Shannon Notes Weekending December 12th 2009

Thierry Henry and his nimble handy work will always be etched in the minds of Irish soccer supporters. His exploits ensured Ireland was denied an opportunity to qualify for the soccer world cup and thus engender a sense of outrage amongst the sporting nation. The AIB league may not have the same mass appeal as our counterparts with the round ball, but nonetheless the passion and enthusiasm is no less amongst our own club supporters.

Never have I seen so many mild mannered club people so vexed with anger and bitterness than I did at the end of our slender 9-8 defeat to Cork Constitution last Saturday. Nobody condones any form of abusive behaviour towards officials but passion in your club often invokes emotion that would not be your average feelings. To award a free kick in the 3rd minute of injury time for a crocked feed into a scrum when our scrum was rock solid throughout the game baffled many. Our defence looked solid in the helter skelter that followed, but again another sharp shrill of the whistle signalled another apparent infringement, but this time in front of the posts and a full penalty. The simple kick was followed immediately by the full time whistle and the sense of bewilderment, not only at those match defining decisions, but with a number of others throughout the game began. There's no doubting that we deserved the spoils from the game. Cork Con played as we expect, hard, tough and fair, but on the day we held the advantage, if not on the scoreboard. The strong breeze didn't have the impact that it posed in our ill fated AIB cup game and only for a suspect penalty we would have turned at the break ahead, with the advantage of the wind to come. Stephen Kelly rounded off an excellent move with a try in the corner after Con went ahead, but another almost certain try went a beg through sloppy handling. Had that try been scored, perhaps the controversy may never have materialised.

Twice now we have been denied a victory with the last kick of the game deep in injury time, but at least Garryowen, in the opening game of the season, worked their socks off for their excellent drop goal. As usual a team review of the game took place, and as usual the players detached themselves from the emotive issues and focused on the positives and areas where improvement can be achieved. Move on was the message during the week, and a refocus on the next game against Clontarf this Saturday. Apart from the superb team performance, Saturday's game marked U/21 Paddy Butler's first senior start and his selection was thoroughly justified. Along with Gracie and Quinny in the backrow, he marshalled the base of the scrum superbly and his talents were abundantly clear to see for those in attendance.

A supporters coach is leaving for Dublin from Thomond Park at 9.15am and anyone interested in travelling should contact Ger Mc Closkey.

Despite the disappointment with the seniors result there was plenty to be positive about on Saturday.

The thirds played on the Well pitch against Old Crescent in the Gleeson league and again claimed maximum points with a 10 - 0 scoreline. It was a result that we were made to work for and much of our difficulties were of our own making, especially when we had the favourable elements in the first half. An uncharacteristic sluggish 40 minutes failed to yield a score, but player coach Tony Flynn espoused his words of wisdom at the break which reignited the familiar passion of the thirds. Old Crescent found it difficult to get a grip on the injection of pace and 2 tries from Jon Lynch and Paddy Reidy ensured another win. The lads are top of the table and are in prime position to see their way through to the playoffs; however they do have a few difficult ties remaining. They have a break from competitive action this but Saturday they play Thomond in a challenge game in Woodview at 12pm. It will be an ideal opportunity for more of the panel to get valuable game time and try force their way into the starting XV.

Away from Coonagh, the U/21's travelled to play Galwegians in a wet and windswept Crowley park which proved very challenging for both sides. The Galway outfit have always proved difficult opposition, especially when playing at home but this time round our lads proved more than a match and ran out comfortable winners in the end. However, despite the 50-0 scoreline it wasn't all one way traffic and it took until the 30 minute before we registered a score. Early penalty misses from the home side were matched with a few of our own but slowly our lads took control of the. The day wasn't best suited to slick hands and it was the forwards that battered and bruised their way to the opening score. Jer Moore crossed first and then Captain Johnny Deegan added another with Ben Sargeant adding the extras. Whilst taking the advantage into the second half, the usual work rate from the lads was lacking, however the second half brought an added impetus and the some of the play belied the conditions. A further 6 tries were scored with Luke O'Dea crossing three times, Darragh Turner twice and Craig O'Hanlon once with Ben Sargeant chipping in 10 additional points with the boot. Sterner tests lay ahead but Saturday was very satisfying for many reasons. The rescheduled game against Cork Con takes place in Coonagh on the 19th which will see first v second in section B.

The seconds were disappointed to have their game in Bruff cancelled due to pitch conditions but return to action on Sunday when they play Thomond in Coonagh at 2.30.

The ladies host Galbally in the AIL, also in Coonagh on Sunday at 1pm.

The underage sides also had plenty to cheer about with both the 13's and 14's recording comfortable victories and hopefully they can maintain their level of performance when they play Garryowen and Ennis respectively. The 13's are in Coonagh and the 14's travel up to Ennis. The U/15's take on Young Munster in Greenfields. All games are at 11.30.

Tickets for the St Stephens day Magners league game Munster V Connacht are available from Tadgh Crowe while the launch of our new fundraising venture takes place this weekend. A club calendar for 2010 has been produced and through photographs charts all facets of our club. All our underage teams are featured as well as the ladies, seniors, our Internationals and a number of familiar club personalities. It would make a nice Christmas present for all our members and supporters, as well as the parents and relations of our underage players. Generous sponsorship from our main Club Sponsors, O2 has helped us cost this top quality publication at only ?10. The calendars will be available through the club shop, underage committee, in the clubhouse and various locations. Please support this venture and encourage others to do so also.