Garryowen FC Notes w.e. 22^nd Oct 2006

We opened our AIL campaign with a hard-earned win over Dungannon in Stevenson Park last Saturday. A valuable bonus point was also achieved in a thrilling encounter, but we were relieved to leave town 29-23 victors. We eased into a 5-0 lead, courtesy of debutant Liam O’Casey’s early touchdown. However we then fell behind 6-5 and trailed 9-8 early in the second- half. The team had their best spell after that when running in three tries from John O’Sullivan, Adam O’Loughlin and Ciaran O’Boyle. Our supporters were glad Conor Kilroy had his kicking boots on as his three conversions and a penalty were essentially the difference at the finish. The Northerners late-late two try salvo raised a few eyebrows, but we dug deep and hung on to take the spoils. Our young front- five certainly had a baptism of fire and can look forward to the games ahead. On Saturday we play Ballymena in Dooradoyle at 2.30. John Noonan is organising a pre-match luncheon at 12.45 and those wishing to book the last few places, should contact him on 087-9308318. The MSC game v Nenagh has been fixed for 18^th November in Tom Clifford Park. The U20’s went down 26-9 to a very strong Buccaneers team in Dooradoyle on Saturday. We appeared a bit off the pace in the first half, but turned over only 5-0 down. The concession of a converted try shortly after the re-start, meant we had to really chase the game. Three penalties from Diarmuid Waters brought it back to 12-9 with 10m to go. However a few wrong options in attack put paid to our chances of snatching the game. Unfortunately in the dying minutes, we conceded two break-away tries which deprived us of a bonus point. The players were back in training on Tuesday and the lessons learnt should be used to good effect in Saturday’s home game against Young Munster. Please note this game kicks off at 1.00 p.m. Our 3rdXV had better luck when John Mark Griffin came off the sideline, after some running repairs, to barge his way over for the winning score. Despite continuous pressure on the Young Munster line, we trailed 6-0 with time running out. Just when it seemed the Gleeson League points were heading across the creek, our pack gave one extra shunt for the aforementioned to touch down. Fergus Sheahan coolly slotted the easy conversion to maintain their improved league run. This Saturday they take on UL Bohs in Annacotty at 12.30. In the MSL, our junior team had a 38-26 home win over Bruff. Brian Walpole 2, Frank McKenna 2, Ben Rowley and Gavin Thompson were the try scorers. Ray Egan and Alan McNamara both kicked two conversions. They next play Young Munster in Dooradoyle on Sunday at 12.30.

Traffic around Dooradoyle has been heavy of late due to the huge interest in under age, including the now customary “blitzes”. A number of NML games were also down for decision last Sunday. Our U15’s had a big 50-12 win over Richmond, but the U13’s had to sit the weekend out due to concession of their game by Newcastlewest. The U14’s shared 72 points in an away friendly with Ennis and our U16’s just got the better of Kilkenny 15-10. This Sunday JJ’s logistical skills will be put to the test when the league games continue. The U16’s play Thomond, the U13’s play Richmond and at 12.30 the U15’s take on Ennis. Our U18 team are away to Bruff and the U11’s participate in a “blitz” in Annacotty. The club would like to wish a speedy recovery to Mark Fitzgerald who picked up an injury in a recent game. Mark however is a tough bit of stuff and we look forward to him lining out in the near future. The players and supporters send their congratulations to 21^st Birthday Boy, Conan Doyle, who has also thankfully recovered from a facial injury.