Club Notes: Week Ending 22.05.16

18th May 2016 By Munster Rugby

This week’s club notes come from Cashel, Cobh Pirates and Old Crescent rugby clubs.

Cashel RFC, Ulster Bank League Division 2A club in Tipperary, is seeking applications for a forwards coach/player coach for the season 2016/2017.

Contact Frank Fitzgerald at 0870506500 or email CV to frank.fitzgerald@rockwellcollege.ie . Applications by 25th May 2016

Cobh Pirates RFC

Courtesy of:- Richie McGrath, Club PRO

A group of ex rugby players from the Cobh Pirates RFC Club will spear head their second Trip to Tipp Cycle on Saturday June 11th and Sunday June 12th. This 250km cycle from Cobh to Tipperary was first held last year to mark the club being established 125 years. The event was such a success that the organisers decided to make it an annual event and help raise funds for charity. The ex-players along with current players and friends of Cobh Pirates make up a group who regularly meet up for training cycles.

The cycle this year is in aid of the Cork Association for Autism and the Cobh Pirates Juvenile Section. The Cork Association for Autism provides essential support services for over 300 adults with Autism and Asperger Syndrome with families from all over Cork benefiting from these services which include Residential Care, Respite, Home Support, Day Service and an Asperger Syndrome Support Service. The cycle will stop off at the Sensory Gardens in Greenville House, Carrigtwohill a service centre of the Cork Association for Autism before the group leaves on their journey.

Participants must pay a deposit of €60 to take part in the cycle which covers bed and breakfast, an evening meal and refreshments on the route both days along with an event jersey. A further minimum of €200 will need to be raised by cyclists through a sponsorship card. The club would like to thank all the sponsors of this event including the main sponsors Vit-Hit vitamin drink and Garveys Supervalu in Cobh, along with CDE Carrrigtwohill, Dominic Dunne photography, Commodore Hotel Cobh, Tadgh Hawes Motor parts Midelton, Ted McSweeney Transport refrigeration, Sirus Cork and Cobh Auto Centre.

Richie McGrath PRO of the Cobh Pirates RFC said 'We are looking forward to another great event this year and encourage people to sign up if they have not done so yet. We are delighted to help a local charity the Cork Association for Autism with the great work they are doing as we know of many families in the locality affected by autism'.

To book your place on the cycle or for more information telephone Dion on 087 6605737 or email pro@cobhpirates.com. There are still a very limited amount of places left, all levels of cyclists are welcome and catered for.

Juvenile Season Review

On Thursday last the large attending crowd were addressed by Juvenile Chairman Liam Hughes in his opening speech. The fun and enjoyment experienced by all the kids throughout the year was evident in the attendance, as Liam thanked the parents for their continuous efforts to facilitate the players to play rugby for the season, sometimes for games outside the normal window.

Without their co-operation teams could not be fielded. He praised the continuous fundraising support by the parents and the hospitality shown by all when visiting teams are hosted in the Paddocks. Liam spoke highly of all the coaches across the age grades who selflessly give their time as volunteers not only during the "seen" training session but the unseen off the field work that is vital to keep any team or club functioning.

He thanked the clubs executive committee for their support to facilitate the club's juvenile section to strive, and in particular the members who aid in the running of the Juvenile sections on Saturdays on the pitch and in the clubhouse.

First up for the presentation ceremonies was Rob Paisley, girls under 15s and 18s coach, assisted by Jason Clifford, Anneline Dorgan, Dave Worral and Sue Morgan. Rob expressed his gratitude to his fellow coaches, who due to the make-up of the girl's teams across South Cork travelled large distances throughout the season.

Rob mentioned some of the highlights of the season for the 15s, in particular their first game of the season where they played in Rathcooney and had the honour of being the first ladies game hosted there. The u15s played in the shield final in Garryowen this year where a fantastic try was scored by the most improved player of the year, Karla Doyle. The team's Captain, Emma Worrall, was awarded player of the year. The captain was selected by the players, and seeing as the team was made up of players from a number of different clubs this was a testament to her leadership on the field.

