Club Notes: Week Ending 22.03.13

This week’s club notes come from Clonakilty, Ennis, Kilfeacle and Young Munster rugby clubs.

CLONAKILTY RFC – Courtesy of Roy Maguire, PRO

Last Saturday was a wonderful day for Clonakilty RFC. A hugely successful under age season was capped by two sides lifting their respective league trophies. The Under 15s beat Skibbereen in a tight game in Wilton PBC Grounds to take the South Munster League Trophy while the Under 17s took The Munster League Trophy in an equally tight encounter in The Mardyke. The way these sides have played and conducted themselves all season, any other result would have been a huge disappointment to all concerned. While the players won the trophies the efforts of the coaches and mentors must also be applauded. Congratulations also to Bandon who had a big 40 – 5 win over Highfield in the Under 19 Munster final. It is interesting to note that of the six teams contesting Munster underage finals on Saturday four of them were from West Cork. Rugby is very much alive and well in West Cork.

Clonakilty 12 , Skibbereen 10

First in the field were the under 15s. They had surprisingly eased past Skibb in an earlier fixture in Skibb some weeks ago by 22 – 5 but this was not expected to be a repeat. And neither was it. Skibb made all the early running but it was Clon that scored first against the run of play when a quickly taken penalty caught the Skibb boys flat-footed and a break by Oisin Walsh was carried on by Oisin Devoy who put Stephen Sherry away. The winger still had a lot to do from the halfway line but he out-sprinted the cover to score behind the posts. The conversion by Ross Cantwell gave Clon a 7 – 0 lead. Skibb were back on level terms when they put a high ball up into the Clon 22 and although it was well taken and marked by the impressive Cantwell, the ref chose to ignore it and he (Cantwell) was bundled over his own line by the Skibb chasers. From the resultant scrum a powerful maul by the Skibb pack was rewarded with a converted try.

JD O’Hea was threatening throughout and he made one great break early in the second half which almost got the five-pointer. This was followed by a similar breakout by Skibb which emphasised just how close these teams were in terms of potential scores. However it is actual scores that count and Skibb went 10 – 7 ahead with a penalty some minutes later. Clon became very focused and got the crucial touch down when Travis Coomey finished great work by O’Hea again, Sherry and the Clon pack which featured John Hodnett in a disallowed try before Travis Coomey made sure to put Clon ahead 12 – 10. Colin Deane epitomised the determination of the whole side in one particular run he made with ball in hand swatting would be tacklers with impunity as he made 50 metres to set up another Clon opportunity on the Skibb 22. However an equally determined Skibb defence held out to keep the game in doubt right up to the final whistle.

Liam O’Donovan at Outhalf and blind side Thomas Hayes also caught the eye. Clon were without strike runner Alex Moore, unfortunately ruled out with an injury, but this squad has strength in depth and it will be interesting to watch their development again next year. The squad was JD O’Hea, Stephen Sherry, Colin Deane, Oisin Walsh, Victor Lovell, Liam O’Donovan, Ross Cantwell, Cathal O’Regan, Travis Coomey, Caelan O’Mahony, Jacob Lehane, Thomas McCarthy, Thomas Hayes, Tiernan Kerrisk, John Hodnett, Ben Lattimer, Brendan Layden, Jack O’Donovan, Alex Moore, Kieran Prendergast, Killian Lennon, Mike Hinchon, Adam O’Connor, Padraic Harrington, Conor Tyndall Shane Tanner, Maurice Shanley and Maurice Downey.

Clonakilty 13, Waterpark 11

The Under 17s were faced by Waterpark, the only team that they had lost to all season. This had been on the road in Waterford and, as it was only by one score, the confidence was high but, more importantly, the desire to put the record straight was intense. The large band of Clonakilty supporters may have been a little less confident after the Waterpark XV ran onto the pitch, such was their apparent physical advantage. However the West Cork boys made light of this with the ferocity of their play in the loose. Phillip Poillot, Joe White, Paul O’Regan and Andrew Cullinane all made their presence felt in the early exchanges and won a penalty after 15 minutes which gave Clon the game’s opening score by Eoghan Deasy.

