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Notice of A.G.M Signed: Tadhg Crowe Hon. Sec. Annual Golf Classic - 2010 Will take place on Outplayed by the Dubliners - AIL: Shannon 26 Clontarf 32 We picked up a losing bonus point - and were probably lucky to do so. From a stage where we were looking at kicking on, getting the 4th try and a winning bonus point, we can probably count ourselves lucky that we got anything at all out of this game. The second half was a write-off. Add to this the fact that we gifted more points to the opposition today that one would expect in a season, then add the 12 points or more that Clontarf missed from the boot. When the team and managment look at this coldly over the next few days, they will see that this defeat was more comprehensive than the scoreline suggests. Hopefully, there will be lessons to be learnt and that the squad can benefit from those, as the preparation begins for that crucial (possible) winner takes all game against city rivals, Garryowen, in 2 weeks time. ............ U21 AIL: Shannon 18 Terenure College 16 - SEMI FINAL : Shannon v UCC Sat, April 3rd, Coonagh, 2.30pm Meanwhile the U21's were successful in Coonagh today and booked a place in the All Ireland Semi-Final by beating Terenure College in a tense game that clashed with the above senior match - who schedules these fixtures? .............. Des O
Dea
A very, very bad day at the office AIL Shannon 3 Blackrock 25 Even the weather was against us today. A cold wet wind which brought a shower of sleet in the first half seemd to dissappear at half-time, just when it was our turn to benefit from it. But that's not an excuse, Shannon can have no excuses today. Nothing went right for them. There was a lethargy about this performance that maybe even the players can't explain. However, there were countless unforced errors which no team could expect to win a match having committed. I suppose the one consolation is that we prevenetd what would have beenthe indignity of Blarock gaining a bonus point victory. However, having said that, it has been a long time since Shannon have suffered such a defeat at home in the AIL. This new league format (Super 8?) is definitely throwing up some interesting results. In any case we are still in the hunt and know that every game from here on will be like a knockout game. Des O
Dea
Shannon emerge from the fog victorious Which top? - the tip top AIL: St Mary's College 16 Shannon 27 We had targeted this one since the 10th of October last. That day we lost to the same outfit and the feeling was we had left it behind us. That definitely hurt, especially as it happened in Thomond Park. Not only did we overturn the result. We went one better and denied St Mary's a losing bonus point, while getting the full 5 ourselves. The upshot is that Shannon are now at the summit of the AIL Div 1A. A bit early for this kind of lark - as I was forcefully reminded today by a Cork friend of mine. But what the hell- if no one else wants it, then we'll take it for now. The challenge is to stay there. Next up is another Dublin club and top 3 contender, Blackrock College. Unfortunately we will have to wait until Feb 20th for that mouth-watering fixture. Apparently there is an international tournament on over the coming weeks. Des O
Dea
Shannon emerge from the fog victorious AIL: UL/Bohemian 11 We may even have had a case for a 50% rebate on our tenner at the exit. For that is all most of us saw if this game, as the fog that threatened to engulf last night’s crucial ERC match at the same venue decided to put down roots for the afternoon.  At
the end it was the
‘visitors’ who emerged victorious from the freezing fog and the warm
pint proffered
by our hosts was never so welcome as we dissected what we saw and
guessed at
what we didn’t in the warmth of their bar. A try a-piece in a game
that was once level at 11-all late
in the 2nd half and, if truth be told, none of us would have
complained if the score stayed that way. However, Shannon are on a
mission this
season (as always) and having edged ahead with a penalty, the last kick
of the
game was a long-range drop-goal by out-half, Tadhg Bennett, that sailed
between
the uprights, stretching the lead to a somewhat misleading 6 points. Shannon
were boosted
by the presence of 3 internationals, 2 of whom played a part in
Munster’s
victory less than 18 hours earlier. It was encouraging to see both
Marcus Horan
and Jerry Flannery in a jersey of any colour and it was evident from
the way
they threw themselves into action that the leash had been under a lot
of strain
in recent times as they both nursed themselves back to full fitness. The half ended with Shannon
were quickest
