Outstanding Ennis Claim Title At National Festival

The Ennis RFC U-15s claimed the Joe Joyce Memorial Trophy at the National Youth Rugby Festival last weekend after two magnificent days of rugby at Corinthians RFC.

Courtesy of:- Niall Mangan, Ennis U-15s Coach

As North Munster League Champions, Ennis RFC set out for this two day event with the ambition to test their recent league success against a number of the best teams in the country outside of their domestic competitions.

Galwegians were first up. A big physical side full of talent demonstrated early on that they were there to make a statement. However after early pressure, Ennis began to dominate the play and scored a great opening try through Oisin Mangan, sniping from the 22. This was followed by a another excellent score close to the posts by David McNamara. Galwegians responded leaving the HT score 12-5.

Ennis controlled the second half and a third try from Darragh Slattery ended the contest albeit conceding a late consolation for a first win on a scoreline of 17-10.

Nenagh had less rugby in them but were a strong physical team. Unfortunately Ennis lost their outstanding full back to a serious ankle injury which ruled Stephen Sheehan out for the rest of the competition. This was a major blow to the group as he has had an outstanding season. Nonetheless the team stuck to the job at hand and through tries from Tony Odubote (2) and Joe Connaughton were comfortable 17-0 winners.

After a long wait in the glorious sunshine Navan were next. An exceptionally well drilled side nosed in front and were the only side Ennis lost to, going down 12-10 in a titanic battle. Tony Odubote and Morgan Garry the try scorers.

Not despondent and finishing as runners up in the group was enough for Ennis to qualify for the Quarter Final of the cup the following day. Kilkenny were to be the opposition.

With little sleep the night before and another blue skied day it was hard to judge how the day would fare out. The strongest teams were in the cup and Kilkenny proved that this was going to be a real test. In a tough game Ennis took the lead through David McNamara. However having played with the breeze in the first half Ennis trailed 7-5 at the break. The second half was controlled well by Ennis and a try by Daragh Slattery was enough for Ennis to eek out a 10-7 victory.

With a long wait to the semi final and a sense that the group were still not playing to the height of their potential, Buccaneers might have been a challenge too much in the semi.

Fast forward to half time in the Buccaneers game and Ennis led 19-0 playing into the breeze after the 12 minute half. It was a remarkable display with scores coming from Harry Talty, a wonder try by David McNamara and a Darragh Slattery special. Elias Kunz added two further conversions (drop goal attempts) to leave the contest over. The final score was 19-5 and the level of play from Eldon Nolan, Stephen Dolan, Elias Kunz and Morgan Garry was immaculate.

Corinthians (hosts) were edged out 12-7 in the other semi by a massive and well drilled Clontarf RFC outfit. In fact Clontarf had not been beaten in two years. Perhaps they underestimated Ennis, and having had the experience of winning the North Munster League title in March combined with a hugely positive and focused group that proved in the semi how good they were made for an interesting contest.

On front of a massive crowd, Ennis set about their business. The forwards fronted up and Eoghan Wallace, Harry Talty, Jack Wall O'Reilly and particularly Elias Kunz hit and drove Clontarf so hard that they were knocked back. The opening score was no surprise, a turnover by the forwards was played through the hands for the excellent Philip Talty to score in the corner. A wonderful team effort.

As expected Clontarf fought back to score next and level the game at 5-5. Ennis once again took control. Rhys Cunningham drove the entire Clontarf pack off the ball and great hands, inside switch and super line by Harry Talty gave Ennis the lead back. Elias Kunz once again converted. With the introduction of Arron Hennessey in the second half and the composure from the likes of Connaughton, Garry and Mangan and the tenacity of Ross O'Flaherty, Talty and Odubote, Ennis locked down the game working the clock down in a very controlled fashion. Clontarf never threatened again and carries from Nolan and Slattery ensured Ennis finished the game deep in the opposition's half and in fact were quite comfortable.

The final whistle of course was met with massive joy for the group who have added this prestigious tournament to their North Munster League to top off a very successful season for all involved. A big thank you to all involved, our hosts in Corinthians were exceptional, the parents and all the teams. This was a great advert for the game with children from all sides mixing well over the two days and long lasting friendships and memories being created. Sport (rugby in this instance) was the real winner.

Ennis RFC: Eldon Nolan, Stephen Dolan, David Sexton, Paul Tuohy, Rhys Cunningham, Shane Brennan, Jack Wall O Reilly, Jack Hanrahan, Ryan Twomey, Eoghan Wallace, Elias Kunz, Gavin Lawlor, Darragh Slattery, Eddie Jennings, Harry Talty, Arron Hennessey, Oisin Mangan, Zack Whelehan, Morgan Garry, Ross O Flaherty, David McNamara, Joe Connaughton, Tony Odubote, Stephen Sheehan, Sean Andreassen, Cathal Lennon, Philip Talty