Clon had to play without regular winger, Darragh McCullagh who was out of the country on a charity walk but, like the 15s, this squad is not short on able replacements. Aran Hayes put in a fantastic tackle at a time when Waterpark were threatening and the back row trio of Olan Deane, Mark Lynch and Phillip Poillot were immense putting pressure on the outhalf, who was afforded too much time in the first fixture. Joe White, at first centre, had a man of the match performance and his combination with David Jennings down the touchline created the opportunity for Hayes to score a great try under pressure which Deasy converted to put Clon 10 – 0 ahead. This was a well-deserved score as Clon had been in the ascendancy. Four minutes from the break Clon conceded a penalty which let Waterpark back into the game.

Apart from a few dangerous forays which came to nothing the determination which was so evident in the first half was missing in the second and Clon started to hand the initiative to the Waterford side. When Waterpark landed another penalty the tension was palpable as they scented a change in fortunes. It looked all over when they scored a try to give them a one point lead but the celebrations were premature. Clon got their mojo working again and worked the ball upfield and were rewarded with a penalty with just minutes remaining. It was not the most difficult kick that Deasy has ever lined up but the pressure must have been excruciating. As the ball sailed through the uprights the gasp of relief from the Clonakilty Faithful was clearly audible. The closing minutes were heart-stopping and the final whistle signalled great celebrations and a Clonakilty assault on an All Ireland title in the weeks to come.

They will now travel again (well used to it by now) to Galway to meet Connacht Champions Sligo in the All Ireland semi-final. If they can avenge the seniors and overcome Sligo the final has been set for Naas the following Saturday. The squad was: Bobby Smith, Aaron Hayes, Andrew Cullinane, Joe White, Ogie Scannell, Eoghan Deasy, Robert Finglas, David Jennings, Robert Kingston, Ross O’Connor, Conor Madden, Paul O’Regan, Mark Lynch, Olan Deane, Philip Poillot (Capt), David Walsh, Tadgh Dignan, Fraser Pock, Shane Scannell and Denis O’Driscoll.

All Ireland League

The seniors face into their final three games of the All Ireland League with a trip to Limerick to face Thomond. This is a vital clash – a win would go a long way towards safety while a loss could see Clon in a relegation play-off spot. Only six points separate the six sides desperately trying to avoid that position and Clonakilty and Thomond are two of those sides. Last time out Clon travelled to Skerries in relatively confident mood. Their form in training and in recent matches had been good and they had moved away from the danger zone by the garnering of bonus points in tight games. Unfortunately they shipped a loss and no bonus as a consolation in a strange game. The topic of conversation in the Skerries clubhouse by their members was not how they managed to get such a score but how they managed to win at all!

Clon had owned the ball and had set up permanent lodgings in the Skerries half for the entire game. They had bullied their hosts but never to the point of submission and Skerries with as lethal a backline as there is in the league capitalised on every Clon error to run in their scores from deep within their own territory, The first was a well-worked effort after only eight minutes which was converted but Clon were not fazed at that stage. A 30 metre rolling maul, good work from David Lombard and Ciaran O’Donovan and a great break from Tony Illstrom and Mike Keohane from a training ground line out move won a penalty which unfortunately was wide. That was the first of a series of bad luck and adverse refereeing decisions that went against Clon to leave the score 7 – 0 at half time.

In the second half Ciaran Calnan gave the ball some air with a Garryowen and gathered his own kick before landing the penalty awarded for the infringement that stopped the attack. The boost was short-lived as Skerries, despite another Calnan penalty and manful performances from all, especially Lombard, Mark Purcell, Stephen Cotter, Sean White and O’Donovan, made maximum use of every scrap of possession. They set a very talented backline in motion every time resulting in an unlikely and misleading final score of 38 – 6. The squad was James Deasy, Kieran Howlin, Alan Long, David Lombard, Ciaran O’Donovan, Joe Lee, Mark Purcell, Derry O’Neill, Batt Duggan (Capt), Aidan Foley, Tomas Keogh, Mike Keohane, Courtney Canning, Tony Illstrom, Alfie Harte, Stephen Cotter, Gary Shannon, Sean White, Luke O’Shea and Ciaran Calnan.

Salingers

Spirits were obviously low after the game but they will not allow that to affect the preparation for the Thomond game and support is very much welcomed in Limerick this Saturday. There is room on the team bus for some supporters who can secure their place by contacting team manager Barry Kirby. Thanks also to Salingers Menswear who were kind enough to sponsor part of the cost towards the post-match shirts recently presented to the players. Salingers is a men’s store located on French Church St. in Cork city and have a fantastic range of Italian and international labels. It’s a great store run by the very helpful Mike and Chris and if you need to get a suit, some smart casual-wear or gift vouchers call into the guys and mention Clon rugby and they will look after you (their website is http://www.salingers.ie).

