Club News Weekending 21st Sept 2008

Read the latest club news and match reports from around the province.

KILLORGLIN RFC
Aidan Clifford PRO

Training continues every Tuesday & Friday at the Killorglin Community College grounds 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 on Saturday next, 20th September. Under 10, 12, 13 & 14 teams will train on the Dragon’s Den All weather pitch at the Intermediate School at 11am. The Under 16 & 18 players will train at our home pitch at Killorglin Community College grounds at 11am also. For information on any age grade issues, contact Youth Officer John Costello on 0863558185 or P.R.O Aidan Clifford on 0879065927.
Killorglin Rugby Club’s fundraising draw continues, with a chance to be part of history as its prize. For a price of €10, you are in with a chance to win two tickets to the historic Munster v All Blacks game in the newly revamped Thomond Park on Tuesday, November 18th, along with one night’s accommodation in Limerick’s Clarion Hotel. This may be the official opening of the new Thomond Park and marks the 30th anniversary of Munster’s finest hour, when they beat the All Blacks on 31st October 1978. For information, call or text Aidan Clifford on 0879065927 or Jerome O’Sullivan on 0873710104. Alternatively, contact any committee member. All money raised will go towards developing the new home ground.
Membership for Killorglin Rugby Club is now 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.

SHANNON RFC
Andrew McNamara PRO

First Trophy for Shannon Courtesy of Third XV

Shannon’s third XV got the new season off to a winning start when they produced a trophy winning performance in tournament hosted by Corcca Dhuibhne (Dingle RFC) which also included Douglas from Co. Cork.
The first round saw the lads up against the stern test of Douglas and it took a late Steven Garvey penalty to secure the narrowest 3-0 victory.
After the host club dispatched Douglas, it was a final show down between Shannon and Dingle.
This turned out to be a cracking game with both sides expending considerable energy during the course of the game. The home side got off to a flying start and with barley a minute registered on the clock they crossed Shannon’s try line after their backs displayed some silky skills. Panic wasn’t about to set in for Shannon and slowly their forwards began to dominate their opposition. Player coach James Doran spearheaded the challenge along with Mike Daly and Jim Heniger, but for all the effort they couldn’t register the all important score before the half time break.
However the visitors were heartened by their first half efforts and turned around with the advantage of the considerable wind in their favour
Outhalf Pat Dundon controlled the play and his kicking out of hand forced Dingle to defend their lines for long periods. It was during an early pressure period that Shannon first scored. Some excellent work by Willie Dalton forced a turnover which produced a fine try for Martin Bourke five minutes into the second half. The difficult conversion was sent wide, and despite more or less dominating the game, Shannon had to wait until the final 5 minutes to secure victory.
With little space to create a passing move, centre Jonathan Bedford utilised his strength and crashed through the defence. Quick forwards followed and the ensuing ruck saw Dingle infringe in a kickable position. Calmly, Steven Garvey stepped up and slotted over what turned out to be the winning try.
So Shannon’s first silverware of the season goes to their thirds and Captain Ger Broderick received the spoils of victory later on in the evening from Paddies O’Shea.
A fantastic and most encouraging start for the Thirds whose training numbers continue to be impressive as the weeks go by.

BANDON RFC
Shay Graham PRO

J2 Friendly: Bandon 32 Old Christians 10.

Bandon: Sean O’Riordon; Sam Kingston; Marios Cornelius; Colm Keane; David Hegarty; David Ahern; Connor Desmond; Dave Wilson; Phil Murphy; Ray Nyhan; Gavin Burke; Padraig Duggan; Fiacra Keanae; James Neville (c); Jonathan Perrott.
Subs: Jason Quirke; Paul Collins; Rob Herlihy; Richie Powell; Alan Love; Mark O’Driscoll; Gavin Kelly.

