Garryowen FC Notes w.e 15^th October 2006

The eagerly awaited AIL club championsip gets under way this Saturday, when we make the long haul to Dungannon The game kicks off at the usual 2.30 p.m. time. It is never easy up North in an opening game, as sometimes it is difficult to assess the strength of the opposition. Last year’s encounter in Dooradoyle proved one of our toughest games

and in fairness, we were relieved to come out up on-top in a high scoring game. We can expect a thorough examination from a team that never lacks punch up front and they certainly play a very open Ulster style game. On the plus side, our Academy players are a year older and coach Paul Cunningham, Darragh O’Sullivan and Killian Keane have been establishing a nice blend at training. Please note the Supporters Bus will leave from outside Willie Sexton’s at 7.45 a.m. sharp, returning immediately after the game. Those wishing to book the last few seats should contact Killian Slattery on 086-8359902.

In tandem, the U20’s host Buccaneers in their opening AIL game in Dooradoyle at 2.30 on Saturday. Last Year’s City Cup winners will be hoping to start their season on a winning note. Competition for places has kept the squad very focused and no doubt Coach Gary Quilligan and Manager Seamus Byrne will have their charges firing on all cylinders. A number of conceded NML games may have restricted their match fitness, but the boys were flying in training on Thursday night.

Our 3rdXV got off the mark last Saturday in the Gleeson League, with an emphatic 45-0 win over an admittedly weak St.Senan’s team. Still to score seven tries was a huge improvement on our previous two matches and they go into Saturday’s 12.00 noon home game against Young Munsters with a bit of confidence brewing in the squad. John Mark Griffin, Roy Sexton, Fergus Sheahan, Mike Kennedy, Charlie Colling (2) and Eugene Hanrahan were the try scorers. Fergus Sheahan had his kicking boots on when landing four conversions and Keith Hennessey also added one. Manager Niall Wixted was understandably pleased with the result and there was very little free space on the paddock on Tuesday.

The Junior team had a very good 6-0 away win over Shannon in a keenly contested MSL game at Coonagh last Sunday. The wet and blustery conditions certainly made life difficult for both sides and the game was scoreless up until 70m. Two late penalties from out-half Diarmuid Waters seemed to have decided the game, but Shannon came back very strongly at the finish. Our defence was top class in those pulsating last few minutes and the game ended in a flurry of excitement. Both sides are sure to have a lot to say about the destination of this trophy. This Sunday we play Bruff in the same competition in Dooradoyle and the game kicks off at 2.30.

There were a number of NML under age games last Sunday. The U18’s had a fine 22-7 win over Bruff but our U15’s went down 13-0 to a very strong Young Munster team in Derryknockane. Our U13’s continue to set the pace in the league with a well deserved 32-15 win over a determined St. Senan’s side. Michael Horgan 3, David Butler 2, Luke Gardiner were the try scorers and Andrew O'Byrne added a conversion. The league continues on Sunday when the U13’s travel to Newcastlewest, while the U15’s are at home to Richmond. There are two friendly matches, the U14’s are away to Ennis and U16’s are at home to Kilkenny.