News from around the Clubs 18th October

Weekend news fom the Clubs

SHANNON
Try Shannon Advance in Cup

After a game that produced 11 tries and plenty of thrills and spills, Shannon progressed to the next round of the AIB cup last Saturday in the unusual venue of St Munchins College. Buccaneers travelled with a depleted squad, but still managed to keep in touch with Shannon for over 50 minutes before the home side edged into fifth gear and cruised home.
After a perfect start where Shannon raced into a seemingly commanding 12 point lead after just 8 minutes they appeared to lose concentration on several occasions and allow Buccaneers to keep within striking distance. It took until the last 20 minutes before Shannon matched their superiority on the park with the way the score board was ticking over, but all in all they can be reasonably happy with the day’s work.

Stephen Kelly was in superb form and crossed for a hat trick while Andrew Finn marked his return to the senior side after injury with two fine tries. Shannon were well served in several positions, butty it was prop Les Hogan that caught the eye of the crowd with solid scrummaging and some fancy footwork in open play.
After Kelly and Finn launched Shannon into the 12 point lead after 8 minutes, Buccs worked hard to gain some sort of a grasp on the game, but it was through Shannon errors that they did make the breakthrough. A block down and gather by Stephen Burke in Shannon’s ’22 saw the No.8 cross under the posts to give Adam Kennedy an easy conversion, the first of his three.
Shannon did respond well and looked again to be in complete control especially after Kelly’s second try on the 25 minute mark. It was through a 25 meter forward drive and a move off the training paddock that allowed Kelly over, but again, and a point of concern is the lapse in concentration in the immediate aftermath of that try which allowed Buccs to stay in range.
While Shannon will be disappointed at the poor attempts at hauling Sean Stapleton back at an early stage of his jinking run, the winger showed great athleticism to set up Padraig Burke for another under the posts effort.
17-14 was not really a reflection of how Shannon were in control, but Buccs were showing commendable spirit. David O’Donovan’s penalty late in the first half gave a bit more distance between the sides but again some weak defending soon after the restart gave Buccaneers an unlikely lead. Paul Harte danced around the tackles to dart almost 40 metres and Kennedy’s conversion gave the midlanders a 1 point lead.
Kennedy was to have an influence on the proceedings when just 3 minutes after kicking his side into the lead , he was given a yellow card after a hauling back Mossy Lawlor illegally when the fullback was bearing down on the try line.
The question as the whether it was a turning point in the game could be debated. Shannon did turn a one point deficit into a 16 point lead in his absence, but the way the home side could pick up the pace at will would probably have seen them through even against a full compliment. Whilst the scrumhalf was on the side line he saw Finn and Kelly add to their tries and David O’Donovan kick over a further 7 points.
The introduction of Shannon’s U/21 captain for his senior debut 10 minutes into the first half added greatly to Shannon’s dynamism in the looses and the backrow player showed that he is more than capable of steeping up a level.
He made a telling contribution to Les Hogan’s 62nd minute try and the prop rounded off an impressive day when he scorched over into the corner.
Despite their inevitable fate, Buccaneers battled bravely and were rewarded again when former Shannon man Brian Tuohy set up Ian Kilbride for a try after an excellent chip and gather.
Unlike the first half , Shannon held form to the lead and extended it in the 75th minute when Hogan’s deft little inside pass allowed Eoghan Grace to take advantage of his own excellent running line and touch down under the posts to complete the scoring in the lively encounter.
Shannon’s reward!!, Cork Cons away.
Shannon
M. Lawler, D.O’Donovan, M.O’Driscoll (J.Clogan), A.Finn, S.Kelly, R.Mullane, R.Guerin, L.Hogan, B.Duggan (J.Cronin), K.Griffin (K.O’Neill), S.Duggan (P.Loughnane), P.O.Brien, J.O’Connor (P.Butler), E.Grace, D.Quinlan
Shannon U/21’s Impressive under Coonagh Lights.

