Club Notes: Week Ending 03.03.13

This week’s club notes come from Cork Constitution FC and Young Munster RFC.

Cork Constitution FC – Courtesy of Pat Twomey

Ulster Bank League – Division 1A
Cork Con FC 1st XV V St Mary’s College

Score: 14 – 34
Venue: Temple Hill
Date: 23/02/2013
Referee: Nigel Correll

Cork Constitution suffered their second home defeat in a row and for the second week running found themselves with a mountain to climb heading into the break having failed to register any points in the first half.

Craig Ronaldson opened the scoring for Lansdowne with a penalty in the fifth minute. Five minutes later Foster Horan gathered a Constitution dropped ball and broke from inside his own half to touch down in the left corner. Ronaldson added the extras.

An injury to Constitution Flanker, Brian O’ Hara halted play for a number of minutes as he was replaced by Brian Vaughan. Not long after play resumed, Lansdowne missed the chance to extend their lead when a Ronaldson penalty fell wide.

The visitors continued to heap pressure on the Constitution defence and when Ferdia Doherty found space in the centre, Ron Boucher was there in support to touch down just right of the posts. Ronaldson slotted the conversion. The closing moments of the half saw the out-half cross the whitewash for a try , which converted took the league leaders into the break with a comfortable 0-24 lead.

Lansdowne extended the gap early in the half with a penalty in front of the posts. Five minutes later, Tadgh Beirne touched down for the all important fourth try which was converted by Ronaldson.

The home side were reduced to fourteen when Andrew O’ Driscoll was shown yellow ten minutes into the half. Ronaldson missed his second penalty of the day when his long-range kick fell just wide.

Similar to last week Constitution sprung to life in the closing stages of the game and full-back Daragh Lyons was unlucky when he knocked on an intercepted pass on the half way line. Constitution worked their way into the twenty two and after a series of drives, Captain Gerry Hurley crossed the line in the left corner to register their first points of the day, the conversion courtesy of Johnny Holland. Constitution continued to attack in the final moments and were rewarded when Cathal O’ Flaherty got over the line in the opposite corner. A further conversion from Holland reduced the gap to 14-34 on the final whistle.

The bonus point win takes the leaders twelve points clear at the summit.

Cork Constitution XV: Daragh Lyons, Niall O’ Driscoll, Cronan Healy, Scott Deasy, Conor Desmond, Jonathan Holland, Gerry Hurley (Capt), James Rochford, Andrew O’ Driscoll, Chris Corkery, Brian Hayes, Philip Donellan, Graeme Lawler, Brian O’ Hara, Cathal O’ Flaherty Replacements: Brian Vaughan, Pat Galvin, Alan Ross, Alex Ryan, Robert Clune.

Lansdowne XV: Ross McCarron (Capt), Cian Aherne, Ferdia Doherty, Simon Morrissey, Foster Horan, Craig Ronaldson, Paddy O’ Driscoll, Ian Prendeville, Steve Collins, Darren O’ Reilly, Willie Earl, Tadgh Beirne, Clive Ross, Charlie Butterworth, Ron Boucher Replacements: Tyrone Moran, Richard Liddington, Mark Feely, Marcus Walsh, Greg Stafford.

U21 South-Western Conference
Cork Con FC U21 V UCC

Score: 27 – 18
Venue: Lakelands
Date: 23/02/2013
Referee: T.Cronin

Cork Constitution gained a notable win over University College at Lakelands in the South Western Conference on Saturday.

Constitution led 8-6 at half time. Aaron McSweeney kicked two early penalties for College. Brendan Monohan scored a try for Constitution on the half hour mark and kicked a penalty just before the break.

In the second half Constitution forged ahead with a penalty from Monohan. Cian McGovern scored the first try in the 47th minute and converted. Ten minutes later Paul Derham scored the second try, also converted by McGovern. College hit back with a try in the 70th minute by Jack O’Sullivan, converted by McSweeney. Seamus Glynn scored Con’s third try in the 78th minute. College scored a consolation try by Kieran Frost in the final minute.

Constitution now share top place in the league table on 29 points with Young Munster who have a game in hand. There are two games remaining, at home to Dolphin next week, and away to Galwegians in two weeks.

Con Team:

S.Glynn; S.Hartnett, C.McGovern , G.Murray; C.O’Halloran, R.Fenton; B.Monohan, P.O’Leary; J.Rochford, R.Daly, C.Keane; Y.Browne, M.O’Mahony; L.O’Brien, A.Mintern, P.Derham.

