Shannon Notes September 1^st 2007

The summer months are slowly drifting into memory and the kids are heading back to school which can only mean that the rugby season is just beginning. The seniors have been in training since July, determined to make amends for last season’s lack of silverware. For the first time in a few seasons the senior squad has more or less remained intact and in fact there have been a few additions. Most notable amongst those is the return of Fiach O’Loughlin after his spell in the capital and also returning to Shannon is John O’Connor who played with Coventry last season. Both players are major additions to the squad and along with the other new additions will add significantly to our aspirations for the coming season. We take this opportunity to publicly congratulate Mushy on his first international cap over the summer when he came off the bench against Argentina. His inclusion in the World Cup training squad is a clear indication of his potential value to the Irish team in the near future. The selection of Alan Quinlan, Jerry Flannery, Marcus Horan, Peter stringer and of course John Hayes on the World Cup Squad is a source of great pride for everyone in the club and with Niall O’Donovan’s enormous input, Shannon will be well represented in France. Along with everyone in the country, we wish the entire Irish Squad the very best in the World Cup.

The games have already begun with the ever enthusiastic Pat Mc Loughlin getting his thirds side in action with a training run against Richmond on Wednesday last. The game ended at 19 points apiece with Tony Hall scoring all our points. It was great to get a run out so early in the season, but these are a determined bunch of players. After last season’s amazing trophy haul the Thirds will be anxious to retain the three trophies they won and indeed go one better and claim the grand slam and with Locky at the helm, few could bet against them.

On Friday evening the seniors have a training game in Bruff with a 7pm start while on Saturday the seconds are straight into competitive action when they face Old Crescent in the Transfield Cup. Kick Off in Rosbrien is at 4.30.

Underage training resumes this Sunday and Mike Ryan and his coaching crew are looking forward to see the familiar faces and no doubt plenty of new players also.

Training starts at 10.30 and anyone heading to Coonagh for the first time will be more than welcome. As usual the first day back will be a little frenzied, but Mike will have it all under control.

If any member or supporter wishes to receive these weekly notes along with frequent match reports and other club updates by email, just send me your e mail address with” Shannon Updates” in the subject line to amcnamara@eircom.net.

It would be highly remiss of me not to acknowledge the wonderful effort of the Limerick Hurlers over the summer. In a county where people’s passion for sport of all codes is renowned an All Ireland Hurling final is a wonderful boast for every sportsperson. In Shannon we are very familiar with what it takes to win All Irelands and we are fully behind the men in green this Sunday. With The AIB league trophy still remaining in Limerick thanks to Garryowen, it would be wonderful to add the Liam McCarthy to the list of sporting achievements of Limerick. Best of Luck to all the players and management. (By the way, any spare tickets would be greatly appreciated, contact the e mail above!!!!!)

We finish these first notes of the season by wishing all of our players and coaches at every level the very best for the coming season. We hope that regardless of achievements, everyone involved will enjoy their rugby and forge new and lasting friendships over the next nine months or so.

Andrew Mc Namara

Shannon RFC PRO

087 2717163

amcnamara@eircom.net

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