Bandon seconds kicked off their season last Sunday at Old Chapel against Old Christians. Considering the heavy rain and poor underfoot conditions, Bandon played some great running rugby and crossed the line on five occasions. The game did not start all that well when Old Christians scored off an intercept to take a seven point lead. Bandon responded well and the boot of David Ahern ensured that they spent a lot of time in the Christians 22. Bandon coughed up a few scoring chances but eventually a series of intricate passes put Colm Keane in space and the centre powered over for the try. The try went unconverted. This was a first outing for most players under the new ELVs and certainly there were a few interpretation problems as Bandon gave away a succession of penalties at the ruck. One of these was converted by Christians to move them into a 10- 5 lead. David Ahern responded with a penalty and just before half time Gavin Burke crossed the line for a try after some good interplay between Dave Hegarty and Sean O’Riordon who was making his debut in adult rugby and had a fine game at full back. Half time 13 -10 to Bandon.

In the second half it was all Bandon and the backs were particularly effective as they ran ball from everywhere. David Ahern scored a try after a marvellous jinking run. Another followed after a Bandon back row move off a scrum was held short of the line. From the ensuing ruck, Marios Cornelius came in from the wing and picked and drove over to score. Dave Ahern converted. Bandon’s fifth and final try came when Richie Powell finished off another series of excellent passes to score under the posts. The conversion was added to leave the final score 32-10.

This Sunday the seconds are at home to Kinsale in the first round of the Dennehy Cup. Kick off is twelve o clock.

Kilfeacle & District RFC
Denis Wade PRO

Kilfeacle and District lose semi-final of Mansergh Cup to a good Clonmel team!
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 0
Clonmel R.F.C. 3

Last week’s home win against Newport seemed to indicate that Kilfeacle were starting well and now needed to build on this to find a consistency in performance. We needed to build on this performance while all the while becoming impregnable at home. There are few sterner tests than to face a formidable Clonmel outfit. We are now confident that we are a threat to any team, regardless of whom they are or if we are home or away. Confidence is vital for any individual and for every team and winning is a habit. Clonmel, the visiting team, had themselves maintained a rich vein of form throughout last years season and are currently setting about the challenge of going one step further this season, they are tipped to end this season amongst the league leaders and deservedly so. These local derbys, be it in the league or cup, are always intense affairs where old rivalries renewed, slagging re-ignited and boasting rights played for. Throw in the added fact that it is very early in the season and teams are laying down markers for the season to come and you have all the ingredients for a classic semi-final clash. On Sunday the 14th of January 2008 in Morrissey Park, Kilfeacle the weather was cold but the atmosphere was scalding in the cauldron of Munster Junior Rugby and neither side would have any other way!
Having said all that this game failed to live up to it’s billing as the score line shows. To say the weather was inclement, that the teams have not gelled as units yet, that some players are not yet back in the teams and that teams have yet to adapt their styles to suit the changes in rules, that all these aspects were to play a part in the result would be true but to say that this was the deciding factor in the result would be verbose. Both teams played in the same conditions and there should be enough talent and skill within the squad to overcome any absentees and rule changes. No, this was definitely the one that every tackle had to count, every decision vital and one mistake would win it or lose it depending on the colour of the jersey that hung over your heart on the day.
The game was intense but rife with handling errors, mistimed tackles and mistakes on both sides. Both teams did threaten their opponent’s try lines on numerous occasions but neither could do so consistently or for sustained periods of time before unforced or forced errors helped to relieve the pressure. On the day it came down to which team would retain the ball better, make the fewer mistakes and take their scoring chances better and in the end Clonmel won this battle when they scored a penalty with 12 minutes left on the clock. Having edged ahead Clonmel then resolutely denied Kilfeacle and District any scoring opportunity for the remainder of the game.
After the game Shane Flavin, captain for Kilfeacle said, "We had the capability to win but a very resolute Clonmel defence held us out and they deserve praise for this hard fought win. This narrow defeat has ended our chance of securing a cup final place so early in the year. However we believe that we are better than this and realistically, we are not far away from attaining a standard that will see us mounting a genuine and sustainable league challenge this year. We have the calibre to perform well in any Cup competition and that now is our goal as well as winning the league. Both sets of players and supporters deserve praise just for being here in these conditions and so early in the season. On days such as today it is a bit of a lottery and today Kilfeacle just didn’t have the winning ticket!
The team as ever are proud and humbled by the amount of support they receive and hope that their supporters will continue to come along and support them on the day. We wish Clonmel the very best for the rest of the season and look forward to doing battle again in the future. Next competitive action is against Skibbereen in the Challenge Cup on Sunday 28th of September in Morrissey Park.