Congratulations

Congratulations yet again to Laura Guest who has now added an Irish Grand Slam to her impressive list of achievements. Laura is being honoured on Monday at 7.30pm with the Celtic Ross/Southern Star Sports Person of the Month Award in The Celtic Ross Hotel.

Lotto

The weekly Lotto draw for Week 19/3/2013 produced no Jackpot Winner. The numbers drawn were 4, 5, 10 and 20. Lucky Dip Winners were Joe Lee, Mary Falvey and Marie O’Keeffe. Next Weeks Jackpot will be a cool €;8,500.00!

Golf Classic

A hugely important fundraiser for the club was recently announced. A Golf Classic will be held in Dunmore Golf Club on 10th & 11th May. The fantastic First Prize is kindly sponsored by James Deasy & Co Accountants. Each member of the winning team will receive a voucher for Dinner, B&B plus a round of golf for 2 persons in the magnificent setting of Carton House. This is a superb prize and is expected to prove very attractive to competitors. Participants will also enjoy a three course meal in Dunmore House Hotel and a Barbecue which will take place in the Rugby Club on the Saturday evening and at which the prizes will be presented. There will be an excellent range of team prizes and there will be prizes for Hole in One, Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive. This is a vital fundraiser for Clonakilty Rugby and support from members and the community is earnestly requested. The club is extremely grateful to hosts Dunmore Golf Club for their invaluable and generous assistance in running this event and Club Captain Kieran Costello tells us there are very attractive membership options available just now for anyone thinking of joining.

This weekend’s fixtures:

Saturday:
Under 15 South Munster Cup, Clonakilty v Skibbereen, The Vale, 11.00am
Under 17 South Munster Cup, Clonakilty v Kanturk, Kanturk, 12.30pm
South Development Cup, Dolphin v Clonakilty, Musgrave Park, 12.00pm
Sunday:
J2 Cup. Clonakilty v Iveragh, The Vale, 2.30pm

ENNIS RFC: Courtesy of: Alan Harvey

North Munster Under 14 Cup 1st round:
Newcastle West RFC 12 – 31 Ennis RFC

Ennis under 14’s were away to Newcastle West in the first round of the under 14 cup last Sunday in Killeline in Co. Limerick. Played in windy and showery conditions it didn't look as if it would be an easy run out against the conference league finalists compounded by a reorganised midfield pairing, front row and number eight. Ennis’ captain Alan Culligan won the toss and elected to play with the wind and hill in the first half putting it up to Ennis to start well and that they did when Culligan himself picked from the back of a ruck after a pre-rehearsed back move to run in a try within two minutes of the kick off. Kealan Butler converted for full points. Newcastle West was shell shocked within another three minutes when Ennis wing Conor Kearns sped down the right wing to touch down in the corner for a five pointer. Their misery continued on the 12th minute when, after some good retention work by the forwards, O’Shea released outside centre Conor Cahill down the left wing and setting the last defender, he selflessly popped off to Culligan to dive over the line in the corner for his second try of the afternoon. With a score line of 0-17, Ennis were well on top and were moving the ball around quickly in the tight, making it hard for the home defence to focus their efforts. This ploy however back fired on the 18th minute when Newcastle West’s first centre, Michael Burke, intercepted an offload and raced forty five metres for an unconverted try. This gave the home side a renewed vigour and they started to retain possession but all too often carelessly kicked possession down field for Ennis’ full back Eoghan O’Cellaigh to launch counter attacks. Scoring was finished off just before the half time whistle when Ennis’ newly converted number 8, Jack Colleran picked from the base of a scrum to bash through under the posts giving Butler an easy tap over to leave the score at 5 to 24.

With the elements to their backs, Newcastle West’s’ kicking game now started to pay dividends with some good field position. After some phased possession in the 22, West’s big number 8, Jack Lyons broke through some weak Ennis tackling to run in a try under the posts making for an easy conversion to get a foothold back into the game. Ennis knowing that the game was far from over played some intelligent rugby by keeping the ball in hand and this was typified by Mark Cabey’s fantastic 50 metre run up field to put the visitors into a position to pressure the try line after a great off load to Cahill who came steaming up in support to progress the move. After multiple attempts to breach the home side’s line were fended off, most of the play for the remainder of the half was played between the 22s. Newcastle West did get themselves into some good attacking field positions but they repeatedly kicked cross field which showed a lack in confidence and made for a 50 – 50 ball reducing their advantage while Ennis played a more conservative game. Scoring was completed just before the full time whistle by the industrious Conor Cahill when he beat his marker and raced 40 metres past the despairing defence to score under the posts. Conor Kearns converted to leave the final score 12 to 31.

