Club Notes Weekending 16th November 2008

Kilfeacle seconds lose to a very strong Cashel team by Denis Wade PRO

Cashel R.F.C 16 – Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 10

On Sunday 9th of November, Kilfeacle and District R.F.C.’s seconds travelled to Cashel in the Gleeson League. To say the weather was inclement would be an understatement. Both sets of players and supporters deserve praise just for being here in these conditions. Although we were beaten we were happy with our performance. The game was a close affair which on another day we might have won, however on this day Cashel just about shaded it and deserved their win. The selectors and coaches have decided that any players that turn up for training regularly would get "game time" and this promise was adhered too. Cashel will be happy with the result and in a lively game we can’t begrudge them the victory. Welcome back to Jack Sullivan who was back playing after being out for a long time who impressed on the day along with Shane Flavin. Overall it is a fantastic achievement for Kilfeacle and District RFC to be able to field a seconds team of this quality every weekend. Other players that impressed on the day were Tommy Maher who kept us in the game, Diarmuid O’Halloran at scrum half, Pat Guerin, Kevin Dineen and the Hayes brothers (first cousins of the Bull).

Trainning continues every Tuesday and Friday night at Morrissey Park at 7.30pm. Players please be on the field ready on time and you will get game time. Congratulations to Cashel and a particular mention to their groundsman. The have a set up and facilities that any senior club would be proud of.

Kilfeacle Under 18’s put in an impressive display to win local Derby!

Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 15 – Waterpark R.F.C. 0

At 3.00pm on Sunday the 9th of November Kilfeacle and District RFC welcomed Waterpark RFC to Morrissey Park in this league encounter. The weather condition were not conducive to playing rugby and both teams and their selectors and supporters were to be admired for their commitment to the game. The homeside knew that their foe would be formidable opponents and that a stout defence would be essential to create a platform to build on. Kilfeacle started the game well and immediately pushed Waterpark back into their own 22. This was to be a marker for the entire game as Kilfeacle pressed there home advantage and held their opponents scoreless. Winning by 5 points to 0 and with the advantage of playing into the breeze in the second half, the Kilfeacle squad new that their discipline and hard work during the first half had given them what they had wished for and presented them with a realistic chance of achieving a win. From the restart, Kilfeacle immediately took the game to Waterpark who seemed unable to come to grips with the weather conditions to gain any territorial advantage. The home side defended well and attacked even better and it seem inevitable that Waterpark would see their defensive wall breached yet again. Once again Kilfeacle and District sliced through the Waterpark rearguard and scored precious trys after some excellent team play. The subsequent difficult conversion kicks were not completed to bring the score to 15 points to 0 in favour of the home side as the referee blew his whistle.

After the game John Dwyer said, "We are delighted with the win, but Waterpark made us work for it! I would like to take this opportunity to thank Waterpark for a hard fought but sporting match and wish the club the very best in the future. I thought that the team played well as a unit in these conditions and special mention must go to the Meehan boys, Darren Lowry, Roggie Peters, Jerry O’Brien, Mr. O’Donnell from Pallsgreen and young English on the wing. The performance was worthy of the effort put in but there is still room for improvement, so a full attendance at training is vital!"

We are delighted to announce that the training for the underage/younger teams continues every Friday. If you missed last week’s training do not fear, as the place to be is Morrissey Park, Kilfeacle, every Friday night. If you enjoy team sports in healthy surroundings with experienced coaches, great facilities and loads of fun then Morrissey Park is the place to be Friday nights!!

Killorglin RFC Club Notes by Aidan Clifford PRO

Killorglin Rugby Club are holding their All Blacks Draw tonight, Wednesday Nov 12th. Tickets cost €10, with the winner receiving a pair of tickets to the MUNSTER v ALL BLACKS game in the newly revamped Thomond Park next Tuesday, November 18th, along with one night’s accommodation in Limerick’s Clarion Hotel, where the Munster team will stay. This marks the 30th anniversary of Munster’s finest hour, when they beat the All Blacks on 31st October 1978. For more information, Aidan Clifford (0879065927) & Jerome O’Sullivan (0873710104) or any committee member can be contacted. All money raised will go towards developing Killorglin’s new home ground.

