News from around the Clubs – 13th December

Club news from around the Province

KILLORGLIN
Killorglin Rugby Football Club
UNDER 10’s. training continues on Saturday next at the Dragons Den at 11.00am. For more information please contact John Costello 086 3558185
UNDER 12’s training continues at the Dragons Den on Saturday morning at 11.00am. For more information please contact John Costello 086 3558185
UNDER 13’s training continues at the Dragons Den on Saturday at 11.00hrs. For more information please contact Dan O’ Sullivan 085 1390808
UNDER 15’s Killorglin played Killarney away in the West Munster League on Saturday last December 11. This was a very evenly contested game played in good conditions. Killorglin opened with a try from Kevin after 6 minutes converted by Fionn. Killarney replied on 17 minutes following good work from their forwards. Mikey got over for a try on 25 minutes after coming into the line on a good backs move, following excellent work by the forwards to establish a good attacking platform deep inside the opposition’s 22. Colm closed the half with a good try (converted by Fionn) having chased a kick into the opposition 22. Killarney scored a try on 38 minutes before Kevin out ran the opposition defence to score a great try. Killarney had the final say on 54 minutes with the last score of the game. A feature of the game was the tackling, with Chris, William, Daragh and Ruairi giving great example with try saving tackles at different points. The backs combined well and the pack carried well, led on by Cian. The scrummaging was even and while we got to the rucks early we weren’t aggresive enough in driving off the opposition. Our lads worked hard and deserve great credit for a solid performance. Score: Killarney 17 – 24 Killorglin. Team: Seamus O Shea, Ruairi O Shea, William Mitchel, Cian O Mahony, Timmy Foley, Seamus Doyle, Daragh Fitzgerald, Chris O Sullivan, Fionn O Shea (4), Colm O Mahony (5), Neil O Shea, Kevin O Sullivan (10), Luke O Sullivan. Conor Morris, Mikey Houlihan (5), Subs: Conor O Sullivan came on second half, Ryan Ashe came on second half, Danny Sheehan came on first half, and Tadhg O Sullivan came on second half. Training continues at the Dragons Den Saturdays 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 training is on Saturday at 12.00hrs at the field, Community College Ground. This age group is for players born in 1993/94 For more information please contact Aidan Clifford 087 9065927
UNDER 19’s Are through to the West Munster League final against Castleisland in Killarney on Saturday 19 December kick off 12.00 noon – Please Do Come and Support! Training Tuesday and Friday evenings at 19.30hrs at the Dragons Den. For more information please contact Jerry O’ Sullivan 087 3710104.
SENIORS: Killorglin were on the road again last Sunday with a trip to league leaders Castleisland. The away team are unbeaten so far this year and must be confident with a promotion to Division 2. Killorglin on the back of a slow start to the season have re-grouped and re-focused with hard work on the training park over the past weeks. This hard work was evident with Killorglin’s first half display holding the home side to 8 points at the half time whistle. Solid tackling from the pack and the centre partnership paid dividends. Castleisland again were stronger in the scrums but did not bully the puck pack as in past meetings. Killorglin started to put the phases together and were creating chances with the go forward ball. A loss of possession saw Killorglin under the posts defending a scrum that Castleisland capitalised to put the score at the half time whistle Castleisland 8 – 0 Killorglin. The two teams started well with exchanges of play between the 22’s. Castleisland’s persistence won out in the end with a number of tries coming from their well drilled driving maul and strong scrums. Killorglin with tiredness setting in lost shape which allowed Castleisland a number of tries in succession. Killorglin regained shape and started to put the ball through the hands exposing Castleisand with the result of the away side crossing the line from a 20m run by Tommy Moriarty (Murt) touching down right of the post, converted by Brian Gannon. Killorglin returned straight away from the kick off and another score looked eminent, a brave tackle from the Castleisland back row which came out the worst from the collision with centre Andrew O’Reilly resulting in a serious shoulder injury, play stopped, ref called time, Castleisland’s day. The score aside, Killorglin played with purpose and conviction, a first half display which has set the mark for the forthcoming games. Well done boys. We would also like to wish the injured Casleisland player a speedy recovery. Score: Castleisland RFC 32 – 7 Killorglin RFC Team: Brian Gannon (2), Jody Riordan, Dan O’Sullivan, Andrew O’Rielly, Luke O’Shea, Ronan Curtayne, Michael Griffin, Mike Daly, Gearoid Healy, Tom Healy, Tommy Moriarty (5), David Hayden Colm Conway(C), Joe Curran, John O’Sullivan Subs: Karl Daly, Sean Joy, Mike Breen (Jr), Kieran Crowley, Brian Lesley.
