Garryowen FC Notes w.e 18th March 2007

As it has been relatively quiet on the club front due to the 6 Nations, my notes have been appropriately curtailed. However our 3rdXV qualified for the semi-final of the Webb Cup v Old Crescent on 24th following a hard fought 14-6 win over Bruff in Dooradoyle on Sunday. Damien Fahey dropped an early goal and Dave Madden kicked two penalties. The key score came from a try by Martin Joyce but it was only in the last play of the game that the game was secured. Peter O’Shea had an excellent game in the tight and Dave Madden showed a welcome return to full fitness.Our U16’s had a 58-0 away win over Thomond in the NM U16 League. In fairness the Thomond lads were fairly under-strength and on the day were no match for our team who ran in 10 tries in all. The try scorers were Alan Kennedy 2, Darragh Bonfil 2, Eoghan Rowley 2, Paul Canty, Cian O’Shea, Ivan Sherlock and Lorcan Lynch. Darragh Bonfil added four conversions. The U18’s continue their preparation for the upcoming competitions when they shared 34 points with Richmond at the Garryowen Green. St.Mary’s provide the opposition in the NM Cup at the end of the month. The annual Tony O’Donovan Cup takes place on St. Patrick’s Day at 4.00 in Rosbrien. This trophy commemorates one of the great Old Crescent clubmen and is an ideal opportunity for Paul Cunningham to assess his squad for the crucial AIL tie v Blackrock the following Saturday. The U20s entertain Nenagh in a friendly in Dooroadoyle at 11.00, while our junior team must adopt wait and see tactics before their MJC semi final opponents are known. On Sunday they play St. Senan’s in a friendly in Shannon . Peter Malone, Kevin Hartigan and Damien Varley represented Ireland in the Club International last Friday in Scotland . Despite losing narrowly 18-11, it was a tremendous honour for the boys and the club. This level is beginning to get due recognition in the right quarters. With the numbers playing the game continuing to rise, the future of club rugby in this region is sure to strengthen. Gerry Locke and his committee are putting the finishing touches to their plans for our annual greyhound night in the Market’s Field next month.