out of the blocks in the second period and a superb 50 metre break from
Stephen
Kelly following a clearance kick eventually led to a kick ahead for
centre,
Fionn McLoughlin to touch down wide on the left of the posts. Tadhg was
unlucky with
the conversion as it came back off the right post, but at least It was short lived. The
storm was
weathered, however, and So where are we now? I’ll tell you. We are
indeed in contention. 2nd spot
with a total of 26 points, 2 behind leaders Cork Constitution, and more
importantly at this stage, 5 points ahead of 4th spot. The
new format
is great and there is a lot of rugby yet to be played as we enter the
business
end of the competition with a vengeance. Next week’s clash with 3rd
placed
St Mary’s is huge. Who’s travelling? David O’Donovan, Ritchie Mullane, Fionn Mcloughlin, Mossy Lawlor(Capt), Stephen Kelly, Tadhg Bennett, Rob Guerin;
AIB League Shannon 32 Dolphin 10 Four tries, more than a bonus for Shannon In a game that produced a forgettable first half, Shannon came from behind to record a bonus point win with a comfortable looking margin of 32 -10. It wasn't as comfortable as a 22 point margin might suggest and few of the Shannon faithful could even contemplate such a result heading into the break. The interest in this game went a bit above normal from the national media, but a glance at Shannon's front row could account for that. Marcus Horan made a very welcome return to rugby after his absence from the field of play and Colm Tucker was only too delighted to accommodate the national interest. Despite the presence of such an auspicious player, it was once again raising star Eoghan Grace that shone for Shannon and his two quick second half tries ensured that precious moral boosting bonus point. Dolphin were forced to rejig their starting line-up when Club international Barry Keeshan withdrew after the warm up. Denis Mc Carthy went from 15 to 10 and while Mc Carthy contributed well, it was obvious the Dolphin missed the experience. It was obvious that both sides lacked the match sharpness after the forced break, but it was Dolphin that found their feet that bit quicker, and more or less dominated the first half. However, despite that dominance they could only manage a single try from Aidan O'Mahoney in the 21st minute and surprisingly it was Shannon that went into the break with a one point lead. Tadgh Bennett, after a miss in the 3rd minute landed a penalty in the 23rd minute and then right on the stroke of half time pushed his side into the unlikely lead. Dolphin quickly regained the lead after the break when a rather elementary error from Shannon allowed Mc Carthy in for his side's second try. Faced with a very kickable penalty for Dolphin, the Shannon collective assumed the outhalf would line up the shot and went under the posts, but with no indication from the referee Mc Carthy took advantage. The conversion was missed and Shannon now trailed again by four but what followed was a major gear change by the home side and they cruised away with relative ease. Without question the following 15 minutes were match defining and Shannon crossed the whitewash on four occasions Stephen Kelly set the ball rolling with a trademark searing run down the flank with the after burners in full flow in the 49th minute try after a quick tap penalty by Bennett. Just six minutes later Fergal Walsh showed a great turn of pace when he pounced on loose lineout ball and darted the 20 metres to the line, however it was bitter sweet moment for the second row as he damaged his hamstring in the process. Bennett missed the first conversion, but made no mistake with the second and his side commanded an eight point lead. Eoghan Grace then stepped up and from almost identical scenarios scored the third and forth try in the 59th and 64th minutes. Shannon secured their lineouts in Dolphins 22 and controlled the maul. Grace broke free and from the first 10 meters out and barged over and for his second he was last to rise from the mass of bodies that piled over the line. Bennett added both conversions and the comfort was well and truly reached. Dolphin battled away for the remaining 15 minutes, but lacked the decisiveness to make inroads into Shannon's lead. It must also be said the Dolphin's young prop Aidan Foley acquitted himself admirably throughout the game given the mammoth task of facing Horan, but there's no doubt the youngster will have learned a great deal from his day in Coonagh. Did Dolphin deserve something from the game? Probably, but Shannon certainly were worthy winners, and their ability to change the pace and direction of the game was key. Shannon now stand alone in third place with the gap to the league leaders reducing considerably .Next on the horizon is UL/Bohs and then the rearranged game with St Marys in Dublin. Shannon D. O'Donovan, R.Mullane (M.O'Driscoll), M. Lawler (Capt), F.McLoughlin, S. Kelly, T. Bennett, R. Guerin (F. McNamara), M.Horan (L. Hogan) M. Essex (J. Cronin), G. Mc Namara, P. O'Brien (J.O'Connor), F. Walsh (J.O'Connor), P. Butler, E. Grace, D. Quinlan match report
