Shannon Notes December 1st 2007
The Munster Senior cup is still a
competition that we in Shannon aim to win every year. It’s instilled into the players from the
first training session of the season and is reiterated throughout the campaign.
Last Sunday in Clifford Park that determination was displayed in bucket loads.
In a display that had so many of the admirable attributes that has made our
club so successful over the years, we overcame the expected uncompromising and
unyielding challenge of Cork Constitution by 13 points to 6. This was classic
cup rugby which had many veterans of this great competition wishing they could
turn back the clock. I suppose it’s easy to was lyrical about the game when you
have actually won it, but as they say ‘to the victors the spoils’. The
commitment and character displayed by the lads, especially in the final quarter
with 14 men was exceptional. Cork Con’s highly experienced side tried
valiantly, but they meet a side that were prepared to give every ounce of energy
in the quest for victory. Everyone played well above par, but there were some
exceptional performances. Leonard Mullane seemed to be everywhere, constantly
at the breakdown and scavenging around the fringes. Padraic O’Brien’s late
first half try was, in the end the difference between the sides and his general
contribution was immense. The same could be said for Les Hogan and Tadgh
Bennett. But let’s take stock amidst the elation at Sunday’s win; No silver
ware was on offer last Sunday, and on the 29th of December Highfield
will be our opposition in a Musgrave park final and absolutely nothing will be
taken for granted. They are a side who have improved immensely due in no short
measure to the guidance of Geoff Moylan and his side kick Ducky Brennan who were
very interested spectators on Sunday. It will certainly make for an interesting
final, but it’s still over month away. We have three pre Christmas AIB league
games between now and then, starting this Saturday when Blackrock come to
Coonagh for the first time. The following two weeks we are in the Capital,
firstly against St Mary’s and then Lansdowne. A supporters coach will travel to
both games and anyone wishing to travel should contact Tadgh Crowe on 087
6524958. With the coach almost full for our visit to Clontarf, it’s imperative
that you book your place with Tadgh as early as possible.
The U/20’s returned to wining ways when
they overcame Buccaneers on their home patch last Saturday. In a generally good
performance, the only negative was that they didn’t secure a bonus point but
they still remain top of the table after their exploits. This Saturday they are
on the road again, this time down south to play Cork Constitution.
The rescheduling of the senior game meant
that the seconds, rather disappointingly had no game. Sunday, however sees them
back in action when they entertain Bruff in Coonagh at 2.30.
The thirds travel to St Senans on Saturday
with a 1pm start in the Gleeson league and on Sunday the Women’s side travel to
Clonmel in the AIL
Our U/18’s were again impressive when they
beat St Mary’s by 17-3 in the league. 2 tries by Martin Casey along with one
from Craig Phayer ensured another good win. A big game this weekend sees they
play UL/Bohs in Coonagh at 12pm.
In a friendly match played in Coonagh on
Saturday, our Under 13s went down on a scoreline of 37-24 to a very committed
and hard working Abbeyfeale side. Try scorers for Shannon were Greg O'Shea who grabbed a
hat trick and Andrew Cusack. It’s back to league action this Sunday when
they play Ballina/Killaloe at 11.30. The U/16’s beat St Senans in a friendly by
20-10 while the U/12’s had a couple of good displays against Thomond.
In a fixture packed Sunday the U/12’s
travel to the West Clare warriors while the
U/11 blues are at home to UL/Bohs and the Blacks play St Mary’s and the U/10’s head to
Abbeyfeale for a blitz.
To matters off the field now and after
last years exploits of Maeve O’Donovan in RTE’s you’re a star, we have yet
another Shannon interest in this years Show. Avid Club
supporter Leanne Moore features in the show this year and hopefully she can
make her mark, just as Meave did. Keep an eye out for her on this Sunday’s
show.
Andrew Mc Namara
Shannon RFC PRO
087 2717163
amcnamara@eircom.net
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