Shannon Notes weekending November 28th 2009

As with most clubs of every sport throughout the country the severe weather drastically curtailed all our activities on the pitch, but thankfully we had at least one game to see over the weekend when the new drainage on the top pitch was put to the test. The seconds played Garryowen in what was probably one of the only fixtures in the region and the value of the investment in the new drainage system was plain to see. Under the ever increasing deluge the pitch was close to perfect before and after the game which augers well for the future. That wasn't the only positive aspect as the seconds recorded a fantastic 34-3 win over the light blues in what was probably their best performance of the season .The side was bolstered by a few U/21 players whose game with Cork Con was rescheduled due to the travelling difficulties from Cork and those lads made a big contribution, none more so than the sublimely talented Luke O'Dea who scored a hat trick of tries. It was a stunning performance from the youngster matched by one of more experienced guys, Dave O'Donovan who crossed for two of his own as well as kicking the remainder of the 9 points. The strengthening wind was in our favour in the first half as we took full advantage scoring 29 points without reply. Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the victory was the fact that we could hold Garryowen to a mere 3 points in the second half and then finish up the game with a super Dave O'Donovan try. So all in all this was a good day for the club.

Hopefully this coming weekend will see a few more games played, but it would seem that the rain is to continue unabated, so before heading to any game check to make sure it's on.

The rescheduled senior cup game against Dolphin has become a victim of the fixture backlog and will be played on a date to be decided and the need for a game sees the lads take on Thomond in a friendly in Coonagh on Saturday at 12.

Also scheduled to play in Coonagh at 12 are the thirds that face Clonmel in the Gleeson league. On Sunday the seconds play Young Munster at 2.30 in Coonagh.

Underage fixtures for the weekend are limited with only the U/12's playing in a blitz. It's advisable for parents to check with the coaches to see where each team is training. Games called off last weekend are set to be played on the 13th of December.

The annual mass for deceased members takes place this Friday in the club house at 8pm.

Finally we send our heartiest congratulations to Sean Cronin on his first International senior cap last Saturday. It's a great honour for Sean and his family and indeed our club although he's not a registered club player since he went to Connacht. No doubt this will be the first of many, although I'm sure Jerry will have something to say about that.