Club Notes: Week Ending 31.03.13
26th March 2013 By Munster Rugby
This week’s club notes come from Ennis, Clonakilty, Kilrush, Kilfeacle and Young Munster rugby clubs.
Click here for Ennis Club Notes
Click here for Clonakilty Club Notes
Click here for Kilfeacle & District Club Notes
Click here for Kilrush Club Notes
Click here for Shannon Club Notes
Click here for Young Munster Club Notes
Nth Munster U17 Cup Semi final:- Courtesy of Damien Clinton
Garryowen 12 Ennis 10
Ennis travelled to Dooradoyle last Sunday to take on Garryowen in the semi-final of the U17 North Munster Cup. When these teams met in the league earlier in the season there was very little between them and yesterday’s contest proved to be equally absorbing.
The home team had the better of the opening exchanges but resolute defence from Ennis and some nervous decisions by the Garryowen backs contrived to keep them from opening their account in the early stages of the game.
Ennis gradually gained a foot-hold in the game and superb performances in the loose from David Flynn, and James Crowley-Hayes helped them to start gaining ground and create a few opportunities within the Garryowen half. However, on the ten-minute mark, just as Ennis were beginning to create some momentum, the Garryowen number 11 intercepted the ball from a back line move and was able to race through unopposed to down the ball under the post, leaving his out-half with the easiest of conversions.
Ennis continued to press and were orchestrated well by the half-back pairing of Mikey Clinton and Eimhin Courtney and some superb breaks by James Woods and Cian O’Ceallaigh reflected Ennis’ growing belief that they could seize victory on this occasion. On the twenty minute mark however, Garryowen moved the ball out quickly from a ruck on the Ennis twenty-two ,setting up an overlap for their winger to go over in the corner .
The resulting conversion was missed. Ennis restarted with renewed vigour and concentrated their efforts down the centre with a series of pick and go moves from Ciaran O’Connor and prop Ellie Mundu, eventually helping to propel Mundu over the line with three minutes remaining in the half. Eimhin Courtney was very unlucky with the conversion which came back off the post. As the second half restarted Ennis began to dominate at the breakdown and Seamus Quigley , Liam Halpin and Ronan McLernon all put in notable performances to carry the fight to the opposition. Five minutes from the restart, Ennis were camped on the Garryowen line for six successive phases but could not breach the home defence.
They would perhaps at this stage have been better advised to throw the ball out wide but Garryowen weathered the storm and eventually managed to clear their lines . Twelve minutes into the half Ennis broke swiftly from the back of a ruck in the Garryowen twenty-two and a swift passing movement along the back line saw an audacious chip from full-back Michael Lyons bounce up perfectly for Ellie Mundu to go over for his second try of the game.
The resulting conversion went agonisingly wide of the posts . Despite great efforts from Hugh Butler, Lorcan Casey and David Reynolds Ennis could not create that last all -important scoring opportunity that would have seen them pip the home team.
Ennis players can once again be very proud of their performance and will now prepare for the play-off stages of the U17 league.
Ennis: Elle Mundu, Ciaran O’Connor, James Crowley-Hayes, Hugh Butler, Liam Halpin,Seamus Quigley, Ronan McLernon, David Flynn, Mikey Clinton, Eimhin Courtney, Cian O’Ceallaigh, James Woods, David Reynolds, Lorcan Casey, Michael Lyons, Jason Smith, Alan Birtchfield , Cathal Kelly, Paudie Carmody, Conor Somers, Jordan Ryan, Conall Curtin, David Carmody, Caolain Meaney.
Clonakilty RFC Courtesy of:- Roy Magure, PRO
Clonakilty returned from Limerick last Saturday, a very disappointed group, having lost what was seen by most observers as a must win game to ensure safety. The truth is a win would have probably achieved this but opposed by a determined Thomond, faced with exactly the same challenge, they were unable to summon up the necessary plays to win and went down badly gifting a bonus point to the Limerick men in the process. It was generally accepted that three of Thomond’s four trys were gifts and video analysis will not be pleasant viewing for a side that were just not clicking on the day. The reality is however that the future is still very much in their own hands.
It doesn’t help that their last two games are against the sides currently occupying positions one and two in the league but that has always brought the best out in Clonakilty sides. Ards currently occupy the relegation play-off spot at the other end, two points below Clonakilty, but they have a game in hand with 15 points in total available to them mathematically. Clon with just 10 points on offer have Naas on this Saturday in The Vale in their penultimate game and one feels they will need to get something out of this game to have any hope of maintaining the gap with a resurgent Ards.