A new chapter in Shannon’s relatively short history in Coonagh was created last Friday night when, for the first time ever a competitive game was played under floodlights. The newly installed floodlights around the venue and the superb autumnal weather we have had recently allowed for the U/21 AIL South Western Conference game against Bruff to take place on eth training pitch.
It wasn’t really envisaged to have floodlit games in Coonagh for at least another year on the newly laid sod adjacent to the training pitch , but such is the excellent condition of training pitch at the moment it was deemed more than adequate to host the game. There’s no doubt that as the season progresses and the pitch inevitably deteriorates flood lit games may not be possible, but Friday night was certainly a source of great pride for everyone involved in the overhaul in Coonagh.
The game itself was a lively affair with Bruff playing their part in a very fast paced game. It was an opportunity for many within Shannon to see this season’s U/21’s in action and they can be nothing but impressed with the side. They played the game at high tempo and both backs and forwards maintained the frenetic pace throughout.
In the end Shannon were comfortable 31-0 nil winners, but the game didn’t really pan out as the scoreline might suggest. Bruff were a tough and capable outfit that were unlucky on a few occasions to crack the Shannon defence, but it was the shear pace of Shannon’s attacks that they found hard to contend with.
Early evidence of that pace came in the 8th minute when winger Craig O’Hanlon scorched over after his colleagues in the backline moved the ball with serious conviction.
Shannon created a number of further opportunities as the game progressed, but failed to capitalise until the impressive second row Dan Heffernan benefitted from an excellent break by his captain Paddy Butler in the 37th minute. Ben Sergeant converted and Shannon could reflect positively at the half time break. They strangled any Bruff attack and limited the visitors to just single, missed, kick at goal in the first half.
The pace of the game didn’t relent in the second half and it was Shannon, and more preciously their out half Garreth Quinn Mc Donnagh, that set and maintained the pace which seemed to stretch Bruff to the limit as the clock ticked on. In the 48th minute the No.10 swept past Bruff to squeeze into the corner and then 10 minutes later the silky skills of fullback Luke O’Dea were demonstrated when he surged from deep to extend Shannon’s lead to 24 points. Bruff were still competing well in the set pieces, as they were throughout the game, but couldn’t contend with the open play of Shannon. That they didn’t completely capitulate is a testament to the clubs ethos and there’s no doubt they will cause trouble for sides as this competition progresses. Shannon were eager to the end and wing forward Ger Moore deservedly crossed the line in the last action of the game.
This was another good victory on the back of their win away from home last week and the after only really coming together in the last 3 weeks this U/21 side will continue to improve.
Several players impressed and for those watching it will come as little surprise to see a few more making the step up to senior level as the season progresses.
Shannon Thirds start Gleeson league with a win
Any game in Derryknockane can be considered a tough encounter and Shannon’s thirds had to contend with a determined Munster side to begin their Gleeson league campaign. With plenty of preparation matches in eth run up , they were certainly well prepared and in what turned out to be something of a dog fight , they eventually won by 9 points to nil.
Fergus Curtin was on target twice in the first half and when he was forced off through injury up stepped John Cunningham to add another to ensure the thirds get their campaign off to a great start.

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
Report for the Under 10s & Under 12s from the Killarney Blitz on 10/10/2009:
To ensure everyone got games we divided our panel into under 10s and under 9s.
The Under 10s played exciting games v Castleisland and Killarney.
Whilst we were defeated, for many of our new recruits, this was their first ever rugby match and they can be very pleased with their efforts. Panel: Andrew Boyle, Alex Boyle, Liam Cronin, Oisin Daly, Eoin Doyle, Dara Mc Gillycuddy, Jamie Naughton, Michael O’Connor, Oisin O’Connor, Jack O’Grady, Colin O’Meara, Jack O’Shea, Daire O’Sullivan, Eoin O’Sullivan and Ruaidhri Smit.

We would like to thank Killarney RFC for their hospitality, which we hope to return soon. We would like to express our appreciation to the friends, relatives, parents and grandparents, who travelled to support and assist the teams on the day.

