Garryowen FC Notes w.e. 22^nd April 2007

It was a proud moment indeed for the club when our Senior Team captained by Paul Neville brought the AIB Cup to Dooradoyle after a pulsating final v Belfast Harlequins played in beautiful sunny conditions at Dubarry Park last Saturday. Early tries from Ciaran O’Boyle who latched on to a kick behind the defence and a second from Eugene McGovern following a series of phases inside the ‘Quins 22 gave us a great start. McGovern retired soon after to be ably replaced by John Staunton. Eoghan Hickey landed both conversions and added a brace of penalties to put us 20-0 ahead and seemingly comfortably in control at the break. However the deceptively strong wind was a factor many hadn’t taken into account and there were times in the second half when we had to defend heroically to keep our line intact. Time and time again the Notherners drove deep into our 22 and only some last ditch defending prevented them reducing the deficit. When they eventually did with a well taken try by Paul McKenzie in the 69m, a mere 13 points separated the teams. A further try at that stage could have proved disastrous and we were mighty relieved to have got the benefit of the doubt from the officials when right wing John Lowe was adjudged not to have made the touch down following a kick behind our cover. We raised the siege and in the remaining minutes our midfield tackling ensured the game was played away from the danger zone. It was an excellent but hard fought win over a very gallant and sporting Belfast side for whom Andy Ward was a constant danger. Well done to all the players and coaches and our supporters who travelled in a convoy of buses to support the team. The players will have to pick themselves up again for training this week. On Saturday we come down to the last AIL game of the season when we play Galwegians in Dooradoyle. A win is essential but in fairness we will require a series of most unusual events elsewhere to make the play offs. Please note kick off is at 2.30. Under age is in full swing right now and three of our teams were in action at the weekend. Our U18’s will contest the NM Cup Final for the first time in 27 years following their 19-9 win over Thomond. Cian O'Brien scored a well worked first half try but we trailed 6-5 at the break. Thomond edged 9-5 ahead midway through the second half but in a devastating final 20 minutes Cian Ryan and skipper Paddy Spillane crossed for tries and Mike Carroll converted both from the touchline for a great win. Ross Callaghan, Mike Scanlon and Gerry Hurley have been doing great work with these lads. They play Bruff in the Final on Sunday at 12.15 in Richmond RFC, Canal Bank. Tom Barry’s U16’s continued their excellent season when they beat Bruff 27-0 in the NM Cup in Dooradoyle. Hugh Conlan, Billy Glynn, Cian O’Shea, Evan Brophy and Brian Moran were the try scorers and Billy Glynn also added a conversion. They followed it up this Wednesday with a facile 58-12 win over Ennis. Paul Dooley 2, Alan Kennedy 2, Evan Brophy, Cian O’Shea, Aran Healy, Billy Glynn, Paul Canty and Conor Ryan all touched down while Billy Glynn kicked four conversions. The U14’s advanced to the quarter final of the NM Cup with a thrilling 31–28 away win over Scarriff team last Sunday. We controlled the first half with some great rugby during which we scored five tries, three converted to take a 31–0 lead. Scarriff however came storming back into the game in the second half and scored four converted tries to set up a thrilling finish. Tom Collins has been excellent with this team and always ensures the full squad of players are used. Next Sunday they will have to move up a gear if they are to lower the colours of a very strong Shannon team in the quarter final. The U13’s are also final bound next Sunday when they take on Young Munster in the NM Cup Final in St. Mary’s RFC Corbally at 11.30. Following their quarter final win over Old Crescent our U20’s play Shannon in the semi-final of the City Cup on Monday 23^rd at 6.30 in Coonagh. Our thanks to all our supporters and sponsors following our well attended BB’s Greyhound Night.