News from around the Clubs – 25th October

Weekend news from around the clubs

CARRICK-on-SUIR
Martin O’Sullivan Cup Final, Fermoy
Sunday 25 October

In memory of the young under -19 player Michael McCarthy who died suddenly last week, the senior team held a minutes silence before kick-off and all wore black arm-bands during their victory in the O’Sullivan cup final.
The club as a whole and all its supporters would like to pass on our deepest sympathies to the family. Our thoughts are with them.

Carrick 16- Mallow 6

It may have taken 37 years to win a senior trophy, but in Fermoy last Sunday, Carrick’s victory in the O’Sullivan Cup final has buried most of the ghost this team has carried over the last couple of seasons.

Carrick won this game due to the sheer determination that this was not going to be another big match that slipped away. Some of the bad losses over the last couple of seasons were very much in the minds of the players, as was the feeling of utter dejection in the aftermath of those.

Even during the first half when Mallow were in the ascendancy, each player knew that if the score line got away, it might be too much to get back. Everyone played hard to make up that extra meter, to get to that tackle and to make the ruck.

And it was this more than anything that got Carrick across the winning line.
At 6-0 down after 15 minutes through a Mallow penalty and drop goal, much like in the league game two weeks earlier, Carrick were finding this well organised Mallow team very difficult to contain.

But they did and that allowed for a couple of opportunities to arise. One which was finished off beautifully by wing Brian Dignam, after a perfectly executed backline move. Ed O’Donnell’s skip pass to take three Mallow men out of the game and get Dignam outside the cover was a joy.

At 6-5 at half time, Carrick were very much in it and had to wrestle the game away from Mallow, a job that was never going to be easy. More so as Mallow’s right wing was making a lot of inroads and being brought cleverly into the play by the Corkmen.

But Carrick, despite more than one scary moment, managed to protect their line.
It was this that allowed Carrick to play the last thirty minutes almost exclusively in Mallows half, but ground was not gained easily. The scrums were evenly matched and both teams found it hard to get clean ball form this set piece, Carrick scrumhalf Jamie Steel was particularly adept at preventing good delivery from Mallow’s nine.

And with the upper hand finally grasped by Carrick, a few tactical changes were made in an effort to get more attacks flowing. Alban Coughlan replaced Steele at nine and Mallow were not prepared for such a style change at the base of the ruck.

The front row of Eddie Barry, Willie Stokes and Alan Murray were clearing out the ruck area much more effectively, aided by Brian Phelan, Ed Hearn and John Phelan. This allowed the likes of Dylan Davis, John O’Keefe and Colin O Dwyer link with the backs and turn the screw.

From here, the excellent James Wallace took on responsibility from outhalf, nailing two hard earned and difficult penalties, to see Carrick go into an 11-5 lead with 8 minutes remaining.

Form there Mallow’s 22 was the scene of a epic battle which to’d and fro’d. As much as Carrick battled to get a clinching try, Mallow repelled, but could not find the way out. Peadar Downey came very close to breaching the line after charging down a kick, but stumbled agonisingly close to the line.

Seconds later he was denied a try after a mix up in the try zone. But at this point Mallow were defending with all they had. Peter Steele and Ian Mullins pressurised Mallows ten into making the mistake that saw the ball reach Wallace once more.
With a bit of space outside but little support, Wallace made up his mind to go for it. Being closed down by two Mallow back, Wallace just made the line, injuring himself in the process, but ultimately sealing the victory and Carrick’s first senior cup for 37 years.

The reaction at the final whistle from players, club members, supporters and former players was massive and testament to what the team had to go through to overcome a very good Mallow side.

Captain Willie Ryan accepted the O’Sullivan Cup and the sound of corks popping and bubbly spraying was as good as any fireworks marketers seem to think are needed for these occasions.

And his speech recognised the victory for what it was. It was for each member who has played a career in the club and not had the luck to be part of a day like Sunday. He thanked the committee who have been doing great work over those years and the players on and off the field, who had toiled away and waited years for a day like last Sunday.

With the very difficult first cup hurdle now out of the way, maybe Carrick can add more silverware to the new clubhouse by the end of the season.

