Shannon Notes weekending April 17^th 2010.

I suppose the obvious place to start this week’s notes would be with the seniors and our disappointment, but where we’ll begin is on the good news story of the week, and that’s with our U/14 side. Last Thursday evening those in Coonagh were treated to a superb game of underage rugby when Old Crescent came hoping to take the U/14 league crown, but encountered a Shannon side determined to ensure that would not happen. In a game that produced plenty of thrills and spills and a large quantity of excellent rugby from both sides, our lads dug deep and claimed the spoils by 17-10. The result was never secure and the last few minutes when Crescent went frantically searching for a converted try to equalise affairs, the organisation and commitment from our lads in defence was phenomenal. It would however be unfair to the players to infer they were perilously clinging to their lead; they controlled the final few minutes without the ball just as effectively as they did in the opening minutes when they did have the ball. A blistering start saw Captain Shane Fenton score the opening 10 points of the game with a converted try and a penalty, but after that it was pretty much Old Crescent that dominated the remainder of the half. Deservedly, the crossed for a penalty and such was their dominance at that point it looked unlikely that our lads could turn it around, but the words of wisdom for the coached at half time obviously sunk in and a visible increase in the tempo from our pack in particular lead to Kelvin Brown bursting over for a try which was converted again by Shane Fenton. Control was the key at this stage and our lads displayed an abundance of maturity to ensure a well deserved victory.

They didn’t have very long to bask in the glory as they were back in cup action on Sunday  and the momentum was certainly maintained as they brushed aside the challenge of Thomond. Hopefully they can claim a fantastic double, but for the momentum the players and coaches can be very proud of their efforts.

 It’s hard to begin to equate the disappointment we endured last Saturday. Was it the performance on the day, was it the inconsistency of the season, or was it the fact that the last, crucial minutes of games have been desperately unkind to us in several games over the season. Perhaps the answer is all of the above.

However, we must also focus on the point that a kick of a ball was all that stood between us and a semi final spot and the most important aspect is that after a difficult season, in many respects, our status in Division 1 A is secured. Many clubs would be happy with such a scenario, but we all know the standards we set are high and rightly so.

Lest we not forget, last season, a last minute try ensured our semi final berth and we all know the subsequent aftermath back then. Perhaps if Mossy’s difficult conversion after Paddy Butlers try had went over then we may not have to hand back the cup this week. However as we know, ifs, ands and buts, don’t equate too much. The blistering start to the game had us in buoyant mood, but unfortunately the scores didn’t come and with nothing to play for bar the bragging rights (which they most certainly have this season) Garryowen were gung ho in their attitude.

The despair in the post match dressing room was very evident as several spoke with sincere emotion, and amongst the players there was a definite resolve to ensure betterment and future success.

The outcome of our league campaign may not have worked out as we would have hoped, but over the course we had plenty to look at in a positive light and indeed look ahead with a degree of optimism. Youth was certainly given an opportunity this season, with five U/21 players elevated to senior level and further reinforcement of the quality of our players came when six were involved in a Munster A game including three U/21’s, Luke O’Dea, Paddy Butler and Duncan Casey while Mossy Lawler, Eoghan Grace and Fergal Walsh made up the remainder of the six.

So for our seniors it’s an early conclusion to the season and a time to reflect on what, when, where, and how and then to regroup early in the summer months. A point that must be stressed is that the effort from both the players and management throughout the season is no less than had we won the league. The long winter schedules don’t get any shorter and the preparation doesn’t get any easier, what does change from time to time is the outcome of those efforts.  So to all the players and management , Cullie Tucker, Ger Casey, Ger Mullally, Martin Flannery , Seamus Whelton, Niall Cowhey, Damian Morden and of course the Doc, Darragh Little, on behalf of all the members we thank you for your efforts this season.

Gareth Quinn Mc Donagh is certainly a player on the up and this week he reinforced his status as a player to watch when he scored all of Ireland U/19’s points in their narrow win over the U/19’s over France. There’s no doubt that this has been a season to remember for the young out half  ,catapulted into the senior side then  involved with the Irish U/20 championship winning side and next the heroics he displayed last Tuesday. Not bad for a 19 year old.

 Last Monday evening the thirds atoned somewhat for their defeat in the Gleeson league final with Richmond when the accounted for them in the Webb Cup by 16-8. Again this was an excellent performance for the lads and with any luck they’ll get their deserved prize in this competition.

On Sunday they are in action in the Munster Junior 2 league when they play Tralee in Coonagh at 2.30. With rugby slowly petering out and many competitions finished these looking for a good rugby spectacle would do worse than the out to support the lads.

Other results in underage saw the U/10s win a highly competitive blitz in Presentation when they beat Garryowen in a great final by a slender 1 try, while the U/17’s were knocked out of the cup when Bruff proved that bit too strong. It’s a busy schedule over the coming days from underage sides still involved in cup games with the following fixtures

Sunday 18th April

U13s Cup Semi-Final:  Shannon   -v- Garryowen Coonagh 11 a.m.

U14s Cup Q-Final:  Shannon   -v- Old Crescent Coonagh 11.30 a.m.

U19s Cup Q-Final:  Thomond -v- Shannon Fitzgerald Park 10.45 a.m.

Thursday 22nd April

U15s Cup Q-Final: Bruff -v- Shannon Kilballyowen, Bruff 7 p.m.

The club can obtain  tickets for Munster’s Heineken cup semi final from the branch , but any members wishing to avail of this facility need to have their order with Tadhg prior to noon this Friday. We also have in our possession a number of tickets for Munster’s Magners league game with the Ospreys in Thomond Park on Saturday 24 ^th. Anyone looking for these should contact Tadhg Crowe.

Finally tickets for our |Club night on May Friday May 14^th are now on sale at a cost of €40 each. The evening will celebrate a number of facets    in eth club with special attention going to the 50 year anniversary of the 1960 Munster senior cup win. All the surviving players will be in attendance and it will a night where we can bask in their past glory that no do