The Killorglin Rugby Club Social takes place on Friday night, December 5th at Top Deck Restaurant. Starting at 8pm sharp, limited number of tickets are available from club members.

Killorglin RFC Seniors were due to play St Mary’s of Limerick on Sunday last but the game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Killorglin RFC U16s were beaten at home to Tralee on a scoreline of 15-0. The Under 13s also lost to Tralee on a scoreline of 39-5.

Senior Team Training continues every Tuesday & Friday at the Intermediate School at 7:00pm. New players are most welcome and our coaches are happy to introduce novice players to the game. Killorglin RFC Underage training continues. Under-age training continues every Saturday at the Intermediate School. It is not too late to join us as coaches will be happy to coach novices to the game. All are welcome. Under 10, 12, & 14 teams will train on the Dragon’s Den All weather pitch at the Intermediate School at 11am. The Under 18 players will train on the Dragon’s Den at 1pm. For information on any age grade issues, contact Youth Officer John Costello on 0863558185 or P.R.O Aidan Clifford on 0879065927. Membership for Killorglin Rugby Club is still open for the 2008-2009 season. Family membership costs €50, a single membership costs €30, while a juvenile membership costs €10. The above numbers can be contacted also for more information.

Kinsale First XV defeat Newcastlewest by Maria O Mahony PRO

In near artic conditions at Snugmore, Kinsale managed to defeat Newcastlewest 13 – 11. Going into half time 8-0 down they scored 2 tries in the second half, one by Colm McCarthy and one by John O’Sullivan then with just five mins to go Jason Murphy scored a penalty to put Kinsale ahead and win the game. Well done to the fowards who all played a blinder and to both Peter Murphy and Tadgh Wright who shone, probably giving them the joint man of the match position. The UCC v Kinsale J3 South Munster League game was called off due to an uplayable pitch

Next Fixture: Kinsale v Muskerry – 23 November at Snugmore, kick off 2.30pm, J3’s: O’Sullivan Cup Final – 2pm Sunday 16 November – Kinsale 2nd XV v Cork Constitution at Muskerry RFC, Ballyanly (nr Cloghroe) – Please Support

Bruff RFC by Richard Leonard PRO

Very little to report in regard to Rugby last weekend with most of the games cancelled for one reason or another. The first XV had their Munster Senior cup game cancelled while en route so they had to turn around and return to Jack Clancy’s for Breakfast while a scramble ensued to try and get the news out to everyone travelling to Cork.

The Weather put paid to most of the other games it seems although the U13’s made the trip into Derryknockane on Sunday only to be turned away when they got there.

The U20’s game against Shannon went ahead on Saturday, Shannon getting the fourth try with ten minutes to go, But Bruff coming back in the final few minutes to get the losing bonus. Conditions were absolutely awful on the day with a strong breeze & heavy rain falling, the referee taking the off the players off the pitch for five minutes during the first half to give them some respite from the conditions.

Fixtures: Sat 15th Nov: MSL, Bruff v Shannon. U.16 Bruff v Newcastle West 12.30pm. U.8 & U.12 Galbally v Bruff 10.30. U.10 Presentation v Bruff Yellows 10.30.

We, The Executive Committee and members of Bruff RFC wish to offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and club-mates in Garryowen of the late Shane Geoghagan on their tragic loss on Saturday night/Sunday morning. Our thoughts and prayers lie with you all at this time. May god keep you until we meet each other on the field once again.

Next meeting of the Executive committee takes place on Monday night at 8:00pm.

Bandon RFC Latest News by Captain R Holmes

We were lucky to be in a position to field all our 3 Home Junior League Games last weekend after a week of dreadful weather which stands testament to the efforts being put in to keep the club running. After a good win by the J2 Side and 2 home defeats we held our Club & Sponsors Draw in the Clubhouse for the eagerly awaited Autumn fixtures and the results were as follows;

Club Draw Winners: Fergus Appelbe; Brian Patterson; Tim O Callaghan. We also held a closed draw for our sponsors which I again take this opportunity to thank. The winners are Sean Deveraux – Rebel Corporate and Joe McLaughlin – Bandon Medical Hall.