Kilfeacle and District seconds had a very beneficial friendly against Clonmel

Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 5
Clonmel R.F.C. 10
Kilfeacle and District’s second team were not called into competitive action this weekend but kept themselves busy, with a friendly match against Clonmel RFC. Kilfeacle were delighted with the opportunity to try out some new combinations and to give some of our more inexperienced players the opportunity to taste action while still not in the cauldron of competitive battle. The game was played with great spirit and commitment with a lot of free flowing moves and running of the ball. Both teams made changes at half time but this did not detract from the game, which was watch by a surprisingly large crowd. Players that played well on the day for Kilfeacle were Aidan Noonan, Christy Barry, Liam Casey and John O’Grady Kilfeacle would like to thank everyone from Clonmel RFC who travelled on the day and wish the club the best for the rest of the season. The seconds are called into action against next week against Cashel in Morrissey Park for a friendly.

KINSALE RFC
Maria O’Mahony PRO

A fantastic win was had in this first round of the MJCC by Kinsale, playing under terrible conditions, especially in the second half. 2 first half tries by Shane O’Regan and Lyndon Kiely were converted by Jason Murphy who also scored a penalty in this half and followed up with 3 further penalities in the second half. Kinsale were very much in control throughout the game however the momentum was broken for approx 8mins in the second half for Youghal injuries.

Role on round 2 – 21/9/08 Kinsale v Clanwilliam 14.30 in Snugmore

The 2nd XV are also in action on Sunday 21.9.08 at Old Chapel, Bandon in the first round of the Dennehy Cup – kick off 12.00

UL BOHEMIAN RFC
The 25th Pat Lawler Tournament Saturday 13th September 2008
The big day has come and gone and the Underage committee of UL Bohemian RFC and the Lawler family are extremely happy that the way the event turned out. We opened proceedings with our president Mick Goggin saying a few words and then he introduced the Munster coach Tony McGahan to pass on his support for the event. This was followed by the Deputy Mayor of Limerick Ciaran O’Hanlon who formally opened the event. Before we proceeded with the parade, a minute’s silence was observed for Willie Doran ex-chairperson of our under age and lifetime member and supporter of the club who passed away last Tuesday after a long illness. The Parade started with all twenty teams marching behind the Boherbuoy Brass & Reed Band in the famous ’12 Acres’ of the UL Campus, Limerick. Kick off was at 11-00am with forty games played on 4 pitches with all first round games finishing at 2.30 approx. The knock stages for the Cup and Shield competitions followed with the semi finals and finals for both moving to the UL Bowl pitches.
The Shield Final was played first with Cork Constitution FC and Sligo RFC. Cork Con ran out eventual winners on a score line of 4 tries to 1 against a very gallant Sligo team
The Cup Final was played between Shannon RFC and Bruff RFC. The first half was an evenly contested affair but Shannon as proven in all previous games turned on the style and won comfortably in the end by 4 tries to nil. Bruff played their hearts out but the speedier backs of Shannon proved too much for them in the end. This was Shannon’s first win in the competition and they were very worthy champions and congratulations to them. Pat Lawler’s son Mossy presented the Cup and Shield trophies to the winning captains. The medals and tournament were sponsored by Irwin Jewellers, Patrick Street, Limerick and we would like to thank them sincerely. The commemorative colour programme designed specifically for the event proved to be very popular and further copies can be got by calling the under signed or e-mail: loughie87@gmail.com
The organising committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all clubs who attended and hoped they had an enjoyable tournament. To Dave Mahedy and his staff at UL a big thank you and also to Tom Ryan and his people in the Arena Restaurant who kept the hungry young players fed. Last but not least to the Lawler family Patricia, Mossy, Sinead and Lizette for their support and help.
The Event Photography company used for the event was Photomagic and the tournament photographs can be viewed on their website. You can also order online for any of your club activity shots. The telephone number is 061-333883 and their website is http://www.photomagic.ie/

