Club Notes Week Ending 11.03.12

This week’s Club Notes come from Killorglin RFC, Shannon RFC and Young Munster RFC.

Killorglin RFC

Senior: Killorglin V Dingle – Munster Junior Bowl Semi-Final

Killorglin travelled to near neighbours Dingle in the All-Kerry clash of this years Munster Junior Bowl, Semi-Final.

The Puck Pack made the journey with some confidence after dismissing Dingles challenge earlier in the year in a league fixture with some ease 34-0. However the campaign has taken its toll on the Killorglin squad as they took to the field without the services of some key personnel: David O Sullivan, Mike Breen, Colm Conway, Morgan Foley, Mikey Griffin, Darren Sherlock, Liam Walsh & talisman Chris Sullivan.

With a big crowd in attendance Killorglin started the brighter and with a sustained period of pressure Dingle gave away a penalty just outside their own 10m line. Luke O Shea stepped up a hit a fantastic effort just under the bar. Killorglin continued their dominance in the early exchanges, particularly in the scrum, with the front row of John “Twin” O Sullivan, James Hayes & Barry Sheehan giving another excellent performance.

With only 10mins gone Killorglin were in the lead when the impressive Noel O Reilly crossed the line in the corner after a smart back move involving Darren Curtayne & Mark Healey. Luke O Shea struck the conversion against the wind from the side line and it sailed straight over the bar, a kick that Ronan O Gara himself would have been proud of. Luke again added another 3 points, 5mins later, from a penalty for the Killorglin side.

Dingle replied with a try in the corner of their own mid-way through the 2nd half with a clever off-loading move, the conversion was hit badly wide to leave the score at half time 5-10.

Right from the kick off Dingle came storming back into the game and were rewarded a penalty, which they duly converted. The men from the west had all the momentum, territory & possession for the next 30mins of the encounter & they threw everything they had and more at the Killorglin men. In what Club President Leslie West called “the longest half of rugby I ever watched”.

It was a test of character, resilience & determination that the Killorglin side passed with flying colours. A manful display of guts and an example of bloody single mindedness by Tony Lynch, John James Johnston, Andrew Reilly, Brian Ahern, Tom Healy, Robert Coffey & Club Captain Brian Hayes allowed Killorglin defence to stand firm repelling wave after wave of Dingle’s attack.

Mikey Ahern, Liam Griffin & Dave Coffey settled matters down in the last in the last 10mins for the Killorglin men, closing out the game to allow Killorglin reach the Munster Junior Bowl Final against Fermoy on April 1st.

Team: John Twin O Sullivan, James Hayes, Barry Sheehan, John James Johnston, Tony Lynch, Brian Ahern, Robert Coffey, Andrew O Reilly, Dave Coffey, Luke O Shea, Tom Healy, Kieran Crowley, Darren Curtayne, Mark Healy, Noel O Reilly.

Replacements: Liam Griffin for Kieran Crowley 50mins, Brian Hayes for John Twin O Sullivan 60mins, Mikey Ahern for John James Johnston 70mins,

West Munster Cup Under 15 Killorglin 20 : Castleisland 7

Killorglin put in their best performance of season in second half to overturn a 7 point deficit at half time in scoring 20 unanswered points. Castleisland shaded first quarter and were awarded a penalty try but thereafter Killorglin took a firm grip on game, which would have been more pronounced except for an uncharacteristic misfiring lineout.

The scrum provided a powerful platform all game and this allied to strong tackling, direct running and fast rucking yielded 3 great team tries scored by Tiernan, Ben and Neil with Darren converting one and Robert kicking vital penalty mid way through second half to put 2 scores between the teams.

Killorglin had a powerful tight five and with Mike leading backrow charge with Cathal and Neil providing perpetual motion and commotion in Castleisland ranks whilst Tadgh and Jesse directed traffic very well at halfback, George and Tiernan provided plenty of go forward ball in the centre and Kevin and Darren scrupulously covered the back.

