Shannon Notes weekending January 10th 2009

On Saturday the senior side entertained Garryowen in a friendly prior to the recommencement of competitive action this weekend. Despite the term friendly, this was a full blooded affair with both sides benefiting enormously. The Christmas cobwebs were well and truly shaken off in a game that yielded a total of 64 points inclusive of 10 tries. The only score that separated the sides was a conversion and it was our visitors that took the proverbial spoils by 33-31. The result mattered little in truth and what was garnered by either side was invaluable as both are in AIB Cup action this weekend. Indeed it's a weekend of huge importance for all our adult sides with all in cup action. For the first time ever the seniors will host Division Two pace setters Ballynahinch in Coonagh, however we do have some experience of the Co. Down club. Our seconds played them in the north in 2002 in the semi final of the All Ireland seconds, a game, by the wa,y we won. Ballynahinch will pose a serious threat to our title aspirations and reading reports of their progress though the second division they appear to possess talent throughout their team. Nothing will be taken for granted and the preparation for this game is even more intense than normal. Our last competitive game prior to Christmas saw the lads play some great rugby in Coonagh to claim the scalp of St Mary's so hopefully they can replicate their actions and gain passage to the next round of the cup. Kick Off is at the slightly earlier time of 2pm to account for extra time if necessary.

On Sunday the seconds have their biggest outing of the season when they face Garryowen in the junior cup. The seconds have had a somewhat mixed season thus far, but any difficulties they have had emanated from the fact that the senior side have nursed many injuries during the season and consequently the seconds have suffered. Sunday will see the lads hopefully play to their potential. Once again kickoff is at 2pm.

The thirds bounced back from a pre Christmas defeat in the Gleeson league to Thomond last Saturday when they made a fantastic comeback against Old Crescent. After 25 minutes the excess of the festive period seemed evident as they trailed by 13 points to nil and it looked fairly ominous. It was however a little early to be casting such negative aspersions and the lads lifted themselves to make a remarkable turnaround lead nobly by player coach Tony Flynn. Fergal Curtin scored a penalty in the 33rd minute and then just before the break Tony crossed for the first of his brace of tries to leave the half time score at 13-10. Cian Desmond had a very good game playing his first game at outhalf while Mark Adams and Peter King were adding their considerable efforts to the cause. It was nip and tuck all the way but when Tony's second try took the lead , it proved enough to claim the win and into a playoff to decide the final placings in the league table. Attention this Saturday averts to the McInerny cup first round when Richmond come to Coonagh for a 12.30 start.

The Ladies play Kinsale on Sunday at home with a 12.30 start.

Next Saturday the 17^th, the Seniors play Cork Con in the AIB league and we are hoping to run a Supporters coach. Anyone wishing to travel please contact Ger Mc Closkey at 0872745926.