News from around the Clubs

Latest Club news from around the Province weekending 4th October 2009.

KILLORGLIN

Killorglin Rugby Football Club
UNDER 11’s training is on at the pitch, Commuinity College Grounds, Langford Street on Saturday next at 11.00AM. Parents please attend to register your child. For more information please contact John Costello 086 3558185
UNDER 13’s training is on at the pitch, Community College Grounds, Langford Street on Saturday next at 11.00AM. For more information please contact Dan O’ Sullivan 085 1390808
UNDER 15’s training continues at the Dragons Den Saturday next at 11.00AM. This age group is for players born in 1995. For more information please contact Seamus O’Shea 087 2357805
UNDER 17’s played at home to Abbeyfeale on Saturday last. Killorglin RFC 5 – 29 Abbeyfeale RFC. Training is on Tuesday at 17.30hrs and Saturday at 12 noon at the Community College Grounds. Langford Street, Killorglin. This age group is for players born in 1993/94 For more information please contact Aidan Clifford 087 9065927
UNDER 19’s training is on Tuesday at 17.30hrs and Saturday at 12 noon at Community College Grounds For more information please contact Jerry O’ Sullivan 087 3710104.
SENIOR TEAM – Killorglin made the long trip across the southern province to Carrick on Suir in the Quarter Final Tie of the Martin O’Sullivan Cup. Carrick on Suir last year topped their group but missed out in promotion were pitched for a comfortable win. After a hard week on the training park Killorglin were confident and were not prepared to allow Carrick on Suir a repeat of the last meeting where the home team secured an early win. Killorglin received the kick off and took the ball back to Carrick to lock horns in a battle inside the away teams half until Killorglin were penalised for a scum infringement after 7 mins – converted by Carrick. Character of the puck pack attacked from the restart and had Carrick scrambling in defence in their own half resulting in a penalty, the score evened with the boot of the ever reliable Gannon. Killorglin had stamped their mark on this game with ball carries from Hayden, Murphy, and Moriarty and the back row tackling in tigerish form with big hits from Ahern and Costello. Carrick were like a winter coastal storm battering at the Killorglin defence wave after wave but could not break the Killorglin stronghold. Killorglin played the open rugby with link play and pop passing from the front row of Conway, Flynn and Daly to pose the question Barbarian or Barbaric? But certainly effective. The score board did not see a change for a further 20 mins when Carrick were awarded and scored another penalty. Carrick had seasoned players who slowed down the Killorglin ball preventing any advantage from the attacking rucks and spoiling any rhythm in the Killorglin play. Minutes from the end Carrick in broken play opened the Killorglin defence line creating an over lap down the left side with the winger pegging for the corner when he was crunched by a try saving cover tackle by Flynn from which the winger never recovered. The score on the changing of direction was 6 – 3 to a rattled home side. Tactical changes at the interval saw Curran on for Flynn at hooker and O’Sullivan on for Joy at 9. Captain Conway circled the troops and dished out the orders for the second half which started with Killorglin applying the early pressure on Carrick. A superb Kick off from the fly half apprentice Ahern gave ball for the attacking puck pack to contest and turn over possession. The screw started to turn, the Carrick defence creaked, Killorglin were here for the win. The teams were well matched and nothing but a score was going to separate the contenders, Killorglin dominated the line out with a number of takes against the head by Ahern and Hayden, Carrick well drilled in the scrum got the push on a number of times putting the pack under pressure and forcing errors. A harsh call from the referee after 16 mins of the second half saw Carrick an advantage of 15 men against 14 as centre O’Reilly had to serve his 10 mins penance for an attacking infringement. Carrick couldn’t capitalise on the extra man and as O’Reilly returned to the park Dan O’Sullivan touched down for a try converted by Gannon. The score, Carrick 6 – 10 Killorglin, the time 14 minutes to go. Then came an unexpected twist to the plot – try scorer O’Sullivan sin binned, 4 mins later Breen sin binned, 11 minutes to go, 15 against 13, sustained pressure from Carrick, no reward, Killorglin 22 drop out, left bounce by the Carrick scrum half and into touch, referee calls “out in the full” touch judge with a Children of the Corn type vacant look did not direct the referee, Coach O’Sullivan shouts McEnroe like “You cannot be serious!” Killorglin back inside the 22 unjustly punished, Carrick’s big men make the ground, score for Carrick just left of the posts and converted. Score Carrick 13 – 10 Killorglin, 3 minutes left on the clock. Another hanging ball from Ahern at the kick off placing Killorglin for the last drive for the try line, it was Carrick’s day. Puck rugby is strong and puck rugby is getting stronger the boys took the loss on the chin, back to training park to put in the hard work, reward is pending. Congratulations to David O’Sullivan for making his Senior debut. Killorglin also had two sets of brother take to the park last Sunday well done to the Ahern and O’Sullivan brothers. Result Carrick on Suir RFC 13 – 10 Killorglin RFC. Team: Brian Gannon, David O’Sullivan, Andrew O’Reilly, Jodie Riordan, Lorca Maher, John Ahern, Sean Joy, Enda Murphy, Brian Ahern, Shane Costello, Tommy Moriarty, David Hayden, Karl John Daly, Dan Flynn, Colm Conway (C), Subs: Joe Curran for Dan Flynn, Mike Breen for Shane Costello, John O’Sullivan for Karl Daly, Mike Daly for Tommy Moriarty, Dan O’Sullivan for Sean Joy. Management Team: Coach Shane O’Sullivan, Assistant Coach John Costello, Team Manager Viv O’Callaghan, Kit Man Anthony Kelliher. Training is on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 19.30hrs at the Community College Grounds. For more information contact Senior Team Manager Vivienne O’ Callaghan 087 9760488.

