Shannon Notes Weekending January 23rd 2010
If ever there was a cure for ones woes than last Saturdays bonus point win over Dolphin went quite a way to easing some of them. Speaking to many people around Coonagh last Saturday revelled that it wasn't just the players that were suffering rugby withdrawal symptoms and after the enforced layoff, it was great to get back to rugby. As the name suggests a bonus point is just that, anything after a win can certainly be classed as a bonus especially against a quality side like Dolphin. The second half blitz of our friends from Cork saw us well clear in the end, but anyone that was there could testify that it seemed a highly improbable outcome after the first half. Both sides suffered from a lack of match sharpness, but it would be fair to say that if the result of games was determined by rounds, than a draw would have been the outcome as Dolphin enjoyed the lion's share of the first half possession and territory. The fact that it was our lads heading into the dressing rooms ahead at the break, albeit by a single point was a big blow to the visitors and there was an obvious attitude change as the sides changed ends. Despite Dolphin regaining the lead with a cheeky try soon after the restart it was apparent that the gear change was in operation and once Stephen Kelly steamed into the corner to take the lead again, the engine continued to churn out the power that saw another three tries added in quick succession. It was 15 minute spell that sucked the spirit out of Dolphin and there was no recovery plan. Fergal Walsh grabbed the second try when he pounced from the 22, but unfortunately his heroics landed him a few weeks on the sidelines with a damaged hamstring. Eoghan Grace continues his inspirational form and took the next two tries after getting a bit of help from the rest of the pack and with Tadgh landing 5 kicks from 7 attempts the final score added up to 32-10.
It's probably a bit obvious to state that the league is entering a crucial stage and our next two games could well define our league campaign. UL/Bohs on Saturday is next and then the rescheduled trip to St Marys the following week, but the well worn cliché of one game at time also finds its way into our mindset. Saturday's game also saw the interest from a bit further afield than normal with Marcus Horan making a very welcome return to rugby after his enforced sabbatical. He was delighted to get the game with his club and although he's back to full fitness, he was the first to admit that the game took its toll. Its once again an indication of the value the Munster management sees in club rugby that it was in the AIB league that Marcus made his comeback and for us , we were delighted to see Marcus again in the black and blue. Saturdays away game against UL/Bohs sees Thomond park available which is great to see and it should add nicely to the local derby atmosphere. Hopefully the local support will have a bit left in the tank after Munster's big game on Friday night. 2.30 kickoff as usual.
Also on Saturday the U/21's returned to AIL action and it was a pretty similar scenario that that with the seniors. A sluggish first half saw a marked improvement for the second forty, but realistically it was a performance that warrants much improvement. After the long break, both sides struggled to get into second gear which was to be expected, Gareth O'Hanlon was the hero of the day with two tries, one coming from his new position of scrumhalf while Ben Sargent was faultless with the boot successfully converting four shots at goal from four. It finished up at 20 points to 7 in our favour. That result sees us five points clear at the top of the South-western conference which secures us passage to the next phase of the competition, but I know that the lads have targeted the top spot .The final game of the group sees Cork Con travel to Coonagh and the points on offer will be highly sought after as Con occupy joint second place with UL/Bohs, four points behind us. Kick off at 2.30.

The Thirds resume Gleeson league action when UL/Bohs come to Coonagh on Saturday for a 1pm start while on Sunday the seconds play Bruff, also in Coonagh in the second's league.
Underage suffered badly with eth nationwide conditions, but thankfully things are beginning to return to normal. The only competitive game last weekend saw the U/17's travel to Tralee in the pan Munster league with a depleted squad for various reasons and despite a great effort lost out by 15-10.
This Sunday sees a busy schedule and the fixtures are as follows.
U11s Blitz: Shannon Blues (home) 10.30 a.m.
Shannon Blacks (away at Young Munsters) 10.30 a.m.
U13s Friendly: Garryowen -v- Shannon, Dooradoyle (TBC)
U14s League: NCW -v- Shannon, NCW (road near Church) 11.30 a.m.
U15s League: Bruff -v- Shannon, Kilballyowen 11.30 a.m.
U17s Friendly: Old Crescent -v- Shannon, Rosbrien 12 noon.
U19s Munster Cup: Shannon -v- Crosshaven, Coonagh 2.00 p.m.
After our recent misfortune with burst pipes and so forth, the clubhouse is now back in action after a frenzied week or so getting it ready for the big game on Friday evening. It will be open for business at the usual time prior to the game and also, the marquee will be open to the public for a period before the game and afterwards.
Finally it would be naive to think that it was only for the rugby we were making the headlines, but as is common knowledge our appeal against the sanctions imposed on us by the IRFU was heard on Wednesday. At the time of writing(Wed 10pm) , the appeal was heard in Dublin and we await the decision from the union. We will however, and continue to do so, remind anyone attending any game, at any level, that match officials are to be accorded the utmost of respect at all times as is the stated ethos of our club.