Club Notes: Week Ending 18.05.14

This week’s club notes come from Bantry Bay and Midleton rugby clubs.

Bantry Bay RFC

Courtesy of: Denyse Scully, Club PRO

At that time of the year when you expect the season to be slowing down BBRFC are in throes of enjoying the celebrations of winning on and off the pitch and there is a great feel good factor amongst all the players, supporters and members at the end of this great season.

Youth Club of the Year 2014.

It was with great pride that the club accepted the award for Youth Club of the Year at the annual Munster Awards luncheon in Maryborough House last Thursday. It was a testament to the strong 120 plus playing members and the work and dedication of the coaches. It has been an outstanding year of successes – the additions of girl's rugby, strong representation on Munster Development Squads and Tim Cronin & Mike Casey earning first Munster Club Caps, U16 success in PanMunster and the only club fielding teams in three finals on finals day with wins at U18 and U14 level.

It was fitting also that Eugene McCarthy, Director of Coaching and Club Community Rugby Officer accepted the award – for many years he has proven to be the heart and driving force in club developments.

Girls Schools Teams Storm Munster Finals

Both U18 and U15 Coláiste Phobal, Bantry teams entered the final school blitz day last Tuesday in contention for the top spots. Both teams performed superbly on the day to both reach the finals against the same competition for Coláiste Ide & Josef, Abbeyfeale. Both games were keenly contested, with great rugby and skills displayed by both sides. It ended in a narrow loss by U18 team which was compensated with a narrow win by U15 team. As noted by school coach and club coaches supporting on the day it was a fantastic achievement and all involved were justifiably proud. The success of rugby within the school continues to rise and strengthen.
Many thanks to Women's Development Officer Amanda Greensmith & supporting coaching staff for the fantastic competition held over three blitz days in various venues.

Awards Evenings

This week the club is hosting three awards nights for varying age groups to celebrate the rugby, friendships and successes on and off the pitch. On Saturday night last the final Dunmanway/Bantry Bay night out was held as the players from both clubs bade farewell to the team locally known as Quins. The joint venture born out of necessity proved a successful and happy venture for both clubs but they will amicably part again for the coming season.

The U6s to U14s were presented with their awards on Sunday evening by our Munster representatives, Tim Cronin & Mike Casey. The club were delighted with the large turnout on the evening and again very grateful to Stephen, Gillian & staff at The Mariner for hosting the event. (The final awards night for youth players will take place on Thursday night next). The club would like to thank Geraldine Hicks, Club Treasurer for organising the events and prizes.

Aviva Mini Festival

Finally, the club is delighted that the U10 team entered by Mini Coordinator, Damien Hicks has been selected as one of the teams to take part in the mini festival next Saturday at the Aviva Stadium. This is a once in a life time opportunity for many of these kids to follow in the footsteps of their rugby heroes and take the field in Aviva.

Midlteon RFC

Courtesy of:- Jason Boyle

We are delighted to announce the signing of Christy Condon to Midleton RFC. Fergus Burke, head coach, on welcoming Christy back to Midleton said "Christy will brings a depth of experience and knowledge to the first team setup that will be immensely beneficial next season, I am delighted that Christy is coming on board and I am looking forward to working with him". David Ryan, Director of Rugby, commented "Christy is a great addition to any side, I am very happy that we will have him in our line up next season. He has a lot to offer and we will be making good use of his skills and abilities"

Christy is no stranger to Townspark, he started his playing career with Midleton as a mini at under 9 and played with the club up to U20 before moving to Waterpark for 2 years. He then emigrated to Australia and New Zealand before returning to Cork and signing for Dolphin. Christy was contracted to Munster for 2 seasons and was capped in La Rochelle. He holds 6 club international caps and last season Captained Dolphin RFC.

Midleton's David Ryan, Director of Rugby, Christy Condon and Fergus Burke, Head Coach, pictured at Midleton RFC