Shannon Notes Week ending September 6th 2008

The season is barely a week old and the seniors have been pretty active already with a friendly last Thursday and the Meteor Munster 7's on Saturday, but unfortunately they'll have to wait until next week for their season's debut in competitive action. The scheduled 1st round of the Limerick Charity cup on Wednesday evening against Old Crescent didn't go ahead. The deluge of rain in the prior 24 hours meant that Rosbrien was apparently unplayable. The Munster Branch asked if we could accommodate the game in Coonagh and with the pitches in great shape we had the choice of three pitches. Unfortunately Old Crescent were not amenable to transferring the game and even an offer to play the game on Thursday evening was not accepted and the branch had little alternative but to award the game to us. This was certainly not what the lads wanted. Tony Buckley was available for selection and he was anxious to get some game time and the chance for some of our newcomers to get competitive action will have to wait. The next round sees us play Young Munster late next week on a day to be confirmed. It was against Young Munster that we opened up our season last Thursday evening in a very productive friendly which was very beneficial to both sides. On Saturday the Meteor 7's was another good outing and despite impressing in the pool stages the semi final against host club and eventual winners Garryowen proved a step too far. Training is going well with most of the squad returning from holidays and various other adventures during the summer.

For two of our senior front row players this season is going to bring big changes, and not on the field. Both Kevin Griffin and Les Hogan became proud fathers of baby boys which augurs well for the next generation of players. Congratulations to them and their partners.

Congratulations also to Fiach O'Loughlin who was appointed Club Captain by the senior squad last weekend. The role is a great honour for Fiach and one which he will no doubt carryout with pride and dignity. We wish him well as he follows in the footsteps of a great captain in Dave Quinlan.

Fixtures for the week see the seconds begin the defence of the Transfield cup when they play Richmond in the Canal bank on Sunday at 1.30pm.

The thirds are also up and running with training well attended and this Saturday they play host to Westport in a friendly at 2.30 in Coonagh.

With most underage teams back in training on Sunday mornings, the U/8's are waiting a little longer to resume. Sunday the 14th of September is their start date and any new players of any age wishing to join the club can contact our underage Chairman Mike Ryan at legalcosting@eircom.net for further details.

John Cole of the Munster association of referees has informed us that the new Referees Recruitment course will take place in the Mallow GAA club on Sunday 14th September at 10am, any person over the age of 18 is welcome to attend ,anyone interested can contact John on 086 8441780. As we're on the subject of referees, I would like to encourage everyone associated with the club to show respect and courtesy to referees at all levels throughout the season. These people put a great deal into the game and without their efforts we would collectively be at a major loss. We may not always agree with their decisions but remember most referees give their time freely so that our kids can enjoy the game.

Finally, another piece of housekeeping. As the season begins we would ask everyone using our facilities in Coonagh to adhere to the NO DOGS without a lead rule for the health and safety of everyone and please remember to slow down driving through the village.

Andrew Mc Namara
Shannon RFC PRO
amcnamara@eircom.net
087 2717163