It was one of those weekends where almost everything went well. Wins for the
seniors, thirds and the U/21's last Saturday ensured a happy evening for
everyone in the Office bar where all the teams congregated. After our patchy
start to the AIB league we now have secured two excellent wins on the trot. To
say that there was a sense of urgency in our senior training sessions during
the week would probably be an understatement. Words that were spoken and
promises of action to remedy our patch season certainly came to fruition in
Stradbrook last Saturday when we had one of those performances that makes all
the toil and trouble worthwhile. The attitude was obvious prior to the game and
the fact that we had three bus loads of support which included a large number
of our mini's was a point reiterated throughout the build up. Blackrock enjoyed
a good start to the league and to beat them on their home patch is always a
formidable task. There's no doubt the availability of three Munster players
helped the cause, but I've no doubt that the performance that transpired would
have happened had Ian Dowling, Niall Ronan or Felix Jones not been included. It
was all about attitude. Felix played his third AIB League game of the season
and again it's easy to see why he's tipped for the top. Niall lined out for the
first time this season while for Ian it was his first time with us for a while
and his influence both on and off the field was immense. However, it was our
regulars that shone throughout and none more so than Les Hogan and Fergal Walsh
whose work rate was tireless from beginning to end. Stephen Kelly grabbed the
headlines with his brace of tries, but many won't have noticed the amount of
tackles he got through over the course of the game, and those tackles were
crucial, from everybody, in the second half as Blackrock tried desperately to
reduce the deficit. The wind was not as big a factor as it might have been and
lessons were certainly learnt from our cup exit to Cork Con and it was
Back in
A frustrating afternoon would best describe the 3rds trip to Cashel in the
Gleeson league and while an 11 - 10 victory over the holders Cashel can mask
some of the problems encountered on the day, it has to be said this was a day
on which our mental attitude was severely tested. Receiving 3 yellow cards in a
game should warrant an examination of our on field discipline but nothing could
be further from the truth, and we should commend the players for keeping their
cool in trying circumstances.
Interpretations of the rules were conflicting with the man who controlled the
whistle and at times it was very difficult, especially when we were on the
attack in Cashel's '22. Thankfully the result went our way and the unbeaten run
continues. Playing with a stiff breeze in the first half a long range penalty
from Paddy Reidy and a fantastic break away try which was started and finished
by Tony Flynn gave us an 8-3 lead at the interval. Defence was the key to the
victory and our commitment to the tackle and the contest at the breakdown has
to be applauded. A long range penalty from Fergus Curtin brought us to 13 -3
and victory was in sight but Cashel did eventually score at what we thought was
the end of the game. However what we didn't account for was an almost
inexplicable addition of 18 minutes of injury time which accounted for high
level of frustration but again the lads held tough for another magnificent
victory. Garryowen are up next in Dooradoyle next Saturday at 2.30.
The seconds were desperately disappointed that they were given the points
without a ball being kicked in their scheduled league game against Nenagh. The
reason given was lack of props and the 2nds will have to wait until this Sunday
for a game when Garryowen come to Coonagh for a 2.30 start.
As mentioned the U/9's travelled in force to Blackrock and made their presence
felt both on and off the pitch. It was a great day out for the players and
their parents and the support for the seniors was greatly appreciated.
On Sunday the U/13's continued their great season with a big win over Bruff
while the U/19's travelled to Ennis with a depleted side for a league playoff
but in a very tight encounter we were beaten. It was a tremendous effort from
the lads in a game that was certainly not without incident. The home side drew
first blood with a try and then with when they had a numerical advantage Ennis
scored again. An intercept try from Alan Dempsey brought us right back in it
but despite the effort Ennis held out in a less than welcoming atmosphere.
Terrace tickets for
A reminder that the annual Mass for deceased members takes place in
Once again we are putting out an appeal for volunteers to help out in Coonagh.
I know it's a regular appeal but unfortunately the response thus far has not
been great. There's quite a bit of work to be carried out, but it's nothing too
onerous so if you have a few hours to spare at anytime, we could certainly do
with your help. Development Chairman Ger Mc Closkey can be contacted at uniquehardwoods@eircom.net.
Finally we congratulate local referee Peter Fitzgibbon on his elevation to the
senior international ranks when he took charge of