After the high of beating UCC last time out in the southwestern conference of the All Ireland league, the
U/20's plummeted to what was probably their lowest point of the season last Saturday
in Annacotty. A bonus point win would have secured
top spot in the league, but what transpired was a substantial defeat that truly
belies their ability. Instead of looking for a four try bonus point, they
couldn't manage a losing bonus point against a UL/Bohs
side that were in exceptional form on the day and were full value for their
win. It's hard to equate what happened last Saturday and the excellence of the
victory over UCC, but the lads should continue believe in their ability going
forward and take the defeat as a valuable lesson learned .
It could have been so different though; after six minute Stanley Hayes grounded
the ball after a close in lineout and maul. It was a perfect start and not long
after we had an opportunity to stretch the lead, but the crucial pass went
astray. UL/Bohs gained in confidence as the game
progressed and turned in an exceptional performance. Despite trailing by a
large margin the lads never gave up. After the break Eoghan
Grace crossed for a try, but it wasn't sufficient to bridge the gap and the
home side looked more than comfortable. The result means that we'll have to
wait for results elsewhere to see where we finish in the table. Guaranteed of a
top three finish, the position in the table determines who we will take on in
the playoffs
Without a competitive fixture last weekend the seniors
went to Derryknockane to play Young Munster in
training game. Broken up into 2 twenty minutes and a thirty minute period, it
was a game or benefit to both sides. The result was of no great significance,
but for the record we won by five tries to three. It was great to see Ian
Dowling back in the club colours and with his rehabilitation from his injury
almost complete I'm sure his return will be warmly greeted by the
The second's traveled to play Thurles
in a friendly, and put in a very comprehensive performance, totally outclassing
the home side. They scored an impressive six tries with a great display from
everyone .Great to see Joey Moran back in action after almost three months on
the treatment table. He put in a flawless kicking performance, converting all
six tries. This was excellent preparation for this Sunday's
The thirds had a good 6-5 win on Saturday against a strong Garryowen
squad in Dooradoyle. Played in perfect conditions, the
tempo of the game was very fast, from end to end as both teams sought the vital
scores. The pack laid the platform for the win, and excelled in defense and in the loose. The back row of Mike Goode, Jim Henegar and Geoff Collins were to the fore, and Fionn O'Dalaigh and Mike Daly
turned in good performances in the lineout. Ger Ryan played a captain's part
from the base of the scrum, and was ably supported by Billy Supple, Jonathan
Bedford and Pat Dundon out wide. Garryowen's
scrum half broke from close-in for their try early in the second half, with
Our Under 13s maintained their 100% record in the North Munster League last
Sunday beating Thomond 27-7 in Fitzgerald Park .The early concession of a try
to our opponents focused the team who responded by scoring a number of tries.
Amongst the scorers were Evan Fitzgerald, Greg O'Shea, Conor
Glynn and man of the match Michael Foley.
The U/12's hosted a blitz and home advantage seemed to suit then as they played
exceptionally well to win out on the day.
Coonagh will be busy this Sunday morning with three underage games taking
place. The U/13's play Scariff and the U/16's take on
Garryowen, both at
A reminder to that on Saturday 1st of March we are organizing 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 marvelous
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 all for only ?30.
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