: Andrew McNamara
Shannon RFC Mourn a Great Man - Pat O'Connor It's with great regret and the deepest of sadness that members and friends of Shannon RFC learnt of the passing of our vice President, Pat O'Connor. At 73 years of age, Pat succumbed to his health battle at 11 pm last night (Monday 4th) in Milford Hospice and leaves behind a legacy of goodwill, dedication and unyielding commitment to Shannon RFC. Pat's death will leave a massive void in the lives of those that knew him, and Shannon RFC may never see a man of his ilk, who worked tirelessly for the betterment of his beloved club.  A gentler more affable man you couldn't meet, Pat was a man of quite purpose and his gentle nature belied his ruthless agenda when it came to the continuing success of Shannon. Pat O'Connor was a central figure to the success of Shannon in the AIB league over the years and whilst the players took the accolades, his role was every bit as important. As Chairman of Finance, Assistant Treasurer, Hon. Treasurer, Club Chairman and then Vice President, Pat led the club through some glorious times and it will be a source of great regret by Shannon's members that his health prevented him from attaining the Presidency of the club. Pat has amassed a great many friends throughout the country and his absence at the customary pre match lunches with opposition teams will be noted with deep regret. It might come as a surprise to some within the club that he did actually run a business given his time dedicated to the club and probably the only other aspect of his life, bar his family, that vied for his attention as much as the club was his cattle. Memories of Pat O'Connor are thankfully, vast and happy. Everyone was referred to as "boss" and everyone treated with the utmost respect whether the issue was of major significance or a simple mundane matter. As long as the problem was about Shannon, it would be sorted. His sprit will remain and the drive and enthusiasm he had for Shannon RFC will live on in everything the club achieves in the future. To his wife Kate, daughters Jane and Trish, his son Noel and brother Noel and his extended family, the thoughts and sympathies of everyone in Shannon RFC and beyond are with ye. Pat, you will be missed by all, May you rest in peace. Andrew Mc Namara Shannon RFC PRO 087 2717163 amcnamara@eircom.net Shannon Advance in Senior Cup, by the Grace of Eoghan Dolphin 17 Shannon 20 Played in front of a disappointing crowd, those that stayed away certainly didn’t miss a classic with errors a plenty, but the fact that Shannon could grind out their victory will have pleased their coach Colm Tucker, despite admitting that his side were far from their best. Dolphin were without several regulars and those that took up the mantle fared reasonably well. Dolphin never really penetrated in the first half, but they did hold a distinct advantage for a long period in the second half. However, their failure to convert their chances into points cost them dearly. For Shannon it was Eoghan Grace that proved the biggest difference between the sides as he crossed for a try in each half, the second of which seemed to set his side well clear of the home side with six minutes left in the game. Dolphin to their credit clawed their way back into the reckoning with a try from the impressive centre Eric Maloney just two minutes later. Shannon held on though and will look for improvement before their next outing against the students. Dolphin had their first chance of points as early as the second minute, but outhalf Cormac O’Flynn began a trend and jabbed his kick wide of the posts. Shannon’s Tadgh Bennett took his two early penalty chances but then a poorly executed backline move from the visitors saw Sam Cronin intercept and head virtually unopposed to the try line from the halfway line. A penalty miss from either side preceded Grace’s well taken 32nd minute try. Bennett gave the initial impetus with a fine break and it appeared as if the pendulum had swung firmly in Shannon’s favour with the score at 13-7, but it was Dolphin that upped the tempo in the second half. O’Flynn managed to convert a penalty in the 57th minute after missing one nine minutes earlier, but still try scoring opportunities were few and far between. Shannon came closest when Stephen Kelly forced a 5 metre scrum, but Dolphin excelled in defence. Bennett missed a penalty in the 69th minute but five minutes later it appeared that Shannon had the game wrapped up when Grace crossed again after Stephen Kelly shrugged off four tackles to set up the score, as Grace shrugged off 4 more. Maloney’s try gave the home side a glimmer, but Shannon had done enough to secure passage to the semi final. Shannon D. O'Donovan, C. O'Hanlon, M. Lawler (Capt), R. Mullane, S. Kelly, T. Bennett, R. Guerin (F. McNamara, L. Hogan (K. O’Neill), M. Essex, G. Mc Namara, P. O’Brien (J.O’Connor), F. Walsh, P. Butler, E. Grace, D. Quinlan match report