James Deasy opened the scoring with a fine penalty in a difficult wind conditions and Clon were looking good with Alfie Harte immense in the early exchanges. Thomond’s first try was a gift. A speculative kick ahead looked to be well-covered and if pressure had been obvious the defender would have gone down on the ball but there appeared plenty of time to gather and clear. The vagaries of the bouncing rugby ball took a hand and it presented itself to a chasing winger who gratefully accepted to fall over the line. Deasy restored Clon’s lead with another penalty after 20 minutes before a very similar "gift" put Thomond back in front. A ball was allowed to bounce and it bounced the way of the home side with another try, from nothing but bad luck, the result and the easy conversion made it 12 – 6.
A great try from Kieran Howlin from a sublime offload from Jason Wycherley who sensed exactly what was on following good work from Mark Purcell and Alfie Harte was converted by Deasy to put Clon back in the driving seat at 12 – 13. The lead was short-lived when the concession of a penalty after 32 minutes proved costly but Deasy again returned the favour with an excellent kick to maintain the one point advantage for Clon on 37 minutes following good work from Batt Duggan and Tomas Keogh who were also outstanding at lineout time. Once again discipline was costly as Thomond regained the lead at 18 – 16 with another penalty on the stroke of half time.
An early penalty to Thomond set them on the way in the second period and Clonakilty were looking vulnerable. Thomond added another and at 24 – 16 Clon were already looking for a losing bonus point. This looked to be the least Clon would get when Deasy landed another penalty following exemplary play by Wycherley and Aidan Foley. This was to be cruelly dashed when a blocked clearance kick bounced kindly for the Thomond chaser and it was 31 – 19 with the conversion. Thomond did get in for a well-worked converted try with just ten minutes to go, which in itself justified their win, but Clon never gave in and finished strongly with sterling work from all particularly Tony Illstrom, Purcell and Duggan giving Keogh an opportunity which he took well in racing in from 20 metres for a fine try.
Deasy maintained his 100% record to convert and leave the final score a disappointing 38 – 26. Clon were unable to impose a game plan or find any momentum, and the brandishing of two yellow cards resulting in Clon having to play a man short for 20 minutes exacerbated the difficulties. Thomond on the other hand took all their chances and that is what counted at the final whistle. The squad was James Deasy, Kieran Howlin, Jason Wycherley, David Lombard, Ciaran O’Donovan, Mark Purcell, Luke O’Shea, Derry O’Neill, Batt Duggan (Capt), Aidan Foley, Tomas Keogh, Sean White, Courtney Canning, Tony Illstrom, Alfie Harte, Stephen Cotter, Gary Shannon, Ger McCarthy, Joe Lee and Ciaran Calnan.
The seconds returned better news on Sunday in The Munster J2 Cup with a fine 29 – 17 win over Iveragh Eagles in The Vale. They now progress to the quarter final in The Vale again against Kanturk on Sunday week. The Underage section will be out in force this Saturday. An underage blitz at 11.00am will see many of tomorrow’s stars receiving their first ever medals from none other than Ireland A and Munster star James Downey who will do the conferring. Although born in Dublin James has strong Clonakilty connections counting Clon stalwarts Maurice, Brian & Jim Downey among his cousins. Currently in great form for Munster James has had great experience with Leinster, Connacht, Calvisano, and Northampton and even more exciting times still lie ahead for the big centre.
Fixtures:
This Evening (Thursday)
South Under 15 A Cup – Clonakilty v Skibbereen The Vale 5.00pm
Saturday 30th
Under Age Blitz with Munster Star James Downing
South Under 17 A Cup Clonakilty v Kanturk Kanturk 12.30pm.
UB All Ireland League, Clonakilty v Naas, The Vale, 2.30pm
Kilfeacle & District RFC – Courtesy of Denis Wade, PRO
Kilfeacle & District RFC hosted the 3rd Johnny Woods U12 blitz festival on Sunday last 10th March 2013. Eight teams in all participated in this festival of underage rugby. Clanwilliam, Kilkenny, Cashel, Young Munster, Bruff, Waterpark and Kilfeacle with two teams all took part. All teams played a very high standard of rugby and it was a very enjoyable day on the Hill in Kilfeacle.
The weather was cold and wet but that did not dishearten the children from enjoying themselves. In the spirit of the IRFU regulations every child who participated received a medal and some food and drink on the day. While all players from Kilfeacle were excellent on the day a few notable players were:- Keelan O Connor, Kevin O’ Connor, Eoin Doyle, Eoin Butler, Thomas Kelly, Bobby Noonan, Bobby Purcell, Larry Quinn, Jack Moriarty, Danny Ryan, Alan Flannery (Captain), Cormac Ryan, Joe Fitzgerald, Lorcan Carr, Liam Crowe and Robbie Byron.