Old Crescent Club Notes
Frank Larkin PRO
Our senior squad returned recently from a short but very successful pre-season tour, led by Club President, Glenn Quin, and Captain, Phil Glamuzina. The tour to the Roussillon region in the south of France was organised by immediate past President, Tony Murray. The team played Port Vendref RFC, a local senior side, and Old Crescent won by 20 points to 7.
Our rugby mentors, led by Rugby Chairman, Tom Barry, and Club Coach, John Broderick, have also been busy over the summer. They have strengthened our senior squad, with over 13 players transferring to Old Crescent from other senior clubs, and confident of a successful season ahead.
Our 1st team played Waterpark in a friendly last Saturday and won comfortably, 31 – 10, scoring five tries to one. Our 2nd team played St Senans in Shannon in the Transfield Cup on Sunday, losing 10 – 15 after extra time. It was 10 all at full time and St Senans scored the winning try in extra time, in a match that either side could have won. Our 3rds played Clanwilliam last Sunday and won 12 – 0, scoring two tries in a good open game played in difficult conditions.
In under age news, our u18’s were in action against Ul Bohs in Annacotty last Sunday morning and emerged with a victory by 10 points to 7. Our u13 side were in action in the Pat Lawlor tournament on Saturday in the University of Limerick, reaching the quarter final of the plate after narrowly losing to Sligo who went on to reach the final. Despite the weather on Sunday there was a large turn out to the first of our two registration days, and we would ask all those parents who did not attend to ensure that their children are registered next Sunday. Registration will again take place in the club house from 10.00am.
Fixtures next weekend: Our 1st team play Nenagh Ormond RFC in the Munster Senior Cup in Nenagh at 2.30pm on Saturday. All supporters are urged to attend. Our 3rds play Bruff RFC in Bruff on Sunday. In underage, on Sunday, our u18’s play Garryowen away, and our u13’s play Garryowen at home.
Finally, a limited number of season tickets which include a pre-match lunch before our eight AIL home fixtures are now available from Vincent Collins, Tel 087 9756033.

CLONMEL RFC
Majella Ryan PRO
Manseragh Cup Semi-Final
A reasonable performance in this first competitive match of the season was the aim for Clonmel’s 1st XV and a hard fought 3-0 Manseragh Cup win over Kilfeacle certainly was a bonus. Despite the poor weather conditions, Clonmel produced some solid phases of back play with good performances from Kieran Lyons and Paul Walsh. A Morgan Lyons penalty 15 minutes from the end was the only score in the game and stole the victory for Clonmel. The forwards worked hard all day with veterans John Stokes and John Kelly leading the charge. The final now awaits with a chance to retain the trophy. Not a bad start to the season!! There will be a friendly against Thurles on Sunday at home at 1 pm to allow for viewing of the All Ireland Final at 3 pm.

CLONAKILTY RFC
Loosehead PRO

Clonakilty RFC is delighted to announce the re-staging of the postponed Sports Nutrition Seminar in conjunction with F1 Fitness Centre’s Strength and Conditioning Coach, Roger Adams, in The Fernhill House Hotel on this Wednesday (17th Sept.) at 7.45pm. (Fog closed Cork Airport on 3rd and prevented the arrival of the principal speaker necessitating cancellation.)
The guest speaker is Lynn Clay who is an expert in the field of sports nutrition and is also a successful author on the subject. She is actively involved in this capacity with the London Wasps Rugby Team in the UK. The fitness and stamina of Wasps, the present English Premiership Rugby Champions, has often been quoted as the reason for their phenomenal success over the years in European and domestic competition.
The seminar may be geared toward Rugby but would be of immense benefit to anybody in sport players, coaches and parents of young players. All are welcome.

BRUFF RFC
Richard Leonard PRO

Munster Youth Team: The Munster Youth team have their first interprovincial against Leinster this coming Saturday in Bruff. As announced last week, Bruff have five players on the squad, Congrats on their selection and good luck on Saturday to Robert Finn, Mike Lynch, Andrew White, Brian Morrissey & John Cleary. If you’re not travelling to Crosshaven this coming Saturday then why not go along and give them your support. Kickoff at 12:00 pm on Saturday.