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 were away to Castleisland last weekend, playing a game that showed a good all-round performance from the full squad played in ideal conditions at Castleisland. The scrum was solid, we rucked very effectively, our line-out was very competitive, the back row got to the breakdowns very quickly and the backs tackled quite well and moved the ball well effectively on many occasions. We opened the scoring after 5 minutes with a good try from Chris O Sullivan following a good move by the backs. Castleisland attacked from the restart and finally got over for a try on the 11th minute following some good defensive work by Killorglin. Killorglin restored their advantage on 18 minutes following another good try, scored by Colm O Mahony and converted from wide on the right by Kevin O Sullivan. The half-time score was 12-5 and reflected a very competitive and even first half. Killorglin got a terrific restart when Chris O Sullivan scored another try following a great driving tackle that saw him force an error on the line which he touched down. Castleisland fought back well but Killorglin sealed victory in the closing stages with two converted tries on the 39th and 56th minutes by Colm O Mahony and Danny O Shea. Result: Castleisland 5 – 31 Killorglin. Team: W. Mitchel, R. O’ Shea, H. Quane, C. O’ Mahony, D. O’ Shea, D. Fitzgerald, S. Doyle, C. O’ Sullivan, F. O’ Shea, C. O’ Mahony, N. O’ Shea, K. O’ Sullivan, L. O’ Sullivan, G. Naughton, D. O’ Shea. Subs: S. O’ Shea, M. Houlihan, T. O’ Sullivan, D. Sheehan, R. Ashe, C. Morris. 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 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 Tralee travelled the short distance over the Tralee Mountains to take on Killorglin’s under-19 team in their third match of the season. In the bright warm sunshine, one would be forgiven for thinking it was a morning in May rather than October. The pitch was in excellent condition, due to the work of the pitch committee who deserve a special mention. The opening half of the game was magnificent to watch as Killorglin & Tralee played some great rugby. Killorglin played some very good defensive rugby with some big hits going in on the Tralee boys. Killorglin attacked with class. Tralee were first to make it onto the scoreboard with a good try in the third quarter which they then converted. Scoreboard reading 7-0. A resolved Killorglin team put pressure on the Tralee side resulting in Killorglin’s Mikey Griffin scoring a great try. Tralee 7 Killorglin 5. The second half opened with Killorglin loosing focus and Tralee dominating as a result. Tralee scored another try early in the second half, Tralee 12 Killorglin 5. Killorglin’s injection of fresh legs at half time paid off when one of these replacements, who is just coming back form injury, David O Sullivan scored a fine try for Killorglin under the post, subsequently converted by Pa Kilkenny, Killorglin 12- Tralee12. This was Pa’s first game with the club this season since his excellent performance with the Munster youths. The remainder of the game was a one sided affair. Tralee attacked Killorglin all over the field, with Killorglin trying to utilise the defensive drills they had worked on in training with limited success. Missed tackles, lack of concentration on the game and simple mistakes allowed Tralee run in some easy tries. In the end Tralee won the game with a score line of 54-12. Killorglin took defeat hard, as they knew they had a lot more to offer in the second half of this game. However this will strengthen their resolve to do better, the lads will be back at training next Saturday to analysis their mistakes and work on them. The team will be all geared up and ready to make the inaugural trip to Kenmare for the next round. Result: Killorglin 12 – Tralee 54. Team: 15. Darren Curtayne 14. Griffin Liam 13. Bryan O Sullivan 12. Patrick Kilkenny 11. Ian Casey 10. Michael Griffin 9. Rory O Shea 8. Mark Riordan 7. Paddy Croke 6. Declan Lillis 5. Patrick Doherty (C). 4. Tony Lynch 3.Dan Clifford 2. James Tuhoy 1. Keelan Foley Subs: 16.Peter Mullins for Keelan Foley 17. David O Sullivan for Liam Griffin 18.Mick O Connor for Dan Clifford. 19. James Carey unused. A special mention to one of the under-19 fellow squad members, Michael O Donoghue, who suffered a bad injury in our first match at home to Castleisland. Hope the recover is going well for you. Training Saturday at 12 noon at Community College Grounds For more information please contact Jerry O’ Sullivan 087 3710104.
