Club Notes – Week Ending: 22.09.13
16th September 2013 By Munster Rugby
This week’s club notes come from Kilorglin, Bantry Bay, Kilfeacle & District, Midleton, Shannon and Waterford City rugby clubs.
Click here for Kilfeacle & District Club Notes
Click here for Midleton Club Notes
Click here for Shannon Club Notes
Click here for Waterford City Club Notes
Click here for Kilorglin Club Notes
Courtesy of Denis Wade, Club PRO
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. overcome Galbally, barely!
Galbally R.F.C. 12
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 14
On Sunday the 15th of September Kilfeacle and District RFC faced Galbally R.F.C. in Galbally for their first competitive game of the season in a Garryowen Cup 2nd round encounter. This was Kilfeacle’s first game in this competition defending the Cup they won last year.
Kilfeacle started this game with the wind in their faces but the better of the two teams however some basic errors caused by the adverse weather conditions provided Galbally with an early opportunity with a penalty, which Wallace Burke narrowly missed. This was a typical first game of the new season encounter, a very stop start affair, with players only gaining match fitness, getting to know each other, becoming accustomed to new positions, new systems and new calls, coming to terms with new rules and their interpretations. The nearest the visitors were to come to a score in the first 10 minutes was a missed penalty after 7 minutes. The Kilfeacle pack consisting of Simon Barry, Stephen Flood, Tom Doyle, Sean McGrath, Diarmuid O’Donnell, Ger Luby, John Hannigan, Jack Sullivan, Cormac O’Donoghue, Gary Noonan and James Ryan (Salmon) had gained the upper hand and soon they were 7 points up and had declared their intent after the backs JJ Cooney, Gavin Hueston, Packie Burke, Diarmuid Carr, Pat Ryan, Charles Walsh, Jonathan Corcoran, Jake O Halloran and Bernard Callaghan scored a well worked try which was finished by Diarmuid Carr and converted by Gavin Hueston. With 20 minutes gone the home side started to show some promise and Wallace Burke kicked two penalties. With the last kick of the first half Wallace Burke scored another penalty which meant that the first half ended with the home team ahead 9 points to 7.
Although two points down at half time, Kilfeacle, were optimistic about achieving their goal and coming away with a win as they believed they had weathered the Galbally storm and now had the wind at their backs for the second half. The second half started with Galbally keeping the ball tight and with Kilfeacle looking to move the ball wide. Galbally were to reap dividend first with yet another Wallace Burke penalty in the 56th minute. However Kilfeacle were now playing with more fluidity but were able to convert their territorial advantage to points on the scoreboard when, after some fine work by the pack, JJ Cooney, Pat Ryan and Packie Burke combined to send Charles Walsh over to score their second try of the game. The subsequent conversion attempt, by Packie Burke found it’s target so the scoreboard now showed the visiting side leading by 14 points to 12. To give Galbally their due, their never say die attitude meant that the remainder of the game was a hard fought period of play in which neither side could gain the upper hand. Kilfeacle had amounted a lead that would remain that way until the final whistle.
Kilfeacle and District RFC would like to thank Galbally for a very sporting, hard fought game and wish them every success in the coming season. From this performance, it is easy to see how Galbally will have a huge impact in Division One this year. Kilfeacle had good spells when they were playing as a unit and areas such as the lineouts, scrummaging and ball handling were impressive at times. The atmosphere among the squad is very positive and training sessions have been very productive however everyone knows that there is still a lot of work to be done. What is most encouraging is the fact the underage system within the club and all the hard work put in at grass roots level by our underage coaches and trainers is now having a huge positive impact on the first team. The team, as ever are proud and humbled by the amount of support they receive and hope that their supporters will continue to come along and support the "Boys in Blue". The season ahead augers well and promises to be a fruitful one. Training continues as ever in Morrissey Park. Our next competitive action is in this competition against Waterpark RFC, 22nd of September, in Morrissey Park. We hope that we will see many of our supporters there to cheer us on.
Courtesy of Jason Boyle, Club PRO
On Tuesday 24th September at Midleton RFC we will be officially launching our major fundraiser for the grounds improvement and floodlights project: the hugely popular "Who wants to be a Thousandaire" quiz show – and your invited!