Bandon 8- Clonmel 17 by Coach R.O’Sullivan

J1 Team; John O Connell Declan Kelly Garry Shannon Colm Hurley Graham Bryan Richard Page Pat Prendergast Mark O Mahony Pieter Serfontein Eanna Kelleher Kevin Lucey Harry Fleming Kevin Brophy Liam Ryan Bryn Canniffe.

On Sunday Last Bandon Played their third game of this seasons Munster Junior League on what was an awful day weather wise. That said the Bandon pitch was playable and indeed it is a great credit to the club facilities that three adult games were played in Old Chapel on Sunday. Bandon took the field needing a win to try and get their season back on track having lost heavily in the previous two rounds to Cashel and Richmond.

The home side got off to an excellent start with Eanna Kelleher slotting a relatively straight forward penalty from a long way out within 5 minutes of the kick off. Bandon continued to exert pressure for the remainder of the half however the recent development whereby the attacking team seems to be penalised more heavily than the defending team saw them lose some excellent attacking positions at vital times. That said the Bandon pack gave a considerably improved performance on their run out from the previous week and although the sides turned without a further score it was the Bandon team who had been in the ascendance through out the first half with Clonmel offering little or no scoring threat.On the resumption of Play Clonmel had the added advantage of the elements however it was Bando who did most of the attacking as Clonmel rarely entered the Bandon 22. However as the game wore on the Clonmel scrum began to unsettle the Bandon 8 who were tiring @ this stage and with 15 minutes to go Clonmel crossed for an unconverted try. Immediately from the kick off Bandon to their great credit attacked Clonmel and following a great break from Harry Fleming the ball was taken on by Pieter Serfontein who off loaded to Mark O Mahony who crossed for a try which went unconverted by Kelleher.

Unfortunately having been in the lead with 6 minutes to go Bandon failed to close out the game with Clonmel crossing for 2 tries one of which was converted which resulted in Bandon failing to take even a bonus point from the game. Although the entire team was dejected after the game as Bandon now face a steep uphill struggle in an effort to avoid relegation there are a number of positives to be taken as there were huge improvements in the display. It is back on the road next Sunday as Bandon go to Kilfeacle in search of their first points in this year’s campaign and if ever the team needed large travelling support it is next Sunday.

J2 League – Bandon 12 Skibbereen 06 by Captain J Neville

Bandon: Connor Desmond; Marios Cornelius; Alan Johnson; Brian Galvin; Dave Hegarty; David Ahern; Eoghan O’Donovan; Henry Appelbe; Sean Essex; Phil Murphy; JP Lucey; Tim O’Mahony; Colm Keane; James Neville (c); Alan Love. Subs: Paul Collins; Barry O’Sullivan; Padraig Duggan; Jason Quirke; Mark Kelly.

Bandon remain unbeaten in the league after an extremely hard fought victory at home to Skibbereen last Sunday. The conditions were absolutely terrible with constant rain and a high wind throughout. In spite of this the pitch held up very well and also both sides managed to produce some excellent running rugby. Playing into the elements in the first half Bandon found themselves on the back foot early on and were lucky not to concede a try when a Skib player was held up over the line. However the ref was playing advantage and Skib kicked the subsequent close range penalty. Bandon equalised through a David Ahern penalty a few minutes later. While running some great ball, Bandon were guilty at times of trying to force the final pass. Skib regained the lead with another penalty. Bandon had two penalty opportunities that both went narrowly wide. However at half time Bandon were only 6-3 behind and had the wind advantage to come in the second half.

Bandon took a while settle down in the second half and weren’t pegging Skib back into their own 22 enough. However gradually half backs Eoghan O’Donovan and David Ahern began to exert their influence on the game. Ahern kicked three second half penalties to leave it 12-06. The Bandon pack never allowed Skib to establish any type of platform and they were looking to their dangerous backs to make the breakthrough. Skib always looked dangerous on the counter attack but Bandon’s defence was well marshalled by Brian Galvin and Alan Johnson and was generally comfortable throughout. Barry O’Sullivan came on in the final quarter and again carried and tackled effectively and was unlucky not to score when held up short of the line. Bandon’s lineout also adapted to the conditions better after a shaky start. This was a very satisfying win for Bandon but they will have to improve as tougher tests lie ahead.

