Shannon Notes Weekending October 31st 2009

This is certainly not the start to the league we had envisaged. 3 losses from 3 games does not make for very pleasant reading. Probably the most frustrating thing about each of those losses is that we could have won each of them. We may not have deserved to win all of them, but we definitely could have. Last season we had similar games and we came out on the right side of the result, but lady luck seems to have abandoned us so far this season. To leave a possible 15 points and gift a further 7 to a side like Dolphin ensures that victories are hard to come by. Musgrave Park was a fairly desolate place at around 4pm last Saturday; well our dressing room was anyway. This was a game that we had within in our grasp after a remarkable comeback from 18 nil down. We reached a point in the second half where we were close to taking the lead on a few occasions, but unfortunately we just couldn't breech the final hurdle. It looked highly unlikely that we would ever be in such a position after a first half that we failed to register a score. Both their tries came off mistakes on our behalf, but Dolphin as hospitable as they are, were not going to look a gift horse in the mouth and took their limited opportunities. Towards the end of the half we did have a chance to score when we were settled on their line for a period, but alas nothing came of it and the revival had to wait until soon after the break when Stephen Kelly was on hand after Quinny made and super incision. Not Long after Quinny got one of his own and at 18-14 it was game on. That we didn't close out the game is a major disappointment, but that elusive league win is just a shot of luck away. Hopefully a return to Coonagh this Saturday will see matters right themselves when UL/Bohs provide the opposition for a 2.30 kick off.

We did have success at the weekend when the U/13's continued their impressive start to the season by winning the James Keating memorial tournament in Bruff on Monday last.

Competing with 19 other teams from around Munster the Shannon boys showed all the traits that are required by successful Shannon teams, tenacious tackling, aggressive forward play and slick handling from the backs.

In the group stages Shannon accounted for Kilfeacle 7-0 and Corca dhuibhne 8-0 and as a result of their massive try haul were given a bye into the semi finals.

In the semi finals it was traditional foes Young Munster who provided the opposition. From the outset the Shannon lads tore into the opposition and did not allow them any time on the ball. When in possession Shannon moved it quickly to the wings and ran out winners by six tries to one.

On to the final where a very large and skillful Newcastlewest team were the opposition. It was a titanic struggle with both sides producing massive hits and some exciting rugby, but on the stroke of full time it was Shannon who dug deepest to produce the killer blow when, from a scrum on the left the backs moved it wide for Cian Clifford to pounce for the winner. For the record in the four games Shannon scored 21 tries and conceded one. It truly was a squad effort with each of the boys contributing fully.

This weekend its back to regular league action for the U/13's when they play Bruff in LIT at 11.30.

Elsewhere the U/17's play in a Munster cup qualifier against UL/Bohs in Annacotty at 11.30



For the second week in a row the seconds were without a game but hopefully that will be rectified this Sunday when they play UL/Bohs in Annacotty at 2.30.

The thirds took part in the inaugural in the Shane Geoghegan Memorial tournament on Sunday in Dooradoyle where we had 3 games ,( 2 draws and a loss ) Over 30 players were used during the course of the day ,with a 6 week period of league games it was important for everyone to get some game time under their belts . The event was s tremendous success and great credit is due to all in Garryowen and the Geoghegan family for a fitting memorial to Shane. This Saturday we play Thomond in the Gleeson league at 12.30.

The U/21' return to AIL action when they take on Sundays Well and at the time of writing the venue and time have yet to be confirmed.

The ladies senior side were forced to with stand a second half comeback by visitors to LIT , Nenagh , but thankfully from our point of view it wasn't enough to reach our first half lead of 17 points. Conditions were far from ideal with the wind having a major influence on the game. With the advantage in the first half our young pack (six of the eight U/20) took control and dominated the crucial breakdown area. Speedster Aoife Crowley was in fine form and scored two super tries while the experienced Amanda Greensmith added another just before the break to give us a 17 point cushion, but with the conditions it was far from comfortable. Just as we had utilised the wind so too did Nenagh, but fortunately their two tries weren't enough and a well deserved victory came our way. Training continues for our ladies on Monday and Wednesdays and as always new players are welcome. Last week I hadn't received the Girls U/17 report in time for the notes, but their excellent victory over Abbeyfeale deserved a mention. It was tough game, but their 25-22 was a well deserved. This Sunday, the U/15's head to Clonmel, and the U/19's travel to Clanwilliam.

The traditional mass for deceased members of our fondly remembered 38/39/40 team takes place on November 8th at 11 am in St Mary's church and all members and friends are invited to remember those great Shannon men