This project will benefit players at all levels as well as the wider community who use our facilities. The improvement works are aimed at eventually eliminating the flooding in the training area and improving the grounds. This work has been underway over the summer, and the first phase of the floodlight installation work is scheduled to begin today! With floodlights in the training area we will be able to radically improve access to facilities that are under constant pressure at all levels.
We have received a grant through the Sports Capital Programme to cover the majority of the cost of this project. The Who Wants to be a Thousandaire show is our main event to fundraise for the shortfall.
The show has attracted large audiences all over Ireland over the past seven years and is fast becoming the most popular source of fund-raising for schools and clubs. Contestants are drawn from ticket sales and each contestant will play for €1000. The show is fully computerised with 50/50, Ask the Audience and a brilliant video linked Phone a Friend. The questions and four possible answers and displayed on two 8ft x 6ft screens, one at each side of the stage.
The launch event will take place at the clubhouse at 8pm where a sample round of the quiz show will also take place. Light refreshments will be provided and the bar will be open!
On behalf of the committee we hope you can attend the launch, and put the date for the event itself, 19th October, into your diary as it promises to be a great night out with the show itself and post show entertainment!
Courtesy of Siofra Scanlan, Club PRO
Tight Finish in Charity Cup Win for Shannon
It was a perfect sunny day for this highly anticipated local Cup final tie at Clifford Park. Ul Bohs were looking for there first win over Shannon in a while but Shannon in the dying minutes showed true club spirit and overcame the odds.
Kick off and both teams wanted to settle into the match quickly. Shannon was the first to pile on the pressure and take advantage but Bohs were up for the match as well and gained back the ball in the opening minutes. Defending now Shannon held well and managed to get the ball out of their own half with a great clearing kick. A lineout to Bohs was not the strongest but silly ball handling mistakes gave Shannon the chance to show how tight and solid their scrum was. A quick ball out and Shannon were moving well up the field with some great passing along the back line. Bohs gave away a penalty in the 8th minute which was kicked over confidently by Tadhg Bennett. Shannon was now with an early lead of 3-0. After the restart Bohs tried to get back into the game with some quick play. After Bohs were awarded a scrum Shannon tried to drive back but were penalised, with a penalty being awarded to Bohs. This penalty was missed and so the score remained in Shannon’s favour. Shannon did not give any further scoring chances to their opponent’s as they dominated for the next few minutes with great offloads and solid covering as the tackles came one after the other from Bohs. On one of these challenges Bohs were penalised for coming in from the side and another penalty was awarded to Shannon. Tadhg Bennet again on target. This brought the score to 6-0 in Shannon’s favour. Again after the restart Shannon fought well in midfield for possession and managed to grab the ball. Some solid passages of play forced Bohs to defend. Shannon was stopped just short of the line by Bohs defence. Bohs managed to get possession back and gained some ground but Shannon again managed to get the ball back and created some space for James Murphy to make a break for the line and go under the posts for a brilliant try. Tadhg Bennett had no hesitation about the conversion. The score now stood at 13-0. Bohs managed to gather after the restart and move very slowly up the field being held up more than once by great tackling from Shannon. At the end of this passage of play Bohs had earned a penalty. They made no mistake this time to put some points on the board. The score now stood Shannon 13 UL Bohs 3. Last 10 minutes of play and Shannon were now once again making their way up the pitch. A very dangerous tackle on a Shannon player resulted in a yellow card for Bohs. Down to 14 players Bohs still looked a little dangerous but Shannon held them off until halftime with good challenges in scrums and rucks. At the halftime whistle the score stood a healthy 13-3 to Shannon.