Blind side Cathal Talty give his best performance of the season with some aggressive running and tackling, aided by his back row partners of Culligan and Colleran while the front and second rows working tirelessly in the engine room and Kealan Butler at 10 marshalled his backs well. Ennis will now look to their second round cup match in the coming weeks.
Ennis: Eoghan ÓCellaigh, Conor Kearns, Conor Cahill, Mark Cabey, Stephen Hogan, Kealan Butler, Darragh Ó’Shea, Jason Warran, Mark Fitzgerald, Tim Hannon, Ronan Corey, Eoin Leen, Cathal Talty, Alan Culligan (c), Jack Colleran; Aidan Cleland (for Hannon) John Hartigan (for Corey), Eoin Timlin, Charles Ameyan-Gyamfi

Nth Munster U17 Cup Quarter final courtesy of Damian Clinton, Ennis RFC

Presentation/Newport 3 Ennis 46

Ennis travelled to Limerick last bank-holiday Monday to take on a Pres/Newport combination in the quarter final of the North Munster cup. Ennis opened brightly and dominated the opening exchanges and certainly had the territorial advantage for the first ten minutes but failed to convert this pressure into a score. Indeed ,at the ten minute mark, Pres turned over the ball and broke as far as the Ennis twenty-two where they were awarded a penalty for Ennis being off-side and this was converted by their Number 10. The visitors redoubled their effort from the kick-off and a fine break along the back line lead to James Woods going over in the corner with Evan Courtney successfully landing the conversion. Five minutes later, Woods spotted a gap in the defence and chipped the ball over the top , gathering on the bounce and racing in for his second try of the afternoon. As half time approached, flanker David Flynn made a fine individual break and crossed close to the posts,setting up the conversion for Courtney and leaving the half-time score 19-3 in the visitor’s favour.

Ennis continued to dominate in the second half and five minutes after the restart , a block-down by Hugh Butler was recycled by scrum-half Mikey Clinton to prop Ellie Mundu who offloaded to full-back Michael Lyons. A fine passing movement between Lyons and James Woods saw winger Lorcan Casey cued up to cross the whitewash in the corner . Mundu was again involved five minutes later when he powered though the Pres defence to down the ball close to the posts ;the try was again converted by Evan Courtney. At this stage both teams emptied their benches. A fine individual try by centre Cian O’Ceallaigh was followed by another from winger Conor Somers and the final try was scored in the corner by Paudie Carmody. This was a fine overall team performance by Ennis and at times the interplay between the backs and forwards was out of the top drawer. Presentation/Newport will be disappointed with the result but they are a young team ,all of whom are again under-age next year and no doubt they will build on this experience to come back stronger next season.

Ennis will now travel to Limerick from the semi-final against either Garryowen or Young Munster , date to be confirmed.
Ennis: Elle Mundu, Ciaran O’Connor, James Crowley-Hayes, Hugh Butler, Liam Halpin, Ronan McLernon, Oisin Kelly, David Flynn, Mikey Clinton, Eimhin Courtney, Cian O’Ceallaigh, James Woods, David Reynolds, Lorcan Casey, Michael Lyons, Jason Smith, Alan Birtchfield , Darragh Ryan, Paudie Carmody, Conor Somers, Conall Curtin, Cathal Kelly.

KILFEACLE RFC – Courtesy of Denis Wade, PRO

Munster Junior Cup versus Kinsale R.F.C.

