Shannon Notes April 19th 2008

They say that you can't beat experience, and without adding to the age old cliché, last Saturday in Dubarry Park was one of those days when experience and guile won the day. The AIB Cup, after three years is finally in our possession and it's a great feeling. You can never tire of winning national trophies and even with several players having a substantial haul of AIB league medals, Saturday's Cup victory was something special for all the players. For many it was their first experience of a National final and their contribution in a tough and tension filled game was enormous, but it was the knowledge patience and skill of some of our more seasoned players that gave us the impetus to beat a gallant Blackrock side. Few arguments would be drawn from our side of the fence if Blackrock had won, but in age old Shannon tradition, you never give up. Mossy Lawlor was nominated Man of the Match after his outstanding performance, but even he acknowledged after the game his colleagues were immense, none more so than Colm Mc Mahon and Kevin Griffin whose work rate was unbelievable. Gallimh, Ian, and Niall instilled the belief in the players before and during the game and the mantra of defence, defence, defence certainly paid rich dividends as our line held firm on several occasions in the face of a concerted onslaught form Rock. To say that the final minutes were tense would be an understatement as hearts leapt, skipped beats and generally done things they aren't supposed to. For all our magnificent, highly vocal and loyal supporters who travelled in great numbers a heartfelt thank you from all the players and management. Shannon is a team effort throughout the club and everyone who has contributed is as much a part of Saturdays win as the players themselves. Presentations made, the cry from the faithful was “where is Frankie” . On the pitch one minute, up in the stands doing what he does without equal in the blink of an eye, the sprightly Frankie O'Flynn gave us’ the Isle’ and how sweet it sounded. It also has to be mentioned the story of two young players who in their own way had an influence. Both U/20 players, Richie Mullane on the cusp of probably his most important game ever made a call prior to the game that belied his youth. Injured all last week he was given the opportunity to prove his fitness just prior to the game and it looked as if he would line out, but he took the decision himself to declare himself unfit and therefore out of the game. Up steps Mike Kinsella, playing his first major senior game for the club and proceeding to play as if he was a permanent fixture on the team.

No one will quibble that we didn't play particularly well and if we are to add to our Munster Senior Cup and now the AIB cup we will have to notch up a gear. Celebrations were cut short as the focus returns to the AIB league. Our final game sees Greystones travel to Coonagh and the maths are simple, a bonus point win will guarantee a home semi final, but make no mistake Greystones will not be underestimated. They are the only side that we have failed to beat in the AIL and although it may only be two game winning sequence, it's a statistic that we will want to rectify come Saturday. The senior squad are holding a Dog Night Fundraiser in the Markets Field next Thursday evening at 8pm and Tickets are available from any senior player and will be sold on Saturday.

On Saturday when we were all in Athlone , the Thirds advanced to the final of the O'Carroll Plate with a good 24-8 win over Cashel in Coonagh. The lads crossed for four tries in total. The first try came twenty minutes in after very good handling and continuity. The ball was worked wide after good interplay, and left wing Jonathan Bedford rounded off the move with an excellent touchdown in the corner. The second score came following a super break from deep by right wing Fergus Curtin, and when the ball was quickly recycled, superlative prop Ger Broderick collected outhalf Tony Hall's cross-pitch kick to score. Shannon scored their second and third tries after sustained pressure on the Cashel line. A well organised maul from a lineout resulted in hooker Cian Noonan getting the touchdown, and then captain and scrumhalf Sonny Ryan sniped from close-in. Hall completed the scoring for Shannon with two conversions. Best for Shannon were centre Stephen Garvey, full back Pat Dundon, and forwards Pat Quinn, Thomas Caulfield, Jim Henegar and Will Dalton who were prominent out of touch against a bigger and heavier Cashel pack. The final, against Young Munster will be on this Sunday in Bruff at 3pm.

Wednesday evening saw the U/18's progress in the cup after a hard fought game with St Mary’s in Healy's field. An early try set them on the way but they had to battle hard right up until Conor Cunane clinched the game with a great try.

The U/13's had a busy couple of days competing in two cups competitions and progressing comfortably in both. Thomond were beaten 33-7 in the North Munster league and in the inaugural Moore Stephens Patrick McNamara Cup they progressed thanks to a win over Garryowen.

This Sunday they are in Cup action in Coonagh at 11am.

Our Annual presidents night takes place on Friday the 26th of April takes place in the Hilton Hotel. Music on the night will be provided by Shantytown with a disco to follow. Tickets are €50 and Liam Costello can be contacted on 086 0630427.

Andrew McNamara – PRO, Shannon RFC