Con Subs:

P.O’Sullivan, D.Nolan, B.Fitzgerald, E.Quirke, A.Fullen.

Con Scorers:

C.McGovern 1T; P.Derham 1T; S.Glynn 1T; B.Monohan 1T1P2C

Junior 2 League South
Cork Con FC J2 V Highfield

Score: 18 – 8
Venue: Woodleigh Park
Date: 24/02/2013
Referee: M Cunningham

Cork Constitution defeated Highfield in the J2 League semi-final tie at Woodleigh Park on Sunday morning. Played on the main pitch in bright sunlight, but cold conditions, Highfield had the better of the first half, and led 8-6 from a try and penalty to two penalties by Simon Barry for Constitution.

In the second period the Constitution forwards gained the upper hand, and set up the chances for Barry to kick a further four penalties without reply.

Con Team:

D.Hayes; S.Hartnett, J.O’Sullivan, B.Molloy, R.O’Sullivan; S.Barry, K.Minihan Capt.; D.O’Brien, E.Quinn, C.Parkes; C.O’Flaherty, C.Fouhy; N.Murphy, F.Rowan, D.Leung.

Con Subs:

S.Murray, C.O’Connor, P.Ryan, W.Doyle, S.Singleton.

Con Scorers:

S.Barry 6P

 
Lansdowne U 11’s Visit Templehill

Last Saturday Lansdowne U11s visited Temple Hill for the second year in succession.

Lansdowne fielded two teams and Constitution three, so a series of six games were played over 60 minutes which provided a fabulous curtain raiser for the main event – the clash of AIL league leaders Lansdowne and Cork Constitution.

Both Constitution and Lansdowne entertained the enthralled spectators with very enjoyable games of fast and free flowing rugby. Both teams were treated to a meal prior to setting out to watch the Ulster Bank League Game.

Under 13s race night

Last Saturday night’s under 13s race night in Temple Hill proved a roaring success with parents, grandparents, kids, family and friends gathered to try their luck on the ten races held on the night.

With all horses sponsored thanks to the generosity of dozens of different benefactors, excitement reigned for both the punters and the owners alike. Four of the U 13 boys did a superb job of manning the betting table, namely Mark Fitzgibbon, Ray Mansfield, Alex O'Mahony & Conor Roe, with punters standing four deep at many stages.

The races brought frustration, joy and tears, but definitely one of the highlights of the night was the auction for the horses in the final race with friend pitted against friend and family out bidding family – this part led to some of the loudest cheers and encouragement of the evening.

The under age committee would like to thank many people, including all those who attended Con on Saturday night, the parents and coaches who worked hard organising this and all the fundraising activities, the many individuals and companies who bought advertising space on the program and last, but not least the individuals and companies who donated the spot prizes, namely, Ballymaloe House, The Silver Key, Moran Hotel Group, Dingle Skeillig Hotel and Barrys Tea.

Next Saturday March 1 the U 13’s welcome St Michaels to Temple Hill.

Young Munster RFC – Courtesy of Olivia O’Sullivan, PRO

Disappointing day in Clontarf

Clontarf climbed ahead of us in the league table this week, pushing Young Munster down a spot to fourth position after their convincing win in Castle Avenue last weekend.
‘Tarf took an early lead courtesy of winger Michael McGrath and Richie Lane added a penalty to take them 8-0 ahead. Young Munster outhalf Shane O’Leary, on his first senior start, got a try for the visitors, which proved to be our only score of the first half.
The Dublin side added on another penalty and two further tries by Lane and Adrian D’Arcy to take the home side in 21-5 ahead at the break.
Despite having an extra man for 10 minutes when the ref had shown his yellow card to Clontarf player McGrath, Young Munster failed to capitalize and it was the Dublin side who scored next, as their centre Killian Lett recorded a bonus point score to jubilant home support.
Young Munster did rally for a late consolation try by Colin Liston, however Clontarf had the final say with an intercepted pass by Matt D’Arcy was passed to McGrath to touch down before the final whistle.

Final score: Clontarf 35 – Young Munster 10

Young Munster travel to Dublin again next weekend, this time to face league leaders Lansdowne in the Aviva Stadium at 2.30pm.