: Andrew McNamar
AIL: Clontarf 13 Shannon 21 Shannon rounded off the 2009 AIB league fixtures with another win in the capital which keeps them very much in the hunt for the playoff place. Their victory over Clontarf was well deserved and any hang ups they had over their controversial slender loss last week against Cork Cons manifested into positive action. Boosted by the availability of Ian Dowling and the return of their captain Mossy Lawler after injury Shannon took the game by the scruff of the neck early on and scored two excellent first half tries that saw them through to the end. Once again Felix Jones was at the heart of Shannon's dynamism in the backs, but it was some of the younger players that shone throughout the game. Scrum half Rob Guerin has developed a game with a very high degree of confidence that belies his youth while Paddy Butler once again demonstrated that he has a bright future. Clontarf were outplayed for long periods of the game and more often than not any attacking potential was quickly stifled Shannon's defence was superb throughout the game and despite Clontarf's well deserved try in the 37th minute it was rock solid. When substitute Martin Dufficys rounded out several phases of Clontarf play it reduced Shannon's lead to 18-13 and with victory snatched from them in at the death twice so far this season , it certainly signalled some anxious moments amongst the Shannon faithful. That unease however remained beyond the railings and a very composed Shannon side secured a drop goal attempt for Tadgh Bennett to which the outhalf made no mistake. In securing the victory, Bennett also denied the home a side a losing bonus point which in a league as tight as we have is an added benefit. The Visitors set their stall out early, and after just four minutes Felix Jones secured his first try for Shannon after slick handling saw his running line reward. Clontarf responded with a Darragh O'Shea penalty just three minutes later but Shannon maintained their initial tempo and a quick tap and go from Bennett inside his own 22 brought play deep into Clontarf's half in eth 16th minute, Jones was once again instrumental as Stephen Kelly crossed for his 8th try of the league and Shannon were certainly on as roll. Bennett learnt from his earlier conversion miss and made no mistake with the almost identical kick. Whilst Clontarf were not making much headway in attack they kept in touch through the boot of O'Shea ads the fullback landed another penalty in the 29th minute., Had he converted his next two attempts before the break, Clontarf would have levelled things up but on the flip side, Bennett missed two of his own a couple of minutes either side of the break, A yellow card for Mike Essex in the 49th when the hooker prevented quick ball for Clontarf wasn't capitalised upon and just as he was about to return , Clontarf found themselves reduced temporarily when Martin Garvey was sent to the line. Bennett tapped over the penalty that followed and the outhalf again landed a beauty in the 68th minute to extend the lead to a comfortable looking 18-6, but Clontarf's late rally ensured an exciting end to the game. Shannon though held tough and thoroughly deserved their victory in a venue which has become a relatively happy hunting ground in recent years. SHANNON: F Jones; R Mullane, M Lawlor, I Dowling, S Kelly; T Bennett, R Guerin (F O'Loughlin 60); K O'Neill, M Essex, G McNamara, P O'Brien (J Cronin 55-65 temp sub), F Walsh, P.Butler, E.Grace, D Quinlan. match report
: Andrew McNamara