Games: Senior Team are AWAY to Abbeyfeale on Sunday 20 December K.O. 14.30. Do Come & Support YOUR TEAM! Under 19’s Killarney Saturday 19 December K.O. 12.00hrs.
NEW PLAYERS WELCOME FOR ALL AGES WITH OR WITHOUT EXPERIENCE!
Membership: To support YOUR TEAM & become a member of 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 7545408 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!
Merchandise: Killorglin Rugby Football Club has brought out its new on & off field wear all available to buy NOW! For sales contact 087 7545408. Kit will be for sale at the Dragons Den on Saturday Morning from 12 midday.
Christmas: Killorglin Rugby Football Club would like to wish all our players, families, supporters and friends A Very Happy Healthy & Peaceful Christmas & All the Best for 2010!
Games over Christmas: 20 December Abbeyfeale AWAY kick off. 14.30hrs.
27 December Kilrush HOME kick off 14.30hrs
03 January Killarney HOME kick off 14.30hrs.
Turkey Cup: This year our Exiles take on our Senior Team on Wednesday 30 December at our home ground, Community College, kick off 14.00hrs Please come and enjoy this challenge game where our Exiled players try to redeem themselves to their former glory and snatch back the coveted “Turkey Cup” a great Family Day Out with Face Painting & goodies for the kids and plenty of fun promised for all! Do join us after for the presentation and celebrations in The Fishery!
Congratulations: Killorglin Rugby Football Club would like to congratulate John Costello on his receipt of the first Volunteer Recognition Award from the Munster Branch for the 2009-10 season. We are extremely proud of John and are hugely grateful for the trojan work that he does as Youth Officer for Our Club. John played a massive role in helping our Club to receive “Munster Youth Club of the Year” award in 2008 and his tireless work and commitment both on the pitch coaching, and off the pitch at Committee level is more than appreciated by all of us. John Costello is a true gentleman of the game of Rugby and Killorglin Rugby Football Club are honoured to have him within Our Team! Again, congratulations to John and a huge “Thank You” for all your work and to your wife Bernie, daughter Niamh and son Shane for their constant support.

SHANNON
Shannon bounce back
AIB League
Clontarf 13 Shannon 21
Shannon rounded off the 2009 AIB league fixtures with another win in the capital which keeps them very much in the hunt for the playoff place. Their victory over Clontarf was well deserved and any hang ups they had over their controversial slender loss last week against Cork Cons manifested into positive action. Boosted by the availability of Ian Dowling and the return of their captain Mossy Lawler after injury Shannon took the game by the scruff of the neck early on and scored two excellent first half tries that saw them through to the end.
Once again Felix Jones was at the heart of Shannon’s dynamism in the backs, but it was some of the younger players that shone throughout the game. Scrum half Rob Guerin has developed a game with a very high degree of confidence that belies his youth while Paddy Butler once again demonstrated that he has a bright future.
Clontarf were outplayed for long periods of the game and more often than not any attacking potential was quickly stifled Shannon’s defence was superb throughout the game and despite Clontarf’s well deserved try in the 37th minute it was rock solid.
When substitute Martin Dufficys rounded out several phases of Clontarf play it reduced Shannon’s lead to 18-13 and with victory snatched from them in at the death twice so far this season , it certainly signalled some anxious moments amongst the Shannon faithful. That unease however remained beyond the railings and a very composed Shannon side secured a drop goal attempt for Tadgh Bennett to which the outhalf made no mistake. In securing the victory, Bennett also denied the home a side a losing bonus point which in a league as tight as we have is an added benefit.