The u18s girls made up of 5 clubs across cork where they played their first game away to Carrick on Suir, and the most improved player of the year, Sophie Hayes, played her first ever game of rugby that day. They made the bowl final this year where Eimear Perryman caught the eye of the Munster selectors and is still involved in the Munster camp due to her un-relentless dedication and work-rate.

Next to take the stage was the U13s boys coach, Ken McNamara. He accredited the season accomplishments across his fellow coaches Philip Soams and Cian Gormley. He praised the attitude of the squad, their first season on the full playing pitch having come up from mini rugby. This is a huge year in the player's careers where some found their positions, and others the positions found them. Like all the other coach's Ken thanked Liam and the committee for all the work done in arranging transport and fixtures through-out the year. The boys won their section of the league and made the finals of the league and latter stages of the cup. A first for the club the Clubman of the year was awarded to the trio Sam, Ben and Jake Kennedy for their 100% effort all season on and off the pitch. Conor "Giggles" Kidney was awarded most improved player, his natural ability and great work rate serving him well throughout the season. The player of the year had only just returned to rugby this year, having had a year out. He crossed the try line scores of times throughout the season and only last week when the team was a medal short in their league final he gave his away, player of the year Conor McNamara.

Munster Junior Cup winner Colm McCoitir was called next to present the u14s accolades. Colm thanked all the parents for their dedication to the club, making sure the players made it to all the games, in particular the early kick offs when the club was busy on Saturdays. Kevin O'Keefe and Ray Duignan were spoken highly of for their work with this group of players through the minis and for their assistance throughout the year. The squad played 23 games, from the start right up to last week, 16 competitive and 7 friendlies. They won their league section meaning they went onto play in the South Munster A section which is a massive achievement forth team, but more importantly it's where they deserve to be playing their rugby. He commenced with the clubman of the year, stating that it is not always easy to keep going no matter what challenges arise , but this player did it and did it well, club man of the year Jack Gilmartin. Some players were new to the game this year, others had been away from it and came back to it, but over the last 6 or 7 weeks one player stood up and influenced games in crucial time, most improved player of the year Kieran Devlin Buckley. The player of the year was the hardest to select for Colm, but the player who contributed the most, sometimes scoring but also as important stopping the opposition from scoring was Jack O'Sullivan.

Bernard Kiely opened his address expressing his disappointment that his squad had no silverware to show for their efforts, although having won their Conference Section the team was the first to play a pan Munster Competition is some time. The self-belief built through-out the squad as the season progressed, noting the fact the same teams play in the pan Munster competitions annually and believes Cobh Pirates should also. The squad played 29 games, equalling the number of players in the squad. He commented on the fact that playing at this high level allows the players the limelight and recognition they deserve. He commended Matthew Soans on his selection for the Munster u17s schools squad. James Murphy, Ken Gill and Richie Daly were thanked for their assistance throughout the duration of the season, along with the referee's in particular Joe Geary. The foundation of all teams comes from mini rugby and Bernard rightly commended Fiona Doyle for her relentless work in that area. Sam Baricaua was also thanked for his presence at game time meaning that there was professional medical assistance on hand all the time. The first game day of the season was to give a player a chance to shine, the team sheet was made out only to be altered due to a late withdrawal. This allowed a player to make his mark, and stay on the sheet for the season, most improved player Mark Jones.

One player in particular had an outstanding Munster clubs campaign, and for this Sam Baricaua was awarded the player of the year. Commitment to team mates on the field is a rare attribute but one player in particular showed this in excess, clubman of the year Liam Devlin Buckley. One of the squad members has had enough of the cold weather here and his heading back to his native Lanzarote, where he can show of his new found rugby skills, Pablo Berancoft was presented with a club fleece by Bernard.

