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Glory days
are here again as Shannon record their 9th All Ireland League title !
Shannon 19 Clontarf 19 The man with the midas touch has struck again as Geoff Moylan, in his first season back at the helm with Shannon lands the top prize on offer in club rugby in this country. This brings to nine the number of league titles won by this great club, six more than their nearest challengers. A great day, a great setting, a great match between two great teams. There was nothing between them at the end of both normal time and the two periods of extra time. But instead of a penalty shoot-out a la the European cup semi-final last weekend, the winner was determined by which team scored the first try in the game (as both teams had scored 2 tries each).  That all-important try was scored by full-back, David O'Donovan in the 22nd minute. Donny, incidentally, also got Shannon's other try. This was a superb performance by a phenomenal side against a bigger and more fancied Clontarf outfit, aided and abetted by their impressively large travelling support. Their day will come (this was their 3rd final defeat) and when it does, no-one will begrudge it to them. But, once again, this was Shannon's day. They have now competed in six AIL finals and have won all of them. Clontarf had a lot of possession in this game and used their powerful big runners to telling effect throughout the game, getting across the gain-line every time they carried the ball into contact. However, in the 2nd period of extra-time, Shannon somehow seemed to draw on extra reserves of strength and it was they who drove Clontarf back in the tackle. I just wonder was there a certain man by the name of Frankie looking down from on high and willing his boys on. Maybe, just maybe. It is fitting that in the season that Shannon RFC lost its most famous son, that we were able to deliver the All Ireland League title. One suspects that the seeds for this victory were sown the day they carried Frankie's coffin down the centre aisle of St Mary's church to the strains of 'There Is an Isle' led by Olive O'Brien. 'The Isle' was sung with superb gusto in victory yesterday in Thomond Park, this time lead by Martin Clancy, probably the only time that the final will be played at the home of rugby, as Lansdowne Road should be available from next season. There were great scenes of joy and celebration last night in our historic clubhouse as the festivities were set to continue into the small hours. I bumped into the team and alicadoos today as they stopped at Pat Cowey's for a few coffees on their victory tour. Lets just say there were a quite a few tired eyes. But back to the game. And what a game it was. End to end stuff at a pace and intensity not normally seen at this level. It was a fitting spectacle for the club game, watched by a crowd of about 7000 people in sun-drenched Thomond Park. Clontarf played like an express train and had most of the possession in the first half. However, Shannon were first on the score-board and later were first over the white line as they were efficient, economical and ruthless. Their first 3 visits to the Clontarf 22 yielded 3 scores. The first of these came as earlier as the 1st minute, without a Dublin hand being laid on the ball. It came from the boot of out-half, Tadhg Bennett, a sweet drop goal after a series of penetrating drives by his colleagues.  Clontarf missed a penalty opportunity into the wind in the 3rd minute, when it was pulled left and wide. Ten minutes later, however, they levelled the scores with a penalty for offside about 25metres out. Seventeen minutes on the clock and Shannon go ahead again from a penalty on the 22metre line to the left, following more driving play. 6-3. Clontarf were handed an opportunity to level the score four minutes later after a rare error by Bennett in not getting touch from a defensive penalty. Level them they did. Straight from the kick-off, however, Shannon set off again on another series of drives, then a perfectly weighted and timed popped pass to O'Donovan coming at speed saw him sail in for his first try untouched. Bennett missed the conversion. 11-6 That lead didn't last long however. 2 minutes later and too many missed tackles allowed Clontarf in for what seemed like an easy try. 11-11 Shannon got their second try from a penalty that was quickly taken by Fionn McLoughlin. Clontarf were not quick enough or organized enough to recover before Shannon drove over the line, with Donny coming up with the ball again. Conversion missed again, but Shannon go into the break with a crucial 5 point lead, facing into the wind in the second half. Early in the second half, Shannon suffered a blow when Padraig O'Brien found himself harshly sin-binned for illegally killing a Clontarf attack. The penalty was converted. 16-14. Then a try in the 50th minute saw Clontarf go ahead for the first time in the game. Time to get worried? We never doubted them. When O'Brien came back, he was also joined by Les Hogan, replacing Killian O'Neill. Also at that time, Clontarf went down a man for a similar offence to Padraig's after Eoghan Grace had made a great break up the middle and Shannon looked like going in for another score. Tadgh knocked over the penalty to close out the scoring in the 56th minute of the game. Both teams went at it hell for leather from that point to the end of normal time and for the extra 20 minutes, but neither could get the crucial score that would see them to victory. Towards the end of extra time, Bennett went for a drop goal when retention of possession for another 2 minutes might have been the best option. His kick was blocked down and Shannon found themselves back inside their own half defending desperately to keep Clontarf outside of drop-goal territory. This they did wonderfully, eventually winning possession and hoofing the pigskin into the stand to ignite wild celebrations as Allan Roland blew the final whistle. Shannon. D. O'Donovan, R.Mullane, F. McLoughlin J. Clogan, S.Kelly T. Bennett, F. McNamara, K. O'Neill, M. Essex, K.Griffin, P.O'Brien, F. Walsh, D. Ryan, E. Grace, D. Quinlan (capt). Replacements: J. Cronin, M. O'Driscoll, P. Loughnane, J. O'Connor, L.Hogan, E. McLoughlin, Fiach O'Loughlin (Club Captain) match report and photo: Des O Dea
Shannon exact sweet revenge and book place in Final AIL: Shannon 16 Garryowen 12 I spoke with Stephen Kelly
after this pulsating local semi-final derby in atrocious conditions
and, for the record, yes he did get the touchdown at the end of the
game under the Garryowen posts. Even the Garryowen player chasing the
same ball admitted as much when the referee blew the final whistle. I
understand that the try was also caught on camera. If given, it
probably would have been converted and that would have put a somewhat
flattering gloss on the score-line and make the win look easier that it
had been.
Because it wasn't easy. But it was sweet. Sweet, sweet revenge for Shannon's exit at the same stage last season to the same opposition. This game was effectively a game of two halves with Garryowen getting the upper hand and building a half-time lead of 12 points to 7 with the aid of a stiff breeze and a lobsided penalty count. Those 12 points came from 3 penalty shots at goal and a drop-goal from a poor Shannon clearance, from the boot of full-back, Conor Kilroy. Shannon did, however, get the only official try of the game in that first half. It came in the 5th minute. Scrum on the Garryowen 22 on the left. Frankie McNamara passes to Tadhg Bennett, who returns it to Frankie. Frankie pops it up for the express train that is Stephen Kelly who races in under the posts untouched. Bennett added the afters to make the score 7-3. That was however the home sides only real chance of the first half, a half which they found themselves defending onslaughts on a regular basis.  The second-half saw Shannon up the intensity, take more control of the forward exchanges, lord the lineout and take the right options. The wind actually died down for the first 15 or so minutes of the half, but then it built up again, brining with it the heavy rain which made ball-handling a risky business. Shannon slowly clawed their way back into the game both on the pitch and on the scoreboard and once they went in front there was no looking back. It was the 30th and 35th minutes that Bennett kicked two easy penalties from in front of the posts, both resulting from forward pressure, the second awarded when Mike Essex had scored what looked to have been a perfect try, when he latched onto a loose ball, kicked over the line and won the race to the touchdown. The referee was unsighted, however, and opted to give Shannon a 5 metre scrum. So one official try and two unofficial tries to nil. Shannon deserved this win for that and a second half performance that strangled the life out of Garryowen. In those last 5 minutes, with Shannon defending the four-point lead, Garryowen had to go for broke but Shannon's defence meant that a try was never on the cards. So the season has been extended for another 2 weeks for this magnificent squad. The reward for these efforts is a show-down with Clontarf at Thomond Park, the first time the AIL final will be played in Limerick. This will take place on 9th May, a week after another 'Munster-Leinster' clash. Shannon. D. O'Donovan, R.Mullane, F. McLoughlin J. Clogan, S.Kelly T. Bennett, F. McNamara, K. O'Neill, M. Essex, K.Griffin, P.O'Brien, F. Walsh, D. Ryan, E. Grace, D. Quinlan (capt). Replacements: J. Cronin, M. O'Driscoll, P. Loughnane, J. O'Connor, L.Hogan, E. McLoughlin, L. O'Dea Man of the Match: Kevin Griffin match report: Des O Dea
Kelly's second try in last minute crucial as Shannon secure home semi-final tie AIL: Shannon 27 Dolphin 17 While 4 of the other contenders were knocking up cricket scores of 50 points plus, in nothing matches for their respective opposition, Shannon were involved in a winner takes all pulsating last league game of the season at Coonagh. In fact that is not quite correct. As it transpired, winning would not have been enough for either of these two teams to qualify. Stephen Kelly's try, secured with time almost up, not only put Shannon into the top four, it also secured a home semi-final against arch rivals, Garryowen, in what will be a repeat of last season's semi-final pairing (which also, incidentally, applies to the other semi-final, Cons v Clontarf). Have a look at the final table : http://www.irishrugby.ie/636_6878.php and do the maths for yourself. Had Man of the Match Kelly not scored his second and Shannon's fourth try, we would have missed out to St. Mary's College for qualification. Such was the tightness at the top of the table on such an exciting last day.  And, it must be said, Shannon were full value for their 4-try victory, and probably could have won with more ease if it wasn't for such a high error count from the home team. That can be addressed and if it is, Shannon will be a match for anyone as we head into their favourite end of the season - the play-offs. Yes, it was Kelly's day alright. Not only did he bag two tries for himself, but he also created the first try for John Clogan as he made full use of both his football skills and his pace to leave an indelible mark on this tie, and to delay his return to the Limerick county football squad for another week - at least. Make no mistake about it, Shannon worked hard, very hard, for this bonus-point victory. They were up against a formidable Dolphin outfit who had done a lot of damage to other high-flying sides throughout the season. Ally to that the fact that every bounce seemed to be going the Corkmen's way, at least in the early exchanges, and then throw in those unwanted errors that the home team seemed to be committing at an alarming rate through-out the game. It is a credit to the character, self-belief and strength of this squad that they overcame those adversities to do what needed to be done. Some punters roared in disbelief and annoyance when Geoff Moylan came onto the pitch in the second-half to tell the boys to go for the line when awarded a penalty instead of taking what looked like a kickable 3 points, with the winning of the game still very much in the balance. But Geoff knew at that stage that the win wasn't enough, what with the baseball bats that were being produced at four other grounds around the country. Shannon were not going to let what happened 2 seasons ago happen again. OK, Bennett overcooked the kick, but the statement was made. It's 4 tries or nothing. Despite the fact that Shannon looked likely to cross for the opening score, with the game just minutes old, Dolphin pilfered Shannon lineout ball close to their own line and turned defence into serious attack. It was tit for tat, to and fro, for the next 24 minutes, until an innocuous kick ahead bounced perfectly for Dolphin and in they went under the posts for a seven point lead as the Shannon defence was clutching at air. Shannon were given a quick opportunity to reduce the arrears when straight from the kick-off they were awarded a penalty which Bennett slotted over. 3 - 7. Three minutes later Shannon added to their tally when a kick ahead by Bennett was gathered beautifully by Kelly who, when he met the last line of defence, had the smartness to chip infield just as he himself was taken out. John Clogan was first to the loose ball and went over to put the home side into the lead. It didn't last long, however, as they conceded a penalty straight from the kick-off. 8 points to 10 now. They could have gone further behind, when minutes later another kickable penalty to Dolphin drifted wide. Just before half-time, Shannon got a lovely try. It started from a free-kick awarded at the lineout on the 22 on the left. Quick tap and a few drives up the middle then fast ball out to the right. A great off-load by Eoghan Grace to Ritchie Mullane on the right touch-line, allowed him the time to decide which route to take. He chose the inside and it worked. Over he went for a Bennett converted try to give Shannon a half-time lead of 15-10. Finger nails still been bitten to the quick. Five minutes into the second half Kelly was given an early chance of a try, when confusion in the Dolphin back-line gave him the opportunity to fly-kick a loose ball. However, he was beaten to the touchdown. 