The Visitors set their stall out early, and after just four minutes Felix Jones secured his first try for Shannon after slick handling saw his running line reward.
Clontarf responded with a Darragh O’Shea penalty just three minutes later but Shannon maintained their initial tempo and a quick tap and go from Bennett inside his own 22 brought play deep into Clontarf’s half in eth 16th minute,
Jones was once again instrumental as Stephen Kelly crossed for his 8th try of the league and Shannon were certainly on as roll. Bennett learnt from his earlier conversion miss and made no mistake with the almost identical kick.
Whilst Clontarf were not making much headway in attack they kept in touch through the boot of O’Shea ads the fullback landed another penalty in the 29th minute., Had he converted his next two attempts before the break, Clontarf would have levelled things up but on the flip side, Bennett missed two of his own a couple of minutes either side of the break,
A yellow card for Mike Essex in the 49th when the hooker prevented quick ball for Clontarf wasn’t capitalised upon and just as he was about to return , Clontarf found themselves reduced temporarily when Martin Garvey was sent to the line.
Bennett tapped over the penalty that followed and the outhalf again landed a beauty in the 68th minute to extend the lead to a comfortable looking 18-6, but Clontarf’s late rally ensured an exciting end to the game.
Shannon though held tough and thoroughly deserved their victory in a venue which has become a relatively happy hunting ground in recent years.
SHANNON: F Jones; R Mullane, M Lawlor, I Dowling, S Kelly; T Bennett, R Guerin (F O’Loughlin 60); K O’Neill, M Essex, G McNamara, P O’Brien (J Cronin 55-65 temp sub), F Walsh, P.Butler, E.Grace, D Quinlan.
Referee:Michael Black (IRFU)
Shannon Notes Weekending 19th December 2009

The difference between the joy of victory and the despair of defeat is very slim, a fact that we know only too well this season. It is however, the manner in which a team responds to agonising defeats which differentiates some sides from others. A rerun of what happened in Coonagh a couple of weeks ago is hardly necessary, but one point can certainly be said, and that’s the manner in which our lads bounced back against Clontarf last week. Castle Avenue is not a venue that has been unkind to us over the years; off the field our hosts are always hospitable to a fault, and on the field our lads can usually produce winning performances. This victory may not rank as one of our greatest in North Dublin, but for this season, it’s yet another reassurance that our players have the mental strength and physical will to win a tenth AIB league title.
The return of Mossy Lawler after his injury was a great boost while Ian Dowling’s availability once again gave a cutting edge to our midfield. We were so disappointed for Ian that he didn’t make the Munster panel for the Heineken Cup, but any personnel disappointment he had was cast aside, and he once again proved his own loyalty to the club both on and off the field.
It wasn’t all plain sailing and the possibility of another defeat snatched late in the game became real when the home side crossed for a late try after their only real period of momentum through out the game and despite the 5 point lead it would be fair to say our band of loyal supporters did get a little anxious. Thankfully, they need not have worried as calmly Tadgh Bennett struck a neat drop goal to seal the win.
Realistically we were far the better side on eth day and perhaps key to that was our defence. More often than not Clontarf travelled laterally with the ball in hand and when they got a sniff of the gain line they were forcibly removed from the imaginary line.
Two excellent tries in eth first half set us up nicely with the effervescent Felix Jones at the heart of both. In the 4th minute he cut through the line of blue and red and then in the 16th minute he set Stephen Kelly on his way for his 8th of the season. For Felix it was his first try of the season and one he probably won’t forget in a hurry, mainly due to the reward he received in the dressing room afterwards, something to do with snakes or reptiles. Anyway, the journey home was joyful to say the least for players and supporter who again meet up in the familiar surroundings of the Final Furlong. All in all it was a fantastic way to round of the AIL for 2009

It was a great weekend all round for the club with the Ladies, seconds and underage sides all notching up wins. On Sunday the seconds played Thomond in what transpired top be a super game of rugby with both sides showing great willingness to keep the ball in hand. An excellent first half performance gave us a 19 -8 lead with tries from Rory Sergeant, Barry Gibbons and Paddy O’Sullivan while David O’Donovan tagged on 2 conversions. Thomond bounced right back in the second half and it was full on. After Dunny put us 22-11 ahead, Thomond came within 4 points, and with the momentum it looked like they could go ahead. Good defence held them out and Dunny added a further penalty to see us clear at the end by 25-18.