A huge thank you to the committee, the catering parents, the Red Cross, coaches, travelling teams and organisers of this wonderful tournament which will continue in Kilfeacle each year at U12 level, so see you again next year.
Kilfeacle and District RFC U13s 24 Fethard RFC U13s 5
Kilfeacle R.F.C. welcomed Fethard side to Morrissey Park for the Semi Final of the East Munster Cup. The game was of vital importance, as the winning side would progress to the Final to face the winners of Nenagh and Waterpark. Trys by Aaron Ryan Shinner and Ben Quinn with two converted by Tony Byron . Team coach said he was delighted with the result and that the Final would be yet another fiercely contested game.
However he brought it to the team’s attention that the visitors had made a game of it and that things had gone Kilfeacle’s way on the day and that he final will be a different prospect and another step up again. He continued by saying that it had been a memorable season so far but complacency could be our down fall. He wished Fethard all the best and thanked everyone for supporting the boys as the support is often the deciding factor during close and exciting games.
Kilfeacle and District RFC U17s 10 Galbally RFC U17s 31
Kilfeacle R.F.C. welcomed Galbally side to Morrissey Park for the Quarter Final of the East Munster Cup. This team had put together a string of excellent results to stake a claim at honours this year and a huge stride towards the elusive prize was this enormous task of facing Galbally. Kilfeacle faced this highly fancied team for the chance of progressing further. Kilfeacle RFC were determined when they took to the pitch not to let themselves, their coaches, supporters and club down.
Although facing a physically stronger and bigger team Kilfeacle accounted themselves well. When the final whistle sounded the scoreboard showed that the visitors had triumphed by 31 points to 10. Such was the effort and endeavour put into this game by Kilfeacle, that the final whistle sounded to scenes of jubilation and relief amongst the visiting support.
The team coaches said they were delighted with the display put in by their team and disappointed for the squad with the result. They recognized that the best team won on the day and wished Galbally success in the semi final. They asked that no individuals be singled out and that the squad as a unit be praised for their achievements this year. They thanked each and every player for their commitment.
With this quality of players working through the ranks the future of Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. is safe! Next week’s fixtures list. Kilfeacle and District RFC versus Cork Constitution, Munster Junior Cup Quarter Final, 2.30pm on Sunday 31st of March.
Kilrush Under 14s North Munster Conference Champions
In a very close and entertaining affair in UL grounds in Annacoty Kilrush Under 14s added the North Munster Conference title to their recently won under 15 title beating Newcastle West in a game of 9 tries by a score line of 29 to 22.
The final try a scored by Andrew Naughton Kilrush in the last play of the game which was converted by David O’Brien when the game looked destined for a replay at 22 all in the dying seconds. 2 minutes earlier Newcastle West had breached the Kilrush line but were dispossessed by a brilliant tackle by Sean McNamara before the ball could be grounded.
Kilrush took an early 10 nil both trys Scored by Sean Walsh and playing with a strong wind looked in control of the game but 2 trys by Newcastle west’s brilliant number 13 level the game. Aaron Hogan touched down just before half time and David O’Brien Converted to leave it 17-10 at half time to Kilrush.
Newcastle West now with the wind at their back cleverly played for territory in the second half and equalized to 17-17 when scoring under the posts. Then Kilrush forwards trucked the ball up the middle from their own 22 and then Sean Walsh thundered from half way to score his 3rd try so Kilrush led 22-17.
This lead was short lived as excellent kicking by Newcastle West pinned Kilrush into the corner where Newcastle Score to level the game 22-22. Newcastle West for the last 10 minutes were camped in the Kilrush 22. Excellent defence on two occasions prevented certain trys Hooker Eanna Cunningham and Cian Edwards Murphy held up the Newcastle 8 with a Choke tackle on the line and turned over possession. And Last man tackles by Mark O’Malley Craig McKiernan and Sean McNamara kept Kilrush barely in the game.
So it ended when Sean McNamara broke up the wing added to by surges by Paul Fennell and Sean Walsh’s and Andrew Naughton touched down and David O’Brien converted to a final Score of Kilrush 29 to Newcastle West 22.
Nuala Hennigar Munster Youths rugby Secretary presented the cup to Kilrush Captain Cian Edwards-Murphy who congratnulted Newcastle West for a sporting and entertaing affair. Ul Bohs for the venue and Coaches Andy Jones Aidan Mescall and Stephen O’Brien for all their had work Kilrush Lined out as follows. Mark Shannon, Craig McKiernan, Sean Manninon, Aaronn Hogan, Sean McNamara, David O’Brien, Conor Deloughrey, Paul Fennell, Eanna Cunningham, Cormac Moloney, Danny Berminghan, Sean Walsh, Kieran McNamara Aidan Reynolds and Cian Edwards-Murphy Sub used Gavin Kelly, Andrew Naughton, Eoin O’Shea, David Martin, Mark O’Malley.