15 minutes in and Shannon are under pressure, however, they turn over possession and David O'Donovan launches one of his haymakers to bring play to the half-way line. Just what the forwards would have wanted. At that point, Paul Loughnane, playing at six, made way for Emmet McLoughlin, while Les Hogan came on for Killian O'Neill. In the 22nd minute, Shannon go for the scrum when awarded a penalty, but lose it against the head and end up back on their own 22. Fingers and all being bitten at this stage. Other substitutions in the second half saw Stanley Hayes and Marcus O'Driscoll come on for Jason Cronin and John Clogan respectively. The 28th minute of the half surely was the catalyst for the win. Shannon wrestle the ball from Dolphin inside the home 22. Out it goes to Fionn Mcloughlin, who knows that 2 more tries are needed. He could have kicked. He didn't. Instead, he backed both himself and his partner Kelly. McLoughlin broke out of the 22, drew his man, then fired a perfect pass to Kelly, who took off like a bat out of hell. The cover came across field but Stephen chipped all of them and then easily beat them to the touchdown. A wonderful score which epitomised the raw ambition that is in this team. 22-10 after Bennett's conversion. The job was not quite yet done. For either team. Dolphin did not give up. They threw everything at Shannon bringing the score to 22-17 with another try, but Shannon had just one thing on their mind - another try of their own. A somewhat harmless looking scrum on half-way, with time running out, to the visitors. The ball at the base of the scrum, the Dolphin backs come up in a line for a rehearsed move. What they hadn't counted on was Frankie McNamara, the wily old veteran. Frankie snatches the ball from under the Dolphin scrum-half's nose and instead of a Dolphin attack we had the sight of Frankie racing into space, with the opposing backline caught wrong footed. McNamara chose the right time to feed Kelly and the whole ground knew what was going to happen next. Yes, the chip and chase and the inevitable winner. The whoopin' and a hollerin' could be heard at the other side of Limerick as the redundant calculators were thrown into the ditch. Home and Hosed. 27 points to 17, but more importantly 2nd place in the AIB League Division 1 and with it a home semi-final. So we welcome the light blues from across town to Coonagh next week. The incentive for a win has increased as the final is in Thomond Park. Shannon. D. O'Donovan, R.Mullane, F. McLoughlin J. Clogan, S.Kelly T. Bennett, F. McNamara, K. O'Neill, J. Cronin, K.Griffin, P.O'Brien, F. Walsh, P. Loughnane, E. Grace, D. Quinlan (capt). Replacements: S. Hayes, M. O'Driscoll, E. McLoughlin, J. O'Connor, L.Hogan match report: Des O Dea
Annual Golf Classic Dear Members & Friends, I have pleasure in notifying you that our 2009 Annual Golf Classic will be held at Shannon Golf Club on Friday, 15th May 2009. We, as a Club, are very conscious of the present economic climate facing all of our members and supporters and to take account of this, we have changed entirely the format for this year. We have reduced the cost per team of 4 from ?500 previously to ?300. To participate, you do not need to put a full team together. The Club welcomes individuals and group applications to join the Golf Classic at a rate of ?75 per person playing. This price per person includes participation in our customary on-course barbecue where refreshments will also be available and a meal after playing. Handicap limits: mens - 20 and ladies - 28. The Annual Golf Classic is a very important social and business outing for the Club and we are calling on all our members and supporters to help make this a success this year. To book your tee time, please phone Ger Mullane at 087 2541915 or e-mail him at gmullane@shannoncoiledsprings.ie. Ger will need to know if you want to be put with others, your handicap, home golf club and preferred time. Please arrange to send your cheque directly to Tom Caulfield, Assistant Treasurer, Shannon Rugby Football Club, Thomond Park, and Limerick. Please support your Club. Liam Costelloe President It's down to the wire as the AIL has its closest finish to date AIL: UL/Bohemian 6 Shannon 12 Out at Annacotty on Saturday, the hosts got the point that they needed to cement their top 8 spot, but it was Shannon who snatched the victory with two second half tries from Fionn McLoughlin, one converted by Tadhg Bennett. Shannon trailed 6-0 at half-time playing into the breeze. Amazingly, Shannon now lie 3rd, with one game left - against the team in 2nd place, Dolphin. That game will take place in Coonagh next Saturday, but the permutations are such that any four from the top seven clubs could claim a play-off spot, with only a bonus point victory definitely guaranteeing Shannon a place in the play-offs - that would even hand us a home semi-final. So it will go down to the last whistle in all Division One games and then it's out with the calculators. At least our destiny is entirely in our own hands. Des O Dea
Shannon secure top 8 spot AIL: Shannon 23 Old Belvedere 19 (28/03/09) Shannon Rugby Football Club are nothing if they are not smart. Having lost our captain in dubious circumstances for the rest of the season on St Patrick's Day, the tink tank got together and came up with .......Frankie McNamara... Yeah, you're right, he's the guy who is retired..... Well today.. he was Man of the Match. Like I said, we are nothing if we are not smart.... It was the proverbial game of two halves, with the wind controlling proceedings. So the team who made the best of both playing with it and against it would win out. Shannon played against the wind in the first half, lost two players to the sin-bin and conceded two late tries to go in 12-3 down at the break. They just don't care about the health of our hearts, do they? The second-half was an all-together different affair. No more yellow cards, a decidedly snappier pace from the home side, some clever (and I mean some) kicking and some smart rugby - most notable for the second try which effectively clinched the victory. Oh and that great performance from Frankie Mac. Kevin Griffin was first to see yellow as early as the 12th minute for what looked like an accidental trip on their hooker. The resultant penalty, long range but with the help of the stiff breeze had the distance but not the accuracy. Prior to that, Eoghan Grace playing in the unfamiliar position of centre prized the ball of the opposition as they pummelled the Shannon line as early as the 3rd minute. Shannon played reasonably well in that first half and managed to work their way into opposition territory despite the strength of the gale. However, with 4 minutes left in the half and the scores tied at Nil-all, we got our second yellow. This time it was Tadhg Bennet who walked for killing an Old Belvedere attack close to the Shannon line. They opted for the scrum to the left of the posts. After a second scrum, they managed a try out on the left, but the conversion was missed. Shannon would have been happy with just that score at half-time but, almost immediately, they were facing another conversion under their own posts, when a poor kick allowed Old Belvedere collect and attack down the right wing open a gap and score under the sticks. A 12 -point deficit would have been tough enough but luckily for the home side, they managed one more attack before the break, which yielded a penalty for offside on the 22 in front of the posts. David O'Donovan hoofed it into the wind and over the bar. 3-12 - not bad. Then came that 2nd half improvement in performance which yielded those 2 tries. With Bennett still in the bin, O'Donovan added another 3 points with a long range penalty early in the 2nd 40. Then in the 8th minute, Shannon were ahead for the first time. David Quinlan made the break on the left side and following a few more phases, it was Grace who broke the line and sauntered in for a try that was converted by O'Donovan to give Shannon a one point lead. 5 minutes later, a chance to stretch that lead was lost when a difficult penalty drifted left and wide. Tadhg made up for this in the 27th minute when he popped over another difficult penalty from wide on the right. 16 points to 12. Following a period when Shannon kicked away a lot of possession and allowed Old Belvedere into their half to exert some pressure, Shannon managed to turn over possession and hack the ball down-field. Old Belvedere recovered the ball inside their 22 and kick it out to what they thought was safety as the rest of their team retreated back to position. However, they hadn't reckoned on the fast thinking mind of young Frankie Mac, who caught the ball, spotted second-row Padraig O'Brien travelling like a train from outside the 22 and threw him a quick line-out ball. There was no stopping Padraig as he hit top speed just as he took the pass. Try time again and a good conversion by Tadhg almost from the same spot as the last penalty. 23 - 12 and only 4 minutes remaining. The referee chose to play the four and another four of injury time- enough for the visitors to get their 3rd try and a crucial bonus point for them in their quest for a place in the top 8 - one that Shannon themselves secured with this win. It's now time to concentrate on the top 4. Shannon. D. O'Donovan, R.Mullane, F. McLoughlin E. Grace, S.Kelly T. Bennett, F. McNamara, K. O'Neill, M. Essex, K.Griffin, P.O'Brien, F. Walsh, P. Loughnane, J.O'Connor, D. Quinlan (capt). Replacements: S. Hayes, M. O'Driscoll, J. Clogan, E. McLoughlin, L.Hogan match report: Des O Dea
Shannon pick up just a bonus point in Cork on our national holiday bonus point picked up in Cork on St Patrick's Day is enough to keep us in the hunt for a play-off spot as this season's AIL enters the home straight. Shannon have slipped to 3rd (our remaining 3 games are in Limerick), but are 5 points ahead of 5th-placed Dolphin, who have a game in hand and whom we play in the last game of the league at Coonagh on 18th April. One suspects that that could be a play-off decider. In fact there are still at least 8 teams with serious and realistic intentions of gaining a top 4 spot. 'All to play for' is an understatement. Des O Dea
Still top 4, 4 games left, 3 in Limerick AIL: Ballymena 6 Shannon 7 (07/03/09) The longest trip in the AIL for any Limerick team and (consequently or not) probably one of the hardest places to pick up points - well this time around, the journey home has been shortened with a one point victory. Geoff Moylan would have woken this morning and taken that if offered instead of his breakfast. One more non-Limerick game left (against Cons) and 3 local ties will decide Shannon's fate in this season's All Ireland League. As it is we remain in 2nd place. Now is the time to get behind them in earnest. They have put it in. We must too. Here is Andrew's full report In the meantime, Eoghan Grace was in today's Irish squad as they lost the Bowl final (14-17) to Zimbabwe in the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens championship in Dubai. Top 4 spot consolidated in derby win AIL: Young Munster 10 Shannon 28 (21/02/09) For 24 hours, Shannon flirted with top spot in the AIL following what turned out to be a comprehensive victory over Young Munster in Saturday's derby game at Greenfields. We now lie second, thanks to the 4 try bonus point win, with 5 games remaining. However, all of these are against opposition from the top ten of the table, so it's all to play for and nothing can be taken for granted.. Full report below. Shannon miss out on bonus point with poor 1st half display. Shannon 22 Dungannon 10 (31/01/09) Shannon mainitained their push for a top 4 place in what were very trying conditions at Coonagh last weekend, with a win over norther visitors, Dungannon. Andrew's full report below. Tight, very tight, folks, as the jostling for places continues in earnest: AIL : Galwegians 9 Shannon 18 (25/01/09) Every point counts from here on in. Every win, every try, every conversion, every penalty. Even the losing bonus points are precious. Why? There are 8 places up for grabs in the AIL top tier next season as the 1st division is split in two at the end of this season.  After this victory, Shannon remain in 5th place, level on points with Cork Constitution. A total of 11 points seperates the first 11 teams with six rounds of games left to play. (Shannon and Cons have 7, following last week's postponement) Shannon are just 2 points ahead of the team in eight place with just a further 2 points to 9th. It's been a long time since the placings were so close at this stage of the season. For Shannon, the priority is a top eight finish. Only when/if that is secured can they turn their mind to the playoffs. Read Andrew's full report below
Des O Dea
