Nenagh Ormond Club News

Following Nenagh’s unbeaten season the club looks ahead to competing in next year’s All Ireland League in Division 2A.

Nenagh Ormond RFC

Courtesy of: Eithne Darcy, Club PRO

Senior XV complete unbeaten season

Nenagh Ormond Senior XV made the long trip to Ards on Saturday for their final AIL Division 2B match. Although already assured of their place at the top of the League and certain promotion, there was an air of determination on the journey as the lads prepared to work hard to complete an unbeaten season of AIL rugby. And they didn’t disappoint with a fantastic bonus point win to finish with a flourish.

Tries came from Derek Corcoran, Dan Fogarty and Ruaidhri O’Brien who scored a hat trick. It is a measure of the standards this group have set themselves that they were genuinely disappointed to concede one try during the game which meant they missed out on having the best defence in the League by just five points.

Nenagh’s captain Shane O’Callaghan accepted the trophy and, after thanking the sponsors, supporters and committee, praised the hard work and commitment of the players, coaches and management who have all done an outstanding job this year. The lads can look forward to a short break now before preparations begin for the new season in Division 2A.

Under 14’s 21-10 Fethard

The Nenagh Under 14’s hosted Fethard on Sunday last in the semi-final of the East Munster Cup. Nenagh ended up with the home semi-final as a reward for some previous good results in this competition. The match started at a very fast pace with Fethard dominating the early stages with some good passing but eventually the Nenagh forwards found their feet and got right in to the game after some good carries from Mike Kennedy and Stephen Harding and some great running from Evan Murphy.

This pressure paid off midway through the first half when Alex Hayes barged over from close range to touch down. Ben Duff add the extra two points and Nenagh were up and running. Then a couple of minutes later a good turnover from a lineout saw the ball moved quickly along the line where Ben Duff put a very good kick ahead and Evan Murphy sprinted clear of the opposition defender to touch down. The conversion put the home side well clear with half time looming. Fethard did however manage to cross for a try in the corner just before the break to leave Nenagh with a healthy 14 points to 5 lead at the whistle.

In the second half Nenagh really began to dominate in all areas with some good assured play and strong tackling and when Colum Moylan got over for the home team’s third try and Duff again converted the Nenagh side were all but there. Many of the replacements came on and made a good contribution to see the game out. Fethard did get in for a very late try themselves to leave the final score at a good 21 points to 10 win for the home side. There were some very good performances on the day from the captain Evan Murphy and especially from Ian Armitage at number 7 who brought off some great tackles.

All of the squad are now looking forward to the cup final which will probably be played at the end of April.

Under 11’s

The Under 11’s travelled to Birr on Sunday for their last blitz of the year. We played the home team in our first game and from the kick off we really got stuck in up front with some super quick rucking setting our backs free. Our backs showed some great awareness of space along with some super handling skills. Four wonderful tries to nil we won with James Finn, Liam Cooney, Sonny Dower and Tom Kennedy the scorers.

We then had a break while Birr took on our next opponents Ballinasloe. We could see watching this game that our biggest task of the season lay in wait. They were the most skilful team we met all season with size to match. From the very kick off and for much of the first half they attacked with everything they had but were met time and again by not one but usually two and sometimes three aggressive Nenagh tacklers. Their air of confidence quickly drained with the intensity of the battle and we scored three tries in quick succession before half time with Eoghan Tighe, DJ McGrath and Tom Kennedy the finishers. The second half was equally as tough with our lads defending as if their lives depended on it and little care for life or limb. Ballinasloe got one consolation score. The final whistle was greeted with amazing cheers from families and friends.

This brings us to the end of a season where this panel of 21 players have improved their skills and knowledge of rugby. They have done the club and themselves proud and we hope to see them all back next September ready to push on to the next level. The coaches would like to thank all the parents for their support and cooperation throughout the season.

Panel: Martin Ryan, Barry Ryan, Tommy Ryan, Jack Gleeson, Jamie Cottrell, Nathan Griffin, Patrick Fogarty, Daniel Manning, Daire Slevin, Sean Fitzgerald, John Brislane, Eoghan Tighe, Andrew Ferris, James Finn, Liam Cooney, Sonny Dower, DJ McGrath, Peter Collins, Evan Rainsford, Niall O’Sullivan, Tom Kennedy.

Under 8’s

The Nenagh Ormond R.F.C. Under 8 side finished their season by participating in the Birr Blitz on Sunday. The team produced two excellent performances in their games against Birr and Ballinasloe R.F.C. The group has developed a lot over the season and strong running, support and awareness of space lead to plenty of tries for the Nenagh team. In fact, the team has won all their fixtures with the exception of the very first game of the season.

Well done to the lads for their commitment and thanks also to the parents for their support. It was great to see such a large group of parents and family members supporting the lads in Birr on Sunday.
Panel: Brehon O'Donnell, Catriona Finn, Ciaran Slevin, Cillian Lewis, Conor McGrath, Darragh Gleeson, Darragh Spillane, Luke Comerford, Mark Manley, Michael Gleeson, Paul Talbot, Ryan Gratton, Sam Cusack, Tommy Wilkinson.

Celebrate the season in style!

Nenagh Ormond RFC would like to invite all of our players, coaches, members and supporters to join us in the Abbeycourt Hotel on Friday, 9th May, for our end of season Dinner Dance. This is sure to be a great night celebrating an incredibly successful season for the club.

We are delighted to have Ireland coach Joe Schmidt as our special guest on the night.

Music by Ebony followed by DJ Mickey Mac. Tickets are €;35 per person and are on sale now. Contact any committee member for details.