Second Half and Shannon were in a positive position. A few minutes in and Tadhg Bennett stretching the lead further by kicking a superb drop goal. 3 more points on the board,bringing Shannon’s tally to 16 while Bohs were still on 3. UL Bohs if they had any chance had to turn the game around somehow and that is exactly what they did. There first dent in the Shannon score line came in the form of a try with a missed convert. Shannon were giving them too much space and seemed much slower than they had been in the breakdown. A yellow card followed for Shannon for a high tackle. The resulting penalty to Bohs hit the post and went over. The score now Shannon 16 Bohs 11. Down to 14 men Shannon had to work extra hard to fend off Bohs who seemed to have a renewed purpose. A few minutes later Bohs gained another penalty which was again on target. They were now creeping back into the game only 2 points behind Shannon. UL Bohs were piling on the pressure and causing Shannon to give away easy advantage and another penalty. The successfully kicked penalty by Bohs now allowed them to edge ahead with the score now 17-16 in their favour. Shannon had to dig deep and find the smarts to hold Bohs off, and come back with some point scoring chances. It looked well when Shannon moved up the field with some great attacking moves. An interception by Bohs Robbie Bourke who ran from almost his own 10 metre line to score a try, put a damper on Shannon’s efforts. The missed convert by Bohs made the score line now 22-16 to Bohs. Shannon had to do something and quick if they were to have any chance to stay in the Cup race. A few minutes later and the try we all hoped would happen did. Great play up the line and a drive, sucked in the Bohs defensive line and allowed Shannon through. With the convert just drifting wide the score was a unbelievably close 22-21 to Bohs. We could not lose by a point surly? There was practically no time to win. Or was there?
In only was can be described as pure Shannon determination, Shannon came back up the pitch to challenge for the ball and did not give up. They had earned a penalty. The last kick of the game. Silence all around even from the most enthusiastic Shannon supporters who had been on tender hooks for the later part of the second half. Tadhg Bennett struck the ball and over it went. That was fulltime. Final score Shannon 24 UL Bohs 22. PHEW!
A great team display by our regular and newer players. Well deserved and a great positive start to the season. Well done to all involved. A taster of good things to come for the season, we hope.
Shannon Team:
David O’Donovan, Ciaran Cunnane, Shaun Horgan, Ronan Hunt, Tim Tobin, Tadhg Bennett, Rob Guerin
Leonard Mullane, James Murphy, Ciaran Power, Cronan Gleeson, Keith White, Jason Cronin, Duncan Casey (Captain), Niall Horan
Reps:
Aaron o’Brien, Tony Cusack, Micheal O’ Brien, John Shine, Rowan Humphries, Patrick Kerans, Conor Burns.
Courtesy of Damien Kennedy, Club PRO
City Claim Win Away To Dungarvan
Last Sunday our seniors played their 3rd game of the new season in a friendly away to Dungarvan in Ballyrandle . This game gave head coach Peter Jones an opportunity to give guys a run out who didn’t play last week against Clonmel. Conditions were very windy but bright and City took control from the off registering their 1st score 5 mins into the game with an Aaron Foskin penalty . City came straight back at Dungarvan and 2 mins later Nicky Jacob found his way in for a try to bring the score to 8-0. As the half went on City showed their dominance in the scrum and this gave an opportunity to keep putting pressure on the Dungarvan defence ,some big hits were going in with Sean O Mahoney nearly cutting the opposing flanker in half, James Halligan was unlucky not to add to the scoreline after some good work down the right wing only to see the ball knocked from his grasp by the defending fullback as he was about to cross the line. City gained two more penalties in front of the posts but the wind didn’t help and both were missed. James Halligan was to be cruelly denied again 5mins later when the ref called a forward pass after some great link play from forwards and backs. On 30 mins the Dungarvan line was breached after some good handling and Nicky Jacob added his 2nd try to bring the score to 13-0 in favour of City. Just at halftime Dungarvan broke down the left wing deep into the City half only for Mark Hayes to cover across and make the tackle into touch. The 2nd half began with the strong wind behind Dungarvan and they began to play for territory using the conditions well. City conceded a penalty in front of their own posts and it was easily slotted over to bring the score to 13-3 . A barging run by Trevor Griffin 5 mins later saw City move into the Dungarvan 22 and good hands by Nicky Jacob and Gary Keane let Aaron Whelan cross the line for City’s 3rd try. This was to be the last score of the game as it became all about defending for Waterford City, some silly play at the breakdown saw a number of penalties conceded but to their credit, City were solid in defence at both the scrum and lineout. On the final play City managed a good break from Aaron Foskin but a knock on at the last moment prevented a 4th try from being registered. All in all a good performance but still work need’s to be done at being more clinical. Well done to all the lads who togged out including Mark Hayes in his 1st full game for our J1 team, Barry Quilty who returned after a few years away from rugby and man of the match Andrew Condron who gave a strong display in the front row. Next week we welcome Leinster side Clane RFC to Kilbarry, KO next Saturday at 5:00.