Team
Alan Murray, Willie Stokes (C), Eddie Barry, John O’Keeffe, Brian Phelan, (John Phelan), Mick Carroll, (Ed Hearn), Dylan Davis, Colin O’ Dwyer, Jamie Steele (Alban Coughlan), James Wallace, (Ross Cleary) David Kiersey, (Peadar Downey) Peter Steele, Ed O’ Donnell, Brian Dignam, Ian Mullins.

Subs not used. Bobby O’Neill, Colin Stanley, Mick Dempsey, Jamie Walsh, Michael Cronin.

KILFEACLE: & DISTRICT
Kilfeacle’s League journey continue with a loss.
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 20
Waterpark R.F.C. 27

Kilfeacle and District’s league journey continued in earnest, on Sunday 25th at 2.30p.m. we were at home to Waterpark R.F.C. in the Munster Junior League. These are always lively affairs and we needed to get off to the best start if we were to be in with a chance of winning as it is never easy to face Waterpark looking for a result. Weather conditions were good, except for the strong wind, for this time of year so this meant that the toss would be crucial and Kilfeacle found themselves playing into the wind for the first half. It was always going to be a game of damage limitations when playing against the wind. The plan was to keep the opposition at bay and not allow them to gain a head of steam. The plan got off to a dream start with an early try scored by Shane Flavin and converted by Shane Luby. Waterpark soon got into their stride and replied with 7 points after 12 minutes from a well-taken try and conversion, and when 5 minutes later Waterpark kicked a penalty the alarm bells were ringing, Kilfeacle needed to shut up shop. This they did despite being pinned in their own half for long spells of the first half Kilfeacle defended resolutely until the 26th minute when Waterpark once again scored a well-taken try and conversion. Kilfeacle need to do two things get back on the scoreboard and concede no more scores. In fact as the half drew to a close Kilfeacle finally began to put some phases together and managed to get on the scoreboard with a well taken penalty from Shane Luby. Waterpark retaliated almost immediately with a well take penalty to move 17 points to 10 ahead. However Kilfeacle were not finished and a well finished move by Matt Earls saw Kilfeacle and District score another try. This meant that at half time Waterpark led by 17 points to 15 and were disappointed not to be further ahead for the amount of territorial advantage they had enjoyed.
Kilfeacle were optimistic at half time that they could do better however when just seconds into the second half poor handling and mistakes spurned a scoring chance and initiated a counter attack which saw Waterpark score 5 more points it signaled that it was not going to be our day. The Kilfeacle heads dropped and shape and discipline was lost this did not seem to be the same team that drew with Skibbereen and beat Cashel. Waterpark, who played well, pounced on any and all mistakes and punished the visitors. Trailing now by 7 points Kilfeacle needed to get back to basics and retain the ball and build phases. This they started to do with fine displays by the no. 8, by Jack Sullivan, Matt Earls, Alan O’Mahony, James Mullane, Stephen Flood, Packie Burke and Shane Flavin. When the no. 8 finished a fine move to go over in the corner it was now a 2 point game and 10 minutes left. Both teams new that the next score would probably be the winner and bot sides were cagey. Waterpark gave away 2 penalties so Kilfeacle’s Mark Touhy had two long range efforts at goal however both narrowly missed. Waterpark drove the final nail in the coffin late on, when their foe was stretched chasing the game they latched onto a loose pass and ran ¾ the length of the pitch and scored an unconverted breakaway try to seal the game and the bonus point with a very healthy scoreline in their favour of 27-20 to Waterpark. Waterpark were not so much winners of this game as Kilfeacle we losers as the amount of errors made had been the reason for their defeat. Kilfeacle need to bounce back from this defeat as they are on the road next Saturday in Drogheda in the AIB Junior Cup. Kilfeacle would like to thank everyone from Waterpark RFC who travelled on the day and wish the club the best for the coming season.

Under 21’s and 17’s

Congratulations to both the under 21s and the 17’s who had two excellent wins at the weekend. These strong displays show how well our youth structure is working in the club and that with the committment and endeavour of our coaches, players and families the future of the club is bright!

Under 9’s, 8’s and 7’s

Kilfeacle U9, U8, U7 Mini Rugby Teams v. Nenagh Ormond & Fethard (Away)

Kilfeacle U9, U8, and U7 teams lined out last Sunday away in Nenagh.

