Shannon Notes October 13th 2007

With the seniors away on a weekend Training camp in Biarritz and the Thirds game called off , our only adult games at the weekend saw our U/20’s comprehensively beat Thomond in the North Munster League while our Women’s side  were defeated by Boyne in the AIL. The Michael Yelverton Tournament was the main focus of attention for our underage last weekend and once again it proved an enormous success. Eight teams from around Munster competed throughout the day and there certainly was some excellent rugby on view. The sun shone which helped and the ay was rounded off perfectly from a Shannon perspective when our lads qualified for the final against UL/Bohs. It was a cracker of a final with very little to choose between the sides and it took an injury time 3 pointer to separate two very good sides. The Yelverton family deserve a huge amount of credit for their tremendous efforts not only on the day, but for their input into organising the event. Many thanks also to all the referees that helped out.

Elsewhere at underage the U/14’s played Garryowen in a friendly and drew 25 a piece and against the same opposition the U/13’s turned in a highly impressive performance

It's not often you hear of a hat-trick of tries in rugby, but we have a player who did better than that - how about four in the one match. Take a bow Greg O'Shea. Greg, playing in the outside centre position caused Garryowen all kinds of problems in the North Munster League. His four try haul was added to by James Clancy, in his first league start this season, and outhalf Joey Purcell added three conversions to put the result beyond doubt. Well done to the full panel for an excellent display.

The only game on this weekend takes place in Bruff where our U/18’s hope to maintain their good form.

It’s a big weekend for our U/12’s as they take the now annual pilgrimage to our friends in Ealing. This tour has evolved into something of a mass exodus with a staggering 104 people in the travelling party. It’s a wonderful family weekend with Mothers ,fathers, brothers and sisters all heading to London to cheer on the 46 players who will make up three separate teams in an international blitz. The onerous task of organising the fundraising, travel arrangements and the various other aspects that went into this mammoth trip began last year with the coaches and parents working tirelessly. We wish everyone a bon voyage and the best of luck on the field.

The senior panel had a highly productive training weekend in the south of France. It was billed as warm weather training, but in fact the only disappointing aspect of the weekend was that the weather resembled a wet, mucky windy night  in Coonagh in January. However, despite the weather, 4 intensive training sessions were held over the two days which will no doubt be of enormous benefit to the lads as the AIL fast approaches. It wasn’t all work though and there was probably no better place to watch the world cup game between France and the All Blacks than in the Red Café in Biarritz. The atmosphere was electric before, during and most definitely after the game. The locals took us to their hearts as we celebrated their country’s victory in a fashion that won’t be forgotten in that cafe for quite some time. Next Saturday will be time to put all the training to good use when we take the long road to Belfast Harlequins for the AIB Cup. We don’t have too many pleasant memories of the Grafton Arena and the lads are very keen to set an early standard for themselves and build towards the start of the AIB league which is just around the corner.

Other fixtures this weekend sees the Thirds resume the Gleeson league with a tough game away to Garryowen on Saturday at 3pm and on Sunday the seconds play Young Munster in the league in Coonagh at 3pm. Also on Sunday the Women’s side are away to UL/Bohs in the AIL.

Finally I have been asked to highlight that there is a Buffet in memory of Gerry Ryan, former Head Coach of Limerick SC and Shannon RFC member in the Castletroy Park Hotel on October 13th at 20:30. Proceeds go to Cancer Research and the Oncology Unit at the Mid-Western regional Hospital. Tickets can be purchased from Alan Ward (086 2454887) price €40.

 

 Andrew Mc Namara

Shannon RFC PRO

087 2717163

amcnamara@eircom.net

 

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