Shannon RFC:- Courtesy of Siofra Scanlan, PRO
Not much rugby over the last weekend due to the wintry conditions up the country and as a result the AIL St Mary’s V Shannon was called off. This match has been rescheduled for April 6th.
Well done to our 3rd’s team on Saturday who braved the conditions and won their match. All at Shannon RFC wish them the best of luck in the Webb Cup on Saturday.
Our next AIL match, Shannon V Garryowen, is this Friday March 29th at 7.30pm in Thomond Park. Come along if you can and show your support for the players, coaches and management. It will be a great match.
Match reports are available at http://www.shannonrfc.com/rugby/senior/match-reports.htm
Events and News
Dates for the Diary
President’s Dinner: Friday April 5th
On the night we will be Celebrating Shannon’s 60 years in Senior rugby 1953-2013
Venue: Shannon Clubhouse, Thomond Park ,Friday April 5th @ 8pm
Band : The Nightowls with Disco to follow
Club member of the Year Award will be presented on the night.
Tickets are €25 per person. Anyone interested in reserving please contact Tadhg Crowe on 087-6524958 or Gerry Ryan on 086-0618333
President’s Walk Sunday April 14th
The "Presidents Walk" is on Sunday 14th April starting in the Club House at 12 pm. The routes are the same as last year at 5k and 10k. A percentage of the money collected will go to Milford Hospice. Afterwards back in the clubhouse, food and beverages will be served, Live 95 fm will be there, face painting,Munster Rugby Stars, music and prizes for best dressed etc will all follow. Last year was a big success so lets try and make it even better this time. Should you wish to obtain a sponsorship card please contact any member of the Executive Committee. All contact details can be found on http://www.shannonrfc.com/ in the contact section.
We would urge everyone to support this great event. It is raising important funds for your club and community.
Golf Classic: Friday June 21st. Shannon RFC Golf Classic at Shannon Golf Club.
Full details for these events will be available soon.
Pre-Match Dinner
There will be a Pre-Match Dinner held in Shannon RFC Clubhouse before the AIL match on Friday March 29th at 5.15pm.
Tickets are priced Adults €20, OAP/UNWAGED €15 (tickets include dinner and match entry). Anyone interested in reserving a place please contact John Leahy on 086-2562730.
Match Sponsor
Shannon RFC would like to thank our match sponsor for Friday night’s AIL match, Jerry Flannery’s Bar, Catherine Street. We would urge everyone to keep it local and support all of our sponsors.
All at Shannon RFC would like to thank everyone for their support for all events for 2012 and would urge anyone interested in helping out at the club in 2013 to contact any of the committee members. All contact details are on our website http://www.shannonrfc.com/
Lotto Results 21st March
No Jackpot Winner!
Numbers Drawn: 2, 4, 13, 14
€50 Consolation Prize Winners
1. Catriona Pearl_ c/o The Club
2. Xavier Butler_ c/o Niall Mulcahy
3. Pat Hayes_ c/o Joe Cleary
NEXT DRAW 28th March @ THE BLACKWATER INN
Next Weeks Jackpot: €8,150*DON’T FORGET TO SUPPORT YOUR CLUB WITH SHANNON RFC CLUB CALENDERS AVAILABLE NOW.*
Please keep in mind the Shannon RFC clubhouse for any event, birthdays celebrations or office parties. All contact details can be found at
http://www.shannonrfc.com/club/parties-a-functions.htm
Please find the Senior fixtures and Youth Training as follows:
Friday March 29th
AIL– Senior XV- Shannon V Garryowen @7.30pm Thomond Park
Saturday March 30th
3rds-
Webb Cup- Thomond V Shannon @ 2.30pm Fitzgerald Park
Underage Training
Friday 29th
AIL V Garryowen 7.30pm Thomond Park (U11 playing Ennis at Half Time)
Hardly needs saying but your support is vital
Sunday 31st
No Training
Tuesday 2nd
U19 Friendly V Richmond @ 6.30pm Canal Bank
Wednesday 3rd
u14 Cup v ULBohs @ 6.30pm Coonagh
Boots – Blades.
