Revenge is probably a bit too strong a word, for what happened in Coonagh last
Saturday. Redemption a bit too dramatic but satisfaction is probably the most
apt description. Difficult experiences make you stronger and what happened 12
months ago was something that dwelt in the mindset of the lads throughout the
season. Back then we failed to do justice to the ability that was within the
squad, and to get another crack at Garryowen was always going to be a
motivating factor. It was a semi final pairing that at the start of the league
campaign that looked unlikely, but it's a testament to the attitude of both
these great club's that the set aside the dodgy beginnings and forged our
places in the playoffs.
Look, we could have faced anyone on the semi final, but the fact that it was
Garryowen probably brought certain symmetry to the last 12 months. While we
will thankfully continue to meet the light blues next season, Saturday's
victory was one which put to bed a few uncertainties that existed, even within
the squad. The game may not have been a spectacle of flowing rugby, the
conditions put paid to that, but as usual this was a full blooded affair. Focus
was paramount and the pre match mantra of no penalties unfortunately didn't
come to pass in the opening stages as the ever reliable Conor
Kilroy slotted over the early chances for Garryowen.
However, fortunately for us Stephen Kelly punctuated Kilroy's
penalties with a brilliantly executed try in the 4th minute. It was to prove
invaluable as the game progressed.
Twice, in the space of a few minutes we can deemed ourselves fortunate that we
weren't gathered under the posts facing conversion attempts. Fionn Mc Loughlin's try saving
tackle was as perfect as it was dramatic. Had one of these chances accrued, it
may well have been that bit more difficult pegging back the deficit.
Despite trailing at the break, there was no sense of panic, or even urgency for
that matter. We had played reasonably well facing the elements and while not
overly confident there was a comfortable feeling amongst the team. Our pack
were dominant in set piece and the loose which is not something we can't boast
of too often when we play Garryowen. Mike Essex was superb throwing form the
touchline Fergal Walsh and Donnacha Ryan equally
superb in the air. The scores were slow enough coming in the second half, but
they did eventually come through Tadgh Bennett. Had
the referee not been unsighted for efforts by Stephen Kelly and Eoghan Grace, where photographic evidence proved successful
five pointers, than the score line may well have been glossed up a little.
However, those "should have scores" weren't needed and a sweet and
deserved victory was achieved.
Its' certainly a bitter pill to swallow, losing at the penultimate stage of any
competition and as usual, Garryowen players and mentors were magnanimous in
defeat. They've had two successive finals with a definite degree of success and
without a doubt they will rise again from this disappointment, just as we have
done.
News that Clontarf overcame Cork Con in the other semi final didn't really
surprise us. The
It's perhaps fitting that we both played in the last AIB league final in
Lansdowne road prior to redevelopment and we now play the first final in the
new
At underage the U/16's had to graft hard to overcome a difficult Thomond side
in the semi final of the cup. It perhaps should not have been so close as our
lads looked the better side throughout. It was a bit of a nail bitter towards
the end as Thomond were camped on our line, but a decisive and well organized
defence held them out. On a dreadful morning that certainly didn't suit slick
hands, our lads defied those heavy conditions and flicked the ball around with
great efficiency. A win sees them rewarded with a final appearance next Tuesday
evening in Coonagh at
The AGM takes place in the clubhouse on Tuesday 19th may at