Bandon’s next game is on Sunday week the 23rd November at home to currently unbeaten and reigning Dennehy Cup holders Ballincollig at 12 o clock.

South Munster Junior 3 League Bandon 0 – 6 Ballincollig

Bandon RFC J3: 1. A Leahy, 2. B. Corcoran, 3. C. Kelliher, 4. R. Holmes (C), 5. C. Buttimer, 6. P. Crowley, 7. R. Powell, 8. D. O’Donovan, 9. J. Canniffe, 10. J. McCarthy, 11. E. Hurley, 12. D. Crowley, 13. D. Goode, 14. R. Wilmot, 15. A. Willis. Subs: J. Duggan, P. Appelby, M. Murphy, B. Brady, N. Duggan, J. Williams, G. Burke.

Bandon RFC J3 team continued their league campaign with an unlucky bonus point defeat to a very strong Ballincollig side. The match was played in appauling conditions, with driving wind and rain quickly reducing the pitch to a mudbath. As a result, the game was a tight, forward orientated affair, with running rugby not an option. The balance of the game went from one side to the other, with both sides exerting pressure at different stages. The only score of the first half came from a Ballincollig penalty kick, leaving the half time score at 0 – 3. Bandon had dominated in both scrum and line out during the first half, and could count themselves unlucky to be behind. Outhalf Joe McCarthy kicked intelligently to keep Bandon in good field position. The front row of Corniellius "Fudge" Kelliher, Barry Corcoran and Aidan Leahy could take huge credit as they destroyed their opponents in the scrum.

The second half began with Bandon straight out of the blocks, and dominating the early stages. Huge pressure was exerted on the Ballincollig line, with Declan O’Donovan and Mike Murphy taking ball on. Credit must be given to the Ballincollig defence which held firm. Unfortunately, a couple of penalty opportunities went agonisingly wide of the posts. Ballincollig then came back into the match, and it was Bandons turn to defend. As which has become a feature of this Bandon J3 team, the defence held rock solid. Unluckily, during one of the many ferocious exchanges at the break down, a penalty was given away underneath the Bandon posts, and Ballincollig extended their lead to 0 – 6. A last big effort was summonsed by Bandon coming towards the end, and a rattled Ballincollig had a player sent to the sin bin as they desperately worked to keep their line intact. But, this was to no avail, and Ballincollig held on to record a narrow win.

It was a credit to both sides that this game was played in a positive, clean, committed spirit, despite the weather conditions. Bandon can feel aggrieved at this loss, as they were more than equal in terms of performance, and can take much encouragement and pride from the display which was put in. There were many good displays, with prop Cornielius Kelliher, full back Andrew Willis and centre David Crowley particularly outstanding

Nenagh Ormond RFC Notes by Theresa Hassey PRO

Nenagh Ormond 15 – Barnhall 3

In a game played under the most horrendous conditions Nenagh fought and battled to a great victory over Barnhall on Saturday last. With plenty of injuries Nenagh were forced to make a number of changes. The management and selectors will have the happy difficulty of trying to pick a team for the forthcoming matches as there were a number of outstanding performances It was a terrific effort by both forwards and backs. It would be difficult to adequately describe the conditions, which were played in near monsoon type weather. One only has to look at the pitch to see its current state to imagine what type of game it was. Nenagh were far more energetic, had a greater sense of urgency and had a greater hunger in their quest to get to the next round. The ball was thrown about quite a bit despite the conditions and made for entertaining watching for spectators.

The wind blew diagonally over the stand towards the far side slightly leaning in favour of Barnhall in the first half, Nenagh dominated territorially for most of the first half, but it was hard to make large amounts of ground, thus kicking was to the fore. Both defences had the attacking sides well marshalled. Nenagh achieved a break through on twenty minutes from a David Delaney penalty. Barnhall were back level within five minutes. Shortly after an attempt to clear the Barnhall lines found its way to the outstanding number 8 Eoin Ryan who headed straight for the corner ably supported by Rory O’Brien who took it on. When Rory was stopped close the line Eoin Gardiner was on hand to take the pass and dive in the corner. The resultant conversion into the head wind was never going to threaten. Nenagh were 8/3 up at half time and value for their points.