Note: We (Underage) at Shannon RFC are putting into place a complete ban on boots with blades. The injury to a young u15 player early this season at the club has focused the mind on the horrific injury he had to suffer. He has had a long period of recovery and we want to make sure that no other player suffers a similar injury. It is important that parents are advised at this point as lots of kids will be looking to get new boots for Christmas. When checking boots, Referees will be paying particular attention to ‘blades’ and if they are in any way damaged/rough then they will not allow them.
Thought For The Week
"A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless may turn to glorious success"
Club Shop
Please keep in mind for Birthdays and special occasions we have a great selection of Shannon RFC clubware available from the club shop.
Now in Stock:
Windbreakers, Club Gearbags and small size club jerseys and shorts.
The shop is open in Coonagh every Sunday from 10am to 12pm.
Anyone who wishes to order any items please contact Audry Yeoman on mailto:yeomanhannon@gmail.com or 087 6293002
Young Munster RFC:- Courtesy of Olivia O’Sullivan, PRO
Mixed weekend for Young Munster
The weather interfered with a lot of matches last weekend but Young Munster’s fixture v Garryowen went ahead under Friday night lights, albeit on a different pitch in Dooradoyle as the game was moved to the astro-turf surface, the first time this has been used for an Ulster Bank League fixture.
Young Munster got off to a strong start with Ger Slattery getting the try off a rolling maul on 6 minutes which Derry O’Connor converted. The home side scored shortly afterwards bringing the sides level and we had a yellow card in the 20th minute as Garryowen took the lead with a penalty making it 10-7. They added a second converted try before the break, and in the second half, Young Munster replacement Shane O’Leary immediately made his presence felt with a try under the posts converted by O’Connor to bring us to within three points but the Dooradoyle kicker Matt Jarvis slotted home a penalty to secure the win for the light blues.
Final score: Garryowen 20 – Young Munster 14
On Saturday our U21 squad welcomed Old Belvedere to Tom Clifford Park in the All Ireland Cup Quarter Final. The Dublin side claimed a 28-14 victory however our U21 team has had a tremendous season and should be very proud.
Final score: Young Munster 28 – Old Belvedere 14
Also on Saturday our 3rd XV squad played their first game of the Webb Cup against Thomond in LIT. This was always going to be a tough fixture with Thomond proving strong this season but our boys were up for this game and at full-time it was 15-15 taking the game into extra time, thanks to tries by Paudie McMahon and Conor O’Brien, with a penalty and conversion by Tommy Cronic. In extra time, Thomond got over for two tries, one of which was converted, and Young Munster fought back with a try of our own by Darragh ‘Chuckie’ Jones converted by Cronin but the final whistle went after 100 minutes of the tight encounter as Thomond proceed in the Webb Cup and Young Munster face into the O’Carroll Plate.
Final score: Thomond 27 – Young Munster 22
Congratulations to our Women’s team who welcomed Tuam to Clifford Park on Sunday morning in the semi-final of the Connacht Cup. A 20-0 victory sees our girls proceed to the final which will be played in the Sportsground, Galway, on April 14th.
Final score: Young Munster 20 – Tuam 0
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Fixture Friday 29th March
Ulster Bank League Division 1A: Young Munster v UL Bohemians
Tom Clifford Park 3.30pm*
(*note early kick off time)
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Season Tickets for Munster’s Games in Thomond Park
The club is in a position to order Season Tickets for Munster’s Rabo and Heineken games at Thomond Park for the 2013/2014 season. The tickets are offered to members and supporters at discounted prices which represents a saving on the retail price.
Applications for tickets should be submitted to the Club Treasurer: Ger O’Shaughnessy, 27 Abbey Court, Fr. Russell Rd, Limerick. Closing date for applications is 31/3/2013: All orders are subject to availability
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Collect Used Mobile Phones for a Life Saving Defibrillator
We have an opportunity to obtain a free defibrillator for the club if we collect 250 used mobile phones. We can meet our target if all our supporters look around and find their old phones. There is a receptacle in the club bar at present to which you can bring your old phone and, perhaps, save a life. Please support this worthwhile project. Since the appeal last week we have received a number of phones. We believe that there are still enough phones lying around to enable us reach the target. Please ask your friends and work colleagues.
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.
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Underage Results
Sunday 24th March
U14 Cup: Ennis 0 Young Munster 29
Underage Fixtures
Saturday 30th March
U14: Aberavon District v Young Munster 11.30am Aberavon Greenstars.
Sunday 31st March
U14: Pembroke Harlequins v Young Munster 10.30am Pembroke
Wednesday 3rd April
U15 Cup: Young Munster v Old Crescent 6.30pm Tom Clifford Park
Sunday 7th April
U14 Cup Semi Final: Young Munster v Ballina / Killaloe 11.30am Tom Clifford Park