This was another good performance by the seconds who have now strung a number of good wins recently.
On Saturday they play UL/Bohs at 1pm in Coonagh and will be hoping to exact revenge fro and earlier defeat.
The thirds had a friendly against Thomond and were able to utilise their very large squad. With a sequence of tough league games coming up the opportunity was used to work on various combinations. It is a measure of the competition for places that we had 29 players turn up looking to prove a point to Tony for inclusion in the forthcoming games. The score line didn’t match our ambition as Thomond ran out worthy victors on the smallest of margins 18 – 17. It’s back to league action this Saturday in Coonagh where we will look to keep up our good league form against Clonmel with a 2.30 kick off.
Without a game of rugby for over a month the ladies had a convincing win over Galbally in their league. It was tough encounter with plenty of physicality. An early try from Aoife Crowley was converted by Amanda Greensmith set a good early tone and when Cathy Halley crossed for another it was no more than our ladies deserved. The platform was laid through a dominant scrum and admirable discipline with Rachel Wallace leading the way. Once the third try was scored through speedster Tracy Lawlor the bonus point try was very munch on the cards. It was only a matter of time before it came and it was the aforementioned Rachel Wallace. Amanda Greensmith made up of the remainder of the 24 nil victory with her reliable boot. Next up for the ladies is Young Munster on the 3rd of January.
There was a good return at underage where the 13’s had an excellent win over fellow pace setters Garryowen. Our boys had a distinct disadvantage in height and weight, but undeterred they played magnificently and recorded a 17-7 victory. Darren Gavin was on fire and opened the account with a brilliant solo effort. Despite the light blues taking the lead in the second half, our lads proved resilient and Jack O’Connor barged his way over to reclaim the lead and then to cap a man of the match performance, Cian Clifford went over for a try to compliment his brilliant conversion. They’re in action again this Sunday when they travel to Newcastlewest along with the U/14’s who recorded another big win despite a brave effort from Kilrush,
The U/9’s played very well in a blitz hosted by Presentation and although it was bitterly cold, the enthusiastic players thoroughly enjoyed the games.
The U/15’s play their first league game this Sunday when they host Ennis in Coonagh while the U/12’s host a blitz.
We know it may be a little early to be thinking about the Six nation’s games, but we need to make a big effort to distribute our allocated tickets for all the games. Any member looking for tickets for these games should contact Tadhg Crowe.
The Club Calendar was launched this week and is being sold through various outlets including underage and we would ask all our members and friends to but one for only €;10 for an excellent production. Great credit to John Leahy for his efforts as well as our Photographer John Humphries who gave of his time so generously.
Finally it was great to see our weekly notes get an honourable mention in one of the Sunday nationals. It’s somewhat reassuring to know that we still hold the interest of our friends in the capital.
Next week will see the last notes of 2009.
BRUFF
The 1st XV travelled up to Trinity for their first ever time on Saturday last. We got a fabulous welcome from this stalwart 2nd Division club and while we have not got too many ties, the ones that we do, have made an impact, none more so than their forwards coach for a couple of years Seamus Twomey. Talk about a game of two halves (maybe four quarters would be a better description).