Magners League Tickets We now have Magners League tickets available for the games in Thomond Park and Musgrave Park. Both Youth and Adult tickets are available from Pat Ginnery, the contact number is : 087- 1386244
The first game is Sat. Oct. 4th v Glasgow Warriors First fixture to be played at the new Thomond Park Stadium. Tickets will be dealt out on a first come first served basis for these games so get your order in as quick as you can.

U13’s Lose final of Pat Lawler tournament: Our U13 squad won 6 games to make it to yesterdays final, to be pipped at the last hurdle by a very strong Shannon team. Finally bowing out 4-0 after a three try last two minutes by Shannon. Saturdays panel was as follows:
M.McKenna, T O’ Dwyer, B. Keogh, E. Costelloe, D. Cosgrave, D O’ Grady, A. Neylon, D. Glen, A. McAuliffe, J. Carew, A. Shanahan, K. Hosford, A. Cooke, P. O’ Connell, C. O’ Dwyer, J. Aherne. Along the way they took care of Galwegians, Coolmine, Old Crescent, Thomond in the Pool stages. Then 1/4 final against Tralee, Semi-Final against U. L. Bohemians. Well done to the Squad and their coaches Tommy O’ Dwyer and Liam Doherty. A great day out and it bodes well for the future of the first team with this kind of talent coming through the ranks.
The U14 team put away Young Munster with a 38 nil drubbing on Sunday.

1st XV V Dolphin: The new look first XV had a much better run-around this week at Musgrave Park. Game played on the back pitch as the Munster Magners League game against Newport Gwent Dragons is to be played on the main pitch tomorrow. While Dolphin started very strongly the usual Staunch Bruff defence seemed to have returned and held firm. With a nil all score at half time things were definitely looking a lot better than last week and the Bruff squad was more like the line-up of last year.
Bruff broke the deadlock just after half time with a penalty but after a yellow card for Hugh Murphy for playing the ball on the deck, Dolphin took advantage of the extra man and ran in the corner for the only try of the game. The management made a raft of changes to give a run to as many as possible and just as Hugh Murphy returned from the bin, Danny Keogh was binned for the same offence. With Bruff down a man, the defence seemed to get even tighter and with 14 minutes to go went ahead with another penalty. This was how the game was to finish out.
Good workout for all, Eoin Maher, Peter Malone, Liam Herlihy, Davy, and Shiner all had good games, Paul O’ Brien was much improved. The lineout still needs some work with the timing a little off but at least the spirit seems to have returned, which was very important with the AIB Cup game coming up next weekend and following that, we’re straight into the AIL. Not that scores matter but Bruff finished with a 6-5 win. Pictures up on website.

3rd XV V Portumna: The thirds followed on from last week’s 13-nil victory over St. Senans with a 25-5 win over Connacht Junior side Portumna in Bruff on Sunday Morning. Tries from JP Herlihy, Ger Cronin, Peter Twomey and JP Moloney were enough to see off the opposition in a largely one sided game. Thanks to all the lads who turned up especially the guys who were rang at short notice to fill a team. Also Brian C who got a late call to ref the game.

Fixtures:
Munster Youths Vs Leinster, Kilballyowen, Sat: 1:00 pm.
1st XV: Away to Crosshaven in the Munster Senior Cup K.O. at 2:30, Extra time if necessary.
J1 Squad Play St. Senans in the Transfield Cup in Shannon, Sunday at 3:00 (K.O. time may change).
J2 Squad play a friendly against Old Crescent in Kilballyowen at 12:00 pm.
U13’s play against Richmond away at 11:30 am Sunday.
U15’s play Newcastle West, away at 11:30 am Sunday.
U18’s play Clanwilliam away Sunday at 11:30 am.
Please Keep an eye on the website for updates and kickoff times in case of changes. Next Meeting on Mon 22nd at 8:00 pm.