A Legend Frankie O’Flynn 16th September 1931 - 21st November 2008 A piece of Shannon Rugby Club died this morning at 5am in Milford Hospice. Frankie O’Flynn was Shannon Rugby Club. He lived, he breathed, and swore by Shannon. After his family it was his life.  We are mourning the passing of a legend, who epitomised the ethos and traits that make our club what it is. Frankie fought the fight as long as he could and at 77 years of age his dulcet tones will no longer linger in the dressing rooms or stands of Irelands rugby grounds. Without equal anywhere in the World, Frankie’s “There is an Isle” resounded in many rugby clubs throughout the country and sometimes further afield. He will always be remembered for his rendition of the Isle. Many have tried to emulate it, but none will ever match the emotion and pure passion that Frankie projected. There was never a more magical, emotional, spell binding place to be in than a winning Shannon dressing room with Frankie leading the rowdy rabble. “Are ye right lads” or “are ye with me”. That’s how it always began, then it was always something like, “I love the bones of ye” as if each and every one of the players was his own son, and then the triumphant chorus began “There is an Isle, A bonny Isle......” His right hand always clinched. “Farewell Farewell.....” The club tie he proudly wore would be taken out from under the blazer or jumper with one quick sweep, and then, as the final crescendo would finish his clinched right hand would swoop from his waist and high into the steaming heat of the dressing room like a boxer drawing an enormous uppercut. That was his way, pure and simple. No-one better. The routine varied little when his audience was the thronging masses facing him from pitch side as he stood proudly beside the latest silverware which would adorn the club. Prior to his arrival to the podium, the crowd waited expectantly in anticipation of something special and without fail something special is what we got. Oklahoma was his favourite party piece in the clubhouse after games and as the crowds thinned out, Frankie along with Violet and Ann Brown would start the sing song. With a word for everyone who passed, he would sit opposite the President's Bar. “Well Frankie, what do you think” after another victory. He’d tug on your forearm, pull you closer as if he were about to reveal the secrets of Fatima and say ” I love them boys, there's no one will beat ‘em ” It’s hard to believe we will never hear Frankie again. Although he will be best remembered for his singing prowess, there was much more to Frankie than the Isle and His legend doesn't come from singing alone. Along with the other great men of past years, Frankie lead our club to senior status in 1953/54. That same year he captained the Munster Junior Cup winning side and also played in Shannon's first ever game as a Senior club against Highfield in October 1953. Frankie’s life with Shannon has been filled with moments of pride, but in truth any day Frankie saw Shannon play, was a day filled with pride. However, as a player the pinnacle undoubtedly came in 1960 when he played on Shannon's first ever Munster Senior Cup winning side, an event that marked the beginning of our clubs rise in Irish rugby. It’s seemed that Frankie and the Senior Cup were inextricably linked over the years. As Club President from 1976 to 1978 he saw his beloved Shannon lift the Senior Cup and then, perhaps his proudest moment of all came last season when he witnessed two of his grandsons, Richie and Leonard Mullane receive Senior Cup medals as Shannon beat Highfield in Cork. The smile on Frankie’s and Violets faces that day were a joy to behold. “Shannon you are my pride, my only hope and glory”  If ever the words of a song summed up a man's feelings towards his club then these are they. Today we mourn, but in our mourning we will remember and celebrate all that Frankie has given us. His enthusiasm, his loyalty, and friendship but most of all, his pride in Shannon Rugby Football club will never be forgotten by those that have had the privilege to call Frankie our friend. “Always true to your colours black and blue, roll along Frankie Flynn, roll along” May you rest in peace. Andrew Mc Namara Shannon RFC PRO 21st November 2008 Slender win For Shannon up North Ballymena 6 Shannon 7 Endure may well be too strong a word, but there certainly was some really anxious moments for Shannon in the last few minutes of normal time as they were defending their slender 7-6 lead. Ballymena were pounding the gain line with brute force, seeking any opportunity that would give them a late lead. Through their foraging forwards they engineered a drop goal chance for Tommy Woods, but with a minute of normal time remaining, the out half's effort drifted left. It was all a bit rushed from the home side and had they realised that there would be a further 10 minutes played beyond the regular 80, they may well have shown a bit more patience and snatched a win they scarcely deserved. During those extra 10 minutes Shannon showed great spirit and determination as they forced the play back into Ballymena's territory and wound down the clock with energy sapping forward drives. They may well be a bit disappointed that they left this a bit too close for comfort, but in increasingly deteriorating conditions, scoring chances were hard to come by and the combination of solid defence and Stephen Kelly's first half try was enough to give them a justified win. Ballymena had little in the way of penetration beyond their pack and more often than not Shannon forced them backwards when they attempted to move the ball wide. The conditions suited the tight game which transpired and Shannon matched the home side's physicality with some power play of their own. Two early try scoring chances for Ballymena was as close as they came to crossing Shannon's line, but both were dealt with and it was the visitors who looked most likely to cross the whitewash. The opening and only try of the game was a combination of forward power and slick back play. 22 minutes had elapsed when prop Killian O'Neill barged his was forward before he was eventually hauled down. Slick passing and good running lines ensured the ball found its way to Stephen Kelly whose chip and chase outsmarted the defence and the winger crossed for his second try in as many games. Bennett landed the difficult conversion with the wind in his face, and for a period after that Shannon looked as if they would add to their score. A poor pass in one instance denied them a certain try and then another Kelly chip and chase looked good only for the referee to award a knock on much to the relief of the home side. Ballymena could have counted themselves fortunate not to be heading to the break further behind, and their opening points came in the 39th minute when Shannon conceded their only penalty of the half. Craig Woods slotted over and the 4 point margin was slightly generous to the home side. The resumption saw three penalty misses, one from Ballymena and two from Shannon before the scoreboard was changed. With the wind at their backs Shannon tried to play the territory game, but from conceding a single penalty in the first half, referee Alan Rogan pinged them 8 times in the second half, with at least half of those considered dubious by the visitors. That restricted their attacking potential and Ballymena ploughed on with No.6 Sam Mc Kinney making the hard yards for his side. Another Craig Woods penalty in the 68th minute gave Ballymena a glimmer of hope and the tension then began for Shannon. As they defended stoically it looked as if Mr. Rogan would eventually award a penalty in a kickable position, but to their immense credit Shannon's discipline held firm and Ballymena were left with only the drop goal route. An obviously delighted Shannon Coach Geoff Moylan was full of praise for his team afterwards, "I think we thoroughly deserved our win today. The boys worked extremely hard, especially in the second half and to come away from a difficult venue like Ballymena with any sort of a win is a great achievement. We probably should have stretched our lead in the first half, but the conditions probably held us back a bit". Moylan paid special tribute to the sizable Shannon support that made the trek " We had over 60 people here today, with most of those travelling up the night before, which, given the current climate was brilliant. Sometimes in games, it's the little things that get you over the line, and I have no doubt that the effort our supporters made was a big factor in our win today and I can't thank them enough" Shannon. D. O'Donovan, R.Mullane, F. McLoughlin J. Clogan, S.Kelly T. Bennett, F. O'Loughlin (M.O'Driscoll), K. O'Neill, S.Hayes (J.Cronin), K.Griffin, P.O'Brien (P.Loughnane) F. Walsh, E.McLoughlin, J.O'Connor, D. Quinlan. Ballymena R.Johnson, N.Hall, S.Mallon, M.Burke, J.Nichol, T.Woods, C.Woods, B.Young, S.Douglas(A. Ferguson), S. Shawe, I.Caldwell, Bob Young, S.McKinney, D.Bradford(A.Couples), T.Booth Referee; Alan Rogan (LAR) match report: Andrew McNamara
Shannon come away with unlikely 4 try victory. AIL: Young Munster 10 Shannon 28 (21/02/09) Any derby victory is to be savoured and none are wholly predictable. However, to come away with a bonus point victory from Greenfields against a team fighting for their very survival in the top flight is particularly sweet. To do so having at one stage being down to 13 men and severely under the cosh is even more satisfying. A twenty minute spell, split almost evenly around the half-time break, was the winning and losing of this match. Shannon had gone into a 14-nil lead, thanks to two opportunist but well-taken tries. As we expected, Munsters came back at Shannon, bringing the score to 12-7 and then piling on the pressure through a series of scrums close to our line. If truth be told, the home team were starting to turn the screw and one wondered if we could hold out. All hope went out the window, when pack-leader, Davy Quinlan, found himself in the bin and Munsters went for another scrum and, presumably, the killer blow. An almighty effort by the Shannon pack turned over possession, lifted the siege and maintained our lead into the break. Then, early in the second half, with Davey still off and just after Tadhg Bennett had traded penalties wit his opposite number (15-10), captain, Fiach O'Loughlin, saw yellow, and Munsters sought to go for the juggler. They chose to take on Shannon up front when maybe the better option would have been to go wide with a numeric advantage of two. Either way it didn't work. Shannon kept them out and when first Davey, then Fiach returned without concession of further points, you sensed that this was going to be our day. Shannon's first score came in the ninth minute when Fiach blocked an attempted clearance. The ball bounced kindly for him but when he realised he wouldn't have the pace to go all the way, he released John Clogan on his left to go in untouched. Bennett converted, 7-nil. Then in the 18th minute full-back, David O'Donovan, ran a beautiful line to take a pass and split the Munster's defence. He drew his opposite number then passed to Padraig O'Brien who touched down to make it 12-0. Bennett was unsuccessful with the conversion attempt. As mentioned earlier, the hosts came back to garner a try of their own. Some sloppy defending in the number 10 channel allowed the langly out-half to cut in and score a try under the posts. This all followed a Shannon lineout claimed by the opposition. Shannon's 3rd and 4th tries came in the 3rd quarter, the first of these coming from Quinlan following a series of drives. Then it was Stephen Kelly to get his name on the scoresheet. When he got the ball he was running out of room on the left so he chose to chip his the defence and back himself to get to the touch-down first. He was right. From there, with the bonus point in the bag, it was an excersize in closing out the game, which Shannon did very effectively, rounding off the scoring with a penalty by Bennett. 28 - 10. Nice one. match report: Des O Dea
