Shannon Notes weekending December 6th 2008

The three week break from competitive action hasn't, it seems, hampered our momentum. After our excellent performances against Terenure in the league and Blackrock in the cup there was a possibility that the break could result in loss of form , but any indication of that theory could be dismissed after Saturday's bonus point win over UCD in the league , and with the 36-9 victory came an added bonus, second placed in the league. Our league position was something that we hadn't really thought of before the game as concentration was focused on maintaining the standard we set ourselves previously, but nonetheless it's nice to see Shannon up close to the top, albeit with a chasing bunch not far behind. This week's game against leaders Clontarf is huge. Six points ahead, the Dublin side are unbeaten and playing extremely good rugby and are full value for their lead and although a win would not see us take top spot, it would mean that we would position ourselves very well, but that's another day's work. Saturday's game was preceded with a minutes silence for the late, great Frankie O'Flynn and as was mentioned by many after the game, there was no better way to pay tribute to Frankie than to win in style. The bonus point was secured before half time despite a dogged display from UCD which probably accounted for the easing up slightly in the second half. Kevin Griffin crossed for his first AIB league try after 12 minutes and then man of the match Eoghan Grace crossed twice before Andrew Thompson rounded off the first half with the bonus point. UCD did enjoy plenty of possession in the second half, but couldn't extend themselves beyond our well marshalled gain line to any great effect. Our defence held up well throughout the game which accounted for only three successful penalties for UCD. Another 16 points for Tadghg Bennett, including a second half try, 4 conversions and a penalty sees his points tally well above average for the five league games. A personal milestone for one of our up and coming players, Paul Loughnane was achieved when he tasted AIB league action for the first time. This season alone, 4 players have been introduced to the AIL thus far which demonstrates the ethos of bring younger players through the ranks which will hopefully pay rich dividends not only this season, but in the future.

All in all it was a very satisfying and when Martin Clancy (video can be seen on our website) led the Isle in the dressing room it rounded of a day when we played well and remembered our great Friend, Frankie. Saturday will no doubt be the biggest test of the season so far when Clontarf come to Thomond Park for a 2.30 kickoff.

Garryowen were the thorn in the sides of both the seconds and the U/20's as both lost to the light blues in two well contested games.

The U/20's looked as if they could pull off the win with a highly committed display against a very big Garryowen side and were leading for a long time before eventually conceding the losing score in the second half. Although disappointed with the result the lads should take solace in their efforts and the young side are capable of taking the extra step required to close out games. This Saturday they travel to play Galway Corinthians at 2.30.

On Sunday it was the turn of the seconds to suffer at the hands of the light blues. It was a high tempo game with both sides showing considerable ability and endeavour. Garryowen took the lead early in the first half and maintained their advantage throughout despite our lads battling hard. Two first half tries gave Garryowen the 10 point half time lead , but a try from Mark Tuohy early in the second half gave us a boast and it looked as if we would at least draw level but we failed to convert possession into scores. As the half progressed Garryowen imposed themselves further and added 7 more points to leave the final score 17-5.

This Sunday the seconds are again in Coonagh when they play UCC at 1pm.

The thirds resume Gleeson league action when they play Old Crescent in Rosbrien on Saturday at 12 in Coonagh.

At underage both our U/13 sides, the blacks and the blues face each other in a league game which should be an interesting prospect while the U16's are in league action against at 12pm.

Tadhg Crowe informs us that tickets for Munster's game with Claremont and the Magners league game against Ulster over the Christmas period are available to our members and anyone wishing to secure their tickets should contact him immediately.

Any member who has yet to receive their membership book is asked to contact Ger McCloskey at uniquehardwoods@eircom.net .

Finally, last week I omitted the great news of Donnacha Ryan's first international cap when he came on as a sub against Argentina in the final Autumn International. Donnacha becomes Shannon's 17th player to be capped, and although his appearance was relatively short, I've no doubt we will see more of Donnacha in Green in the not too distant future.

Andrew McNamara

PRO