The game kicked off ten minutes early to allow for the difference in evening light on the east coast compared to those of us more westerly (about half an hour or so, I must check that up some time to get the exact figure). Eight minutes in Bruff put the first points on the Board courtesy of winger Nigel Riordan with Captain Brian Cahill adding the extras. The students duly replied with a breakaway interception somewhat against the run of play five minutes later to level the scores on seven points apiece. The Bruff pack then seemed to take the game by the scruff of the neck and the rest of the half saw them dominate their opposition in the set pieces, strong in the scrums and stealing ball in the lineout. Back row John Shine finished off a great looping move from the back line on the outside to scamper home from the twenty two on 17 minutes and Brian Cahill again added the extras. At this stage the students looked to be out of their depth a little but despite good possession, the referees whistle kept Bruff in check, the only points scoring opportunity a missed penalty from the captain and Bruff ended up going into the break with a fourteen points to seven lead.
The second half started as the first finished, the Bruff pack completely dominating proceedings and finally things started to click. However the students weren’t lying down and taking it and clawed the lead back to four points courtesy of the boot of their high flying full back four minutes into the half. Alan Bourke charged over for a try two minutes later and Garry Leonard touched down for the bonus point three minutes later. At this stage Bruff were cruising and it looked like only a matter of closing out the game and how much they were going to win by.
Suddenly the students found their feet and what followed was a comprehensive demolition of the sixteen point lead courtesy of two converted tries in fifteen minutes and a penalty eight minutes after that to give Trinity a single point lead with seven minutes left on the clock with no reply from Bruff. At this stage Bruff still looked well capable of grinding their way back down and coming home with a win but a sin binning left the Bruff pack one man down and the students managed to work their way into the Bruff twenty two and with the extra man in the pack they spurned a couple of penalty chances and opted for the scrums instead, a good decision as it ground down the remaining time on the clock and after four scrums the Bruff pack were penalised and the referee awarded a penalty try to the students giving them an eight point lead. The losing Bonus looked doomed even for the Bruff side, but they fought back again and the last penalty kick of the game was slotted by the Captain to bring home two valuable league points from the outing. It was one of the best games of the season so far to watch if you weren’t a Bruff supporter. Fair play to the young squad from Trinity, their tenacity paid off in spades.
Final Score Trinity 34, Bruff 29.
Bruff Scorers: Tries: N. Riordan, J. Shine, A Bourke, G. Leonard. Kicks: B. Cahill (3 conv. 1 Pen). The J1 and J2 teams both recorded victories this weekend.
First out on Saturday were the J2’s who took on Garryowen in the Gleeson league in Dooradoyle. In a tight game the thirds eventually came out on top by a point with a 13-11 victory. A try from Centre Brian O Connor (Boz) along with a Conversion, Penalty and Drop Kick from Davie Clarke was enough to see the thirds come away with the victory. Garryowen did have a kick to draw the game but lucky it fell just wide. Team: T Casey, K Carroll, J O’ Gorman, D Power, T Leahy, M Hennessy, M Collins, J McCarthy, T Carroll, D Clarke, B O’ Connor, J Hayes, J Guiney, W Egan, J O’ Sullivan. Subs: C Hayes, J Ryan, A O’ Shaughnessy, R Moloney, K O Sullivan.
The J1 Team ran out easy winners away to Old Crescent on Sunday in Rosbrien coming out on Top 58-8. Team S Sheahan, G Bolger, B Kiely, D Murnane, B McMahon, A White, P Malone, D Keogh, E Maher, J Forde, G Leonard, J Malone, D Conway, H Murphy, R Kirby Subs. T Quirke, A Gahan, M Collins, B O Connor, N Forde.
The U15’s had their first league outing with a great game against Thomond. A fabulous first outing with a 46 point to 5 win.
Team lined out as follows: Backs 15. G. Whelan, J. Doherty, B. O’ Connell, K. Hosford, D. Cosgrave, D. O’ Grady, A. Neilon, J. Aherne, Forwards: 1. J. Aherne, E. Finn, B. Keogh, C. O’ Dwyer, A. McAuliffe, C. Rea, E. Costelloe, T. O’ Dwyer, Subs: S. Doona, P. O’ Connell, A. O’ Connell, D. Kelly, M. McKenna, C. Birrane, C. Collopy, C. Berkery, J. O’ Mahony, D. Glynn, R. Coughlan, M. Barry, C. Staunton.
