About three weeks earlier than normal the AIB league is finally upon us.
Memories of last season's success are still fresh in the minds, but as it has
been after any of our previous victories, the slate is wiped clean and the
hunger for success remains as intense as ever. There has been a discernable
difference in the pace of our training sessions in the last few weeks with
fellas hitting the bags that bit harder, sprinting that bit faster and focusing
on the challenge of retaining our title as if they were aiming for first time
glory. However if we are to retain the title this year the focus and energy
will have to be maintained throughout the course of the campaign. The new
structure will ensure that every game will be high in intensity and quality.
Last Saturday we had an ideal preparation match against Galwegians in LIT.
Robust and tricky as every, the visitors put the lads through their paces and
made them work extremely hard for the eventual victory. The game attracted far
more media attention than normal because of the presence of Jerry Flannery
in the starting XV. Although his appearances these days in the black and blue
are infrequent, it was great to see him line out and indeed train the previous
Thursday with the senior squad. It's a great boost to many of the squad to play
and train with a Lion and Jerry, as usual was on hand with sound words of
wisdom. His road to recovery has been remarkable and hopefully he'll be back in
red and green jerseys soon. The fact that we could help out Jerry was great,
but the real attention for us was preparation. It took a while to get going and
allowing Galwegians a three try start wasn't ideal, but with typical tenacity
the lads fought back extremely well and eventually won by 33-28.
What a way to open the new league campaign; local derby, Garryowen,
floodlights. Even writing about the prospect gives a surge of energy. Hopefully
the new format will entice rugby followers to support the clubs and Friday
night should set a marker for the season. Anytime Shannon and Garryowen meet
there's just that little bit extra given by the players. It's a sign of mutual
respect, but also of the deep desire to get one over each other. The fact that
we have played each other 23 times in the 19 years the league has been in
operation speaks volumes for the standards of both clubs. I know my counter
part in Garryowen, Christy Barry has made a huge effort in getting the game
media attention, so hopefully the supporters of both clubs will respond
positivity. Kick off in Dooradoyle on Friday night is 7.30.
Apart from our Senior side, last weekend wasn't
our most illustrious with results not going according to plan.
The Seconds travelled to Nenagh in their opening game of the season but
could only manage a 3-3 draw. It was hardly riveting stuff but given this was
the first time he seconds had actually played together this season, it was far
from a negative result. Untried combinations and partnerships were tested and
tried and there are plenty of positives that can be taken from the day. The
biggest positive really is that the seconds are indeed up and running. The last
six or seven has always seen a slow start to our seconds campaigns and it is
usually one of the most difficult sides to organise given they are so closely
intertwined with the seniors.
The Seconds league has taken a new and improved direction this season
with the
This Saturday they travel to Dooradoyle to play Garryowen for a 2.30 kickoff.
The thirds didn't fare much better and went down do Scarriff in friendly and
the U/21's let a 7-6 half time lead slip against UL/Bohs to be beaten
28-7 at the full time whistle. With the U/21 interprovincial
championship over, our U/21's can now welcome back an additional 9
players to the squad who will most certainly make a difference.
The Thirds play another friendly against Ul/Bohs in Annacotty at 12.30
on Saturday and the Ladies are in AIL senior action on Sunday when they
entertain Youghal in LIT.
Fixtures for our underage sees the U/19's and U13's play Ennis in
LIT and the U/17s play Garryowen.
It is with regret that the Executive committee has made the decision to ban all
dogs from Coonagh. This unfortunate decision has come on the back of several
underage coaches pointing out that dog fouling on the pitches has reached
unsafe levels. Despite the fact that several hundred people use our facilities
on a weekly basis, some dog owners don't feel it necessary to clean up after
their pets and we cannot allow this unhygienic practice to continue. Signs will
be erected in Coonagh in the coming weeks, but we hope that this directive will
be observed immediately in the interest of the safety of all our players.
On a more positive note, our club Lotto has now reached the grand sum of
€10,800 so if you're not in you can't win. Tickets are available through
the usual outlets. Finally just an earlier reminder to any members looking for
autumn international tickets should make their application as soon as possible
to Tadhg.