AIB league Conditions and Dungannon Fail to stop Shannon (31/Jan) Shannon 22 Dungannon 10 The frantic hours of effort Shannon made on Saturday morning in getting Coonagh up to a playable standard paid dividends as the senior side etched out a win against Dungannon in the AIB league. As the game progressed however it appeared, that it would be the visitors, who shipped 49 points at home last week to Cork Con, that would be celebrating in the mud bath. But in the end, Shannon finally strung some good passages of play together and scored three tries in the final 15 minutes to ease worries and propel them up to third place on in an ever increasing congested AIB league table. Shannon's negative penalty count of almost 20 allowed Dungannon to disrupt their momentum and whether justified or not, their lack of discipline especially at the messy breakdowns fuelled the notion that this could well be Dungannon's day. It might well have cost Shannon dearly when Kevin Griffin was sin binned in the 31st minute, guilty only of his sides continuous infringements, but Shannon held Dungannon scoreless and when the prop returned early in the second half, it was to a side playing with more purpose and direction. Dungannon will rue some missed chances, especially in the first half when they dynamic centres of Glen Telford and Paul McGee exposed caused Shannon problems with their strength and speed. As early as the first minute, Marcus O'Driscoll saved his colleagues blushes with a try saving tackle on Magee and when outhalf John McGuckin tapped over a 10th minute penalty, Shannon knew that this was going to be a difficult day at the office. The very sticky pitch seemed to suit Dungannon more than Shannon and although they failed to add to Mc Guckin's penalty in the first half, they played with a confidence that should have yielded better reward. It wasn't all one way traffic however, and Shannon did have a couple of first half opportunities, but as they closed in on the try line poor handling cost them their chance. It took until the 46th minute for the home side to register a Bennett penalty and just as it seemed they would take control of the game, some sloppy play saw Dungannon take the lead once more. Shannon had won a lineout against the throw 5 metres from their own lineout, but a rushed clearance kick allowed Dungannon's captain Michael Rainey block down and pounce on the loose ball. Mc Guckin's excellent conversion added to Shannon's woes and again it appeared ominous the home side. But Shannon worked patiently and soon played with the confidence of title contenders. Purpose and intent could well be the description of Shannon's final quarter when their scrum solidified, their breakdown work was quicker and their backs flashed the ball around with far more accuracy and control. Ritchie Mullane's 65th minute try in the corner was the product of a fine break by John Clogan and a well timed pass from AIB man of the match, David O'Donovan. It wasn't a case of Dungannon wilting in the last period of the game; it was more to do with Shannon's change of mindset that propelled them to victory. Hot on the heels of his opposite wing, Marcus O'Driscoll's 69th minute try exemplified his side's new found confidence. After Niall Ronan stifled a Dungannon attack in Shannon's '22 Tadgh Bennett took the less congested route up the left hand side and his well timed pass saw O'Driscoll in space. It was still a long way out though, but after an initial stumble the winger went unopposed under the posts. Bennett added the simple conversion and from a 7 point deficit Shannon went into the last 10 minutes five points to the good. As Shannon went searching for more scores the Tyrone outfit were left with no choice but to throw caution to the wind but it backfired, and in the 75th minute Kevin Griffin atoned for his earlier indiscretion and burst over the line after his forward colleagues hounded Dungannon out of possession. Bennett's conversion left an insurmountable task for 'Gannon and it was Shannon that went in search of a bonus point try, but time was not with them. However, given their somewhat schizophrenic performance, they can be happy enough with their 4 point reward. It has be said that credit must go to match referee David Wilkinson for his approach to the game, before and during. His willingness to allow Shannon officials work on the pitch right up to kickoff and his sensible interpretation of the rules in a messy situation was commendable. Shannon. D. O'Donovan, R.Mullane, J.Manual F. McLoughlin(J. Clogan), M.O'Driscoll T. Bennett, F. O'Loughlin, K. O'Neill (L.Hogan), M.Essex, K.Griffin(Yellow), P.O'Brien F. Walsh, E. Grace(E.McLoughlin), N.Ronan, D. Quinlan. Dungannon J. McGucken. J. Shiells, P. Magee, G. Telford (David Parkhill), M. Maguire. R.McCarter, N. Patterson. N. O'Kane, G. Sinnamon (C.Knipe), D. Fitzpatrick, M. Rainey. N. Magee, D. Hall, J. Turkington (M. Riddell), J. Andrews (T. Smith). R. Holmes. Referee: David Wilkinson (Enniskillen RFC) match report: Andrew McNamara
AIB League (25/01/09) Shannon pushed hard but secure vital win Galwegians 9 Shannon 18 Shannon maintained their assault on the AIB league after a hard earned, but well merited win over a dogmatic Galwegians side that had a multitude of Connacht contracted players to choose from. The unfamiliar surrounds of the NUIG sportsground played host to the game after Glenina was deemed unplayable on Friday but this didn't hinder Shannon. After their postponed game with Cork Con last week, Shannon were keen to start the game with momentum and for the opening 25 minutes they were the only team on the pitch however a reduction of their frenetic pace, especially at the start of the second half ensured that the home side were always in with a chance. Perhaps the turning point of the game came when after reducing Shannon's half time lead of 11 points to 3 to a mere two points through two penalties, Robert O'Beirne crucially missed another opportunity that would have given his side the lead. At that stage his side had the momentum, but Shannon's contribution to Galwegians revival cannot be underestimated. After their superb opening period, they were guilty of silly unforced errors, but the mark of the quality they possess came after they absorbed the pressure and headed down -field and crossed for a crucial try after 65 minutes. Despite a valiant effort by the home side, they failed to unlock Shannon's defence and gain what would not have been an unjust losing bonus point. Leading by example, Shannon's Captain, Fiach O'Loughlin, was immense throughout, giving his opposite number Kieran Campbell a torrid time and contributing an enormous work rate throughout the game. It was his involvement on no less than four occasions that lead to Mike Essex's 65th minute try that eased the tensions somewhat for Shannon. The frenetic pace that the visitors began with yielded their first half yield of 11 points, but in truth in should have been more. Galwegians looked disjointed and unable to cope with Shannon's pace and power. As early as the second minute, Tadgh Bennett slotted over a penalty aided by a slight wind and just 5 minutes later Shannon went further ahead when winger Ritchie Mullane went over for a well worked try. Bennett launched the initial attack with a pinpoint kick to the corner, forcing Galwegians to concede the close-in lineout and from there Shannon meticulously set up the platform for Mullane. Another Bennett penalty in the 16th minute added to the home side's early woes and at that stage it looked like Shannon would stretch their lead beyond redemption for Galwegians. However a missed penalty by Bennett in the 26th minute seemed to give Galwegians a glimmer of hope and one which they capitalised on. It took until the 30th minute before they were awarded their first penalty of the game and a further 4 minutes until they had a shot at goal. O'Beirne secured his sides first points and signs of what was to come from 'Wegians began to appear. For whatever reason Shannon seemed to allow Galwegians dictate the early pace of the second half and allowed them plenty of possession through numerous unforced errors. Alarm bells began to ring after O'Beirne landed penalties in the 49th and 52nd minute and as he lined up for his third second half penalty in the 56th minute it was expected that he would propel his side into the lead. Had he landed that effort, Shannon would have been facing an uphill battle but O'Beirne missed the easiest of his kicks at goal. Shannon moved on and began to reassert their presence, however the resistance was far more stubborn and it wasn't until Mike Essex burst over from close in that Shannon could again look somewhat comfortable. O'Loughlin was highly instrumental in the 65th minute try. A quick tap penalty from his own half saw the captain gain huge yards before he launched a speculative kick into the 22. He was on hand to gather the reliving kick and set off across field and set up another ruck and then his deft reverse pass to Essex gave the defence no chance. Bennett added the conversion to give us some breathing space. Despite several close calls from Galwegians they failed to cross Shannon's line in the closing stages and were left rueing their first half apparent indifference. Shannon held firm and secured a crucial victory against a side that have never given them an easy ride. Shannon. D. O'Donovan R.Mullane, J.Manual (J. Clogan) F.Mc Loughlin, M.O'Driscoll T. Bennett, F. O'Loughlin K. O'Neill (L.Hogan), M.Essex, K.Griffin, P.O'Brien F. Walsh, E. Grace, E.McLoughlin (J. O'Connor) D. Quinlan. Galwegians R.O'Beirne, J.Cleary, C. Brigh(B.Lee), C.Rogers, B.Murphy, M.Brandon,K.Campbell, J.Stephens,C.Muldoon,B.McGovern,(J.Lyne)D.Nolan(D.Boyd),,L.Scahill,J.Moran,I.Muldoon,L.Casserly, match report: Andrew McNamara
AIB All Ireland Cup Visitors dethrone holders (10/Jan/09) Shannon 14 Ballynahinch 15 The English FA Cup has always had the romantic ideal of the underdogs upsetting the established sides and such ideals proved the inspiration for Ballynahinch as they unceremoniously dumped defending champions Shannon out of the AIB cup last Saturday. It was the shear drama of their highly unlikely win that will send reverberations throughout the second division of which they are flying high in, and beyond. They played the considerable elements to a tee and even when it appeared in the final few minutes of injury time that they would return home empty handed, they never relinquished their desire to win and forced a kickable penalty. As it was four times previous, Ballynahinch's only scorer, Ryan Bambry, kicked the ball over the bar and before it hit the ground the final whistle blew. Just two minutes earlier Shannon appeared to have matters in hand as they were camped inside Ballynahinch's '22 attempting to add to their 14-12 lead. Their victory is probably all the more remarkable as at one stage early in the second half they were reduced to 13 men for a period after Rob Dewy was sin binned just before the break and he was then followed almost immediately after the resumption of play by Garrett Rourke. At this point, Shannon had the advantage of the very strong wind and went about chasing 'Hinches 12 point half time lead. The first half saw Shannon rarely venture into their oppositions 22, but given the wind it was somewhat understandable and Ballynahinch and more accurately, outhalf Ryan Bambry punished the home side with four successful kicks at goal. An indication of the strength of the wind saw Bambry land two from the half way line and beyond. Ballynahinch utilised their strong forward unit to retain possession for lengthy spells and it was that retention throughout the game that seemed to give them confidence. Not to be outdone by their bulkier colleagues, their backline cut some nice lines and handled with equal dexterity. Shannon did defend these tactics well and 'Hinch rarely threatened the try line. Shannon's first opportunity of a score of any sort came in the 42nd minute after Rourke was binned, but Bennett's effort drifted wide. However the outhalf made up for the miss when he set in motion the move that would see John O'Connor burst over the line in the 44th minute. The simple conversion was added and Shannon appeared to regain control of the game. This was further emphasised when, just six minutes later, Fiach O'Loughlin darted over after a sweet inside pass from David O'Donovan cleared the way and with Bennett's second conversion, Shannon took the lead for the first time. Instead of curling up into a shell and taking whatever Shannon threw at them, Ballynahinch battled hard and continued their earlier tactics of using big hitters to break the gain line and then set their backs in motion, but again Shannon looked comfortable in defence and for all their possession, all the visitors had in scoring opportunities was a blocked down drop goal. The final three minutes of normal time and the extra five that referee Dave Keane added decided the outcome and it could and possibly should have been Shannon that were celebrating passage to the quarter finals. Bennett failed to land a drop goal in the 78th minute after a big Shannon charge and then a minute later Ritchie Mullane appeared to have the result wrapped up when he darted into the far corner, but the touch judge rather tentatively raised his flag and awarded a lineout to Ballynahinch. Still though, Shannon appeared in full control and scarcely reckoned on Ballynahinch's final battling flurry. Aided by three quick penalties in succession, 'Hinch motored their way into Shannon's half and the final penalty came when Fionn Mc Loughlin was adjudged to have committed a dangerous tackle. He was given a yellow and Bambry a shot at making himself a hero. The outhalf held his nerve and landed the not too easy kick and then began well deserved celebrations for his side. Shannon. D. O'Donovan R.Mullane, J.Manual (J. Clogan) F.Mc Loughlin, M.O'Driscoll T. Bennett, F. O'Loughlin ; K. O'Neill (G.McNamara), M.Essex, K.Griffin P.O'Brien (P.Loughnane), F. Walsh, E. Grace J. O'Connor (E.O'Loughlin) D. Quinlan. Ballynahinch A.Craig,J.Cullen,D.Harris,R.Dewey,S.Morrow,R.Bambry,D.Drake(H.McAleese); C.Stevenson(P.McAllister)N.Hanna(M.Nelson),G.Cronin,C.Napier,G.Rourke,M.Graham,R.Greer,S.Lamb Referee Dave Keane match report: Andrew McNamara