Fixtures this coming weekend:
Sat 19th:
GL: UL Bohemians V Bruff J2, 1:00
Sun. 20th:
NMSSL: Bruff J1 V Nenagh, 12:00 pm.
Youth:
U14 St Mary’s V Bruff, 11.30 am
U15 Garryowen V Bruff, 12.15 pm
U16 St Senan’s V Bruff, 11.30 am
Keep an eye on the website www.bruffrfc.com for fixture changes and updates and general news as we get it.
U16 (Born 1994) & U18 (Born 1992 & 1993) training it will be at 7.00 pm Thursday 17th, followed by a short U17 Training session @ 8:00pm. Next Sunday of course is the Members Christmas Party following on from the NMSSL game and the Munster match on the box. All members welcome to come and join in the festivities. St. Stephen’s day sees this year’s Reindeer Tag blitz taking place, a great way to blow off the Christmas turkey, stuffing and cobwebs without doing any major damage except maybe to your egos. Also, tickets for the Magners League match on St. Stephens night are available now for members on the ticket line on 087- 1386244 and by email to tickets@bruffrfc.com
Finally a reminder that the Poker classic has been Re-fixed for Saturday January 2nd at 8:00pm. Tickets are available at €;30 from Pat Dunne (086)-8187361, Ger Hehir (087) 1717535 or any other committee member.

KILFEACLE & DISTRICT
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. lose in the League at home to Tralee.
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 15
Tralee R.F.C. 18

Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. hopes in the league are based upon winning all their home games especially against the league contenders. One of the main objectives would be to defeat Tralee RFC, who lay only one place behind the league leaders before kick off. At this time of the year with the weather being the way it is and having to travel such a distance it is these types of encounters, performances can easily deteriorate into mediocrity, priorities change and enthusiasm wane, however this was not the case in Morrissey Park on Sunday 13th of December as both teams served up a gem of a game, after all it is the Munster Junior League we are talking about. Kilfeacle won the toss and elected to play against the wind for the first half. A large portion of the first half was played in the visitors’ 22. But for all their possession and territorial advantage the home side found it very difficult to score even after building up good phases of play. Tralee R.F.C. started this game like their lives depended on it. They went 3 points up and had declared their intent after they scored a well-taken penalty. The visitors were clinical when their scoring chances came their way. They really only had two concrete scoring chances in the first half however they converted both, the second being a well taken converted try after 26 minutes. The home side looked to be in impressive form, they had the visiting team pinned back and were very unlucky not score at least two tries having crossed their opponents line twice but both times it was deemed that they had not grounded the ball. They did however manage to score a penalty from the boot of Shane Luby in the 30th minute, however through a combination of luck and staunch defending this was the final score of the half to have the halftime score reading 10 points to 3 for the visiting side.
At the start of the second half the travelling supporters were expecting their team to come out all guns blazing and put the game to bed. This they tried to do and enjoyed their best spell of the game while scoring an unconverted try and a penalty in the first 20 minutes. Kilfeacle who, as the half wore on became more and more anxious to score finally found the luck and cohesion that had eluded them up until this point. The omens were good when Kilfeacle and District RFC scored two tries one of which was converted to bring the scoreline to 18 points to 15 in favour of the visitors. All the supporters knew that they were in for a nail biting finish but as Kilfeacle were to learn, Tralee were not going to roll over and lose their chance to make it to the summit of the Munster Junior League. The game needed one team to take the initiative. Kilfeacle knew, that in these conditions, scores would be hard to come by but they went in search of them with great gusto but met a defence that was equally as determined to stop them. We were now in the 76th minute, both teams knew that they needed to find a winning score. To the home sides dismay the remaining minutes of the half were played in the Tralee 22 but blighted with handling errors and there were no further scores. After the 80 minutes were up and the referees final whistle sounded, Tralee had run out winners by 18 points to 15.
