Shannon Notes Weekending August
30th 2008
The month of September hasn't even reared its head and the club notes are up
and running, but given the now annual rainy season that is our summer, rugby is
a welcome distraction to the doom and gloom. As per usual the senior squad have
been back in training since June with the new management regime well embedded.
Geoff Moylan is obviously no stranger to the senior team, but his assistants
Gerry Casey and Colm Tucker Jnr. have moved up from their previous posts with
the U/20's. It's great to see the club nurture coaching talent and I've no
doubt the two lads under Geoff's tutelage will further enhance their coaching
abilities.
We've managed to hold most of our squad intact during the summer months with
the notable exception of Colm Mc Mahon who travels up the N7 to take on a
player coach role with Nenagh. It's a new direction for Colm and he goes with
the best wishes of everyone in the club.
There's much to look forward to in the coming season both on and off the field.
The excitement of
The Meteor Munster Sevens gets the season under way this Saturday in Dooradoyle
starting at 12 midday and with a family theme to the day the organisers are
encouraging parents to bring the kids where bouncy castles and face painters on
hand to keep them amused between the games.
It's then straight into full fifteen competitive action with the charity cup
next Wednesday evening when we head across town to play
It will hardly be an indication of the state of affairs this early in the
season, but at least it will be a chance to assess the level of fitness and
with the Munster Senior cup coming early this year valuable game time will be
racked up.
The seconds also have changes in management with James Hickey staying in situ,
but he is joined by former player Frankie Mc Namara in the coaching set up with
Danny Bedford assuming the role of manager. It's great to see Frankie back in
Coonagh after taking a year out last season and both his and James' experience
will be invaluable.
The thirds are also very well served with Coaches. Tony Flynn, James Doran and
Mike Goode make up the team while the U/20's will be looked after by George
Murray and Mark O'Brien while John Paul Tucker is manager. The general theme
running through all our coaching teams is youth with everyone involved having
come through the ranks which bodes well for the present and the future.
Underage training resumes this Sunday and Mike Ryan and his coaching crew are
looking forward to see the familiar faces and no doubt plenty of new players
also.
Training starts at 10.30 and anyone heading to Coonagh for the first time will
be more than welcome. As usual the first day back will be a little frenzied,
but Mike will have it all under control.
Unfortunately the executive Committee has lost one of its hardest working
members with Treasurer Neil O'Carroll stepping aside over the summer due to
work commitments. His unstinting efforts on behalf of the club for over 10
years have been exceptional and he will be sorely missed on the committee. His
position has been handed over to former assistant Treasurer Tim O'Donoghue who
has the unenviable task of following in such esteemed footsteps.
The summer months have sadly seen
There are still ticket packages for
Finally as we conclude the opening notes of the season, we wish all our players
and coaches at every level the very best and hope that everyone associated with
the club and indeed all the other local clubs have an enjoyable nine months
Andrew Mc Namara
Shannon RFC PRO
087 2717163
amcnamara@eircom.net
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