Kilfeacle and District RFC 49
Kinsale RFC 10

On Sunday 17th of March at 1.00pm, Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. played in the fifth round of the Munster Junior Cup against Kinsale R.F.C. in Morrissey Park. It was a cool March day with a strong breeze and the ground under foot was firm. From our previous encounters with Kinsale, experience has taught us what to expect, a tough battle and this occasion was no different. Kilfeacle players and supporters alike know that if the “Boys in Blue” are to obtain some silverware this year we have to keep winning, as our options now are this competition and The Garryowen Cup. To come away from this fixture with a win, would be a mighty task and that the match was always going to be a bruising battle. In contrast to our last game, in which Kilfeacle started slow and took time to find their rythmn, this week they seemed more focused, started the game better and contested the early balls with more commitment even though they were playing against the breeze. This early dominance was reflected on the scoreboard by a try scored by Charles Walsh and converted by Gavin Heuston from just outside the twenty-two and a tight angle after six minutes. Kinsale were still reeling from this blow when in the fifteenth minute Shane Morrissey finished a fine move by involving Bernard Callaghan, JJ Cooney and Ger Luby. Gavin Heuston converted leaving the score line at 14 points to 0 in favour of the home side. Kilfeacle’s pack consisting of Simon Barry, Stephen Flood, James Mullane, Sean McGrath, Diarmuid O’Donnell, Keith Kearns, Ger Luby (Captain), John Doyle, Jack Sullivan, Cormac O’Donoghue, James Ryan (Salmon) and Alan O’Mahony 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, Gavin Heuston, Wallace Burke, Diarmuid Carr, Pat Ryan, Charles Walsh, Shane Morrissey and Bernard Callaghan looked dangerous every time they got the ball. There were try scoring opportunities that were spurned by last ditch tackling and unforced errors and the home supporters began to wonder if their team would be made pay for what seemed to be complacency. Kinsale’s pack is a big, strong, well-marshalled unit and on Sunday they imposed themselves impressively on the game and slowly but surely they brought themselves back into the game. After twenty nine minutes their hard work, endeavour and skill earned their team a foothold in the game when Joe Lyons scored a try which they were unlucky not to convert to get their first points on the board. This is when you need your senior players like Stephen Flood (Vice Captain) and Ger Luby (Captain). Kilfeacle have the experience to match and at times rein in the naivety and inexperience of this very young squad in the shape of Stephen and Ger, who without mincing their words reminded their teammates of the task at hand. The scoreboard now showed 14 points to 5 in favour of Kilfeacle and to the home supporters dismay their team were not having everything their own way because Kilfeacle’s play had become disjointed and indecision had crept into the home side’s play. In attack vital passes were not going to hand while in defence tackles were being missed. It was time that leadership and teamwork were needed on the pitch and after some concerted effort and harsh words from the sideline, the players did build a platform for themselves and seemed more focused, the team displayed a definite improvement, as we neared the end of the second quarter of the game, which was reflected through territorial dominance for this period. This dominance on the pitch was reflected on the scoreboard when Diarmuid Carr scored under the posts and Gavin Heuston converted. It seemed as if Kilfeacle had stopped the rot and were starting once again to stamp their authority on the game. With the first half drawing to a close and Kilfeacle camped in the Kinsale 22, Kilfeacle built up numerous scoring chances and in the final play of the half Jack O’Sullivan went on one of his trade mark runs to elude several tackles and score under the posts. Gavin Heuston’s conversion kick was the final score of the half as the halftime whistle sounded with the scoreboard reading 28 points to 5 in favour of Kilfeacle.

Whatever was said to the Kilfeacle squad during the halftime interval worked and the team started the second half with renewed gusto and the first twenty minutes of the second half saw them camped in the opponents 22 in try scoring form. In the second minute of the second half came the next score for Kilfeacle when Charles Walsh scored his second and Kilfeacle and District’s fifth try after some great fielding and attacking play by Pat Ryan. Gavin Heuston duly converted and Kilfeacle were in cruise mode. Bernard Callaghan scored another try after fine scrum and interlinking play between backs and forwards during which Cormac O’Donoghue set JJ Cooney free to release Gavin Heuston who broke two tackles before giving the ball to the on rushing Bernard Callaghan. Gavin Heuston converted this try. The game then entered into a lull when numerous injuries on both sides caused it to become a stop start affair. This period of the game became a battle where both teams were like two prize-fighters and stood nose to nose and toe-to-toe, exchanging blows but with neither side able to land a knockout punch. Kinsale were like a wounded cornered animal and by this stage all they had to play for was pride and in the thirtieth minute they deservedly scored a try when Stephen Coleman went over in the corner. The conversion attempt fell just short. Kilfeacle were once more offended by this score and commenced to lay siege on the Kinsale try line. Kinsale stood firm until another fine move from the backs saw Pat Ryan enter the line at speed and finish off an excellent team effort. Wallace Burke stroked the conversion attempt over the bar. This score put a gloss on the game, which was missing for a long period of the second half. The final score was 49 points to 10 in favour of the home side. This was a good victory for the team but at a cost as some of our first choice players went off with bad injuries in particular Gavin Heuston who was performing very well at number 10. Luckily on the day we had substitutes of quality which were able to fill the gap and take their place in the team seamlessly. Squad players now know that the coaches and selectors will remain loyal to the players who have played well for the team over the last four or five matches and these will start in the next game however these starting players know that once the whistle blows the only thing that will keep them on the pitch is their performance and the bench holds plenty of talent chomping at the bit for their chance.