Cruel decision costs Shannon the points in the 86th minute AIL: Shannon 8 Cork Con 9 (5/12/09) Shannon had a slender lead heading into the 86th minute of this crucial AIL game at Coonagh, when George Clancy penalised the home scrum-half for a crooked feed into a scrum under the posts. This was followed by a penalty which Con converted to snatch victory fro the jaws of defeat. Shannon knock the 'Rock AIL: Blackrock 15 Shannon 21 (14/11/09) Shannon propelled themselves right back into the AIB league title race with an outstanding victory over Blackrock by 21-15 in Stradbrook with the only downside being an early and serious looking injury to captain, Mossy Lawler. Shannon were boosted by the availability of Munster players, Ian Dowling, Niall Ronan and Felix Jones and all three made an immense contribution to the win but it was a number of Shannon's regulars that produced the most eye catching performances. Stephen Kelly's contribution went well beyond his two first half tries, while Fergal Walsh was a towering figure in lineouts and open play, but if there was to be man of the match than surely it would have found its way to Les Hogan. The prop was immense throughout and his work rate enormous, but clichéd as it may be, all of Shannon's players made telling contributions. Blackrock failed to breech Shannon's water tight defence throughout the game and had to rely on the accuracy of James Power to secure their 15 points through penalties. Up until the last play of the game it appeared as if the home side would get nothing from the game, but Shannon strayed offside and the simple penalty in front of the posts gave them a valuable losing bonus point. Shannon started the game with serious intent and maintained their fast pace throughout and, after early pressure, the opening score came on 16 minutes when Kelly pounced on a chip through and it was no more than the visitors deserved. However, despite Shannon's early pressure Blackrock kept in touch through two James Power penalties in the 24th and 26th minute. When Blackrock's No.8 Michael Carroll was sin binned for impeding Felix Jones after the full back kicked ahead, Tadgh Bennett converted the resultant penalty and then in the 34th minute Shannon struck with a superb try from inside their own '22. A combination of slick hands and shear pace saw Kelly touchdown for his second try , but again another Power penalty just on the stroke of half time allowed Blackrock to remain within striking distance. An early second half drop goal from Tadgh Bennett preceded a period of dominance from the home side, but they failed to breech Shannon's solid defence. Their only real opportunity was snuffled out by some outstanding covering by Felix Jones and it was the impressive fullback that added another drop goal in the 63rd minute to stretch Shannon's lead to 12 points. At this stage Blackrock were throwing caution to the wind and their talented and speedy backline weren't afraid to run from deep, but time and time again Shannon's steely defence kept them at bay. Another Power penalty reduced the deficit once again but time was running out and Shannon were now hoping to deny Blackrock a losing bonus point, but that task proved just beyond them and the home side did get some reward for their toil with the final kick of the game. Shannon: 1. Les Hogan, 2. Mike Essex, 3. Kevin Griffin(Gary Mc Namara), 4. Padraic O'Brien(Paddy Butler), 5. Fergal Walsh, 6. Eoghan Grace, 7. Niall Ronan, 8. David Quinlan, 9. Rob Guerin, 10. Tadgh Bennett, 11. Stephen Kelly, 12. Ian Dowling, 13. Mossy Lawler .( Fionn McLoughlin)14. Ritchie Mullane, 15. Felix Jones match report: Andrew McNamara
Con and the wind too strong for Shannon AIC: Cork Con 33 Shannon 14 To give any side a 28 point lead , especially a side such as Cork Con and then hope, rather than expect to claw such a lead back is probably a little fanciful even when you turned at the break with the considerable wind at your back. That was the task facing Shannon in Templehill in the 3rd round of the AIB cup and despite a valiant effort, the task was just too much and Con eventually won by 33 points to 14. The wind had a major influence on the game, but it was the home side that used the elements to full advantage. There’s no doubt Cork Con deserved their victory, but whether the gulf on the scoreboard was a true indication of the difference between the sides is debatable. While the home side took their chances very well, Shannon did contribute to their demise with an inordinate amount of turnovers, missed tackles and a little bit of indecisiveness at key times. With territory dominated by the wind, Shannon managed to etch their way into Cons ’22 on three occasions in the first half and with the line in sight three turnovers proved costly. And then Shannon’s storming start to the second half saw Ritchie Mullane score in the corner and the momentum was definitely with the visitors, but again, a series of misfortunate’s militated against them. Firstly Stephen Kelly came blazing into the ’22 and with a free run to the line, the final pass to him was deemed forward by Alain Rolland. Standing directly opposite the pass, in my (probably