Fundraiser
The club will be holding a fundraiser Saturday the 28th of September in the Kilcohan Dog track, tickets priced at €10 per Adult, €20 per family ticket (2 adults up to 4 kids) great prizes on the night, if you would like to purchase a ticket please contact Jemma Jacob on 087 2142385 PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR CLUB
Women’s Training
Our Women team training continues every Monday & Wednesday at 7:00 – 8:30, beginners more than welcome.
Youths and Mini’s
All of our underage have returned to training. If you have a child interested in rugby please contact Jimmy Foskin on 0863327327
Mini’s(ages 5-12) Sunday mornings at 11:00-12:00
U-13 & U-14 Wednesdays and Fridays 6:00 – 7:15
U-15 ,U-16 & U-18 Wednesdays at 7:00 – 8:15 Fridays 6:00 – 7:15
Courtesy of Denyse Scully, Hon. Secretary Bantry Bay
Bantry Bay RFC ready to kick-start season after exciting summer
This summer has proven to be a unique and exciting one for the club when the traditional club off season was filled with activity, famous visitors and a fun filled weekend of tag.
Munster Race was an event that trended on twitter and created a stir throughout the province when the fans and supporters got to help the various teams compete to win the pre season team exercise of making their way with the help of various clubs to the team open training session in Youghal RFC. Bantry Bay Rugby club were delighted to host team 4 on their way across Cork county. This team was led by the newly appointed Munster Captain for the 2013/2014 season Peter O’ Mahony and the club would like to express their thanks to him and all the group: Johne Murphy, Casey Laulala, Stephen Archer, Duncan Casey, Andrew Conway, Donnacha Ryan and Paddy Ryan for their participation and support of club events whilst in Bantry.
The group packed a huge amount into a brief 24 hour period including a fishing trip from Glengarriff on board Teddy McCarthy’s well known Harbour Queen. Tickets were sold to members and supporters who got to enjoy this trip and the specially donated picnic hampers prepared by Manning’s Emporium, Ballylickey and Jim’s Coffee House, Glengarriff. From there the Club President, Ray Hennessy hosted a dinner for the players at the club’s favourite food stop The Brick Oven (courtesy of Stephen & Gillian O’ Donovan) and afterwards the players were guests of honour at a fundraising Q&A in the Mariner. It was a great evening particularly for the younger club members who got to meet their heroes and have their photo taken in a special photo booth provided Tony McElhinney of The Card Shop. A raffle was held on the night and the club would like to thank all the businesses in Bantry who kindly donated prizes and also for helping turn the town red for the event. After a good night’s sleep and breakfast courtesy of The Westlodge Hotel the players hosted a training session for our youth’s team at St. Gobans. Many of these youths are currently participating in Munster development squads and they were delighted to get this one -to- one session with the players. From there it was time to bid them farewell as they made their way to Cork and on to Youghal. Finally, the club would like to say a special word of thanks to coaches Eugene McCarthy and Frank Conroy who took time out to transport the players and help them out along the way.
BBRFC Tag Weekend made a comeback this year. It was a new look event with a new venue and the club would like to thank Glengarriff Community Sports field for the use of their pitch, fantastic facilities and help with the event. The action kicked off on Saturday evening with the senior teams going through their knock out games. There was skill, colour (especially from the well dressed Sully’s Hookers team), competitive and fun games. The sun shone so the large numbers of supporters and families got to enjoy the BBQ, food and entertainment on offer on and off the pitch. We got to do it all over again on Sunday afternoon as our Junior teams upped the pace in their games and it was a close competition with the winners Team Smurfs emerging victorious from a tight final game. The action continued with the senior finalist’s games, and after a tough game that went to extra time the Schooner Bar (continuing a great tradition in BBRFC Tag) emerged winners over the also excellent RPM Fitness team. The club would like to thank Chairperson Joanna McCarthy, Geraldine Hicks, John O’Sullivan and all the members who helped out in any way, in relaunching this special event in the club calendar.