Everyone played well including the subs and very encouraging to witness lads playing for each other and with an urgency that bodes well for stiffer challenges ahead, Killorglin look forward to hosting Tralee in semi final on Saturday 24th March. Many thanks to Castleisland for a very sporting game where they really put it up to our lads with their skill and determination.

Killorglin RFC West Munster 2012 Plate Winners.

Killorglin Under 17 were crowned West Munster Plate Champion this weekend.

Shannon RFC

I've often wondered what exactly is going through the mind of a man who is lining up for a shot at goal in what will be the last kick of the game , especially when there is so much at stake. Having never been in that position , I can only take what the kicker says after the event as being the gospel, although I suspect that quite often the emotions are often suppressed or even dismissed as, "sure that's what I do" attitude. There's a mental fortitude that many will never experience, thankfully, in most cases, and it does take a certain breed to put focus on the moment and not the consequences of success or failure.

Last Friday night in Dooradoyle, Tadgh Bennett was given the opportunity to land a penalty that would give us a much-merited draw. "Last kick of the game" says Mr Black, the referee. 40 metres out, almost straight on front of the posts, but nothing's ever easy in these situations. How we managed to get that penalty will be credited to our pack, and in particular, Killian O'Neill whose perfectly timed engagement allowed the all-important little shunt that unsettles the opponents.

In the overall context of our rearranged Ulster Bank League game with Garryowen, quite how we arrived at a situation where we needed a last ditch shot at goal to share the spoils is something that will be addressed on the training pitch. We played well for a little over 50 minutes of the game, but still found ourselves trailing 17-5 at the break. Similarities with our previous weeks clash with the light blues are uncanny, in particular how we allowed them to forge the first half lead.

An early penalty, and then , somewhat against the run of play, they scored a try and heading towards the break the addition of three penalties saw us trail by 17. The ominous signals had once again reared their head and the outlook looked bleak. At this stage heads could just as easily have dropped. It's not as if we didn't have chances to get on the board. A couple of missed shots at goal, had they been landed could well have put a different perspective on the game, but everything was a battle now. Half time edged closer and with the undesired thoughts of no return from 40 minutes began to emerge, thankfully, however Tadgh began his 20-point haul when he blocked down a clearance and scurried after the loose ball to eventually get the grounding. The seeds of our revival began there, and continued immediately after the break when Tadgh landed a penalty.

Half time brought some words of reality and a much better second half ensued which brought us to the point at where we began this week's notes, Tadgh's 83rd minute penalty. we have to mention the little bit of luck that we benefited from, which was about time in coming if you ask me, when Garryowen spurned two late try scoring chances which would almost certainly have handed them the win. But anyway, up stepped Tadgh, sweetly struck and over. Long whistle, a bit of a whoop, and then a touch of relief that we managed to leave with something. It wasn't a much-needed win, but it was something and again the attitude of the side was admirable when faced with the chasm. They all performed well , particularly in the second half, from St Mary's Darragh Fitzgerald , our newest dual status player who previously played with us at underage , to a man , in my humble opinion has never played a better game for us , Dan Heffernan.

So we are now 5 points ahead of Blackrock and of course the relegation spot with four games to play. It's all in our own hands now and we begin the final run with a toughie against Cons on the 24th.

Saturday saw more heroics and if ever we have seen a team lose a game but keep their pride intact, than the our U/21's certainly fitted that description. Our final Southwestern conference game of the campaign saw us face Old Crescent in Rosbrien, where the result had no bearing on our third place, but for the home side the result was of huge significance.

A situation, which hasn't really happened in many years, saw the U/21's struggle to get a team on the pitch, due to a number of factors including senior call-ups, exams, and injury, but we did manage to muster 15 players to start the game. Some of those not in the fullness of fitness and we ended up with just 13 on the pitch. The fixture needed to be fulfilled and that we managed that was an achievement in itself, but what transpired in the 80 minutes of rugby was a display of true character and pride. Amazingly, we managed to hold the table toppers to a 9-9 draw with minutes remaining. Literally, we had lads on the pitch who were after their enormous efforts were banged up quite a bit, but even when offered the chance to concede the game after 60 minutes, they collectively rejected that notion and carried on.