SENIOR TEAM Killorglin travelled to Presentation in Limerick for the second game of the Munster Junior League in a game where Killorglin gave the home side food for thought. Presentation with a number of new signings to strengthen their side from last year and with sight of the Killorglin score line against Castleisland the week previous were confident for a comfortable win. Killorglin with some wrongs to right took to the park focused on the agenda. Killorglin absorbed the early pressure from the Presentation pack with a well structured defence. Line outs and scrums evenly matched. Presentation struck first with a counter attack from a Killorglin clearance, quick throw in and a number of skip passes saw the Presentation full back touch down for a converted try. Killorglin came straight back and won the kick off, Killorglin rucked themselves inside the Presentation 22 and were awarded a scrum. A number 8 pick from Andrew O’Reilly to split the defence and put 5 points up for Killorglin. A score from an attacking scrum shows the strength and confidence of the puck pack this year, an unprecedented scrumaging performance in this league by the puck pack, Killorglin were not going to be bullied and took the game back to Presentation. The Killorglin centres Riordan and Ahern were bombarded by crash ball from the deceivingly quick inside centre with the low centre of gravity that proved difficult to stop and eventually the Presentation persistence paid off with the burly centre scoring a try in the 24th minute, the try converted. Killorglin and Presentation exchanged penalties before half time putting the interval score line Presentation 17 – Killorglin 8. Game On. No harsh words at half time, ‘just keep doing the hard work in defence, keep to the game plan and keep the heads’. Killorglin kept to the script and proved effective, Curtayne at out half and O’Shea at scrum half kicked in behind presentation line turning them and making valuable ground. A number of attacking moves which could have resulted in certain scores only to go astray with the final pass and unforced errors proved that Killorglin were not punching above their weight but need to execute the chances with clinical precision. Presentation scored after 30 minutes of the second half, again converted. The Killorglin pack in a series of scrums turned the Presentation pack and Captain Conway leading the front row says packing down ‘We’re not just footballers in the Kingdom!’ as the front rows locked horns again. O’Reilly driving the pack on with line breaking runs and titian tackles which would question the respect he has for his body, to answer that, no respect as he ran to the side line with a stream of claret ‘Patch me up boys, fast!’ We did our best with our online medical qualifications and with a dressing that would make Buckley’s treatment look like a band aid O’Reilly returned to the park gunning for retribution. Presentation scored and converted again 10 minutes later to put the score at Presentation 31 – Killorglin 8. Killorglin didn’t let that strike hit the heart and attacked the Presentation line as if the score was still 0-0, putting a series of plays together and playing the Limerick side at there own game. Presentation took a number of casualties from the puck collisions and were scrambling for the last 10 minutes. The day was Presentations, honour and pride restored to the Killorglin side. Presentation is a side which gave Killorglin a hard lesson on scrumaging and line out play last year, this year Presentation will be cautious leaving the rugby steadfast of Limerick and crossing the Laune Bridge to the Rugby unknown for the return fixture, a fixture Killorglin will relish. Well done lads, hold the heads up high, the season is early, the rewards are pending. Result: Presentation 31 – 8 Killorglin. Team: Brian Gannon (3), Dan O’Sullivan, John Ahern, Jodie Riordan, David O’Sullivan, Ronan Curtayne, Luke O’Shea, Andrew O’Reilly (5), Chris Thompson, Brian Ahern, Mike Daly, David Hayden, Karl Daly, Brian Hayes, Colm Conway, Subs: John O’Sullivan for Karl Daly, Joe Curran for Brian Hayes, Tommy Moriarty for Chris Tompson, Derek Twiss for Jody Riordan. Management Team: Coach Shane O’Sullivan, Team Manager Viv O’Callaghan, Kit Man Anthony Kelliher. Training is on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 19.30hrs at the Dragons Den. 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!
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!