The U9 team won against an inexperienced Nenagh side with Alan Flannery, Bobby Purcell & Lorcan Carr doing especially well.
However they lost their second game against an excellent Fethard team who played some sparkling rugby for their age. Fethard ran out 5-1 winners and held out impressively against a lot of Kilfeacle pressure in the second half.

The U8 team had a win against Nenagh with Darragh Kennedy, Seanie O’Brien and Niall Butler starring.
Their second game against Fetherd was a thriller, with Robbie Byron going the full length of the field for a memorable solo try to snatch a 2-2 draw following a last gasp wonder tackle by Michael O’Brien to deny Fethard in the corner.

The U7 team led by Luke Huston and Steven Dee produced some lovely running rugby in a hard fought encounter against Nenagh.

Nenagh Ormond mini organisers deserve praise for the great hospitality that they showed to Kilfeacle last Sunday. It was a pleasure for the children and their parents to be welcomed so warmly and catered for so generously by our hosts.

Training for mini rugby (5 years and up) continues every Friday night at 7.00 pm in Morrissey Park. We welcome all parents who wish their children to experience rugby in a fun and safe environment with the emphasis on developing their child’s core skills to come along and meet the coaches.

Sunday’s Well

Have Pride in YOUR club pay your Sub Now

Please Contact Mr. Tony Egar Mobile: 0868208272 Email: tonyegar@hotmail.com

Club News.
Terrace and stand tickets are now available for the forthcoming Heineken Cup pool games between Munster and Perpignan on December 11th and Munster versus Northampton on the weekend of January 15th/16th/17th. It is advisable to purchase tickets for both games to avoid disappointment.

Please contact Michael Barry at 086-2503853 or e-mail mikebarry1@eircom.net

There are some Tickets available for the Autumn {Australia, South Africa and Fiji (RDS)} and

Six Nations Internationals (Italy, Wales and Scotland)

Please contact Sean Barry at 087-2998527 or e-mail sean.barry@ucc.ie

Senior XV V Ards

If you wish to attend the pre match luncheon versus Ards.

Admission to match and lunch will be €;15
please contact Clair Powell 0n mobile 0868151501 or email cmpowell02@gmail.com

Results

Senior XVS Nenagh 6 pts Sundays Well 0pts
In a close hard-fought battle at a windswept and drenched New Ormond Park, the ‘Well were unable to make their second half domination count as Nenagh’s strong defense kept them at bay. There were probably two crucial moments to this very tight and intense match. The first was the opening ten minutes. Nenagh played with a strong wind and seemed to adapt to the conditions better. A series of penalties against the ‘Well proved costly with Nenagh out-half kicking two penalties to put his side in a six point lead. With points always likely to be scarcer, this was a big notable advantage. After this, the ‘Well defended with defiance and discipline and they never looked like conceding a try, despite the home side having several line-outs close to the ‘Well line. The second turning point came early in the second half as Francis Moynihan departed the field with an injury. The ‘Well appeared to be strong in the scrum throughout and were on top of their opposition, but following Francis’s departure, the referee was awarding a succession of decisions against the ‘Well front row, much to their chagrin. It was certainly curious decision making, as the likes of Shane Walsh, Michael Moynihan and Aonrai O’Donovan have got the better of many opposing scrums in recent times and if these plays were allowed to develop in excellent attacking positions, the ‘Well would have been confident of attaining a try. They did have other opportunities away from the scrum. The line-out was magnificent with James Mulcahy and Eamonn Murphy not only securing plenty of ball on their own throw, thanks to some excellent throws by Darren Blower, but they were also causing havoc on Nenagh’s ball, with Cillian Casey and Shane Walsh always alert to pounce on the loose ball at the back. Gavin Blower had a couple of great runs, bursting open the Nenagh defense and leaving them floundering back while the pack were making some strong drives around the fringes.
Match Report “ A Well Man”

Junior 1s – No Game last week

Junior 2s – No Game last week

Under 21s – No Game last week

Under 19s Sundays Well 13pts Highfield 15pts
The elements were the winner today at Musgrave Park with the high wind making this game a lottery. The Well played with the wind in the first half and got all the scores in this half with a penalty from Eoin Philpott and try’s from Ben Horgan and Ronan Humphreys 13 nil at the break. The Well pack were on top for all of this game how ever Highfield pulled themselves back into the game and snatched it with a last kick of the game penalty. However I am sure these two teams will meet again this season and who knows?
Match Report “ Alec Rose”

