Shannon Notes weekending May 9th 2009.

When we faced the N7 southbound on the 4th of October few of us on that team bus could, with any degree of confidence have predicated the subsequent 7 months. That's not to say anyone doubted the ability of our senior side, it's just that at that moment it looked bleak after Blackrock had just put 41 points on us. Quite often its asked "where did it all go wrong?" when things go pear shaped, but lets reverse it, and ask "Where did it all go right". Hard work, dedication, commitment and ultimately a desire to ensure justice in their own ability was the driving force that set our lads on the way to Saturdays final. Sure, there were some blips along the way, but the traditional Shannon character shone through and we now stand on the brink of an unprecedented ninth league title. Our sixth final is something of a homecoming, with Thomond Park the venue. Although we have only played in the New Thomond Park just twice, the fact that the lads can sleep in their own beds, relax on Saturday morning and then meet in the familiar surroundings of our own Clubhouse is of great benefit. I suppose this is what it felt like for Clontarf when we played them three years ago in Dublin. It is though, only a minor advantage. Clontarf are an excellent side, a remark justified by their mere presence in the final. A wonderful community based Club; they are as progressive and forward thinking as we are. A big travelling support will be guaranteed for the Dubliners which makes it all the more important that our own members, underage, and supporters come out in force on Saturday. Limericks reputation as the home of rugby will hopefully be vindicated this Saturday. Regardless of whether they shout for Shannon or not, it would be great to see the self styled die hard rugby supporters come out and show that rugby mania in the city extends beyond the fantastic Red Brigade.

Memories of our emphatic victory in the 2006 final meeting with Clontarf will not have played any bearing on the team’s build up to this game. It's all about the present and the unified goal of winning a ninth AIB title. That said, Clontarf will have their own motivations and it's down to at least 80 minutes of rugby. Best of luck to all the lads.

The clubhouse will be open at 2.30pm on Saturday and entrance to the stadium will be via the East stand. Tickets can be purchased on the day. Anyone wishing to send a fax or e mail of support to the lads can do so by emailing amcnamara@eircom.net or faxing 061 451528.

We had a great boost heading into the final when on Tuesday evening our magnificent U/16's clinched the cup title to add to their league victory earlier. The toss of a coin fell in our favour and Young Munster travelled to Coonagh. It turned out to be a cracking match between two very skilful sides and despite two early Shannon tries against the strong breeze, Young Munster came storming back and ensured our lads couldn't rest on their laurels. It was nip and tuck throughout the second half and it took a late try to ensure we won by 31-21. It has been a fantastic season for the U/16's and their just rewards came with two trophies. Immense credit must go to coaches Kieran Ryan, Gene Leonard and Brendan Mc Namara for the brand of rugby they have instilled in their charges. Their side is a credit to the club and as long as we can reassemble them in a year or two after the inevitable schools rugby drain, the future of the club looks good.

Elsewhere at underage the U/13's came close to picking up their third trophy of the season at the Pat Lawlor tournament in UL on Sunday. The lads fought their way to the final by outplaying some strong opposition with the likes of Clanwilliam, Bohemians and had a show case game against Garryowen to seal the group stages. Unfortunately they were piped at the last stage by one of the host teams, UL Bohs, but all in all not a bad way to finish a super season.

Last week's notes were a little short and I inadvertently omitted another super success for our underage when the U/12's retained the Brian Fitzgerald memorial blitz. It's a fantastic achievement once again and the effort of all the players, parents and coaches must be applauded. Indeed it's to the credit of all our underage coaches that, invariably Shannon competes in many finals throughout the season. The annual season conclusion, The Alan Oakley Day takes place in Coonagh on Sunday and a great deal of organisation has gone into the operation. The minis take place between 10.30 and 12 and then it's the turn of the older sides.

Off the field our Golf Classic takes place next Friday 15th in Shannon Golf Club and while the number of teams is well over 30, there are still slots available at €300 per team.  Ger Mullane can be contacted at 087 2541915 or e-mailed on gmullane@shannoncoiledsprings.ie.

Congratulations to local referee Peter Fitzgibbon from Thomond RFC on his elevation to the international panel which is a great achievement and surely an incentive to all potential referees. The club needs more referees next season to maintain our quota, so if anyone one is interested in picking up the whistle they can contact John Cole at Jcole@limerickcity.ie.

A reminder that the AGM takes place on Tuesday 19th in the Clubhouse at 8pm.

I'll finish with another plea to everyone associated with the club to be loud and proud in Thomond Park this Saturday. Everyone plays their part in every success enjoyed by Shannon.