Merchandise Killorglin Rugby Football Club has brought out its new on & off field wear all available to buy NOW! For sales contact 087 7545408.
Launch Night – Killorglin RFC will host a launch night for our new Club Brand on Saturday 14 November in the Soda Club at 9.00pm! Please do come and Support YOUR CLUB! All proceeds on the night go to the Club!

NENAGH ORMOND
Nenagh Ormond RFC Notes

Club Draw – First Winner
We would like to thank everyone who supported our Club Draw, the people who sold tickets and especially those of you who bought them ! Our first draw was held last week for 2 stand tickets for the Munsver v Benetton Treviso match in Thomond Park. The lucky winner was Ger McNamara. Well done Ger ! Tickets are still available for anyone interested at a reduced cost of €;25 for the 5 remaining draws. Contact Seanie McCullough on 087 2485832 or any committee member.

Fundraising Match for Rape Crisis Mid West
The Limerick Leprechauns will take on the mighty Nenagh Ormond Golden Oldies on Sunday next at 2pm in New Ormond Park, Lisatunny. This match is being organised as a fund raising event for Rape Crisis Mid West. A great day is planned for the event with Family Fun events such as Bouncy Castles, Face Painting, BBQ, Halloween Fancy Dress etc. There will also be a Monster Auction for items ranging from Signed Rugby Gear to Designer Dresses and Beauty Products to Solid Fuel Stoves !! So come on out and enjoy the fun, there will be some past greats from both Munster and Nenagh in action on the field and all in aid of a very worthy cause.

Senior XV
Lansdowne 43 – Nenagh 8
There was very little chance of Nenagh securing a repeat of the famous victory last year in the AIB cup. Landowne looked every part of a division two side and were bigger, stronger and quicker in most facets of play. That said, the score line shows a comprehensive victory and Landowne were valued for their score line.

Nenagh in the early stages seemed to be a little bit overawed and stood off Landowne a bit. The score at half time of 22 – 3 in favour of Lansdowe might have been a little more, the longer the game went on Nenagh were that bit better and showed a bit more of what they are capable of. Line outs continued to be a concern for us though. Nenagh had a better balanced side but primary position particularly from scum and line out is going to be vital going forward. Nenagh plays Sundays Well in the All Ireland League next week. Sundays Well have already won their first two games. Nenagh are now on the back of two straight defeats. Now would be an ideal time to arrest any further slide and the pressure will be on to ensure that the set pieces for scrum and line out will function properly. For the record Nenagh scores were a David Delaney penalty and a try from Stephen Carey. No doubt Nenagh will be itching to resume winning ways knowing that there will be a lot of work going on behind the scenes to ensure that this is the case.
TEAM: M. Kennedy (Captain), D. Horan, F. Brislane, M. Slattery, B Williams, K Quigley, R O’Brien, E. Ryan, M. Fogarty, D. Delaney, T. Connolly, J. Kingston, S. Carey, A. Jackson, G. Harmse

SUBS: S. O’Callaghan, D. Dunne, D. Corcoran

Second XV
Nenagh 18 – Garryowen 15
Nenagh second XV hosted Garryowen on Sunday last and were very unlucky not to secure a win. The home team were trailing by 3 and battling well but the final whistle came too soon. Final score Nenagh 15 – Garryowen 18. Next week they travel to Young Munster.

Ladies

No fixture on Sunday last. Training continues as normal on Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30pm. New players always welcome.
Congratulations to Sandra Williams, former Nenagh player who was on the starting 15 for the Munster Ladies in Thomond Park on Saturday and who scored Munster’s opening try. Well done Sandra.

Under 19s

A depleted Nenagh U-19’s made the long journey to Dungarvan on Sunday morning in their second League outing of the season. With just the bare 15, as a result of some ongoing illness and injury problems, Nenagh took to the field in determined mood and took the game to Dungarvan from the off.