NEW PLAYERS WELCOME FOR ALL AGES WITH OR WITHOUT EXPERIENCE!

Membership is now due for Killorglin Rugby Football Club for the 2009/2010 Season Youths Membership is €;20, Senior Membership is €;30 and Family Membership is €;50. Contact Club PRO Breda O’ Sullivan 087 2297549 or Email info@kerrysafetyservices.ie
Stay tuned to our website www.killorglinrugby.com, Twitter & Facebook page for more up coming events! New Website is currently under construction but you can also keep up to date with us on Facebook & Twitter – Killorglin RFC!
Games Under 19’s & 13’s are away to Listowel on Saturday 03 October at 13.00hrs. All subject to pitch inspections, please contact team coaches for times and travel arrangements.
Draw Don’t forget to buy your ticket to be in with a chance of winning a trip for two to Dublin to see Ireland V South Africa November 28th!

BRUFF
A Tough bruiser to start the season off, that’s about the best description of Saturday’s encounter against Clonakilty in the AIB Cup.
Within six minutes of the off, Bruff were down by three points but after that quickly took a stranglehold on the game. With Bruff playing all of the rugby, there was wave after wave of attack on the Clonakilty line, ring rustiness rather than the Clon defence, and the referees whistle the only things keeping Bruff away from the Clon line. Scores were levelled by the first of the successful Bruff Penalties on 13 minutes courtesy of Brian Cahill, and they took the lead within 8 minutes with a second. Clon then, against the run of play, touched down for their one and only try of the game, with a block down of a Brian Cahill clearance, the blocker chasing to catch and touch down, then it was duly converted to give them a 4 point lead. Bruff returned to camping within the Clonakilty Twenty Two, two line crossings disallowed before finally they returned the favour with former captain Cathal breaking through the ruck to touch-down on 29 minutes, Brian Cahill converting again to give them a three point lead for the second time. They would hold the lead from there to the finish. Play continued with Bruff attacking the Clon line right until the break, Scrum after scrum given to Bruff for constant infringements at the ruck by the home side who were left trailing 13 points to 10 at the interval despite a one man advantage due to a yellow card for John Shine for slapping the ball from the Scrum-half’s hands five minutes before the whistle.
The Second half began in much the same mode, Bruff doing most of the attacking but the occasional handling error providing relief from the onslaught for Clon. The Bruff Scrum was on top enough to nullify the extra man in the scrums but on his return from the bin Bruff had a fifteen minute golden period. 6 minutes in Bruff out-half Brian Cahill crossed beside the posts and extended the Bruff lead to ten points when he converted a minute later.
Despite their dominance, however they failed time and again to put away their opposition and Clon managed to come within seven points with another penalty. Clonakilty then seemed to knuckle down and the Bruff defence was tested by waves of Clon attacks before Bruff closed the game out with a final Brian Cahill penalty.
Final score Clonakilty 16, Bruff 26.
Bruff: Backs: P. O’ Brien, P. Thompson, G. Leonard, B. Deady, J. Moore, B. Cahill, T. Cahill, Forwards: S. Foster, C.O’ Regan, G. Ryan, M. O’ Connell, R. Wall, A. Bourke, J. Shine, M. Carroll.
Subs: A. Whyte (For R. Wall), D. Horan (P) (For Foster), G. Bolger (H), (For M. Carroll), N. Riordan (For J. Moore), E. Maher (For P. O’ Brien).
Scores: C. O’ Regan (T), B. Cahill, (T), (2xConv), 4 x Pens.
Opposition in the next round of the cup comes in the form of our very first ever game against St. Mary’s in Templeville Rd., where we won the Division Three Final three years ago. This game takes place on the 17th of October.
This coming weekend of course sees the beginning of this seasons AIL with the first game away to Highfield off Model Farm Road in Cork. This year is our second in Division Two and the aim for the season is to get into the top four to better last season’s 6th place finish. On the road again, it wasn’t long coming around.
The U21’s had a good win against Old Crescent under lights last Friday evening in Kilballyowen. In a tight, tough, fractious encounter, they ran out eventual winners by a score of 15 points to 3.
Bruff J1 squad were on the receiving end of a 34 points to 6 drubbing in Young Munster as well yesterday in the Munster Senior seconds League, (Munster’s had a great day against Bruff all round didn’t they?). This squad takes on Bohs next weekend at home.
Youth:
U12’s took part in two different Blitzes
U13 Bruff 17, UL Bohemians 17
U14 Estuary 5 Bruff 34
U17 Young Munster 53, Bruff 0
U19 Young Munster 21 Bruff 5
Youth Fixtures this coming weekend to be announced on the website. Log on to www.bruffrfc.com to keep up to date.
Adult Fixtures: Sat: 3rd October:
AIL Highfield V Bruff 1st XV, Highfield, Model Farm Rd., K.O. 2:30pm.
Sun: 4th October
Bruff J1 v U.L. Bohemians K.O. @ 2:30 pm.

