It seems rather unusual that all rugby was called off last week without the
weather being involved, but the potential seriousness of a swine flu outbreak
in the club meant the action was prudent. As it turned out, test, and confirmed
earlier this week that none of our players who were struck down last week with
a viral type flue have the dreaded H1 N1 virus. The decision to call off all
rugby activity came after consultation with various people and bodies and
despite the false alarm it was a decision that was necessary. The disruption to
all our sides so early ion the season didn't help, but it was a small price to
pay for the potential health implications.
So just to confirm and reassure everyone, there have been no confirmed cases of
Swine flu in Shannon RFC that we are aware of and safe in that knowledge,
normal service resumes this week.
The good news about the non contraction of the virus was severely tempered when
we heard of the sudden passing of club stalwart, John O'Connor. It was a
complete shock and people that knew him are still coming to terms with his
sudden death. Beefy, as he was affectionately and commonly known around the
town was simply a lovely man. He always had the club close to his heart from
when he was a youngster brought up under the shadow of
To his wife Geraldine, son Sean and Brother Kevin we offer the deepest
sympathies on behalf of everyone in the club. May he rest in peace.
It's back to action at the weekend with our seniors hoping to make up for lost,
and precious time prior to the start of the AIB league next week. Galwegians provide opposition in a friendly game which
takes place in LIT on Saturday at 2.30. Final preparations are well and truly
underway for the big opener against Garryowen under
lights and the return of a few players to the squad this week is a timely
boost.
The seconds also get underway this week end under the guidance of new coach
Mike Mc Loughlin and manager Danny Bedford. They head
to Nenagh on Sunday to play in the
The Thirds have been training well and are mad for games, but unfortunately
from they're perspective they don't play competitively until mid late October
so it's a question of playing friendlies between now
and then . Declan O'Connor has completed his
"little rest" after being involved with the seniors for so long and
has taken up the reigns as manager and will lend his considerable experience to
the lads.
Along with the fantastic Tony Flynn, they will ensure that the thirds will once
again be an enjoyable and competitive squad. On Saturday they play Scarriff in a friendly with a 2.30 start.
Also on Saturday the U/21's continue the
Underage will resume also this weekend after the disruption with all sides
still in the process of registration. For any parents reading, we remind them
that it is imperative that their children register and pay their membership
before the end of the month. Ticket packages for Munster's
Thomond park games as well as 10 year category A
tickets are available and further details for anyone interested can be obtained
from Pat Downey 087 6709225 or Tadhg Crowe 087 6524958