After the cup of tea at half time Nenagh seemed to move on. Barnhall were playing a lot of intelligent rugby mixing the kicking with the attacking game and had been under pressure for long periods. Nenagh were very resilient and when they got their chance they got their score. In the end it came down to a ruck from close in. Eoin Ryan got the touch down under a sea of muddy bodies. The resultant conversion from the touch line was put over and Barnhall were effectively out of the game. Nenagh saw it out well and the crowd appreciated the efforts. The result gives Nenagh an away tie against Highfield or Galwegians, who are in division one and division two respectively. This round will be played in January and given the Nenagh performances to date there is a lot to look forward to in 2009. Thanks again to our loyal supporters who turned out in numbers in such desperate weather to shout on the team.

TEAM.M. Kennedy, C Griffin, D. Dunne, R. Powell, J. Quigley, E. Ryan, C McMahon, D. Horan, E. Gardiner, D. Fogarty, D. Delaney, J. Lillis, V. Tuidradki, R O’Brien, E. Corcoran.SUBS: A. Grey, J. Healy, P. O’Connor, K O’Meara.

Seconds: Nenagh Ormond 6 – Waterpark 12

Nenagh entertained Waterpark on a wet and windy Sunday afternoon. With both sides unbeaten in the league, the conditions meant that the usual expansive game was out the window. Nenagh started well and were on the attack from the off. It was more a kicking game with each team trying to force the other into mistakes. The handling errors were high on both sides and indeed it was one such error that led to the first score. A Nenagh pass went to ground, Waterpark picked up and raced in under the posts for a converted try. Nenagh came back scoring a penalty from Brian Maxwell just before half time. The second half was a carbon copy, with Nenagh enjoying most of the posscession. Again a Nenagh pass failed to be gathered allowing Waterpark pick up and score a unconverted try. Nenagh hit back with another Maxwell penalty. For all their power and might Nenagh just couldn’t breach the Waterpark line leaving the final score 6-12 to the Park. Nenagh can be very happy with their performance but need to be more clinical in their finishing. Nenagh have a break next week with another league game in two weeks time away to Sundays Well.

Ladies match was called off on Sunday morning due to an unplayable pitch in Young Munsters. The fixture may be re-arranged for next Sunday, this will be confirmed at training. Training continues every Wednesday and Friday night in Lisatunny.

Under 20s training continues every Friday night at 7.30 in Tyone.

Another Irish hopeful for Nenagh Ormond – Nenagh Ladies team member Sandra Williams has been picked as part of the extended panel of 40 players named by Ireland Women’s head coach Stephen Hennessy, who will take part in the November training camp, as the squad begin preparations for the 2009 RBS Women’s Six Nations. Well Done Sandra, from all in N.O.R.F.C. and congratulations to Sandra’s brother Brian who celebrated his 21st in the Rugby Club on Friday last.

Underage Update: Last weekend all underage fixtures were cancelled due to the weather conditions.

Fixtures for next weekend are as follows: Under 14s, 16s and 18s are all in League action, Under 16s and 18s are away to Waterpark, Under 14s are at home to Fethard; Times will be notified at training.

Training continues as normal:8s, 10s & 12s – Thursday, 6pm, Tyone; Under 13s & 14s – Wednesday & Friday, 7pm, Tyone; Under 16s – Tuesday & Friday, 7pm, Lisatunny; Under 18s & 20s – Friday, 7.30, Tyone

Draw Winners: This weekend we held our ‘Ladies & Mini Section Draw’. Thanks to everyone who participated and helped run the draw. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. The winners were as follows: 1st Prize – 2 tickets to Munster v All Blacks – Nigel Dunne, 2nd Prize – 2 tickets to Ireland v All Blacks – Angel Donovan, 3rd Prize – Meal for 2 in the Peppermill (value €100) – Thomas Killackey

Old Cresent RFC Club Notes

Ian Jones, the 100+ capped All Black lock, visited Old Crescent RFC on Monday evening, 11 November 2008, to meet old friends form his playing days with Old Crescent. Ian spent some time playing with Old Crescent before becoming a permanent fixture in the All Black set up for most of the 1990’s. Old Crescent President, Glenn Quin, hosted a reception in the Club for Ian and his colleagues from New Zealand Sky Sports TV, who were in Limerick in preparation for the Munster v All Blacks game next week.