Shannon's 2nd half hunger and drive yields crucial win AIL (14/12/08) : Shannon 26 St Mary's College 20 A funny game really. It could have been lost, yet Shannon were also just 1 try short of a bonus point. When they found themselves 7 - nil down inside 3 minutes and 17 - 9 down at half-time, deservedly so, many of the faithful must have feared the worst - a second consecutive defeat to Dublin opposition at home. But a second half that yielded 3 tries for the home side and some resolute defending turned the game around for the hosts and when Davey Quinlan hoofed the 'pigskin' into the trees to finish the game there was a huge cheer not just for the victory, but for the manner in which it was achieved in that second period. Yes, it was a bad start. High fives all around from the opposition (not something you see too much of 'round these here parts, I must say) as they got in for an early converted try with what looked like a worrying ease from our viewpoint. Shannon needed to get the next score and it came from the boot of Tadhg Bennett in the 10th minute. This came from a penalty kick to touch. The Lineout was taken cleanly and Shannon tried the old pre-ELV maul which worked quite well for them eventhough Mary's tried their best to haul it down. When the ruck eventually formed, the visitors infringed and Tadhg took the opportunity to reduce the arrears. 7-3.  St Mary's were next to get an opportunity to score and it could have been another seven when they caught Shannon napping and nearly went in for another try. They had to be content with a eminantly kickable penalty from just to the right of the posts, but the kick was screwed to the left and wide. A let-off for Shannon, which was compounded when in the 30th minute Shannon doubled their tally. Similar to their first score, it came from after a lineout on the left in the Mary's 22. The difference this time was it was their lineout, which they gathered, but under pressure from the Shannon pack were forced first to turn over possession and then to concede another penalty for Bennett to slot over. 7 - 6. But these 3 points were immediately cancelled out when Shannon contrived to concede a penalty from the restart on the 10metre line straight in front of the posts. 10-6. In the 34th minute, Shannon again reduced the deficit when after some nice play with the ball been moved quickly to the left and then right a penalty was awarded wide on the right. Bennett superbly converted the difficult kick to leave a point between the sides again. But then right on half-time, Shannon shot themselves in the foot when allowing their number 12 to score litterly from half-way - he broke free of an attempted tackle there and somehow managed to avoid two further tackles when it looked like the home defence should have had it covered. A second easy seven points given away gave the lads some food for thought during the break. What we saw from the home team in the second half was a totally different matter though. They upped the pace and aggression levels and once they closed the gap with their first try, sensed that the opposition were wilting just slightly and that victory was on the cards - time to go for the juggler. That first try came from a scrum about 10 metres from the line to the right of the posts. Fiach O'Loughlin picked from the base, went right and slipped an inside pass to Eoghan Grace on his left who threw a long pass to right winger Ritchie Mullane who was able to squeeze in at the corner flag. Again, from a similar position to his last penalty in the first half, Bennett kicked a wonderful conversion and just like the penalty it went in off the left post. A one-point game again! In the 13th minute, Shannon got another superb try - this time on the other wing and by the other winger. Marcus O'Driscoll initially burned his winger on about half-way and with the full-back blocking his path he passed inside to the supporting Mullane, who returned the pass to give O'Driscoll the space to score. 21-17 and Shannon had the lead for the first time and you just knew they were in no mood to relinguish it. With 55 minutes on the clock, and the home side controlling matters, they allowed Mary's possession and territory and again conceded 3 points they will be kicking themselves over. A one-point game again! In the 28th minute of the half, Shannon got the last and decisive score of the game. Having worked their way back into the other half with sensible clearance kicks, they found themselves defending a lineout about 10 metres out. From the resultant ruck the ball came to the Mary's out-half whose kick was blocked down by the alert Bennett - over the line it went and all Tadhg had to do was fall on it. Suddenly we were in bonus point territory and with enough time on the clock. When Shannon stretched the lead to 6 points, St Mary's threw everything but the kitchen sink at them, and it was very satisfying to see that Shannon were equal to the onslaught. They not only repelled each attack but on most occasions in the dying minutes they forced the concession of territory in large chunks with their own ferocity at the breakdown and in the tackle  This win puts Shannon back into the top 4 in the league, but it is important to note that just 9 points separate 1st from 9th at this stage with 6/7 games played (almost half-way). The primary aim this season is a top 8 position, anything after that is a bonus.  Shannon: D. O'Donovan, R.Mullane, J.Manual, John Clogan, M.O'Driscoll T. Bennett, F. O'Loughlin (Capt); K. O'Neill, M.Essex, K.Griffin, P.O'Brien, F. Walsh, E. Grace, J. O'Connor, D. Quinlan. Subs: J. Cronin, M.Touhy, P. Loughnane (used), E. McLoughlin (used), G. Mcnamara (used). For those of you wondering what these 2 pictures are, that's our shy, reclusive, senior squad on their Christmas Night Golf Outing match
report: Des O Dea
Late Winner for Clontarf AIL:Shannon 6 Clontarf 8 Clontarf maintained their dominant position in this season's AIB league after their narrow victory over Shannon in Thomond Park. In the end it took a late Darragh O'Shea penalty to claim the win, which left Shannon rueing their early missed opportunities and their second half territorial dominance. In a first half that lacked any real penetration or fluent play neither side could break the deadlock and the much maligned consequences of the ELV's were very much in evidence. Sustained bouts of aerial ping pong, especially in the first half limited both sides potential for setting their backs in motion and thus any try scoring opportunities were limited. The breakdown was marshalled with a strict approach which left the opportunities for legitimate turnovers very restricted. Clontarf looked a little nervy as the game started and handed Shannon two kickable penalties in the opening 5 minutes, but Tadgh Bennett's efforts drifted wide of the posts. The visitors continued to look anxious and couldn't gain any significant inroads into Shannon's half and as the game went on mistakes from both sides dominated the play. O'Shea missed a penalty for Clontarf in the 15th minute and the closest they came to crossing the line came when indecision from Shannon allowed them to hack over the goal line, but Bennett just about won the race. Shannon did have a couple of pressure points in the 1st half, but Clontarf held form and repelled the threat. It was probably a fair reflection of the game that the first half ended scoreless, but if that 40 minutes of rugby was less than inspiring, the second 40 more than made amends. Both sides displayed a new willingness to attack and counter attack which made for exciting stuff for the crowd. Clontarf's best player on view, No.6 Heinrich Stride broke the deadlock 5 minutes into the second half when he exploited a gap in Shannon's defence at ruck time. Shannon looked to have the attack under control and seemed to have sufficient numbers either side of the ruck, but the South African saw a way clear and stretched over the line. That try certainly had the effect of considerably upping the tempo and Shannon responded with vigour. The attacked the Clontarf line almost immediately and forced the visitors into desperate defending but Shannon found it very difficult to breakdown that strong, resilient defence. When Shannon did breach the line, the referee deemed the ball to be held up and on other occasions he awarded a reliving penalty for Clontarf for holding the ball in the tackle. This was highly frustrating for Shannon, they were building phases well and often strung 15 together and while Clontarf were disciplined, it's hard to imagine a side not giving away at least one penalty when under such pressure. Eventually though Shannon's efforts were rewarded when Bennett taped over a penalty in the 53rd minute and at this stage the momentum was defiantly with his side. Clontarf relinquished the lead and were reduced to 14 men in the 67th minute when Martin Garvey tested the referee's patience once too often with a professional foul. Bennett slotted the chance and Shannon looked well capable of holding the lead. However, there is a reason why Clontarf are commanding their lead at the top of the table and previous close calls in prior games held them in good stead entering the final 10 minutes. It was now Shannon's turn to soak up Clontarf's concerted pressure and Dubliners attacked with convection defying the numerical disadvantage. Heartbreak came for Shannon in the 76th minute when Clontarf were awarded a penalty in front of the posts. It appeared that Shannon's Fiach O'Loughlin wrestled the ball successfully in a tackle, but again the referee's interpretation didn't favour the home side. O'Shea made no mistake with the relatively simple effort, and despite their best efforts to reclaim the lead in the following 8 minutes Shannon just could not get into a scoring position. A rather poor start the game, turned out to be a cracker and evidence displayed on Saturday would deem that both sides will be in the final shake up. Shannon: D. O'Donovan (S.Kelly), R.Mullane, J. Clogan J.Manual, M.O'Driscoll T. Bennett, F. O'Loughlin K. O'Neill (G.McNamara), M.Essex, K.Griffin P.O'Brien, F. Walsh, E. Grace (P.Loughnane) J. O'Connor (E.O'Loughlin) D. Quinlan. Clontarf P Howard; M Keating, D O'Shea, B O'Donnell, N O'Brien; M Dufficy, P O'Donohoe; A Clarke,(Johnny Wickham) A Dundon, N Treston, B Reilly, S Crawford, H Stride, N Carson, M Garvey. Referee; Dudley Phillips report: Andrew McNamara
Shannon expel students to move into familiar top 4 territory AIL: Shannon 36 UCD 9
This game was preceded by a
minute's silence for Frankie O'Flynn and it was as good as over at
half-time. At that stage the bonus point was already in the bag
and although Shannon were limited to just one converted try in the
second period, they never looked like losing control of the game.
Understandably, the foot may have been eased somewhat in the
second-half, but Shannon would have to be happy with a 5 try return
that yielded 5 league points that shoots them into 2nd spot in the All
Ireland League a week ahead of a showdown with the leaders, Clontarf,
at Thomond Park. Yes, it's starting to crank up.
Flanker, Eoghan Grace bagged two tries in a Man Of The Match performance, and could have had 3. Shannon got off the mark in the 13th minute, but not before the visitors had a chance to open the scoring with a penalty as early as the second minute. The kick was left and wide. Shannon's first try came when they were awarded a penalty which was kicked to the right touchline. The lineout was caught cleanly and after the pack rumbled over the line, it was prop, Kevin Griffin, who came up with the ball. Tadhg Bennett missed the difficult touchline conversion, but it wasn't long before Shannon stretched their lead. A quick penalty tap by Fiach O'Loughlin sent Eoghan Grace in to the right of the posts. This time Bennett was successful with the kick and with 18minutes on the clock, Shannon were 12 points up. UCD opened their account a couple of minutes later when the first kicked a penalty to the corner. This, however, was snaffled by Fergal Walsh, but almost immediately UCD were awarded another penalty in a half that saw the penalty count stacked massively in their favour. The kick brought the score to 12-3. with 5 minutes left in the half, Fiach O'Loughlin collected a poor clearance kick and fed Mark O'Driscoll coming from his wing. He found David O'Donovan who in turn straightened the line and offloaded to Grace who, with men outside him that he didn't need, cut in and crossed for his 2nd try, which Bennett also converted. Another kicked penalty for UCD narrowed the difference, but that was short-lived as just on half-time, Andrew Thompson spotted a gap after Shannon went left from a ruck on the opposing 10metre line and raced in unopposed under the posts. Bennett slotted the easy conversion to leave the half-time score at 26-6.
Geoff Moylan was later to empty the entire bench as the 2nd half wore on, a half that was highlighted by Bennett's try which followed a penalty in the 10th minute of the half. His conversion brought his tally to ten points for the half and a total of 16 for the game. Then it was into the dressing room for the traditional rendidtion of the Isle, led by (in Frankie's enforced absence) Martin Clancy, another hero from that first Munster Cup winning side of 1960. Has Martin been handed the baton? Time will tell. Download and play a movie (Andrew McNamara) of Martin's post-match rendition in the victorious dressing room (note: file is 130MB in size - you will need fast broadband). Here's another one from a different angle (by Philip O Dea) - also over 100MBs Shannon: D. O'Donovan, R.Mullane, A. Thompson, J. Clogan, M.O'Driscoll, T. Bennett, F. O'Loughlin (Capt); K. O'Neill, M. Essex, K.Griffin P.O'Brien, F. Walsh, J. O'Connor, E. Grace, D. Quinlan. Subs (all used): J. Cronin, S. Kelly, P. Loughnane, E. O'Loughlin, L. Hogan Referee: Mark Hermin (USAR) match
report: Des O Dea; photos: Philip O Dea
Frankie's Last Journey.......and memories I have to admit that I was
a little late arriving
this morning and only made it as far as the door of St. Mary's church
on Athlunkard Street. Inside, there was standing room only as a huge
crowd made up of family, friends, neighbours, Shannon RFC and other
rugby folk, turned up to pay their last respects to the legend that was
Frankie O'Flynn.