The U18s coach Julian Kahn was next to take the floor. Julian expressed his appreciation to Mattie Morehan for his work, and patience, for entire season. He reiterated the thanks for Liam and the club in general, as the link between adult and juvenile rugby was massively important and evident in Cobh Pirates. Julian praised the travelling support, in particular the trio of Tina, Tina and Ethel who were ever present for the games, home and away. He commented that the aim of any team is to improve as the season progresses and felt strongly that that's what his squad had done both individually and collectively. The season was difficult at times with respect to squad numbers but a solid core of players kept the training consistent throughout. Julian spoke about the 19 games the squad played, but not about the ones the won, rather than the ones that didn't go their way. In particular the never say die attitude of the players right up to the final whistle in every game. Silverware is hard to come by in Rugby, and he spoke about the positive trajectory the club is going in and looked forward to seeing the U18s progress to adult rugby next season. Being able to play sport, and in particular rugby, does not last forever so everyone should first and foremost enjoy it while they can.

For each of the awards there was a short list, the Clubman award was given to a player who always carried out what was asked of him even when things were not in his favour, which is essential for any team, Alan Plummer.

The most improved player was awarded to a player who grew up hugely in the sport, being one of the main drivers in the team in both training and games, Conor O'Driscoll. The player of the year was the hardest to select, sometimes it's the play that catches the eye is noticed the most. However the unseen play is equally as important. This player showed a combination of sheer bravery and a never say die attitude attributing to his outstanding tackling all season, Dean Cronin. Julian finished off by presenting the medals to the squad following their recent Cup win. In turn Julian himself was presented with a gesture from the squad who acknowledged his work not only this season, but with the group throughout the age grades.

Liam Hughes began to close of the night by congratulating all the recipient's, and also reminding everyone that rugby is not about individuals and that everyone present was a deserved award winner.

The final award of the evening was Juvenile Club Person of the year. This was awarded to a coach how honed in his skill at mini's level, setting the tone for a lot of the players now progressing through the age grades. His dedication to the youth structure was commended, and he is still seen to assist with the mini rugby on occasion, Colm McCoitir.

Old Crescent RFC

Courtesy of Frank Larkin, Club PRO

Old Crescent RFC held their President Awards Dinner in the Clarion Hotel, Limerick last Saturday.

Scroll down to view photos of award winners.

Photos: Dermot Lynch

President Ger McNamara, Martin Kelly, winner of 3rds Player of the Year Award presented by 3rds Team Captain Dave Dennehy

Shane Landers Under 20's Coach presents Sean Fitzgerald with Under 20's Player of the Year Award with President Ger McNamara.

President Ger McNamara, Darragh O'Brien, winner of the 2nds Player of the Year Award presented by 2nds team Manager Bill Hanly.

President Ger McNamara, Joe Nix, Senior Team Head Coach, Cian Reale, winner of the Young Player of the Year Award, Eugene McGovern, Director of Rugby, and Brian Touhy Senior Team Coach.

Cathal O'Reilly Club Captain, Kevin Doyle, player's Player of the Year, President Ger McNamara, Joe Nix, Head Coach, Eugene McGovern, Director of Rugby, Gareth Quinn-McDonagh, player's Player of the Year, Brian Touhy, Senior Coach, and Tommy Pratt, Chairman of Rugby and Manager of Senior Team.

President Ger McNamara, Joe Nix, Head Coach, Larry Hanly, Senior Player of the Year, Eugene McGovern, Director of Rugby, and Brian Touhy, Senior Coach.

President Ger McNamara, Eugene McGovern receiving club jersey on behalf of the players and management for the Club, presented by Tommy Pratt, Chairman of Rugby and Manager of Senior Team.

President Ger McNamara receiving Club Jersey for his Role as President from Chairman of Rugby, Tommy Pratt.

Sean Fitzgerald, Under 20's Player of the Year, Kevin Doyle, winner of the player's Player of the Year Award, Martin Kelly, 3rds Player of the Year, Darragh O'Brien, 2nds Player of the Year, Larry Hanly, First Team Player of the Year, Gareth Quinn McDonagh, winner of player's Player of the Year, and Cian Reale, winner of the Young Player of the Year Award.