Crescent managed a penalty to leave it at 12-9 and we all thought that was that, the lads would just see out the time, but they rallied once again and should really have been awarded penalty metres from the Crescent line on one of their final flurries. When the full time whistle sounded, bodies just collapsed in exhaustion and pain and for a side with nothing really to play for, they stood tall and proud and produced one of the bravest displays I have seen for some time. Next Saturday they will have to muster a much different type of courage as we face the playoff with a very tough game in Annacotty against UL/Bohs We'll have a full compliment then , but the task won't be made any easier, but when in form, the 21's are a match for any side.

On Sunday the Women had their own difficult assignment when they travelled to Blackrock for the AIL cup. It was always going to be an uphill struggle for our young side, but they acquitted themselves with their usual tenacious attitude, even in the face of mounting points against them. There was no dispute here as to who were the better side and Blackrock marched onto the next round with a big win. Again, it's always worth pointing out that our women's side have made great strides this year under the guidance of Enphyes Davies.

At underage we had the U/8's in great form as they hosted a blitz with Thomond and UL/Bohs which saw us with two teams compete. It was again a great morning of rugby for the lads and they continue to show great improvement.

The U/14's hosted St Senans in a friendly and had a good win, but that wasn't the ultimate objective for the coaches. It was an opportunity for them to mix their side up a bit and making a few positional changes. It worked well on the day and it will certainly give them a few options as the cup campaign nears.

The U/9's played UL/Bohs in a series of games and much like the /8's had an enjoyable morning, winning two games and losing two.

The Minis have no rugby this weekend, and the only game scheduled at underage is for the U/16's who play Thomond.

Adult Fixtures

Saturday

U/21 SWC AIL Playoff V UL/Bohs Annacotty 2.30

Underage Fixtures

U/16 Lg V Thomond Fitzgerald Pk 12pm

Young Munster RFC

Young Munster now with 5 Irish Clubs representatives

Neville Melbourne joins the squad to face England Counties

The Ireland Club Squad is regrouping following their great win over Scotland last Friday night, as they prepare for their second game in London this Friday night, March 16th, against the England Counties.

Young Munster No.8 Neville Melbourne has been called up to the squad in preparation for this weekend’s game, and joins the other four Young Munster players on the Irish side. This brings the Young Munster representation to five on the Irish squad, the largest representation from any of the clubs.

The Ireland Clubs XV took a 26-21 win over the Scots to claim the Dalriada Cup for the second successive year, on Friday, March 9 at Anglesea Road, Dublin. The Irish side is made up of a combination of the best rugby players from the Ulster Bank Club League.

Young Munster’s Mike Kelliher started the game at first centre to get his first cap, with Young Munster’s Ger Slattery the first choice hooker. Young Munster flanker Liam Og Murphy came off the bench after 48 minutes with Young Munster prop Hugh McGrath also getting game time in the second half to secure his first Irish Club cap.

The Ireland Club Squad will face the England Counties on March 16th away in Preston Grasshoppers RFC. Good luck to the Young Munster players and all the Irish players involved.

IRELAND CLUB Team & Replacements v Scotland Clubs XV, Ulster Bank Club International, Anglesea Road, Old Belvedere RFC, Friday, March 9, kick-off 6.30pm:

15. Rodger McBurney (Ballymena)*
14. Cian Aherne (Lansdowne)*
13. Killian Lett (Clontarf)
12. Mike Kelliher (Young Munster)*
11. Cathal Quinn (Cork Constitution)*
10. Craig Ronaldson (Lansdowne)*
9. Gerry Hurley (Cork Constitution)
1. Rob Sweeney (St. Mary's College)
2. Ger Slattery (Young Munster)
3. Christy Condon (Dolphin)
4. Philip Donnellan (Cork Constitution)
5. Fergal Walsh (Shannon)
6. Simon Crawford (Clontarf) (capt)
7. Barry O'Mahony (Clontarf)
8. Hugh Hogan (St. Mary's College)

Replacements:

19. Frank Cogan (Clontarf) for Hogan (38), 18. Liam Og Murphy (Young Munster) for Condon (48 mins), 17. Risteard Byrne (UCD)* for Slattery (61 mins), 21. Barry Keeshan (Dolphin) for Ronaldson (74 mins), 16. Hugh McGrath (Young Munster)* for Crawford (77 mins).

