Shannon Notes May 5^th 2007

If last weeks notes had an air of despondency, then thankfully the final notes of the season bring positive tidings, though not entirely with two wins from three finals. The Thirds completed their magnificent season with possibly the best performance from any side in the club this season last Sunday in Musgrave Park. It was stirring stuff and not one for the faint hearted as they held on bravely and courageously in the Munster final against an equally plucky Cork Constitution side. Locky’s men were truly magnificent as they defended a 19-11 lead heading into the final stages of the game.What preceded the drama was a game full of commitment from two sides intent on giving it their all. After going behind to a penalty, a Wes Daly try saw us take the lead, but we again found ourselves in arrears coming close to the break. However, our forwards were gaining the upper hand and it was from an opposition scrum that we were subsequently awarded a penalty try after some excellent disruption. The lead was cut to a single point after another Con penalty and it was at this point that the strength of character of our thirds became evident. This was epitomised by the performance of Mark O’Brien who was relentless in his efforts, but he certainly wasn’t a solitary force. It was he who scored the crucial try in the 58th minute and thus began the nail biting finale. On several occasions it appeared the Con had barged their way to within a whisker of scoring, but the tenacity of our defence was truly magnificent and every turn over was greeted with a sigh of relief. It seemed to those on the sideline that the referees watch had stopped as the minutes clocked up in injury time, but eventually, in the 9^th minute he blew, and Locky’s men could justifiably be called Munster Champions. It was a day of heroes, and in saying that, everyone of that thirds side can be categorised as such. This has been an outstanding season for the lads who added this title to the Mc Inerny cup and the Gleeson league, and but for a slender loss in the Webb Cup final could have claimed the grand slam. Whist it was the lads on the pitch that won these trophies no one will dispute the fact that it was the drive and enthusiasm of Pat Mc Loughlin, along with his management colleagues of Danny Keehan, and Jimmy Doran which was the catalyst for the tremendous season.

The U/14’s completed the League and cup double when they beat Ennis on Monday evening by 29-17, but only after they were put to the pin of their collar in the second half. The 14’s are a tremendous side who have been very well coached and managed, the evidence of which was demonstrated in the final. Their skills and handling were was a joy to watch and their 24-0 half time lead was well deserved. Raymond Barron was first to cross and as Ennis’ resistance was eroded the scores came fast. Keith White, Shane Stanley and Conor Barry all contributed to the half time lead and the manner in which our lads played in the opening half a rout looked on the cards. Ennis, however had other ideas and scored a quick try after the restart but that was cancelled out when Paul Curtis crossed the line. It was to be our last score as Ennis reduced the lead with a try and penalty and kept pressing until the final whistle, but our lads had done more than enough to celebrate once again this season. Coach Kieran Ryan led the chorus of the Isle which was sung with great gusto, a fitting end to a great season. Well done to all the coaches and parents for their contribution throughout the season. Indeed an enormous debt of gratitude must go to the Coaches of all of our underage teams. Whether trophies are won or not, the commitment is the same and without the dedication of our excellent coaches Shannon could not continue to be to the fore of Irish rugby.

The entire underage season was wrapped up last Sunday with another hugely successful Alan Oakley day during which almost 300 players too part.

On a disappointing note our U/20’s lost out to Young Munster in the final of the North Munster league on Tuesday evening by 8 points to 3. It was a bitter way to finish a season, but it wasn’t for lack of effort. To a man the lads tried until the final whistle, but they came up against a Young Munster side whose determination was evident from the start of the game. Despite holding Young Munster scoreless in the second half and almost completely dominating territorially, they just couldn’t break down the well organised defence. For the U/20’s it has been a mixed season, but bear in mind that almost all of the squad are underage again next season, than one can appreciate what they did actually achieve. They won the North Munster League and lost out narrowly in the AIL playoffs, so they can reflect, but more importantly look forward to what their potential can be.

We remind our members that our AGM will be held on Thursday, 24 May 2007, at 8.00 sharp in the Woodfield House Hotel, Ennis Road. Notice(s) of Motion to be submitted, in writing, to Tadhg Crowe, Hon Sec, by Thursday, 10 May 2007.

More good news arrived this week in the guise of the forthcoming International tours. Mushy ‘s selection on the senior tour top Argentina is his big chance to stake a claim for the future and he joins fellow club men Alan Quinlan, Trevor Hogan and Jerry Flannery in South America. The A side includes Sean Cronin and Stephen Keogh and again it’s an opportunity for the lads to take a step towards bigger and better things. We wish them all the very best.

The disappointment of not making the AIB league playoffs is still fresh and raw, but we do extend our congratulations to Cork Con and Garryowen for making the final and hopefully they can produce a great final which will demonstrate all that’s good about our league.

Finally as these are our last weekly notes of the season, I’ll take this opportunity on behalf of the executive committee of Shannon to thank everyone who has supported us at every level. The coaches, the players the Parents, our sponsors and the workers of our club are all intricate to our endeavours and successes. It’s been a another long, often arduous season, but one whose rewards far outweigh the disappointments. Roll on September.

Andrew Mc Namara

Shannon RFC PRO

087 2717163

amcnamara@eircom.net

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