Shannon Notes Weekending January 24th 2009

Our much anticipated AIB League game with reigning champions Cork Constitution fell victim of the severe country wide weather last Saturday which was a big disappointment not only to the players, but also to those that travelled. In fairness to Referee Alan Rogan, he gave the pitch every opportunity to dry out, but the incessant deluge that preceded the appointed 2.30 kickoff put paid to any notion of the game taking place. The IRFU have designated February 6th as the date for the rescheduled fixture. Hopefully the ongoing inclement weather won't have a bearing on this Saturday's AIB league game where we travel to play Galwegians. Games against the Galway side have been close affairs in recent years and with such a minimum of points standing between the top 10 sides every result from here on out will have an enormous bearing on the final placings come April. Once again a supporters coach is leaving Thomond Park at 10.45 and for anyone travelling independently take note that the game as an earlier kickoff of 2pm. Ger Mc Closkey can be contacted on 0872745926 for bookings on the coach.

The junior cup replay with Garryowen took place in Dooradoyle last Sunday and despite another epic effort, it was the light blues that advanced. Again the conditions were less than conducive to flowing rugby, but again both sides served up a thrilling encounter. We were chasing the game after the opening quarter after Garryowen crossed our line, but Eamon Lane reduced the deficit when he converted a penalty opportunity. We pushed hard in the second half despite a strong resilience from the home side but unfortunately a late penalty effort drifted wide and with it our aspirations of winning the junior cup. By then it was a case of trying anything to get the crucial score, but as those efforts became more desperate, Garryowen pounce for the clinching score. It finished at 10-3 and there was little consolation in the fact that we played our part in two excellent games. We wish Garryowen the best for the remainder of the junior cup. They must now refocus on the second's league this Sunday which sees them travel to Woodleigh in Cork to play Highfield at 2.30.

The thirds progressed to the next round of the Mc Inerney cup after securing a hard fought 17-0 win over Young Munster in Derryknockane. The score may suggest a less than difficult win, but given the extreme wind was in our favour in the first half and we were forced to defend from 5 meters out for the entirety of the second half, it was a superb effort from everyone. The defence was simply magnificent in the second forty minutes and to hold Young Munster to nil in that half was an achievement in itself. Fergus Curtin was again in fine form, contributing 12 of our 17 point haul. An early penalty was quickly followed by a try and conversion to give us a lead reflective of our dominance of possession. TJ Relihan crossed the whitewash again before the break to give us the 17 point half time lead, and it was then that the defence kicked in to secure the win. The thirds have a break, from action this weekend.

The U/20's game against Cork Con was called off on Saturday and this Sunday they play UL Bohs in Coonagh at 2.30.

The ladies had a long haul to Kinsale for their cup replay but it was well worth it and their journey home was shortened on the return home after they recorded a brilliant 18-0 win. They put in a huge performance and deserve an immense amount of credit for their improvement. Sunday sees them play UL/Bohs in Annacotty at 2.30.

It's a bit away yet, but our AIB league game against Ballymena will see the club run an overnight trip for our supporters. Ger Mc Closkey is putting together the details, but all is dependent on numbers wishing to travel. Anyone interested should contact Ger as soon as possible.

Underage was decimated last weekend so hopefully Sunday will see some games played. The U/16's are away to St Mary’s at 11.30 while the U/18's host Garryowen at 12 pm. The U/14's play Garryowen in Dooradoyle at 11.30 and the U/13's travel to Shannon to play St Senans. IN Coonagh the U/11's are scheduled to host a blitz, but as with all fixtures check with the coaches to see if they are going ahead.

Finally, congratulations must go to all involved with team Munster for their 11th successive quarter final qualification in the Heineken Cup. Last Friday evening was another Thomond park night of magic and hopefully they can replicate their epic performance on Saturday and claim a home quarter final