The AIB cup will have to wait another year at least after our defeat to long
standing rivals Cork Con. It didn't make for pleasant viewing from our point of
view and our fluctuating season continued. Were Cork Con 19 points better than
us, I don't think so, but there's no denying that they deserved their 33-14
victory without any qualification. What caused such a defeat? Well the most
obvious reason was that we allowed the home side, yet again, an early lead and
from there they built up their 28 point margin. Obviously the strong wind was
going to have a major factor on the game, but it was our inability to contain
Cons when they enjoyed the majority of first half possession. It would be easy
to say yet again that lady luck deserted us, but in truth we were instigators
of our own downfall on Saturday.
Would the first half have panned out any better had we capitalised on our three
incursions deep into Cons '22 or would the complexion of the game altered when
Stephen Kelly was hauled back early in the second when thundering towards the
line for a forward pass? Maybe. However, ifs ands and
buts don't win games and there is some soul searching going on. Saturday sees
us back on the League campaign and another tough game away to Blackrock. We all know what happened in Stradbrook
last season and with the Dubliners going very well in the league this is a
daunting prospect, but I have no doubt that our players will take the challenge
head on. The return from
It was better news from the seconds and thirds who both and great win sin their
respective leagues.
The Well field was reopened for the 3rds Gleeson League fixture with Bruff on a
stormy afternoon last Saturday. Great credit must go to all those involved in
getting the fields to the condition where they are now playable again. While
fixtures were cancelled all over town The Well field hadn't a drop of surface
water and the underfoot was firm and despite the conditions both sides
contributed to an excellent game. Playing into the gale in the first half we
managed to withstand the early pressure and on one of our first forays into the
Bruff half a good backline move was finished under the sticks by John Lynch , Our defense was to the
fore in the first half as Bruff used the breeze as best they could but we
always looked dangerous on the counter and just some bad luck prevented Paddy Reidy from finishing off a Johnny Bedford break . We added
a penalty and the conversion to leave us 10 up at the break .
On the turnover we dominated the rest of the game without making it pay on the
scoreboard Paddy Reidy adding another penalty mid way
thru the half to leave us 13 - 0 at the finish . Again
we suffered another potentially long term injury to our captain Pat Dundon . Cashel are up next on Saturday away at 2.30.
On Sunday the Seconds recorded a well merited win over Old Crescent by 33
points to 19 and entertain Nenagh in Coonagh on
Sunday at 1pm.
The U/21's have a big game on Saturday against UL/Bohs
in Annacotty at 2.30 and if you aren't heading to Dublin , you'd do no worse than head out and see the lads
play.
The news that Sean Cronin is in line for his first international cap on Sunday
was greeted with pride in the club. A reserve to Jerry Flannery, Sean is on the
road to a long international career and although not officially a Shannon
player since he signed for Connacht , he still
remains close to the club and we all wish him the very best along with the rest
of the international squad.
Tickets are still available for the internationals and anyone interested can
contact Tadhg Crowe.