SHANNON
Shannon Notes Weekending October 3rd 2009

About three weeks earlier than normal the AIB league is finally upon us. Memories of last season’s success are still fresh in the minds, but as it has been after any of our previous victories, the slate is wiped clean and the hunger for success remains as intense as ever. There has been a discernable difference in the pace of our training sessions in the last few weeks with fellas hitting the bags that bit harder, sprinting that bit faster and focusing on the challenge of retaining our title as if they were aiming for first time glory. However if we are to retain the title this year the focus and energy will have to be maintained throughout the course of the campaign. The new structure will ensure that every game will be high in intensity and quality.
Last Saturday we had an ideal preparation match against Galwegians in LIT. Robust and tricky as every, the visitors put the lads through their paces and made them work extremely hard for the eventual victory. The game attracted far more media attention than normal because of the presence of Jerry Flannery in the starting XV. Although his appearances these days in the black and blue are infrequent, it was great to see him line out and indeed train the previous Thursday with the senior squad. It’s a great boost to many of the squad to play and train with a Lion and Jerry, as usual was on hand with sound words of wisdom. His road to recovery has been remarkable and hopefully he’ll be back in red and green jerseys soon. The fact that we could help out Jerry was great, but the real attention for us was preparation. It took a while to get going and allowing Galwegians a three try start wasn’t ideal, but with typical tenacity the lads fought back extremely well and eventually won by 33-28.
What a way to open the new league campaign; local derby, Garryowen, floodlights. Even writing about the prospect gives a surge of energy. Hopefully the new format will entice rugby followers to support the clubs and Friday night should set a marker for the season. Anytime Shannon and Garryowen meet there’s just that little bit extra given by the players. It’s a sign of mutual respect, but also of the deep desire to get one over each other. The fact that we have played each other 23 times in the 19 years the league has been in operation speaks volumes for the standards of both clubs. I know my counter part in Garryowen, Christy Barry has made a huge effort in getting the game media attention, so hopefully the supporters of both clubs will respond positivity. Kick off in Dooradoyle on Friday night is 7.30.

Apart from our senior side, last weekend wasn’t our most illustrious with results not going according to plan.
The seconds travelled to Nenagh in their opening game of the season but could only manage a 3-3 draw. It was hardly riveting stuff but given this was the first time he seconds had actually played together this season, it was far from a negative result. Untried combinations and partnerships were tested and tried and there are plenty of positives that can be taken from the day. The biggest positive really is that the seconds are indeed up and running. The last six or seven has always seen a slow start to our seconds campaigns and it is usually one of the most difficult sides to organise given they are so closely intertwined with the seniors.
The Seconds league has taken a new and improved direction this season with the Munster region split into a north and south section which will eliminate quite a lot of long distance travelling. Both sections will then meet to determine the Munster champions later on in the season. It means that the seconds will have a game almost every week from now until Christmas which will give great continuity to the competition.
This Saturday they travel to Dooradoyle to play Garryowen for a 2.30 kickoff.
The thirds didn’t fare much better and went down do Scarriff in friendly and the U/21’s let a 7-6 half time lead slip against UL/Bohs to be beaten 28-7 at the full time whistle. With the U/21 interprovincial championship over, our U/21’s can now welcome back an additional 9 players to the squad who will most certainly make a difference.
The thirds play another friendly against Ul/Bohs in Annacotty at 12.30 on Saturday and the ladies are in AIL senior action on Sunday when they entertain Youghal in LIT.
Fixtures for our underage sees the U/19’s and U13’s play Ennis in LIT and the U/17s play Garryowen.
It is with regret that the Executive committee has made the decision to ban all dogs from Coonagh. This unfortunate decision has come on the back of several underage coaches pointing out that dog fouling on the pitches has reached unsafe levels. Despite the fact that several hundred people use our facilities on a weekly basis, some dog owners don’t feel it necessary to clean up after their pets and we cannot allow this unhygienic practice to continue. Signs will be erected in Coonagh in the coming weeks, but we hope that this directive will be observed immediately in the interest of the safety of all our players.
On a more positive note, our club Lotto has now reached the grand sum of €;10,800 so if you’re not in you can’t win. Tickets are available through the usual outlets. Finally just an earlier reminder to any members looking for autumn international tickets should make their application as soon as possible to Tadhg.