Kilfeacle stepped off the pitch victorious and relieved. Kinsale stepped off the pitch as the losing side, but have every reason to be proud of their display and hopeful for the future. The committee of Kilfeacle and District R.F.C were delighted and again astounded by the amount of supporters at the game on Sunday and hope to see you all again at our next game. Our next game is to be confirmed and at time of printing the committee are hoping to play the Garryowen Cup Final against Nenagh Ormond RFC next week. 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 booked their place in the Munster Schools Junior Cup final thanks to a thrilling 7-3 win over Ardscoil Ris. We wish him and his team all the best in their upcoming final.

YOUNG MUNSTER RFC – Courtesy of Olivia O’Sullivan, PRO

Young Munster U12's, winners of the John Woods Cup

Paul O’Connell returns for Young Munster

Paul O’Connell played his first 80 minutes of rugby since last October for Young Munster in last weekend’s Ulster Bank League fixture against Cork Constitution.
Derry O’Connor kicked two penalties for the home side on 15 and 25 minutes but Con got the opening try on the half hour mark. Despite a yellow card being shown to the visitors a few minutes later, Young Munster failed to captialise on the numerical advantage and the score remained 6-5 at half-time.

In the second half, O’Connor kicked his third penalty with four minutes remaining on the clock and as Con had another player sin-binned, it looked like the game would go our way, however, Con piled on the pressure into the dying minutes and had a knock-on deny them a try before their centre broke the line for the winnng touchdown in the sixth minute of injury time.

Final score: Young Munster 9 – Cork Constitution 10

———————–

Ladies Night

This Friday 22nd March, a Ladies Night will take place in the Young Munster Pavilion, for a ladies-only night of fun and frolics! Music with DJ John Crofton, raffle with lots of spot prizes. Doors 8.30pm, limited tickets €;10 available from Anne Marie 086-1599018.

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.

———————–

Young Munster U12s win the John Woods Cup

A big well done to our under 12s who travelled to Kilfeacle on March 10th to play in the 3rd annual John Woods Cup. On a day that was only fit for a fire and a cup of tea we played like our lives depended on every match. Our first match was against Kilfeacle 2 in pool 2 which we won 5-0. Our second match was against Waterpark which we won 5-2. On our third outing, which would guarantee us a spot in the final, we played Clanwilliam winning 5-0.
At this stage of the tournament we were nearly as stiff as the flag poles it was so cold. At one stage one of our players had to get help to put his boot back on his hands had gone so cold. We met Bruff in the final in wet, windy and muddy conditions. It was a hard fought close contested game but we managed to come away with the win 2-1. Great credit must go to our Captain Ethan O'Sullivan who did a great job motivating the team on the day. Our forwards including James McKeogh, James Horrigan, Diarmuid Maher, Jordan Nash, Kenneth O'Donnell and Sean Mason played extremely well. Our backs including Jake Connolly, Adam Lynch, Alex O'Halloran and Jamie Butler also put in a great performance. Our star players of the tournament were Dylan Brosnan and Jamie Butler who put in some great tackles and breaks up the middle.
This was our first time entering the tournament and to win it on our first attempt is a great achievement and a big well done to coaches, players and all supporting parents who travelled.
Team: Ethan O'Sullivan (Cpt), Jake Connolly, Conor Coombs, James McKeogh, James Horrigan, Adam Lynch, Alex Fitzgerald, Alex O'Halloran, Ben Tobin, Cathal O'Brien, Daniel McDonagh, Diarmuid Maher, Dylan Brosnan, Jack Hehir, Jamie Butler, Jason O'Reilly, Jeffrey Benson, Jordan Nash, Kenneth O'Donnell, Mikey Fitz (McCaw), Peadar Talbot, Sean Mason, Sean Treacy and Shane Walsh.