The club last week benefited from the most amazing random act of kindness from local woman, Mrs. Catherine Maguire. Mrs. Maguire won a prize through O’ Keeffe’s Supervalu Bantry with Dove Men + Care and kindly donated this prize of a training session with IRFU players to her local club. So, on a warm & sunny evening the club held an open training session and welcomed a large crowd to St. Goban’s pitch. There was great excitement as the club hosted Munster Captain Peter O’ Mahony and his fellow Munster and Ireland players Simon Zebo & Felix Jones.
The young players were divided into groups according to age and each group got to train and go through skills with the three players. Many thanks to Eugene McCarthy, Director of Coaching and his fellow coaches who ran the training session smoothly from beginning to end. IRFU TV crew were on hand to record this moment of history for the club. Players & coaches got the opportunity to showcase the work & successes in BBRFC since it was reformed in 1992.
Seniors
Our seniors played two friendly games this weekend in preparation for the start of new season.
Friday evening saw Iveragh travel to Coolbane and Sunday morning we made the short trip into Tralee
The weekend proved to be a very useful exercise which saw Hugh Quane, Jerry Coffey, John Michael Cronin & Darragh Fitzgerald all making their debuts.
Training continues every Monday, Wednesday and Friday @ 7pm in Coolbane as the squad prepares for their first Munster Div.2 League against Presentation away in Limerick on 06th October.
Under 18’s
Training continues on Thursdays @ 7pm and Saturdays @ 11am in Coolbane as this squad eagerly awaits their first game away to Tralee on 21st September. New players are welcome. Contact Aidan Clifford on 087-9065927. Experience not necessary.
Under 16’s
This squad is back training and are also away to Tralee for their first West Munster League Game. This is fixed for 28th September. John O’Brien would love to hear from new players, with or without experience. He is contactable on 087-9157599. Congratulations to Neil O’Brien, Fionan O’Sullivan, Cathal Doyle, Kevin O’Sullivan and Jesse Mc Cormack who are selected on the West Munster panel to play South Munster in Castleisland on Wednesday 18th. Every best wish, lads.
Under 14’s
An away fixture to kick off the U14 season also, as this squad endeavours to retain it’s League and Cup Champions status, which they won as U13’s last season.. They go to Listowel on 21st September. In the meantime, they train on Saturday @ 11am in The Dragon’s Den and on Thursday in Collbane @ 5:30pm. New players are most welcome and can contact Dan O Sullivan on 087-2770263.
Under 12’s only
Joe Curran advises me that there is a Pan West Munster festival scheduled for 28 September. Venue to be advised.
Mini’s – U12’s, U10s and U8s
It was great to see such large numbers turn up for the start of the season, last Saturday, in the Dragon’s Den. All had great fun, as the coaches began preparations for their first West Munster blitz. This goes on in Killarney on 26th October, when the squads will line out against teams from Killarney, Iveragh and Castleisland. New players are always welcome and please contact Joe Curran on 087-2100995 for further information.
Ladies
Yes, Ladies, there was a sufficient number of text responses for The Club to begin Ladies Rugby. It all begins in the Dragon’s Den (All-Weather Pitch at the Intermediate School) on Wednesday next 18th September @ 6p.m. Please bring gum shields. Brendan Murphy has been selected as your coach and he will deal with any enquiries on 086-0563088. Registration for new ladies will take place on the night.
Pitches
For those of you who have had a chance to visit Coolbane will know that it is in excellent condition and the club hopes that Patrons will have many happy experiences at the venue. It was nearly a one man show by our Club President, Leslie, to get it ready and it would be wrong for the Club not to recognise Leslie’s tremendous work. Thanks Leslie.
September Meeting
Our September meeting will take place in the Family Resource Centre on Thursday 19th @ 8pm. This meeting is open to all members and the Committee would love to see YOU there. To have Items included on the agenda, please e-mail our Secretary, Claire at coshea76@gmail.com.
The Club extends it’s Congratulations to Jerry Coffey and his bride, Elaine, who were married recently and wishes them every happiness in their future together.