* Denotes previously uncapped player

Ulster Bank League resumes with ‘the Big Game’ March 24th at home

YM UBL GAME 15 – Clontarf at home 24/03/12 [*book now for this Pre-Match Lunch]

This game could be the defining match of the season. The lads need the support to come out in force. We brought the league title to Clifford Park in 1993 with the help of the biggest crowd ever to attend a club game in Ireland when we beat St. Mary’s in Lansdowne Road. We need to make Clontarf very much aware of the 16th man/woman. We nearly filled Lansdowne Road so we should be able to fill Clifford Park without too much trouble!

If all our supporters make a special effort to be there, our team can make it a special day for Young Munster. The team has not let us down. Make sure that they are aware of our appreciation on a vital day in the All-Ireland League. Spread the word, come out in force and bring your friends.

YM UBL GAME 16 –Lansdowne away 31/03/12

YM UBL GAME 17 – Dolphin at home 14/04/12 [*book now for this Pre-Match Lunch]

YM UBL GAME 18 –St. Mary’s away 21/04/12

* to reserve your place at the Pre-Match Lunches for Clontarf and Dolphin at home, contact Brendan Collopy at 086-6062606 or Fergal Deegan 086-2265692. €;25 includes admission, 2-course lunch with wine and match programme. All are welcome.

Membership of Young Munster RFC

Members who have not already paid their annual membership fee are reminded that the annual membership must be paid before March 31st. Members must be full paid in order to be eligible to vote, or to be nominated for a position on the club committee. Please send any outstanding fees to John Mc Loughlin, Assistant Treasurer, 20 Cherry Avenue, Caherdavin Lawn, Limerick. Membership is €;80. New members always welcome.

Fixtures

Sunday 18th March

Munster Seconds League:
YOUNG MUNSTER V BRUFF
2.30pm Tom Clifford Park

Monday 19th March

U13s Cup: Newcastle West Vs Young Munster
11.30am NCWest

Young Munster win 6 from 6 games in U11’s Dooradoyle blitz

Well done to the Young Munster U11’s on a great day in Dooradoyle at Garryowen FC. We had two teams on the day playing three matches each and winning all six games and conceding only one try on the day.

In group 1 we won 3-0 v Garryowen, 6-1 v Bohs, and 2-0 v Garryowen 2.
In group 2 we won 5-0 v Richmond, 2-0 v Garryowen, and 2-0 v Garryowen 2.

There were great performances by all our players. We were missing a few of our regular players D. Foley, S. Mason and S. Tracey. A special mention for Ethan O'Sullivan who injured his shoulder during the week and had to watch all the matches from the sideline. Lets hope he has a speedy recovery. Up the Black and Amber!

Underage News

St Patricks Day Parade – Sat 17th March 2012

Once again this year all mini players are invited to walk with the club as we parade down Limerick’s main streets. Coaches from each age group will co-ordinate the marching and again this year we will walk behind The Friends of the Elderly.

Meeting point for all is at The Model School on O Connell St at 11.30am and collection point is at the courthouse once we have finished. Can we ask all parents to make sure a coach has a contact number for all and come and meet the kids once we finish marching. Please wear club jersey and dark tracksuit bottoms, but come warm! Remember to fill the player pockets with sweets… very important… and we wish all a pleasant day and hope to see you all there…

(There is no training on Sunday 18th March…See you all on 25th)

Thanking You, Underage Committee