Garryowen FC Notes w.e. 25^th March 2007

Our Seniors embark on what will be a heavy schedule over the next few weeks. The AIL reaches a crucial stage on Saturday when we face fellow play-off aspirants Blackrock College in Dooradoyle at 2.30. The team returned to action in the annual O'Donovan Cup in Rosbrien on St. Partick's Day. A penalty try converted by Conor Kilroy and a further try by Willie Staunton was just enough to beat a determined Old Crescent team. It wasn't a day for fancy rugby with the bitterly cold wind and driving rain keeping the ball very much between the packs. Crescent scored first when former light blue Alan Purcell darted over but in the second half our greater class ensured the trophy was retained on a 12-5 score-line.Some of the fringe players were given an opportunity to impress and competition for places was very evident in training this week. The customary pre-match luncheon has proved very successful this season and we have the same format at 12.30 this Saturday. John Noonan 087 9308318 or Geraldine Morrissey 087 2466815 are the contacts to reserve a place or table. The increased level of interest in this function seems to augur well for the future of club rugby and the terraces have become more populated than earlier in the season. With under-age thriving and Dooradoyle the official Limerick venue for tag Rugby 2007, there won’t be many car spaces available. Niall Wixted’s 3rdXV have had a mixed season but they are certainly giving the Webb Cup a fair old run. Prior to the Senior game they play Old Crescent at 1.00 in what is sure to be a keenly contested semi-final. Our 2^nd XV have to wait for the outcome of the Dolphin v Young Munster game before their Munster Junior Cup semi-final opponents are known. In preparation for this game, they travel to Cashel for a friendly on Sunday at 3.00. We are no more than a week away from the under-age cup competitions springing to life. Our U16’s played a challenge game v Scariff last Sunday after the Clare side conceded the league points before the game. The under 14s play UL Bohs in the semi final of NML on Sunday in Dooradoyle at 11:30. The AIB cup semi-final v Clonakilty takes place on Saturday 31st March in Dooradoyle. We are away to Clontarf on 7^th April in the AIL and finish up our campaign in Dooradoyle when we play Galwegians on 21^st April. The club would like to express condolences to the Dobson and Carmody families following the recent deaths of their Mothers.