slightly biased) opinion it was at best, flat, but who am I to argue with a referee of international renowned. Then, correctly, Marcus O’Driscoll was hauled back for a crossing infringement as he crossed the line, but the momentum petered out when in the 62nd minute Shannon’s Tadgh Bennett was sin binned for over exuberance when trying to free up ball at a ruck. Cons managed something Shannon couldn’t with the wind in their faces and that was to score a try. It came in the 72nd minute from the impressive Tim Kennelly who had already crossed for a well created try in the first half. It’s of little consolation to Shannon, but Stephen Kelly did score probably the best try of the game four minute later which clearly demonstrated the threat that Shannon can pose in their backline. All in all Cork Con had a cuteness about their play that Shannon lacked and their four tries ensured safe passage to the next round, but when these sides meet in the AIB league on December 5th in Coonagh one would not expect an 18 point differential . Scores. Shannon, Try Ritchie Mullane, Stephen Kelly. 2 Conversion Tadhg Bennett Cork Con; Try Tim Kennelly (2), Ritchie Lane (2) & 2 Pen, and 2 Conversions. Drop Goal, Darragh Lyons match report : Andrew Mc Namara It clicked today. And we won. And we bonused. AIL: Shannon 38 UL/Bohs 19 (31/10/09) Double scores. A win (at last) . Even a bonus point (well earned, I might add). Are we back? We were never gone away you know. At the same time there is a lot of work to be done between now and the date in May that we would like to be involved in.  But 5 points and 5 tries against out nearest neighbours is exactly what the doctor (or whoever) ordered. There was a hunger about this team today that some said wasn't seen to date this season. Well I don't know about that. What I do know is that a lot of things worked today that didn't up until now. Shannon won today a game they should have won. And they won it in some style.  Colm Tucker and his crew are making things happen. That's his job. He has an incredibly talented and experienced squad. No doubt about that. And I don't think there is any doubt but that Cully will get the best out of them this season - just like his predecessor. We are not greedy. All we want is the Munster Senior Cup. ,,,And the All Ireland Cup. .......And yes, our 10th All Ireland League title. Did I say we are not greedy? Wrong folks. A man called Anthony Foley once said " We're greedy. We want it all. We want everything". At the time he was wearing a Shannon jersey and he had just won one trophy - THE trophy .....But the season wasn't over - and our greed wasn't sated... And Axel and his troops proceeded to win the Munster Cup the following week, to add to the AIL. There was a hunger about this Shannon team today that put a smile on all our faces. I said in an earlier treatise that there was nothing wrong with this team that a couple of small tweaks wouldn't fix. I'm sticking by that. One win and 4 bonus points. It could be worse. 5 good tries, 2 of them the result of intercepts, the most crucial coming just before half-time, when Captain, Mossy Lawlor, got a fine try following a kick and chase by Kelly, then a forced turnover of possession, when their full-back tried to run the ball out of danger. That put Shannon 13-9 ahead at half-time with the wind at their backs for the second period. Here's how the scoring went:  11 mins: Ritchie is on the end of a move which started with the packing driving up the left and finished with Ritchies touching down in the right corner. 5-0 20 mins: UL/Bohs penalty. 5-3 23 minutes: Tadhg Bennett penalty. 8-3 24 mins: Ul/Bohs penalty. 8-6 34 mins: UL/Bohs pen 8-9 (having earlier missed one). 40 mins: Mossy's try. 13-9 Half Time 4 mins: audacious drop goal attempt by Mossy from the ten yard line way out left goes wide off the left hand post. 8 mins: Shannon's 3rd try, scored by former captain and Number 8, Davey Quinlan, crashing over almost unnoticed from the base of a ruck. 18-9 12 mins Number 12 Andrew Finn gets a 10 minute rest following an infringement at the ruck.  13
mins: UL/Bohs are rewarded for not kicking for goal. Instead they kick
for touch and take immediate advantage of the gap left by Finn's