And as the church ceremony ended and his sons carried his coffin down the centre aisle to begin his last journey, the choir led the entire congregation in a wonderfully moving rendition of 'There is an Isle', at the end of which it would have been very difficult to find a dry eye in the place. A send-off that we all know was no more than he deserved.  Over the coming weeks, the club will get back to what it does best - playing rugby. But today was Frankie's day. A day when his friends and clubmates will have reminisced and shared memories of the man that gave so much to Shannon Rugby Football Club and to the wider rugby community. Some of those stories/memories have been sent to me at des@shannonrfc.com and more will come over the coming days. They will be reproduced on this website to indicate what Frankie meant to many. I'll kick it off by mentioning my own story. I joined Shannon at the tender age of 10, turning up for training every Saturday morning at 11 o'clock on the back pitch in Thomond Park, under the tutelage of Frankie and the late Brian Fitzgerald, learning the trade with the likes of Niall O'Donovan and Noel 'Buddha' Healy and Frankie's son, Tony. One of Frankie's favourite tactics in those days was the forwards 'foot rush' - something you won't even hear mention of these days, not to mind see. Des O Dea
-------------------------------------- From the beginning of my path into Senior Rugby some 9 years ago, after under twenties, I've always have a great affinity for the man who sung the Isle. He would come over to me after every game, be it in the dressing rooms or in the Clubhouse after, and as Andrew mentioned in his tribute he would pull you close for a quiet word of encouragment. "Its better your gettin, I've been watchin your game and its better your gettin". This has always been a vote of confidence in your ability even if you had played poorly or on the odd occasion when you had not played at all! Maybe it was the modern day scrum caps that tricked the eye. I for one believed with his words of conviction that the Irish team lay in wait for me! However not, some 3 AIL's and Munster Senior cup medals later I'm the happier man to be imparted with his words.! Thank you Frankie for all the Joy you brought to me and the team over the Years. Rest in Peace. Padraic O Brien ---------------------------------------- Frankie's first love may have been rugby but he did love fishing as well. He fished with my dad for almost 40yrs. What a team they made: Jerry Mullins,Fankie and Ted. Peter Sheehan ---------------------------------------- I have no story to tell, no tale to relate. Instead just an intense respect and admiration for a wonderful Shannon and Limerick rugby man. Frankie was special - Parish to the core - but appreciative of everyone and with time for everyone irrespective of the colour or club banner they bore. I regard it as a special privilege to have known him so well in my time in Limerick. He encapsulated everything so good and so positive about the game in the city. I truly doubt we will see his like again. Thanks for the memories. With every best wish and sincerest condolences Wardy (Tony Ward) Garryowen FC ---------------------------------------- A couple of years ago during the captaincy of Tom Hayes on a Saturday evening after a win in Dublin, I found myself in the Final Furlong with my sons. Conor was about 8 at the time and went over to Frankie. Conor "Frankie, Shannon won and when they do you always sing the Isle song" Frankie "I do son" Conor "Well this time would you mind if I sung it instead?" Frankie "Do you know all the words" Conor "I do Frankie" Frankie "Well you sing the song so" Conor turned and Frankie indicated for all to hush. Conor sung the song with gusto and received a fine cheer for his work. Tom (Hayes) to Conor "Its great to know we have someone that can eventually take over from Frankie when he cannot sing anymore" ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Frankie may you watch over the Shannon sides from your rightful place in the stars. Diarmuid O Briain ---------------------------------------- A high Nellie and a Joker's smile. Always with the smile. For teenage angst that smile was confusing, the black, gearless and tall bicycle even more uncool, and as for the rug on the head well............ But his smile and the warmth in his hello, "Well kid", disarming, even for the most dedicated Goth. Tony the bushyman lamented the passing of characters last Sunday evening, Greg said that he was a rogue, all agreed they missed Frankie. I never saw him play. He never saw me play either, although he was at many matches I togged out for. And bollixed at the end, my head down in disgust as much as defeat, "Next week kid", from Frankie, consoling and reassuring. He pretended I was Willie John on a bad day. I remember a new club-house and rolled up sleeves, Joe Costello, Frankie and others too. I remember way back in Angela's late on Sunday evenings thinking I was an extra in a musical, "Oklahoma", " Show-boat" and "Sweet Caroline" for f*ck's sake. Sacred heart of Jesus Christ I was a dark and mysterious teen, indifferent and removed but wtf, I reached out and touched hands. November holy souls and Lent. Black bread, water, two collations and Smithwicks. The lads were on the dry, sarsaparilla for the duration. How they suffered, but somehow stuck it out. And the floods way back, hundreds of years ago when the Abbey broke it's banks and kept everyone home bar the sarsaparilla drinkers. The junior cup folks, from where Shannon came. The Junior team will miss Frankie, maybe the most. God bless you Frankie Michael Hyland ---------------------------------------- It was with great sadness that I heard the News of Frankie's passing. What a Shannon man, what a Rugby man. I was one of the lucky ones who knew Frankie not only as a rugby player but also as an neighbour as we lived within a couple of hundred yards of each other in O'Dwyer Villas in Thomondgate. But it was as a member of Shannon that I got to really know him. I joined Shannon in 1950 at the age of 15 and 4 years later I was fortunate to be part of a Munster Junior Cup winning team under Frankie's Captaincy. Frankie was without doubt the best Capt that I ever played under and I have played under a few from different nationalities here in Canada.He was always positive no matter what happened even if you made a mistake that cost a Try. Which I did in an M.J. C .game. I rember an ocassion when I was looking for tickets to an International when home on holiday and Frankie gave me his and when I asked about himself . His reply was "Shannon are my Ireland go and enjoy yourself". One more memory If I may. In 1985 Shannon visited Canada for the first time and at a party in our backyard as the event came to an end I had the honour of standing with Frankie our arms around each other as we often did in the Front Row and gave the neighbourhood a rendition of "The Isle" Farewell Farewell Frankie May You Rest In Peace. Condolence to all my fellow members in Shannon from myself and my wife Alice. Also from the members of The Irish Canadian Rugby Club in Toronto. Eamonn Browner M.J.C 1954 We would like to gather stories/anecdotes/memories from rugby folk who knew Frankie down through the years. We plan on putting these up on the Shannon RFC website as part of a tribute to his memory. If you have anything you would like included, please email it to des@shannonrfc.com Shorts....week ending 22/11/08.. ...The Seniors are still on their competetive break, but they play UL/Bohs in a friendly at Annacotty at 12.30 on Saturday.....This U20's are hoping to put last weekend's defeat to the Cork students behind them when play Young Munster this Saturday in Greenfields at 2.30........ The Seconds also face Young Munster on Sunday at 2.30pm..........There was no underage games last weekend, but it was a very productive Sunday morning for both the players and the coaches as many of our senior side, as well as our senior coaches held coaching clinics for teams throughout our underage section In case you are not already aware, I would like to draw your attention to an exhibition of rugby art which opened on Friday night in the Istabraq Hall in City Hall. The exhibition is the culmination of 2 years work on the part of Limerick born artist Ger Mallen. The exhibition consists of paintings, drawings, cartoons and caricatures, mainly centred around Munster rugby, and many featuring scenes and players from the famous 1978 team. It also includes a fine autographed caricature of the Shannon, Munster and Ireland front row of Marcus, Jerry and John the Bull, specially commissioned for the fundraising auction for last seasons Shannon U12 trip to Ealing. It also has instructions on how to draw cartoons of Paul O'Connell and Doug Howlett for example. Many of the pieces (a total of 53 pieces are on show) are already sold, and a good few remain on sale. A percentage of each sale is going to the Injured Players Fund in the IRUPA, and also to the childrens ward in the Regional Hospital, which will have the drawing instruction sets donated to them at the close of the the exhibition. The exhibition is open daily from 09.45 to 17.00, including lunchtimes, and will remain open until the end of this week. All Ireland Cup, 2nd Rnd: Sweet revenge for Shannon for league defeat ! Blackrock 20 Shannon 40 Revenge is a dish best served cold, so the age old saying goes, but while the temperature may well have been very low in Stradbrook, Shannon were red hot as they avenged Blackrock's earlier league defeat when they crossed for five tries in the second round of the AIB Cup. That 41-27 league defeat weighed heavily on the Shannon collective and the frustration was channelled into direct action on the field where they simply tore into the home side from the very start. Apart from a 15 minute second half spell when Blackrock scored two tries Shannon dominated the game starting with a highly effective defensive game and continuing with a bullish mode of attack. It seems that when Tadgh Bennett is in form, the entire Shannon side benefit and young outhalf was outstanding in Blackrock, orchestrating events with a varied and effective repertoire. His personal haul of 20 points brings his tally to 91 points in only five games and although it's still very early in the season he must surely be in contention for the No 10 shirt on the AIB club international side. Saturday's result was perhaps a true indication of Shannon's improvement since the AIB league started and while they were some deficiencies, they were few and far between. The strong breeze blowing from the sea favoured the home side in the first half, but they never really fulfilled its potential. They relied once again on their agile and nimble backline to provide their penetration, but Shannon's defence stood firm and produced an enormous tackle count throughout the day. Shannon's terrier like defence forced errors and turnovers which proved costly to Blackrock and as it was with the first meeting, Shannon stormed into a healthy lead before the half time break, but this time what they had, they held and indeed added to. Bennett knocked over his first penalty as early as the 5th minute which atoned for a miss just a minute previous and despite Blackrock's subsequent assault on Shannon's gain line they were rebuffed with vigorous tackling by the centre pairing of Andrew Finn and Fionn McLoughlin. Blackrock were denied what seemed like a certain try when their fullback was bundled into touch by his counterpart on the Shannon side, David O'Donovan. That was as close as Blackrock came to a try in the first half whereas Shannon went from strength to strength. Bennett added another penalty in the 23rd minute and Shannon stretched their lead further 7 minutes later when they forced a turnover which set winger Marcus O'Driscoll on a long gallop to the line. The speedster won the 60 metre race and Bennett's magnificent touchline conversion gave the visitors a 13 point advantage. Irish U/20 outhalf Ian Madigan registered Blackrock's first points when he tapped over a 33rd minute penalty, but that proved only a brief respite from the Shannon onslaught. When scrumhalf Ross O'Loughlin took a quick tap penalty when perhaps a kick at goal may well have been the preferred option it produced Shannon's second try and justification in O'Loughlin's decision. The ball was transferred through several pairs of hands before Fionn Mc Loughlin marked his return to Shannon with a try after he demonstrated skill and strength to get over the line. Madigan reduced the deficit with a penalty on the stroke of halftime but it must surely have been worrying for Blackrock to be facing into the breeze with Shannon playing so well. Those worries were certainly exacerbated at the resumption when almost immediately, Andrew Finn barged over after being set up from a brilliant Kevin Griffin break. This was more than anyone expected, least of all Blackrock who looked a pale shadow of the side which won the previous meeting. Despite a resilient effort by the likes of Des Dillon and the veteran hooker Shane Byrne, it looked like a damage limitation exercise for 'rock. However there was no limitations to Shannon's desire to pile on the points and another forced turnover saw Bennett hack ahead, collect brilliantly and cross for Shannon's fourth try of the game. The game took a bit of a turn when Shannon's john O'Connor was yellow carded for a perceived professional foul and then a minute later numerical parity was restored when Ian Mc Laughlin was binned for dangerous play. Bennett taped over a penalty, but then Blackrock staged a mini revival. Shannon's solid defence was finally breached when Kyle Tonnetti went through a wide gap, although it appeared that the referee impeded a would be tackler, but the try stood and 'rock seemed to gain a boast of confidence. Tonnetti's second try came soon after but this was due to a mix up as Shannon tried to run the ball out of their own '22. The only blip in Bennett's day was when his attempted clearance was blocked and Tonnetti's pounced and went over. For Blackrock to get within 15 points of Shannon at this stage in the game was admirable and their effort to further reduced the gap was brave, but Shannon reverted to their confident reliable defence pattern and repelled any further threat. Their mindset seemed as strong at the end as it was at the beginning of the match and they rounded of a great day's work when they scored their best try of the game in the 2nd minute of injury time. An exquisitely executed cross field kick from Bennett after a fine passage of play, reached Richie Mullane on the wing and it was just a case of catch and fall over the line. It rounded off a most pleasing day for Shannon, who now face Ballynahinch in the next round of the AIB Cup. Shannon. D. O'Donovan, R.Mullane, F.McLoughlin A. Finn M.O'Driscoll, T. Bennett, R.O'Loughlin, G.McNamara J.Cronin K.Griffin P.O'Brien(F.Broderick), F. Walsh, E.McLoughlin J. O'Connor, D. Quinlan. Referee; Simon McDowell Andrew McNamara
