as we see out the season, safe from relegation but with the league title in the hands of Lansdowne, the team is left with nothing to play for but pride and bragging rights, and even that seems too little to muster sufficient motivation at this stage. That was helped little by the number of missed penalties on the day.

With Shannon at home our next league fixture and ‘the soda cakes’ also fighting relegation, we have to hope our players can up their form and give us a worthy spectacle for the last home fixture of the season.

Final score: Young Munster 0 – 6 UL Bohemians

The following day our second XV welcomed Highfield to Tom Clifford Park in the league and saw off the Cork men by 34-29. Declan Bannon scored two tries, three conversions and a penalty, with tries also by Lukas Kunz, Greg Barry and Ger Bourke.

Final score: Young Munster 34 – 29 Highfield

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Fixtures

Saturday 6th April
O’Carroll Plate: Newcastle West v Young Munster, Newcastle West 2.30pm

Saturday 13th April
Ulster Bank League Div 1A: Young Munster v Shannon, Tom Clifford Park 2.30pm

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Season Tickets for Munster’s Games in Thomond Park

The club is in a position to order Season Tickets for Munster’s Rabo and Heineken games at Thomond Park for the 2013/2014 season. The tickets are offered to members and supporters at discounted prices which represents a saving on the retail price.

Applications for tickets should be submitted to the Club Treasurer: Ger O’Shaughnessy, 27 Abbey Court, Fr. Russell Rd, Limerick. Closing date for applications is 31/3/2013: All orders are subject to availability

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Collect Used Mobile Phones for a Life Saving Defibrillator

We have an opportunity to obtain a free defibrillator for the club if we collect 250 used mobile phones. We can meet our target if all our supporters look around and find their old phones. There is a receptacle in the club bar at present to which you can bring your old phone and, perhaps, save a life. Please support this worthwhile project. Since the appeal last week we have received a number of phones. We believe that there are still enough phones lying around to enable us reach the target. Please ask your friends and work colleagues.

Clubhouse open Sundays and available for functions

The clubhouse at Tom Clifford Park is open every Sunday with all pints just €3.50. To enquire about having functions in the clubhouse contact Frank Corr 087-2901015.

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Underage Fixtures

Saturday 6th April
U15 Friendly: Young Munster v Caldy RFC Liverpool, Tom Clifford Park 3pm
 
Sunday 7th April
U14 McCarthy Cup: Young Munster v Richmond, Tom Clifford Park 12 noon

Shannon RFC:- Courtesy of Siofra Scanlan, PRO

We had much to be proud of last Friday night as our Senior XV overcame Garryowen in superb style. It was a well fought contest with the cold not deterring the supporters. We would like to thank all who braved the wintry evening to cheer the team on. A special congratulations to all the players, coaches, management and back room staff.

Match reports are available at http://www.shannonrfc.com/rugby/senior/match-reports.htm

Events and News

Dates for the Diary
President’s Dinner: Friday April 5th

On the night we will be Celebrating Shannon’s 60 years in Senior rugby 1953-2013
Venue: Shannon Clubhouse, Thomond Park ,Friday April 5th @ 8pm
Band : The Nightowls with Disco to follow
Club member of the Year Award will be presented on the night.
Tickets are €25 per person. Anyone interested in reserving please contact Tadhg Crowe on   087-6524958  or Gerry Ryan on   086-0618333

President’s Walk Sunday April 14th

The "Presidents Walk" is on Sunday 14th April starting in the Club House at 12 pm. The routes are the same as last year at 5k and 10k. A percentage of the money collected will go to Milford Hospice. Afterwards back in the clubhouse, food and beverages will be served, Live 95 fm will be there, face painting,Munster Rugby Stars, music and prizes for best dressed etc will all follow. Last year was a big success so lets try and make it even better this time. Should you wish to obtain a sponsorship card please contact any member of the Executive Committee. All contact details can be found on www.shannonrfc.com in the contact section.
We would urge everyone to support this great event. It is raising important funds for your club and community.

Golf Classic:  Friday June 21st. Shannon RFC Golf Classic at Shannon Golf Club.

Full details for these events will be available soon.

We Need Your Support

The next AIL match will be St Mary’s V Shannon on Saturday 6th April in Templeville Road at 2.30pm. We would urge anyone who can travel to come and cheer on our team. We all know that this is another important match. All support is welcome.

All at Shannon RFC would like to thank everyone for their support for all events for 2012 and would urge anyone interested in helping out at the club in 2013 to contact any of the committee members. All contact details are on our website www.shannonrfc.com

Lotto Results 28th March

No Jackpot Winner!

Numbers Drawn: 10, 12, 25, 29

€50 Consolation Prize Winners
1. FIONAN DELANEY____________C/O TADGH CROWE
2. JOHNNY IRWIN______________C/O PADDY TOBIN_
3. NOEL WOODLAND___________C/O JOE CLEARY

NEXT WEEKS DRAW 4TH APRIL @ KATY DALY’S

Next Weeks Jackpot: €8,300

*DON’T FORGET TO SUPPORT YOUR CLUB WITH SHANNON RFC CLUB CALENDERS AVAILABLE NOW.*
Please keep in mind the Shannon RFC clubhouse for any event, birthdays celebrations or office parties. All contact details can be found at
http://www.shannonrfc.com/club/parties-a-functions.htm

Please find the Senior fixtures and Youth Training as follows:

Saturday April 6th

AIL- Senior XV- St Mary’s V Shannon @ 2.30pm Templeville Road

Underage Training Weekend Saturday 6th April

Minis
Saturday 6/04
u11 @  Naas
 
Sunday 7th April
10 am
U6/7 main pitch
U8    main pitch
U9    main pitch
U10  blitz @ young munster
U12  training
 
youths
11.00 am
U13   train
11.30 am
Pitches available for any youth team that wants to train

Note Changes:
U14 cup v UL Bohs postponed. Now on Tuesday 9th April Coonagh @ 6.30pm
U19 Closed cup final v Bruff Grove Island (St Marys) Corbally 7th April @11.30am
 
NO OTHER CUP FIXTURES

Boots – Blades.
Note: We (Underage) at Shannon RFC are putting into place a complete ban on boots with blades. The injury to a young u15 player early this season at the club has focused the mind on the horrific injury he had to suffer. He has had a long period of recovery and we want  to make sure that no other player suffers a similar injury. It is important that parents are advised at this point as lots of kids will be looking to get new boots for Christmas. When checking boots, Referees will be paying particular attention to ‘blades’ and if they are in any way damaged/rough then they will not allow them.

Thought For The Week

"Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success"

Club Shop

Please keep in mind for Birthdays and special occasions we have a great selection of Shannon RFC clubware available from the club shop.
Now in Stock:
Windbreakers, Club Gearbags and small size club jerseys and shorts.
The shop is open in Coonagh every Sunday from 10am to 12pm.
Anyone who wishes to order any items please contact Audry Yeoman on yeomanhannon@gmail.com or 087 6293002