Shannon Notes Weekending October 25th 2009



In what was one or our more successful weekends to date, perhaps the highlight was the U/21 game against Bruff in Coonagh last Friday. Without relegating the game itself to secondary a event, the occasion was somewhat momentous as it was the very first completive game under lights in Coonagh. The newly installed floodlights around the venue and the superb autumnal weather we have had recently allowed the game to take place on the training pitch.
It wasn't really envisaged to have floodlit games in Coonagh for at least another year on the newly laid sod adjacent to the training pitch , but such is the excellent condition of training pitch at the moment it was deemed more than adequate to host the game. There's no doubt that as the season progresses and the pitch inevitably deteriorates flood lit games may not be possible, but Friday night was certainly a source of great pride for everyone involved in the overhaul in Coonagh.
The game itself was a lively affair with Bruff playing their part in a very fast paced game. It was an opportunity for many within the club to see this season's U/21's in action and they can be nothing but impressed with the side. They played the game at high tempo and both backs and forwards maintained the frenetic pace throughout. It finished up at 31 nil with some fantastic tries being scored. Captain Paddy Butler certainly led by example, but was ably assisted by all of his colleagues. The pace this side possess is magnificent and the ability to strike from any position on the field is a major asset. There's little doubt that they will face much stiffer opposition in the campaign, but allowing for the fact that this was only their second game playing together it was an impressive outing. This week they have a rest from competitive action but take on Garryowen in a training match in LIT on Thursday evening.

The Thirds opened their assault on the Gleeson League with a hard fought win over Young Munster. Any game in Derryknockane can be considered a tough encounter and the lads had to contend with a determined Munster's. With plenty of preparation matches in the run up , they were certainly well prepared and in what turned out to be something of a dog fight , they eventually won by 9 points to nil. The platform for the victory came from a very capable set piece and of course the dynamism of player/coach Tony Flynn who was once again a leader to follow on the pitch.
Fergus Curtin was on target twice in the first half and when he was forced off through injury up stepped John Cunningham to add another to ensure the thirds get their campaign off to a great start.

This Sunday the Garryowen hosted Shane Geoghegan memorial blitz takes place in Dooradoyle which will be a fitting tribute to honour the memory of Shane's untimely and unwarranted death a year ago. Clubs from all over the region will gather to play and share a few pints afterwards and remember the gentleman that Shane was. Kickoff is at 4pm with the impressive Dooradoyle floodlights allowing the games to be played into the evening.

The seniors bounced back into winning ways with a 49-26 over Buccaneers in the AIB cup which in the end proved a comfortable enough victory. The scoreline , although not entirely flattering, doesn't tell of the fact the Buccs took the lead early in the second half. Our nomadic life continued when we went to St Munchin's college to play the game and the close to perfect conditions served up an 11 try game. Not quite an epic though, but there was enough quality scores to keep the small but faithful support content. The truth of the matter really was that we probably were 23 points better than Buccs throughout the game, but concentration lapses, be it block downs or missed tackles kept the midlanders in touch for almost 50 minutes. The introduction of yet another senior debutant , the afore mentioned Paddy Butler into the backrow for the last 25 minutes of the game added a whole new dimension to the game and he contributed handsomely to final quarter spurt. Stephen Kelly was well on the mark with a hat trick of tries while Andy Finn marked his return to senior rugby after injury with a brace of tries. Seven tries was a good day's work but there's no illusion amongst the squad that the continued improvements must be maintained. Many would say that the 3rd round draw was not kind to us, away to Cork Con, but I'm sure e they're not too keen on the prospect of facing Shannon. That game however is not until the 7th November. We must first contend with another trip to the banks of the Lee this Saturday when we face high flying Dolphin in the AIB league in Musgrave park. At this point in our season every game is crucial , but none needs reminding of that fact . Kickoff is at 2.30

The second's game against Bruff was postponed, but they resume the league on Sunday when they play Thomond in Fitzgerald Park at 2.30.

The ladies also play on Sunday against Nenagh in LIT at 1pm.

Underage games were not so plenty full last Sunday, but our two U/9 sides competed in blitzes. The Blacks were in Presentation and the blues took to the field in LIT. For many of the boys this first time to take part in a blitz and every one of them had a great day. Once again we can't praise our underage coaches throughout the club and the committee enough for all their work. It's very reassuring for everyone to know that all of our players are in such capable hands. Fixtures this week include the U/13's heading to Bruff for a league game at 11.30. The U/14's play Ul/Bohs in LIT at 11 while the U/17's face a league semi final against Thomond at a time and venue to be arranged.

Ticket bookings for the Autumn Internationals are now being taken by Tadhg Crowe while a limited number of Magners league tickets V Ulster are available.

The Club lotto now stands at €11,400.