With the action on the field restricted, it was up to our U/20's to take
up the mantle, and without doubt they certainly delivered a top class
performance in their penultimate game in the south western conference of the
All Ireland league. Against the league leaders and a highly fancied side, UCC,
they put in a monumental effort of epic proportions to upset the odds and give
themselves a glimmer of hope to finish the conference section on top. 12 points
to 7 was the final result of a game that produced no second half points for
either side, but that was more than compensated for with the high entertainment
value. The nine minutes of injury time was heart stopping stuff as the visitors
to Coonagh went desperately searching for a winning score, but as it was
throughout the second half especially , our lads tackled and defended with
relentless vigour and commitment. It may sound as if we're talking up these
young men, but those that braved the cold in Coonagh will testify to the
plaudits being dished out. UCC were by any standards a physically big side and
at times it looked as if that decided advantage would see them through the game
comfortably, but it was our lads that got the perfect start after barley 90 seconds
on the clock when No.8 Martin Staunton barged over the line after Keith
Payne made a telling break. It was a totally unexpected start, but most
welcome. However it didn't take long for UCC to gain a foothold in our '22 and
subsequently gain the advantage with a converted try. There's no doubt that
this particular passage in play was worrying as it looked as if the students
had the ability to pull away, but against the odds it was us that scored next
through a top draw effort form
One game remains in their conference programme and this game will be equally as
tough against UL/Bohs. Earlier in the week in looked
as if a simple win would see us top the group, but on closer examination
through a complicated system it means that only a bonus point win will see us
take the spoils. UL/Bohs are a very good side so a
monumental effort would be required. This team deserves as much support as
we can muster in their quest so please make the effort to get to Annacotty at
The seniors now know who they will play in the AIB cup quarter final
after St Mary's beat Clonakilty , however after
initially fixing the game for this weekend , the IRFU have backtracked on the
behest of St Mary's and the game will now take place on the 24th of this month.
An appeal was lodged, and as it seems to be in any appeal we make, it was
rejected. One of the three reasons given was that St Marys'
would have to play six consecutive weeks if the game was to go ahead, however
prior to Christmas our senior side played 10 competitive games in succession
and then had a week break before playing a further five weeks. Hardly equitable, but it's what we've come to expect and we'll just
have to get on with it. This Saturday they have arranged a friendly with
Young Munster in Derryknockane at
The seconds and thirds also have friendlies with the thirds playing Garryowen
in Dooradoyle on Saturday at 12.30 and on Sunday the
seconds head to Thurles for a
Underage fixtures see the U/13's play Thomond in Woodview
at 11.30 and the U/16's play Young Munster in Derryknockane
at
Our Club development Lotto is a great success and we would like to thank
everyone that is supporting it. This is an ongoing, long-term project and we
are continually looking for more people to support this very important
fundraiser. More details as to how you can prepay for the year or set up a
direct debit can be obtained on the club website. www.shannonrfc.com.
On Saturday the first of March we are organising a 30 year reunion lunch of our
1977/78 double cup winning team prior to our seniors AIL game with Terenure. This should be a marvellous occasion to honour a
team that laid the foundations for our continued success throughout the
eighties and on to the current era. The lunch takes place in the Woodfield house hotel and transfers to Coonagh before and
after the game will be laid on. Anyone interested in attending can contact Club
President Tommy Rowan for further details. 087 7979574 or email trowan@macrostainless.ie
Andrew Mc Namara
Shannon RFC PRO
amcnamara@eircom.net
087 2717163
Shannon RFC Proudly sponsored by O2