Shannon Notes Week ending March 21st 2009

St Patricks Day in Cork promised so much for our senior side. The Sun was unusually shining, we had a few of our Munster players in tow and the confidence was high. However 25 seconds after the start of the start of the game, that confidence seemed a little misplaced as we headed under the posts after Alan Lewis awarded Cork Con a penalty try. That it was a penalty try, there was little doubt and the subsequent 12 minutes further demonstrated our rather pedantic start to the game. Silly mistakes and costly indiscipline gave Con another 6 points before we even sniffed the ball. If Con had taken some more of their opportunities a meltdown may well have been on the cards, but, and it’s a big but, this team would never capitulate in such a manner, it’s just not in their makeup. The considerable wind was to play a big role in the proceedings with the home side taking advantage in the first half. Whilst not a gale, it was of enough strength to ensure any progression and territorial gains we would make were very hard earned. Slowly though, composure was regained and Tadhg landed a penalty. Towards the end of the half we pushed for a try, but again knock-ons cost us dearly and despite Con being reduced earlier to 14 men we couldn’t capitalise.

The biggest plus of the day was without doubt the second half performance of the lads. They battled and battered their way back into contention and as we pummelled the line in the final 15 minutes we just couldn’t satisfy Mr Lewis as to the grounding of the ball. The shuffling of our back line after Fiach O’Loughlin was injured did hamper us a little, however Dunny performed admirably when called up to the base of the scrum, while Niall Ronan’s move to the backs wasn’t altogether disadvantageous.

The fact that Con didn’t score in the second half is a testament to the effort of the lads put in and unfortunately the only reward garnered was a losing bonus point which when the final tally is totted up it could well prove invaluable.

Three games to go, lying in third place is not so bad but as the season draws to a conclusion each of these three games will have a major bearing on our title aspirations. Next up in the AIL is Old Belvedere in Coonagh next Saturday 28th and this Saturday they play Bruff in a friendly in Coonagh at 12.30. Immediately prior to the Old Belvedere we hope to reinstate the supporters lunches in the club house, numbers permitting. A four course meal and a glass of wine costs a mere €15 and anyone interested should contact Ger Mc Closkey immediately on 087 2745926.

The thirds had a superb win over St Mary’s in the Webb cup last Saturday in Coonagh by 19 points to seven but despite the healthy scoreline, it wasn’t all one way traffic. The lads were made to work hard for their win against a tenacious St Mary’s side who never gave up the ghost. Ciaran O’Connor crossed for a fine try late in the first half to give us the lead and a much more dominant second half display closed out the game. Two more tries, both superb efforts wrapped up the result. Fintan Meehan intercepted a loose pass and sprinted over the line and then prop TJ Renihan scored a brilliant individual try. He received the ball close to the half way line and sold two outrageous dummies to clear his way to the line. Denis Guiltinane converted before St Mary’s added a consolation try towards the end of the game. This Saturday they are in Mc Inerney Cup action when Bruff come to Coonagh for a 2.30 start.

The Seconds are scheduled to host to Highfield on Sunday at 2.30 while also on Sunday the ladies play Young Munster in the Plate semi final of the All Ireland league in Greenfields at 12pm. The U/20 Nth Munster final scheduled for last Wednesday evening was postponed and will be refixed in the coming weeks.

In their last match of the league section the U/14’s suffered their first defeat of the season when Old Crescent beat them narrowly by 5 points to 3. Our victors were very well organised and the lads had great difficulty in breaking them down. Ronan McKenna scored our only points with a penalty right on the stroke of half time and despite a huge effort the just couldn’t get a winner. They still qualify for the semi finals though and will face Young Munster in the coming weeks.

A reminder to all that the Presidents night takes place on April 3rd and tickets are available from Martin Clancy, Gerry Ryan (086 0618333) and Tommy Rowan (087 7979574)

Andrew McNamara

Club PRO