absence. 18-1418 mins: Bennett penalty. 21-14 24 mins: Bennett penalty 24-14. 32 mins: Bonus Point! Intercept by Stephen Kelly on half way and away he went. However, unexpectedly he was caught 10 metres out. Along comes Andrew Finn for the pop-up and the easy stroll in under the posts (pic on the left). Converted. 31-14. Injury time. Shannon easing up, UL/Bohs get another try. 31-19. Another one will give them a bonus point, so they throw caution to the wind. It doesn't work and with the last move of the game hooker, Jason Cronin (on for Batt Duggan), intercepts and sprints 20 metres to the line to put a gloss on the scoreline. 38-19 Next it's back to the All Ireland Cup and a away fixture with Cork Constitution this Saturday.  Shannon Shannon: Mossie Lawlor (Capt), Richie Mullane, Marcus O'Driscoll, Andrew Finn, Stephen Kelly, Tadhg Bennett, Rob Guerin; Killian O'Neill, Bat Duggan, Kevin Griffin, Padraic O'Brien, Fergal Walsh, Donnacha Ryan, Eoghan Grace, David Quinlan. Replacements: Gary McNamara, Jason Cronin, Paddy Butler, Johnny O'Connor, Fionn McLoughlin match
report, photos: Des
O Dea
Shannon back to winning ways AIC: Shannon 49 Buccaneers 26 (17/10/09) After a game that produced 11 tries and plenty of thrills and spills, Shannon progressed to the next round of the AIB cup last Saturday in the unusual venue of St Munchins College. Buccaneers travelled with a depleted squad, but still managed to keep in touch with Shannon for over 50 minutes before the home side edged into fifth gear and cruised home. After a perfect start where Shannon raced into a seemingly commanding 12 point lead after just 8 minutes they appeared to lose concentration on several occasions and allow Buccaneers to keep within striking distance. It took until the last 20 minutes before Shannon matched their superiority on the park with the way the score board was ticking over, but all in all they can be reasonably happy with the day's work. Stephen Kelly was in superb form and crossed for a hat trick while Andrew Finn marked his return to the senior side after injury with two fine tries. Shannon were well served in several positions, butty it was prop Les Hogan that caught the eye of the crowd with solid scrummaging and some fancy footwork in open play. After Kelly and Finn launched Shannon into the 12 point lead after 8 minutes, Buccs worked hard to gain some sort of a grasp on the game, but it was through Shannon errors that they did make the breakthrough. A block down and gather by Stephen Burke in Shannon's '22 saw the No.8 cross under the posts to give Adam Kennedy an easy conversion, the first of his three. Shannon did respond well and looked again to be in complete control especially after Kelly's second try on the 25 minute mark. It was through a 25 meter forward drive and a move off the training paddock that allowed Kelly over, but again, and a point of concern is the lapse in concentration in the immediate aftermath of that try which allowed Buccs to stay in range. While Shannon will be disappointed at the poor attempts at hauling Sean Stapleton back at an early stage of his jinking run, the winger showed great athleticism to set up Padraig Burke for another under the posts effort. 17-14 was not really a reflection of how Shannon were in control, but Buccs were showing commendable spirit. David O'Donovan's penalty late in the first half gave a bit more distance between the sides but again some weak defending soon after the restart gave Buccaneers an unlikely lead. Paul Harte danced around the tackles to dart almost 40 metres and Kennedy's conversion gave the midlanders a 1 point lead. Kennedy was to have an influence on the proceedings when just 3 minutes after kicking his side into the lead , he was given a yellow card after a hauling back Mossy Lawlor illegally when the fullback was bearing down on the try line. The question as the whether it was a turning point in the game could be debated. Shannon did turn a one point deficit into a 16 point lead in his absence, but the way the home side could pick up the pace at will would probably have seen them through even against a full compliment. Whilst the scrumhalf was on the side line he saw Finn and Kelly add to their tries and David O'Donovan kick over a further 7 points. The introduction of Shannon's U/21 captain for his senior debut 10 minutes into the first half added greatly to Shannon's dynamism in the looses and the backrow player showed that he is more than capable of steeping up a level. He made a telling contribution to Les Hogan's 62nd minute try and the prop rounded off an impressive day when he scorched over into the corner. Despite their inevitable fate, Buccaneers battled bravely and were rewarded again when former Shannon man Brian Tuohy set up Ian Kilbride for a try after an excellent chip and gather. Unlike the first half , Shannon held form to the lead and extended it in the 75th minute when Hogan's deft little inside pass allowed Eoghan Grace to take advantage of his own excellent running line and touch down under the posts to complete the scoring in the lively encounter. Shannon's reward?!!, Cork Cons away.