Under 17s Sundays Well 47pts Dolphin 7pts
Our first game in Musgrave Park this season, was played in a gale force wind, with The Well playing with the wind in the first half, and notched up an unassailable half time lead of 47-nil, with a brace of tries by Olan Hanley, and tries by Eammon Kelliher, Cathal Kidney, Ken Hayes, Steve Healy, Alex O Neill, Dean Kirby with 3 of the tries converted by Olan Hanley and Alex O Neill. Playing into the wind was tough for both teams, with The Well showing great strength in not allowing Dolphin get into the game at all, strong showings by Cian Donnellan, Conor Malone, Joel Lane, Steve O Sullivan and Brian McAuliffe, Owen O Connell, and Captain Ryan McGrath, ensured a good win against our neighbours, Craig O Sullivan notched up his first try of the season, and The Wells only try in the second half even though Chris Ferguson was unlucky, twice being held up on the line. Dolphin to their credit tried ever so hard but were no match to a strong forward display by The Well
Match Report “ Mick O Brien”

Under 15s Sundays Well 14pts Fermoy 5
A good run out for the 15s with a comfortable win against a developing Fermoy side. Some very good tries by both forwards and backs and a number of conversions by Andrew Dorgan. The tougher tests are now coming with a big game next week away to Old Christians with a 12 noon KO.
Match Report “Ralph O Leary”

Under 13s – No Game last week

Under 12s – No Game last week

Under 11s – No Game last week

Under 10s – No Game last week

Under 9s – No Game last week

Under 8s – No Game last week

Under 7s – No Game last week

Fixtures

31st Oct 1st Nov 09

It is Important YOU support our teams Looking forward to seeing YOU soon

Senior XVS Versus Ards, Kick Off 14.30 Saturday, Musgrave Park, A.I.L League

Junior 1s Versus Clonakilty, Kick Off 14.30 Sunday, The Vale, South Munster 2nd League.

Junior 2s Versus Muskerry, Kick Off 12 noon Sunday, Musgrave Park, J2 League

Under 21s versus Shannon, Kick Off 12.30 Saturday,Connagh Limerick, South West Conf Div 1

Under 19s Versus Crosshaven, Kick Off 12 noon Saturday, South Munster League

Under17s Versus Cork Con, Kick Off 12 noon Sunday, , Temple Hill, Friendly

Under15s Versus Old Christians, Kick Off 12 noon Saturday, Rathcooney,South Munster League

Under 13s Versus Highfield, Kick Off 12 noon Saturday, Musgrave Park, South Munster League

Under 12s Training this week, 10am Sharp, Frankfield

Under 11s Training this week, 10am Sharp, Frankfield

Under 10s Training this week, 10am Sharp, Musgrave Park

Under 9s Training this week, 10am Sharp, Musgrave Park

Under 8s Training this week, 10am Sharp, Musgrave Park

Under 7s Training this week, 10am Sharp, Musgrave Park

Engage with O2 And help your Club prosper.

IRFU/O2 Engage offers your club members the chance to give 5% of their annual O2 bill directly to your rugby club

For example, if a club member spends €;50 each month on their line rental, calls and texts, O2 will take 5% of this and give your club a cheque for the overall amount at the end of the year, which is €;30.

If 100 members in your club sign up to O2 Engage, this would raise €;3,000 for your club.

With O2 Engage, you can give 5% of your O2 bill to an IRFU-affiliated rugby club.

And since O2 makes the contribution it will not cost you a cent.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a player or supporter. O2 Engage is open to everyone who wants to get behind Irish rugby.

