Garryowen FC Notes w.e. 06^th May 2007

With 35 minutes on the clock at Castle Avenue last Saturday it appeared that the large light-blue brigade would go home disappointed as our senior side trailed 15-3 in the AIL semi final against a resurgent Clontarf. Having beaten them on our last visit there recently, the Dubliners were keen to atone for what might have been on that occasion. Eoghan Hickey’s early penalty settled the nerves but two well worked tries from left wing Derek Keane swung the pendulum in the home sides favour. During this period Gerry Hurley spent 10 minutes in the bin but when referee Alan Lewis showed consistency in banishing the ‘Tarf No. 8 just before the interval the game took on a new complexion. Paul Neville led the fight-back with a typical drive off a ruck close to the line and even though Hickey’s conversion drifted right of the posts, the large attendance knew that at 15-8 we were in for a cracking second half. “Make hay while the sun shines” ( boy did it beat down on Saturday) seemed to be the mantra as Damien Varley powered his way over at the pavilion end in the 48^th minute and Hickey added the extras. This was a huge psychological boost for our players and it was no surprise when the latter put us 18-15 in front with a 30 metre penalty. The game was being played at a great clip and we breathed a sigh of relief when a drop goal sailed inches wide of our posts. Our pack brought play to the other end and eventually the pressure exerted on ‘Tarf told. From a blind-side scrum 15 metres out, Gerry Hurley outfoxed the defence and the contest was more or less settled as he touched down behind the posts. Hickey added the conversion and added a further penalty to leave the final score 28-15. Our supporters who numerically matched the Castle faithful have been making preparations during the week for the Final on Saturday in Musgrave Park against our age-old rivals Cork Con. We are under no illusions as to the enormity of the task to retain the coveted AIL trophy in Limerick . The honours are even following our respective league and senior cup tussles with the Temple Hill boys this season and a titanic battle is sure to ensue. Hopefully the team will rally to the cause once more when the game kicks off at 2.30. They certainly won’t lack for support and maybe Lady Luck will smile for our boys on the day and complete what has been an excellent season. Our U16’s will travel to Cork in jubilant mood following their hard fought NM U16 Cup Final win over a gallant UL Bohs at the Canal Bank on Wednesday evening. Our boys were quickly into their stride with tries from Dara Bonfil and Stephen Murphy, both converted by Billy Glynn. Failure to add to our tally from some excellent field positions might have proved costly had the promising Darren Moroney been afforded more than the two penalty chances which he converted to narrow the gap to 14-6. An injury to the UL Bohs No 6 interrupted the game for 25 minutes and the club would like to send our best wishes to the player who thankfully was not as seriously injured as we feared. When the game resumed, both sides served up an enthralling last quarter. We were relieved when the final pass for a certain score went forward. Having survived that fright our boys galvanised themselves for one final effort and Alan Kennedy was on the end of a typical driving maul to touch down for a 19-6 victory. The silverware was proudly lifted by Dara Bonfil who duly thanked the excellent Mal Sherlock, Tom Barry and Mick McLoughlin for bringing the team back to victory following their League Final disappointment.
Travel Arrangements for AIB League Final:
Supporters please note that the buses (compliments of the IRFU) to Musgrave Park will leave from outside Willie Sextons at 10.00, stopping for lunch in the Silver Springs Hotel at 12.30. Please Text 086-8359902 to reserve a seat. Bring the family and friends and wear your colours. There is nothing quite like the live atmosphere of an AIL Final and the players and coaches have worked their socks off all year to bring honour and glory to our club and our city. It would be remiss of me not to mention the many messages of support we have received for the team this week from the various senior and junior clubs in the city and county. It is greatly appreciated by club captain Paul Neville and his players.