Shannon RFC
Andrew McNamara PRO

A busy week already even at this early stage of the season with all of our senior teams and several of the underage in action, and better still some shiny silverware to show for the efforts.
Saturday saw the U/13’s claim the prestigious Lawler Memorial tournament for the first time ever while playing some scintillating rugby. This very well coached side were on fire from start to finish and in their 7 games scored an amazing 38 tries while conceding only 1.
Probably their biggest test of the day came in the semi final when Garryowen crossed their line for the first and only time of the day, but in the end a brilliant display saw the lads win by 4 tries to 1. Momentum was most certainly with the lads going into the final against Bruff and another convincing display saw create club history and win the competition for the first time. Mossy Lawler was on hand to present the trophy to captain Paul Obande on behalf of his 15 teammates. Congratulation to all involved, especially coaches Vinny Leonard and Harold Brown.
Also on Saturday , but this time deep in Gaelic football territory Shannon’s third XV got the their new season off to a winning start when they produced a trophy winning performance in tournament hosted by Corca Dhuibhne (Dingle RFC)which also included Douglas from Co. Cork.
It was a fantastic performance from the lads who beat both sides to win the trophy. In the final against the hosts they were certainly up against it but with outhalf Pat Dundon controlling the play exquisitely, it was only a matter of time before we hit the board. Martin Bourke scored the try and the result was secured when Stephen Garvey slotted over a penalty late in the game. Captain Ger Broderick received the spoils of victory later on in the evening from Paidi O’Shea.
A fantastic and most encouraging start for the Thirds whose training numbers continue to be impressive as the weeks go by.
On Friday evening the seniors had their first competitive game of the season, and only their second in total, when they faced Young Munster in the Charity Cup. The final few minutes were sheer drama and not for the faint hearted. It looked as if the home side would take victory after they overtook our early lead , but up stepped Dave O’Donovan and his accurate boot from long range scrapped us into the final. In truth it should never have gotten to that stage. Our first half performance was good enough to secure more scores and put the game out of sight , but perhaps lack of game time took its toll and we let Young Munster come back into the game. However what was very encouraging was the never say die attitude of the lads and one must give great credit for that. If Young Munster replicates their second half performance throughout the impending AIB league campaign they will certainly give many teams a tough time. For our own lads it’s a final spot against Garryowen next weekend, but the big games are coming thick and fast already so early in the season. It may not be an ideal time to begin the defence of our Munster Senior Cup crown, but this Saturday we face an almighty game when Cork Con come to Coonagh in the second round of the competition. Last season if you recall we won out a spine tingling semi final with the Cork side and no doubt they’ll want to exact revenge, not only for that defeat but also our win in the AIB league. Kick Off in Coonagh is at 2.30.
A winning start also came to the seconds as they began the defence of the Transfield cup with a 9-6 win over Richmond. As with the seniors there was a few cob webs to be cleared out and it took Paddy O’Sullivan’s three penalties to overcome a spirited Richmond side. But again it’s great to get off to a winning start. This Sunday UL/Bohs come to Coonagh for the next round with an earlier kick off of 1.30.
Underage results saw an excellent start to the U/18’s league with a 29-11 win over Richmond. Aidan O’Donovan was in top form crossing the line twice, both coming from an exceptional lineout. Conor Cunnae and Shane McNamara were also names on the score sheet in what was a very good team performance. This Sunday they are away to UL/Bohs. The U/15’s also recorded an impressive win over Newcastle west.
This Sunday both U/13 sides are in action. The Blues host UL/Bohs while the Blacks travel to Ennis.
The annual U/12 Ealing trip is just around the corner and Preparations are in full swing for the 40 players and 41 adults travelling. A final fundraising effort takes place next Wednesday with a Quiz and Auction night in Dolans Warehouse starting at 8pm. Tables of 4 are 40 euro with auction items including much coveted All Blacks, Heineken cup , 6 Nations and two soccer tickets (Glasgow Celtic and Old Trafford with flights) up for grabs. Contact Donal at 0876455947 or Sinead 087 0534246 or e-mail ShannonEaling2008@gmail.com for table bookings. Should be a great night of fun.