Please have a look at this link and sign up if you can. http://www.irishrugby.ie/23_14995.php

“Away the Well”

Brendan Kenneally (0876139597)

Ronnie O Reilly (0872500171)

SHANNON

Shannon Notes Weekending October 31st 2009

This is certainly not the start to the league we had envisaged. 3 losses from 3 games does not make for very pleasant reading .Probably the most frustrating thing about each of those losses is that we could have won each of them. We may not have deserved to win all of them, but we definitely could have. Last season we had similar games and we came out on the right side of the result, but lady luck seems to have abandoned us so far this season. To leave a possible 15 points and gift a further 7 to a side like Dolphin ensures that victories are hard to come by. Musgrave Park was a fairly desolate place at around 4pm last Saturday; well our dressing room was anyway. This was a game that we had within in our grasp after a remarkable comeback from 18 nil down. We reached a point in the second half where we were close to taking the lead on a few occasions, but unfortunately we just couldn’t breech the final hurdle. It looked highly unlikely that we would ever be in such a position after a first half that we failed to register a score. Both their tries came off mistakes on our behalf, but Dolphin as hospitable as they are, were not going to look a gift horse in the mouth and took their limited opportunities. Towards the end of the half we did have a chance to score when we were settled on their line for a period, but alas nothing came of it and the revival had to wait until soon after the break when Stephen Kelly was on hand after Quinny made and super incision. Not Long after Quinny got one of his own and at 18-14 it was game on. That we didn’t close out the game is a major disappointment, but that elusive league win is just a shot of luck away. Hopefully a return to Coonagh this Saturday will see matters right themselves when UL/Bohs provide the opposition for a 2.30 kick off.

We did have success at the weekend when the U/13’s continued their impressive start to the season by winning the James Keating memorial tournament in Bruff on Monday last.

Competing with 19 other teams from around Munster the Shannon boys showed all the traits that are required by successful Shannon teams, tenacious tackling, aggressive forward play and slick handling from the backs.

In the group stages Shannon accounted for Kilfeacle 7-0 and Corca Dhuibhne 8-0 and as a result of their massive try haul were given a bye into the semi finals.

In the semi finals it was traditional foes Young Munster who provided the opposition. From the outset the Shannon lads tore into the opposition and did not allow them any time on the ball. When in possession Shannon moved it quickly to the wings and ran out winners by six tries to one.

On to the final where a very large and skillful Newcastlewest team were the opposition. It was a titanic struggle with both sides producing massive hits and some exciting rugby, but on the stroke of full time it was Shannon who dug deepest to produce the killer blow when, from a scrum on the left the backs moved it wide for Cian Clifford to pounce for the winner. For the record in the four games Shannon scored 21 tries and conceded one. It truly was a squad effort with each of the boys contributing fully.

This weekend its back to regular league action for the U/13’s when they play Bruff in LIT at 11.30.

Elsewhere the U/17’s play in a Munster cup qualifier against UL/Bohs in Annacotty at 11.30

For the second week in a row the seconds were without a game but hopefully that will be rectified this Sunday when they play UL/Bohs in Annacotty at 2.30.

The thirds took part in the inaugural Shane Geoghegan Memorial tournament on Sunday in Dooradoyle where we had 3 games ,( 2 draws and a loss ) Over 30 players were used during the course of the day ,with a 6 week period of league games it was important for everyone to get some game time under their belts . The event was s tremendous success and great credit is due to all in Garryowen and the Geoghegan family for a fitting memorial to Shane. This Saturday we play Thomond in the Gleeson league at 12.30.

The U/21’ return to AIL action when they take on Sundays Well and at the time of writing the venue and time have yet to be confirmed.

The ladies senior side were forced to with stand a second half comeback by visitors to LIT , Nenagh , but thankfully from our point of view it wasn’t enough to reach our first half lead of 17 points. Conditions were far from ideal with the wind having a major influence on the game. With the advantage in the first half our young pack (six of the eight U/20) took control and dominated the crucial breakdown area. Speedster Aoife Crowley was in fine form and scored two super tries while the experienced Amanda Greensmith added another just before the break to give us a 17 point cushion, but with the conditions it was far from comfortable. Just as we had utilised the wind so too did Nenagh, but fortunately their two tries weren’t enough and a well deserved victory came our way. Training continues for our ladies on Monday and Wednesdays and as always new players are welcome. Last week I hadn’t received the Girls U/17 report in time for the notes, but their excellent victory over Abbeyfeale deserved a mention. It was tough game, but their 25-22 was a well deserved. This Sunday, the U/15’s head to Clonmel, and the U/19’s travel to Clanwilliam.

The traditional mass for deceased members of our fondly remembered 38/39/40 team takes place on November 8th at 11 am in St Mary’s church and all members and friends are invited to remember those great Shannon men