Five Pointer for Impressive Shannon AIL: Terenure 10 Shannon 35 Shannon's steady improvement in this season's AIB league gained further momentum in Terenure as they swept to a moral boosting bonus point victory over the home side. It may have been a win against a side rooted firmly to the bottom of the table, but with the weather conditions throughout the country abysmal the game could well have descended into a lottery. As it transpired it was Shannon's talisman Tadgh Bennett who steered Shannon to the four pointer with an impressive personal haul of 25 points. And it was the young outhalf that clinched the all important bonus point try in the last passage of play, just as we had expected the game to frizzle out in the worsening rain. Terenure did provide a stubborn resistance and for long periods, both at the beginning and end of the game showed commendable characteristics that bellied their league ranking. The introduction of Leinster man Brian Blaney in the second half improved their scrum immensely and after applying serious pressure to the Shannon eight in the closing stages, they got a pushover try courtesy of Alex Dunlop. It was however not enough to avoid defeat and it was Shannon's immense battling qualities that won the day. After a steady, if unspectacular first half, playing with the considerable wind, Shannon came out for the second half with improvement in mind and for almost 20 minutes literally blew Terenure out of the water. Their pack dominated the loose exchanges and when Terenure's lock, Kevin O'Dwyer was binned in the 48th minute it signalled the demise of the home side. Bennett began racking up the scores as early as the first minute when he landed the first of his six successful kicks at goal, but any intentions of an a early Shannon try were diminished by Terenure who were intent on holding the ball and giving their opposition little room to manoeuvre. Slowly though Shannon worked their way into scoring positions and their clinical approach to those opportunities yielded a further 13 points before the break. David O'Donovan's 25th minute try propelled Shannon into a 10 point lead and while Dave Mc Allister put 'Nure on the board with a penalty, it was Bennett who extended Shannon's half time lead to 16 -3 with a further two penalties. The ultimate demise of Terenure's challenge came with O'Dywer's sin binning and Shannon took full advantage almost immediately. First Dave Quinlan was held short after his 5 metre burst from a scrum, but the second rumble eventually saw John O'Connor claim the second try of the game. Shannon were playing patient and clever rugby at this stage, keeping the ball within the confines of their increasingly dominant pack and hassling the home side whenever in possession. Through such a ploy their next try came and it was Bennett that popped up and availed of the vast space created by the pack. With the conversion added it was a long way back for Terenure even with almost 25 minutes left to play. They threatened Shannon's line with a constant wave of bodies for 10 minute period, but Shannon defence held tough. It was probably inevitable though that Terenure would cross the line when Shannon were forced to deploy a backrow player in their backline to compensate for Andrew Finn's yellow card. Dunlop's try in the 3rd minute of injury time saw Shannon's hopes of a bonus point seemingly dwindle away, but with a sign of their growing confidence and battling attitude they never stopped trying and were justifiably rewarded with Bennett's second try of the day. The biggest and only bonus point win of the day sees Shannon jump a few places to sixth in the table, a position which will give enormous satisfaction to the club given the shaky start to the campaign. Shannon. D.
O'Donovan, R.Mullane, J. Clogan,(E.McLoughlin) A. Finn, M.O'Driscoll,
T. Bennett,
F.O'Loughlin,(R. O'Loughlin), G.McNamara(K. O'Neill), M.Essex(J.Cronin), K.Griffin, P.O'Brien, F. Walsh, E. Grace, J. O'Connor, D. Quinlan. Referee; Michael Black match
report: Andrew McNamara
Maybe it was appropriate that it finished even, at 17-alll. Maybe not.  6 each at half time with the white-wash uncrossed, the game opened up big time in the second half. Shannon scored a try inside the 3rd minute of the resumption and their adversaries snuffed that out with what looked a match-winning try with about the same time left in the game. The kickers did the rest. Penalties were swapped and drop-goal attempts were cancelled out. We will both live to fight another day. A pity, maybe, that this all-important tie was not fixed for later in the season - when both teams will be firing on all cylinders. Because, make no doubt about it, as the seasons rolls on, the cylinders will start firing. A bumper crowd was expected and a bumper crowd is what we got for the re-introduction of Friday night AIL action in Thomond Park. And with the lead changing as it did so often in the second-half, the punters certainly got a taste for this and will surely return when the remaining Limerick derbies are played here on Friday evenings. In the Shannon clubhouse before the game the alarm bells were ringing - literally. Metaphorically also, they were ringing for both clubs as each have struggled to get their season up and running, with just one win between them in the league so far. That is still the case, but the draw tonight at least moves Shannon up a few places, although they remain in the wrong half of the table. Garryowen got the first chance to open the scoring when awarded a kickable penalty inside the first minute. The kick went left and wide and in the sixth minute, Shannon were given their chance when after a pick and drive move which made 10 to 15 meters from a lineout Shannon were themselves given a penalty. Up steps Tadhg Bennett to slot over a difficult kick and put the home team into the lead. Garryowen levelled the scores with a dubious penalty after 14 minutes play. A real ding-dong affair it was shaping up to be but there are two things that would have satisfied the Shannon back-room team in particular. A vast improvement in the lineout and the shoring up of their mid-field defence. Geoff will be happy that this team are headed in the right direction. In the 18th minute, the first of the games failed drop-goal attempts was Tadhg Bennett's - wide of the mark. Then on the half-hour mark, Shannon found themselves under considerable pressure, but a huge clearance kick by left wing, Stephen Kelly turned defence into attack and it was from this that Shannon got their 2nd score. We first snaffled the Garryowen lineout, then drove into their 22, where another penalty was given for offside. Tadhg put Shannon back into the lead, 6-3. That lead didn't last long though as in the 34th minute, Garryowen levelled with another penalty and that is how it stayed up to the break, despite Shannon being down to 14 men when John Clogan was harshly sin-binned for an innocuous offside in a ruck on half-way. The pace and intensity was upped considerably in the second half as both sides went all out for a badly needed win (and bragging rights!). Not for the weak of heart but great entertainment for the neutrals. With the wind having little or no affect on the game, it was all up for grabs in the second 40 and it was Shannon who took the initiative, when after two and a half minutes, with Garryowen spreading out to contain any wide attack, Shannon went for the pick and go from the 22. All it needed was 3 and captain, Fiach O'Loughlin (AIB Man of the Match) was the 3rd, going over for Shannon's only try of the night. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed. 11-6.  In the 15th and 22nd minutes of the half, however, Garryowen converted two penalties to give them the lead for the first time, 12 -11 and at this stage their tails were up. Although Shannon regained the lead with another Bennett penalty within 3 minutes, it was Garryowen who got what looked like the winning score, when from a lineout, they scored from first phase by whipping the ball all the way out to their right winger who touched down for an unconverted try. With 3 points in it and the clock ticking away, Shannon needed to get within penalty range, at least. This they did, and as a result of pressure on the outhalf from the kickoff, Shannon were awarded a penalty for not releasing. A sigh of relief went up when Bennett levelled the sides for the last time. Shannon did get one more chance following that, when Garryowen tried a drop goal, missed, the ball came to Andrew Finn and with a huge kick from inside the 22 to the other 22, he forced the mistake when the catcher carried into touch. Nothing came of it though and the referee brought proceedings to an end with neither a winner or a loser. A semi-final reunion maybe ? Or Final? Shannon: A. Finn, R.Mullane,A.Thompson J. Clogan, S.Kelly, T. Bennett, F. O'Loughlin (Capt), G.McNamara, M.Essex, T.Buckley, P. O'Brien, F. Walsh, J. O'Connor, E. Grace, D. Quinlan. Referee: David Keane match
report: Des O Dea
Shannon blow as Lawlor heads to WASPS Shannon have been dealt a major blow with the news that Mossy Lawlor heads to Wasps for a three month period (minimum) on Sunday (12th Oct). Left without a professional contract in this country, Mossy has taken up the opportunity to play with one of England's top sides. It is expected that he will lineout for his new club on Monday night (14th) against Harlequins in an A game. Disappointing and all that it is for Shannon, the club wish Mossy nothing but the best of luck during his stint. He has been an outstanding servant to the club since he was 10 years of age and his presence on and off the field will be sorely missed. There's no doubt that whenever Mossy’s English adventure comes to an end, hopefully not for some time, he will return to the club that he has played with his entire career. Even when a full time Munster player Mossy was an almost constant presence in Coonagh on training nights and always maintained his involvement with the club as much as his career with Munster would allow him. He leaves with the very best of wishes from everyone involved with Shannon. Andrew Mc Namara