Immediately after the final whistle the coach and selectors agreed that there were both positives and negatives to be taken from the game. For this game the negatives had out weighed the positives, especially when you consider that Kilfeacle had missed three very kickable penalties and this was the main reason we didn’t win. Players that shone on the day were Stephen Flood, Sean Leahy, Jack Sullivan, Darren Lowry and Charles Walsh, Denis Keneally wished every success to Tralee as they progress through the competition. He said, “It was not a question of skill or commitment, as one would back this current panel to a man. No, on the day some vital decisions did not go our way. To say we are disappointed would be putting it mildly however this is all part and parcel of the game and there is no use crying over spilt milk. Tralee came out of the blocks faster in the second half and gained a psychological advantage on us. We never really got to impose our game on them for long enough periods of the game. We can and will rectify these problems in training. Yes we lost but are not beaten! We will bounce back a better and stronger team.”
Kilfeacle and District RFC’s next outing is the Final of the Challenge Cup against Clonmel RFC. This game is to be held in Cashel on the 19th of December. Clonmel will enter this game with the tag of favourites when you take into account their current form and impressive results. The team as ever are looking forward to everyone’s support and are looking forward to ending this year on a high!

Seconds impress in clash with Clanwilliam.

On Sunday 13th of December, Kilfeacle and District R.F.C.’s seconds welcomed Clanwilliam to Morrissey Park. To their credit both sides approached the game in a good frame of mind and displayed plenty of endeavour. Kilfeacle were putting in a great display with players such as Tom Breen, Jason Loughman, Michael Shanahan and King Mahony excelling in a very strong team. The day was going to plan until it took a very unfortunate turn. With over 30 minutes of the second half over and Kilfeacle in the ascendancy and leading, a terrible accident occurred when, through no ones fault, Kilfeacle player Michael Collins broke his leg. After a long delay, during which Michael received treatment and was then rushed to hospital, the game was abandoned.
After the game John Dwyer said, “It was a very upsetting incident for all present to see such a fine player suffer such an injury. Everyone from both clubs wished him a speedy recovery and deemed it only reasonable to not continue. Up until the accident we had the capability and the desire to win and a very resolute Clanwilliam defence held us out when many more couldn’t and they deserve praise for that. We are delighted to have such a strong squad and I am sure that they will continue on, once they have got over the shock of today’s misfortune. I believe that full commitment from everyone on Friday nights is essential, especially now when we hit such consistent form. Both sets of players and supporters deserve praise for the way they reacted today in such trying circumstances and once again we all send our best wishes to Michael.

Kilfeacle seconds pipped at the post.
Newcastle West R.F.C. 12
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 9
On Saturday 12th of December, Kilfeacle and District R.F.C.’s seconds travelled to Abbeyfeale. Although we were beaten we were happy with our performance. 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. Newcastle West will be very happy with the result in a lively game. Newcastle West got off to a good start with a nice try however Shane Luby replied with a fine penalty for the Blues. Kilfeacle rallied and good play from Jerry O’Brien who played a man of the match and captain’s role along with fine performances from Shane Morrissey at number 10 and Shane Luby, saw them dominate the game and score two more penalties from the boot of Shane Luby. With just a minute of normal time left Kilfeacle looked comfortable with a 9 point to 5 lead. The game was not such a one-sided affair as the score line tells as the visitors were made to work very hard for their lead. With only seconds left on the clock Newcastle West were awarded a penalty try, which seemed very harsh on the visitors. The whole squad were very disappointed with the result having led for so long. It will be tough but they need to pick themselves up and dust themselves off for the next game.

Under 15’s come out the better in the game with Bruff RFC.
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 27
Bruff R.F.C. 25

Kilfeacle under 15’s hosted a sporting Bruff outfit at Morrissey Park on Sunday in a spirited challenge game. Bruff started very well with several scores coming in the first 10 minutes and it was close to half time before the boys in blue crossed the whitewash. Against the breeze in the second half, Kilfeacle and District RFC really knuckled down and took the game to the visitors eventually finishing victorious, 27 points to 25. Shane O’Connell, Jack McLoughlin and Ethan Rogers played well for Kilfeacle.