The backs were particularly to the fore in the opening minutes, with both Cathal Carey and Fergal Hayes making some good line breaks. Dungarvan too played some fine rugby in the opening half, and were it not for some strong tackling from Conor Whelan and Eoin ‘Shaggy’ Chadwick, the Nenagh line could have been breached. With the Nenagh pack now beginning to exert some strong pressure at ruck and maul, it seemed like only a matter of time before the first score would come, but try as they might, the Tipp men were unable to convert all of their pressure to points, and against the run of play, Dungarvan struck a penalty after hands at the ruck, to leave the halftime score at three points to nil.

The second half continued in much the same vein, with Nenagh camped in the Dungarvan half, and full credit must be paid to the stout defence that held them at bay. But like all great matches, and let me tell you that this was one – Nenagh’s belief and experience paid off in the end when a well worked move between backs and forwards resulted in Thomas McNamara bursting onto a superb inside pass from his Outhalf, to run in Nenagh’s first score with fifteen minutes remaining. The conversion was narrowly missed, but the game was put beyond doubt five minutes later, when David Cleary, making his season comeback, picked from the base of the scrum in the Dungarvan 22, and handed off at least three defenders to score out wide, to leave the final scoreline Dungarvan 3, Nenagh Ormond 10.

This was a hard fought victory against very able opponents, but it bodes well for the remainder of the season, as many of the things that are practiced on the training pitches on Friday nights are starting to be replicated on match day. The management team would ask for a full turnout at training on Friday night to help to ensure that the league campaign continues in a positive fashion.

The team on the day for Nenagh was as follows;
Forwards – Thomas McNamara, Paidi Curtin, Padraig Maxwell, Kevin O’Gorman, Cathal Donovan, David Cleary, Ronan Murray, & Ryan Cooney
Backs – Fergal Hayes, Sean Fogarty, Conor Whelan, Cathal Carey, Eoin Chadwick, Adam Wallace and Michael Long

The team are home to Waterford City on Sunday 25th of October at 11am, and training continues as normal in Lissatunny each Friday night at 7pm.

Under 17s
Nenagh Ormond 31 – Kilfeakle – 24 (Friendly)
The U17 defeated Kilfeakle 31 – 24 in a friendly in Lisatunny on Sunday last.
This was a very accomplished performance by the Nenagh lads, but there is still a lot to be done in training to improve on what we are producing at the moment.
The word from Kilfeakle is that the leg injury sustained by one of their players is not as serious as initially feared, and the player will be back in action shortly.
Next week sees a return to League action with a home fixture against Waterford City (11am. Kick off.)
Juvenile Section
Nenagh Ormond RFC Juvenile Section Under 8s, 10s & 12s

Kilfeacle RFC and Fethard RFC travelled to New Ormond Park for a Blitz, on Sunday morning last with U8,U10 & U12 teams
Weather conditions were ideal, and an enjoyable morning’s rugby was had by all underage groups.

Fixtures for U8s,10s and 12s for next Sunday 25th October 2009 will be announced later in the week.

A very special thanks to all the parents from Nenagh Ormond RFC Juvenile Committee, who provided sandwiches and pastries for our guests Kilfeacle RFC and Fethard RFC on Sunday morning. Also to the ladies & gentlemen who helped with the catering & providing hot drinks from the kitchen.
We hope to continue with this for our next home blitz, as its adds a new social aspect to our games, and its all very much appreciated by visiting Clubs.

Registration – Dorothy Keating 086 1709150 & Helen Young 087 6322934
Have a number of Registration I.D. Cards to hand out from the Munster Branch of The I.R.F.U. for the Juvenile Section. Please contact them at training on Thursday at 6.15pm or on Sunday morning at the games.

Fixtures for this week

Senior XV – home to Sundays Well
Seconds – away to Young Munster

U19 – home to Waterford City
U17 – home to Waterford City

All other fixtures will be notified at training and available later in the week on our club website www.nenaghormondrfc.com