Shannon Bucc the trend AIB All Ireland league : Shannon 25 Buccaneers 21 Shannon recorded their first AIB league win of the season on a sunny autumnal day in Coonagh by a slender 25-21 scoreline. This was an improved performance from their first outing, but leaking three tries to Buccaneers they relied heavily on the boot of AIB man of the match Tadgh Bennett for the bulk of their scores. The outhalf converted 5 penalties 1 conversion and dropped a sweet goal. Buccaneers proved a dogged side and had they not been thwarted by a try saving tackle by Stephen Kelly in the 76th minute, they could well have been heading back to Athlone with the spoils.  Their speedy backs posed the biggest threat to Shannon and they threatened frequently in a game that never really sparkled. Right from the start, the game was punctuated with stoppages and 10 kickable penalty attempts, 8 of which were for the home side, and only sporadically burst into life, mainly through Buccaneers back play. As early as the first minute Bennett was presented with a penalty chance, but it drifted wide and the opening score came from his drop goal in the 14th minute. Buccs were finding their feet and Alex Guaghen scored two successive penalties in the 21st and 23rd minute to give them the lead after some sloppy defending. The game was moving along steadily if not spectacularly and neither side looked threatening and it seemed fitting that the opening try would come from a turnover. Buccaneers struck in the 28th minute when Niall O'Hara linked with Mark Bruce from deep in their own half and the kick and chase beat Shannon's scramble back and Bruce dived over the line in the corner. Shannon's response was quick and decisive and they turned around the 11-3 deficit before the break with Donnacha Ryan instrumental in both his sides' next two scores. The Munster player took the ball deep into Buccaneers territory and a quick recycle and equally quick hands saw winger Richie Mullane scamper over for a converted try. Just a few minutes later Ryan forced a penalty in front of the posts which Bennett converted and almost immediately after the break he added another to give Shannon a 5 point lead. It seemed at this stage that the home side would close out the game but another penalty stroke came off the upright for Bennett before Buccaneers struck for another unconverted try. In the 52nd minute John O'Brien cut a great line from his wing and worryingly for Shannon, not a hand was laid upon him. It was turning into a real ding dong affair and the outcome hung in the balance throughout the remaining quarter. Bennett added two further penalties from three successive attempts, but Buccaneers' refused to capitulate and further indecisiveness in Shannon's defence in the 66th minute saw Simon Rolleston charge over the line for a third try and nervy times began for Shannon. Had Hayman converted the three tries, Shannon could have found themselves in a bit more trouble and despite Bennett's fifth successful penalty in the 73rd minute to leave his side with a slim 4 point advantage, Buccaneers always had the ability to strike. However, Kelly's timely intervention ensured that Shannon secured their first points of the AIB league. Shannon. D. O'Donovan, R.Mullane, J. Clogan (A.Thompson), A. Finn S.Kelly, T. Bennett, R. O'Loughlin K. O'Neill (G.McNamara), M.Essex, T.Buckley D. Ryan, F. Walsh, E. Grace, J. O'Connor D. Quinlan. Referee; John Carville Andrew Mc Namara
Shannon win the first cup under Fiach's captaincy Limerick Charity Cup Final : Shannon 27 Garryowen 9 With just a week to go before the commencement of the AIB league Shannon got a timely boost in the form of a convincing win over Garryowen in the Limerick Charity Cup Final last Saturday. The game lacked the full-on intensity of a league game, but nonetheless there will be satisfaction for Shannon that they managed to hold their line intact while crossing the Garryowen line twice.  Garryowen relied heavily on the inside pass as opposed to their usual expansive game and it was a tactic that Shannon marshalled comfortably and perhaps a little worryingly for the light blues, had Shannon's lineout functioned to capacity, they may well have found themselves a bit further behind at the full time whistle. Shannon will be happy that they bounced back from their Munster Senior Cup exit, but they certainly won't be hanging up the bunting or the flags just yet. Improvement was there, but more will most definitely be required as the league begins on Saturday. In a first half that relied on the goal kicking of Willie Staunton and Tadgh Bennett for the 9-3 score, neither side threatened with vigour. Garryowen were finding it difficult to gain any sort of a foothold in Shannon's '22 and thus their potency in their backline was negated. Shannon played at their own pace; they defended well, kicked well and in general looked fairly comfortable while never setting the game on fire. The second half saw Garryowen attack Shannon's line early and while they did come very close to crossing , their only reward was a Staunton penalty and a numerical advantage when Eoghan Grace was sent to the line for 10 minutes. It didn't seem to affect Shannon in the slightest as they cranked up the pace and it was they who expanded the game beyond the forwards with considerable success.  Mossy Lawler's drop goal effort in the 49th minute limped over and the continued injection of pace saw them extend the lead after they utilised the width of the field and took advantage of poor Garryowen defence at a ruck. Fergal Walsh picked at the said ruck and was confronted with nothing between himself and the line and his lengthy strides saw him make the 20 metres with ease. Shannon were looking comfortable , but still Garryowen persisted and another Staunton penalty reduced Shannon's advantage , but it was only a temporary reduction as Bennett took advantage of the penalty and subsequent sin binning of Rory Brosnan. Shannon pressed home their superiority on the day when John O'Connor benefitted from a turnover and a quick counter attack from Lawlor and Bennett. The try under the posts made the conversion simple and at 27 -9 it was all over and the nine or so remaining minutes passed by unremarkably. Shannon M. Lawlor, D. O'Donovan(R.Mullane), J. Clogan, A. Finn, M.O'Driscoll, T. Bennett, F. O'Loughlin, K. O'Neill (L. Hogan), J. Cronin(S.Hayes), G.McNamara (K. Griffin) P. O'Brien(F.Broderick), F. Walsh, E.Grace G.Murphy (J.O'Connor)D. Quinlan Andrew Mc Namara
U13's add to early season silverware as they land the Pat Lawlor cup for the first time It's hard
to believe that in the 25 years of the UL/Bohemian hosted Pat Lawlor
Memorial
Blitz, Andrew McNamara
First trophy of the season 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 a 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 barely 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 points. 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 Paddy O'Shea. A fantastic and most encouraging start for the Thirds whose training numbers continue to be impressive as the weeks go by. Tony Flynn / Andrew McNamara
Help O2 to give Shannon RFC lots of  MONEY!!
Click here to see how!!<>Letter from the Club President, 30 Jun 08
- Ticketing Policy 08/09
<>
<> Dear Member, <> As President of this great Club, it is an honour for me to represent you in the coming season. <> As a Club we have been blessed with great success, and each season when trophies are being handed out, we are always there or thereabouts. Our success on the field has led to many of our players going on to achieve further success at both Provincial and International level. <> To maintain these high standards which we have set for our Club, I am now calling on all Club Members to put the shoulder to the wheel and get involved in our fund raising activities. As we are embarking on major developments in Thomond Park, with a new state of the art Clubhouse, and enlarging our dressing rooms and playing facilities in Coonagh, I now appeal to all Members to get behind our new “Ticketing Policy”. <> This will help generate much needed funds to achieve these goals. This new Ticketing Policy, as drawn up by our Executive Committee, affords all club members the opportunity to avail of these much sought after tickets for upcoming matches in the splendid new Thomond Park, the highlight of which will be the Munster v All Blacks match in November. We expect the take up to be very strong, so don’t say you have not been warned. <> Also, as an add-on, I would ask all Members to join the successful Club Lotto. This is also a major fund raiser for our Club, but we badly need to get more members signed up. So please, please sign up for the Lotto. <> Please see attached and reply asap. <> Here’s to a great New Season, enjoy the summer break and I hope to see you all come September and “KICK-OFF” time. <> <> ROLL ALONG <> Liam Costelloe <> President, Shannon RFC <> Geoff returns to lead the senior team Shannon RFC have announced the
senior coaching staff for the 2008/09 season. Geoff Moylan who led
Shannon to AIL glory in his first term as senior coach, returns after
three seasons to head up the coaching team. He will be joined by Colm
Tucker junior and Gerry Casey. A formidable combination, who we wish
all the best to for the coming season, which starts in earnest in
September (see below)
Munster
Senior Cup Draw 2008/09
Defending champions, Shannon, join
the Munster Senior Cup at the second round where they will meet the
winners of Cork Constitution and UL/Bohemians in what is the only 1st
round tie. The first round will be played on the 13th September, while
Shannon will host the winners a week later on the 20th September. If
they manage to come out on top in that game, they will then go to Cork
to play the winners of Middleton v UCC on Nov. 8th.
Charity
Cup Draw 2008/09
Shannon will open their competitive
2008/09 season with a trip to Rosbrien to take on Old Crescent in the
Limerick Charity Cup 1st round in early September. The winner of this
tie will play the winner of Young Munster and Nenagh. The final is
fixed for September 27th.
New Faces to lead Shannon RFC A reconvened AGM of Shannon RFC
completed the election of officers and other personnel to their
executive committee after the initial nominations were suspended in
order to facilitate a procedural error in the process. To comply with
club rules a fourteen day period prior to the AGM was required to
ensure the nominations were deemed applicable and thus the reconvention
took place last week.
Andrew McNamara, PRO, Shannon RFC
On the back of a successful season the body of the meeting was reminded of the club's annexing of the AIB Cup for the first time, the reclaiming of the Munster Senior Cup and second place position in the AIB league which by any standards can be deemed a hugely successful season. Allied to their Seconds winning the Transfield cup, the Thirds winning the O'Carroll plate and the underage sides winning numerous trophies it was another year of triumph for the parish side. Outgoing President, Tommy Rowan, highlighted this fact in his final role as club president when he handed over the reins to Liam Costello, a man whose association with Shannon began when he was 10 years old and encompasses his entire family. The honour of becoming Shannon's 76th president is one which is richly deserved by Liam, whose involvement with Shannon has been ongoing as a player, coach and team manager for almost 40 years. In his emotional acceptance speech Liam highlighted his family's role in the club over the years and made special mention of his late father, Joe, who like Liam was a stalwart of Shannon RFC. Dedicating his year in office to his father, Liam's wish during his year in office is for further success to Shannon both on and off the field. There's no doubt that Liam will bring decorum and pride to his role and an ethic of hard work. Another major change in Shannon's executive line up sees Jack Keane take up the onerous task of Club Chairman after five years under the stewardship of Pat O'Connor. Whilst stepping aside as Chairman, Pat O'Connor's depth of knowledge and experience will not go untapped and he will remain a valuable member of Shannon's Committee as incoming Junior Vice President. In his five year tenure, Pat's guidance of Shannon was exceptional and his affable approach to the continuing problems faced, not only by Shannon, but the entire club rugby community ensured Shannon maintained their status in the upper echelons of Irish Rugby. As a long serving member of Shannon's executive committee Jack Keane brings a wealth of experience and his business acumen will ensure that Shannon RFC will continue to lead the way both on and off the field. His progression to Chairman is probably the model of how committee structures work in the club. A Native of Co. Leitrim, Limerick has been his place of work for a considerable time and his involvement with Shannon began 20 years ago when his sons began playing with the club. He progressed through the ranks and became Chairman of Underage and has held the role of Executive Officer prior to his accession to Club Chairman. His primary duties for the last number of years have been the development of the Club's successful corporate functions and other much needed methods of fundraising, a task for which the club are much the better for. Jack's previous role as executive officer was taken over by another long standing committee member Pat Downey. Treasurer, Neil O'Carroll, reported on the club's finances and explained to the members about the ongoing developments at Coonagh and Thomond Park. As usual, the Treasurers report was comprehensive and left the members in no doubt regarding the continuing difficulties clubs in general have in maintaining financial stability. Shannon RFC, however, are very fortunate to have such a committed and dedicated man in Neil O'Carroll to oversee probably the most difficult job in the club. There's no doubt that there are difficult times ahead, but Shannon couldn't be in more capable hands. Congratulations were also offered to Club members, Gerry O'Loughlin and Tony Wallace, both of whom served in their highest respective offices in the Munster Branch. Tony was President of the Munster Association of Referees while Gerry served as president of the Munster Branch in another historic year for Team Munster. Once again a strong Shannon contingent played their part in that wonderful Heineken Cup victory and again congratulations were offered to all those involved as well as to Trevor Hogan who won the Magners League with Leinster. The Full election of Officers was as follows; President; Liam Costello. Vice President; Martin Clancy. Junior Vice President; Pat O'Connor. Chairman; Jack Keane. Hon Secretary; Tadgh Crowe. Hon. Asst. Secretary; Ger Mc Closkey. Treasurer; Neil O'Carroll. Asst. Treasurer; Tim O'Donoghue. Executive Officer; Pat Downey. PRO; Andrew Mc Namara. Fixtures Secretary; Gerry Ryan.  Back
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