CLONAKILTY
Clonakilty Look To New Year
Clonakilty go into the Christmas break in the league knowing that the New Year will see them embroiled in the mother of all dogfights. Seven teams have firmly established themselves as possible candidates for “the drop” come April. Clonakilty lie one place above the trapdoor in the midst of these and have still to play three of them. Two of these games are at home and they will now take on cup-final dimensions as Clon struggle to survive in the division a situation they have become accustomed to over the past couple of seasons since they pushed for promotion to Div 1.
It is unfortunate that Clon are struggling. They have in place probably the strongest coaching/management team in the history of the club, an inspirational captain and a host of talented and experienced players. However there is no denying that it is a squad in transition and if they are to survive again it will require all the above to remain completely focused and to believe, as the rest of the league do, that The West Cork side is too good to go down. This commentator is not alone in believing that the standard in Div 2 this year is not as high as that of the 3rd div some years ago. The Clon squad that dominated div 3 before going up to Div 2, would have made short work of this years opposition and the nucleus of that team is still strong. They are not too far short of finding the missing ingredient that will spark the rest of the season. The new players are blending well and gaining the experience that will stand to them and Clon in the run in to the final placings.
Last week, as usual, an under-strength squad travelled to Belfast to take on fellow-strugglers Malone and would have targeted a losing bonus point as a minimum requirement. They went one better taking two points from an absorbing game that never lost the attention of the travelling faithful. Clon appeared to have the game won at 6 – 15 at half time. Excellent trys from Noel O’Sullivan and Clon’s Tongan international, outhalf Kurt Morath, who added the conversion and a penalty, gave Clon a fortunate but convincing lead. The bounce and the odd refereeing decision at last seemed to be going Clon’s way and there was justifiable expectancy that they would go on to close the game out in the second half with perhaps the possibility of more trys.
Malone had other ideas. They are fighting for survival too and they carried the game to the visitors. On at least four occasions they should have capitalised on immense pressure on Clon’s line but the Munstermen defended brilliantly to repulse all but one of these attacks. That inevitable breach resulted in a try and brought the Ulstermen right back into the game. Indeed they took the lead with two converted trys and at that stage looked likely winners with the scores at 23 – 18 following an excjhange of penalties. However Clon staged a rally and first Noel O’Sullivan nearly did his thing again before captain Alfie Harte raised the roof through the travelling faithful when he scored a superb individual try to give Morath the chance, albeit a difficult one, to win the game with the conversion. The kick, like an earlier attempt from his own half, was agonisingly close but no cigar!
In truth the result was a good one as Clon were as near to losing it as they were to winning it with a bonus point. Although they had also lost to UCD in the previous AIL game there were strong signs of survival. The students, in fifth position, were extraordinarily fortunate to take this game as they were outplayed over the course of the match except where it counted on the scoreboard. It is coming together!
The squad in Belfast was: John O’Donnell, Darragh Lynch, Paul Dillon, Dave Lombard, Noel O’Sullivan, Kurt Morath, Joe Crowley, Tom Ryan, Alfie Harte, Gary Shannon, Dan Whelton, Dean Landy, Michael Peter O’Regan, Lenny Harte, Mike Keohane, Hugh O’Neill, Derry O’Neill, Donal McSweeney, Ger Hegarty and Jason Fleming
Tonight, in The Phoenix, the club is running a Table Quiz fund-raiser at 9.15pm. It is a difficult time for all but clubs are hit two-fold. Your support would be very much appreciated.
Fixtures
The next AIL game is at home against Thomond in The Vale at 2.30pm on Saturday 2nd January 2010. The club would really appreciate some West Cork support on this occasion to start the New Year with a win.
This Weekend:
Saturday 19th Under 17 League v Ballincollig in The Vale at 11.30
Senior Seconds League v Sunday’s Well in Musgrave Park at 2.00
Sunday 20th J2 League v Bantry in The Vale at 12.00