Club Notes: Week Ending 17.01.14

This week’s Club Notes come from Midleton, Shannon and Waterford City Rugby Clubs.

Midleton RFC

Courtesy of: Jason Boyle, Club PRO

Tullamore 12 Midleton 0

The first league outing of 2014 was a disappointing one for Midleton as we travelled to Tullamore in search of the win we needed to get out season back on track.

Midleton got play underway, Tullamore were up quickly gathering and kicking long, Midleton return it and play is back to halfway. A Penalty then sees Tullamore kick to the line just at the Midleton 22. Tullamore lose their lineout and Midleton clear their lines. In the resulting play it's a knock on for Midleton that sees the first scrum of the day. Tullamore put in, and off the back of the scrum make a run down the line – a good tackle by our out-half sees the attack ended and a lineout to Midleton. Tullamore pile on the pressure and eventually are rewarded with their first try after about 8 minutes of play. The conversion attempt is wide so the score stands Tullamore 5 Midleton 0.

The remainder of the half sees Midleton looking to secure a try however attempts to get a score are frustrated as handling errors increase and a lot of forward play ends with scrums for knock ons. We do get a chance at goal however the kick is wide to the left. Halftime score is Tullamore 5 Midleton 0.

The second half gets under way and within 10 minutes Tullamore go over for their second try. The conversion this time is good and the score is Tullamore 12 Midleton 0. At this point Midleton up their attack and spend a lot of time in the Tullamore half but are unable to break the defence. Penalties won are kicked to the line as a try is chased in an attempt to turn things around but without success.

Midelton enjoyed a lot of possession in this game and mounted attacks that went to the Tullamore line but were just unable to put it over for the score. A disappointed team left the pitch as they felt that this was a winnable encounter. Next game is at home to Instonians on the 25th January for what will be a “must win” game.

Shannon RFC

Courtesy of:- Siofra Scanlan, Club PRO

Congratulations to our U20s who won out over UL Bohemians in Annacotty last Saturday to take the North Munster League title. Also congrats to our Seconds who continue their winning ways. The win over Richmond last Sunday sees them comfortably top of the Seconds table. Well done to all involved. 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

Heineken Cup Tickets Munster V Edinburgh
Shannon RFC still have East Terrace ticket available for the Heineken Cup game Munster V Edinburgh this Sunday 19th January. They are priced Eu30.00. Should you wish to purchase tickets please contact Tadhg Crowe on 087 6524958 or email secretary@shannonrfc.com

Pre-Match Lunch
We will be hosting a Pre-Match Lunch on Saturday 1st February at 12.30pm in Shannon RFC Clubhouse, prior to the AIL Match Shannon V Corinthians. Prices for this Brunch are Eu20.00 Adult/ Eu15.00 Student/ O.A.P. The price includes lunch and entry to the Match. Bookings should be confirmed no later than Thursday, 30th January to Denis O'Driscoll, on 086-8377263 or email inforshannonrfc@gmail.com

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

International Tickets
Demand for all International Tickets is high, however we do have a selection still available for the Scottish and Italian games this year. Anyone who would like further information or wish to purchase tickets, please contact Tadhg Crowe on 087 6524958 or email secretary@shannonrfc.com

Shannon RFC Race Night
We will be hosting a race night in Shannon RFC on February 7th 2014 at the clubhouse. 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 ~ €;100
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 CLUBHOUSE, YOUR LOCAL FOR MATCHES
Shannon RFC Clubhouse will be open on Sunday 19th January for the Heineken Cup game Munster V Edinburgh. Why not stop in before the match and see the new look clubhouse. Full bar available serving all your favourite beers on tap with selection of Hot Food available. Doors open early at 10.30am with kick off at 12.45pm in Thomond Park.

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 18th/19thJanuary 2014

SATURDAY 18TH JANUARY
Seniors ~ Friendly ~ SHANNON V GARRYOWEN Dooradoyle, 2pm
SWC ~ U20s ~ SHANNON V U.L BOHEMIANS, Coonagh, 2.30pm

SUNDAY 19TH JANUARY
Underage Training and Fixtures
MINIS
9.30AM
U6,7,8,9,10 Top Pitch
U11,12 Well Field

10.00am
U13 Hill well field @10.30
U14 Training Pitch
U15 Training Pitch
U16 Pan Munster v Waterpark @ Coonagh SATURDAY 18TH JANUARY Well Field 12.00pm.

Thought Of The Week

"At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to success is positive involvement"

Waterford City RFC

Courtesy of:- Damien Kennedy, Club PRO

Munster Challenge Shield

Ennis 20
Waterford City 05

City travelled to Ennis last Sunday and in appalling conditions in the opening round of the Division 2 Cup. Ennis came out of the blocks quickly whereas City were quiet simply asleep and this saw them score two tries and a penalty in the first 15mins to put them 15-0 up. City did gather themselves and the remainder of the half was spent with both sides trying to gain dominance but the muddy conditions began to worsen and the was difficult to hold onto the ball for either team. City came out more fired up in the 2nd half and had a try within 5mins to bring the score to 15-5 , 10 mins later City were again on the Ennis tryline and looked like added their 2nd try but the ball was spilled and Ennis kicked it up past the halfway, from the resulting lineout Ennis earned a penalty which brought them deep into City territory and they found their way over to bring the score to 20-5, the rest of the game was played in similar fashion as City continually found themselves close to the tryline but poor decision making cost them and the game ended 20-5 in Ennis favour. Very frustrating for the lads as errors were the main reason for this loss and being clinical. All attention now turns to next Saturday’s huge League game at home to Killorglin, KO is 2:30, please come out and support.

Hard luck to our J2 side who lost 27-17 away to Michelstown, again a slow start cost the lads who finished strong in this game.

U-18

We played Kilfeacle this Sunday and in bad conditions we started well with a Ryan Phillips run from half way around the corner to score. This was quickly followed up with a try from John Kearney after a great tackle from Jake Phillips at the back of the scrum John picked up the loose ball to crash over. Then after some great counter rucking Gavin O'Mahnoy picked up the ball cut back on himself and sprinted to score.15-0 We reshuffled our team and the game became a reasonable contest up to half time. Kilfeakle started the second half well and score a hard fought well worked try in the corner. We took back the control after that wake up and went on to score again though Adian Powers strong run at the line he was over only to have the ball stripped away but he stayed alert to grab the ball out of the air and touch it down. Shane Walsh slotted the conversion even in the gale. We had time for one more score from David Roche who powered over low and hard after a lot of good play going through the phases. Final score 29-5 as Shane converted the final try. We could have scored more other than some good, never say die defence from Kilfeacle. Players to mention, everyone who helped make the game a great contest thank you but man of the match goes to Shane Walsh who came on and played well at 10

Our U-16 travelled to Nenagh in terrible conditions and lost 20-0 but the lads showed massive heart and can be proud of their performance against a good Nenagh side.