match report:
Andrew McNamara
Shannon:photos: Philip O Dea Mossie Lawlor (Capt), David O'Donovan, Marcus O'Driscoll, Andrew Finn, Stephen Kelly, Richie Mullane, Rob Guerin; Les hogan, Bat Duggan, Kevin Griffin, Padraic O'Brien, Sean Duggan, John O'Connor, Eoghan Grace, David Quinlan. Replacements: Fergal Walsh, Killian O'Neill, Jason Cronin, Paddy Butler, Paul Loughnane, John Clogan Shannon U/21's Impressive under Coonagh Lights. A new chapter in Shannon's relatively short history in Coonagh was created last Friday night when, for the first time ever a competitive game was played under floodlights. The newly installed floodlights around the venue and the superb autumnal weather we have had recently allowed for the U/21 AIL South Western Conference game against Bruff to take place on the training pitch. It wasn't really envisaged to have floodlit games in Coonagh for at least another year on the newly laid sod adjacent to the training pitch , but such is the excellent condition of training pitch at the moment it was deemed more than adequate to host the game. There's no doubt that as the season progresses and the pitch inevitably deteriorates flood lit games may not be possible, but Friday night was certainly a source of great pride for everyone involved in the overhaul in Coonagh. The game itself was a lively affair with Bruff playing their part in a very fast paced game. It was an opportunity for many within Shannon to see this season's U/21's in action and they can be nothing but impressed with the side. They played the game at high tempo and both backs and forwards maintained the frenetic pace throughout. In the end Shannon were comfortable 31-0 nil winners, but the game didn't really pan out as the scoreline might suggest. Bruff were a tough and capable outfit that were unlucky on a few occasions to crack the Shannon defence, but it was the shear pace of Shannon's attacks that they found hard to contend with. Early evidence of that pace came in the 8th minute when winger Craig O'Hanlon scorched over after his colleagues in the backline moved the ball with serious conviction. Shannon created a number of further opportunities as the game progressed, but failed to capitalise until the impressive second row Dan Heffernan benefitted from an excellent break by his captain Paddy Butler in the 37th minute. Ben Sergeant converted and Shannon could reflect positively at the half time break. They strangled any Bruff attack and limited the visitors to just single, missed, kick at goal in the first half. The pace of the game didn't relent in the second half and it was Shannon, and more preciously their out half Garreth Quinn Mc Donnagh, that set and maintained the pace which seemed to stretch Bruff to the limit as the clock ticked on. In the 48th minute the No.10 swept past Bruff to squeeze into the corner and then 10 minutes later the silky skills of fullback Luke O'Dea were demonstrated when he surged from deep to extend Shannon's lead to 24 points. Bruff were still competing well in the set pieces, as they were throughout the game, but couldn't contend with the open play of Shannon. That they didn't completely capitulate is a testament to the clubs ethos and there's no doubt they will cause trouble for sides as this competition progresses. Shannon were eager to the end and wing forward Ger Moore deservedly crossed the line in the last action of the game. This was another good victory on the back of their win away from home last week and the after only really coming together in the last 3 weeks this U/21 side will continue to improve. Several players impressed and for those watching it will come as little surprise to see a few more making the step up to senior level as the season progresses. |
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MONEY!!
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