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Adult Fixtures:

Saturday 3rd March

AIL DIV 1A: Lansdowne V Young Munster, 2.30pm Lansdowne Road
U21 SW Conference: Shannon V Young Munster, 1.00pm Coonagh

Sunday 4th
Munster Junior Cup: Garryowen V Young Munster, 2.30pm Dooradoyle

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‘200 Club’ details announced

Dear Member/Supporter

In the present economic climate all clubs are finding it difficult to raise the finance necessary to maintain club facilities. Young Munster is no exception to this trend. Traditional fund raising events are not as successful as they were in the past, gate receipts have fallen and some long time contributors are no longer in a position to support us to the extent that they have in the past.

In an attempt to secure sufficient funds to meet our commitments on a year round basis the committee is launching a “200 Club”. This is the norm in a number of clubs throughout the country and has helped clubs to meet on-going expenses such as rates, water, gas and electricity bills. This is especially welcome during the closed season when there is no other income.

Members of the “200 Club” are asked to contribute €;20 per month to the club.
Contributors will be entered in a draw for €;1,000 at the end of each month and there will be a special bumper draw at Christmas. The first draw will be held at the end of March.

It is hoped that our loyal members and supporters will respond to this appeal in sufficient numbers to ensure its success and the financial stability of the club.
A form will be available to download available on the club website at youngmunster.com will facilitate contributors who wish to pay by standing order.

Those wishing to contribute cash monthly my do so through our promoters and committee members. We are also setting up an online facility to enable our supporters to pay by credit card.

I wish to thank you for your support in the past and hope that you are in a position to and willing to support this vital project.

Yours sincerely,
Jack O’Brien
President

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Clubhouse open Sundays and available for functions

The clubhouse at Tom Clifford Park is open every Sunday with all pints just €;3.50. To enquire about having functions in the clubhouse contact Frank Corr 087-2901015.

Ladies Night

On Friday 22nd March, a Ladies Night will take place in the Young Munster Pavilion, for a ladies-only night of fun and frolics! Music with DJ John Crofton, raffle with lots of spot prizes. Doors 8.30pm, limited tickets €;10 available from Anne Marie 086-1599018.

Social Evening

Join us for another great night of music and dancing on Saturday 2nd March for a Social Evening featuring live music from the always popular Harmony in the Young Munster Pavilion. Doors open at 9pm. Raffle with spot prizes. Tickets €;5 available from the club or pay at the door on the night.

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Underage Results

Young Munster U14 claim league title
Pride of place last weekend goes to our Under 14 squad who beat our old rivals Garryowen in the final of the U14 League. What a thrilling game last Sunday morning in Annacotty watched by a crowd of 300.
The game opened with Garryowen racing into an early lead with a try and conversion followed by a penalty which left the score at 10-0 coming into the last quarter of the first half and Young Munster piling on sustained pressure at the Garryowen line before finely getting over near the posts. Following the conversion the score stood at Garryowen 10 – Young Munster 7.
The second half opened with Young Munster piling on the pressure and eventually scoring from a penalty which was duly converted to leave the score at 10-all.
From the kickoff the black and amber continued to pile on the pressure and after an earlier drop goal miss the pressure finally paid off with the ball being spread to the left wing where we scored in the corner and the conversion coming from the touchline to leave the score at Young Munster 17 – Garryowen 10.
From the kick off Garryowen piled on the pressure now and with stout defending the black and ambers held on for a famous victory, again well done to both teams for a fantastic game of rugby played in through Limerick spirit. Congratulations to both clubs and their coaches for producing two fine sides, special mention to the Young Munster coaches involved: Tony King, John O’Gorman, Jim Maher, Tony Hoban and Tom Dillon, director of youth rugby at the club, and all the parents.
Final score: Young Munster 17 – Garryowen 10

U17 Friendly: Young Munster 35 – Kilfeacle 5
U14 League Final: Young Munster 17 – Garryowen 10
U13 Friendly: Young Munster 27 – Ennis 10
U12 Friendly: Young Munster 40 – UL/Bohs 0
Under 11s Blitz Coonagh:
Shannon (A) 0 – Young Munster 5
Shannon (B) 0 – Young Munster 12
Under 9s Bruff Blitz: played 2 games and won both.

Underage Fixtures

Sunday 3rd March
U17 Closed Cup: Young Munster v Thomond, Tom Clifford Park 11.30
U13 Cup: UL/Bohs v Young Munster, Annacotty 11.30
Saturday 2nd March
U11 Minis Blitz: Willow Park Tournament Blackrock Dublin 10.00

Young Munster U14 Squad