Garryowen FC Notes w.e.
26th November 2006.
Any thoughts of an easy passage
into the Munster Senior Cup Final were well and truly dissipated in the opening
half of Saturday’s semi final against Nenagh in Tom Clifford Park. Even though
we turned over 13-6 in front, the Tipperary side managed to peg it back to a one
point game with 20 minutes remaining. However some fresh legs and a higher tempo
to our play saw us run in four unanswered tries to leave us comfortable, albeit
flattering, winners 44-12. Conor Kilroy contributed 24 points with a try, five
conversions and three penalties. Alan Kinglsey, Gerry Hurley, Adam O’Loughlin
and Kevin O’Riordan all touched down. Qualification for the final, see us meet
Cork Con on December 30th in what should be a stirring encounter
between two traditionally strong cup teams. We have an away friendly against
Highfield at 2.30 this Saturday. The following week we resume AIL duties when
hosting Belfast Harlequins in Dooradoyle at 2.30. Please note John Noonan is
again running the pre-match lunch at 12.30 and John can be contacted on
087-9308318 to reserve a table or place. The draw for the Munster Junior Cup has
taken place and we are down to play Thurles on Sun 4th February in
Thurles. Last Sunday we easily accounted for Dolphin 57-7 in a one sided MSL
game at Dooradoyle. Niall O’Driscoll accounting for three of our nine tries. We
can expect a more thorough examination of our strength on Sunday when we are
away to UL Bohs at 2.30 in the same competition. Garryowen Green is the venue
for Saturday’s Gleeson League game v Richmond at 2.30. In a J2 friendly last
Saturday we were beaten 6-0 by Young Munster. Our U20’s will be hoping for a
change of luck when they play Corinthians in the AIL in Galway on Saturday also at 2.30. Highlight of the Under
Age games last weekend was a tremendous 15-0 NML win over Young Munster in
Derryknockane. Johnny Flynn, Diarmuid Morrissey and Michael Horgan were the try
scorers as the team ran out convincing winners and maintained their unbeaten
run. Well done to the players and coaches, Tom Butler and Russell
Williamson.
The Under
14s had a fine 36-12 win against Ennis on Sunday in a friendly at Dooradoyle.
The coaches rotated the whole squad of 23 players during the game. Wind
assisted, they led 29 – 7 at half time, thanks to tries by Andrew Fallen , Mark
McGrath, Rory Collins and John McDonnell . Rory converted 3 of the tries and
also kicked a penalty goal. In the second half, the boys had to batten
down the hatches and withstand an onslaught from Ennis and the weather. The
coaches were very pleased with the efforts made in the second half which we
shaded 7-5, thanks to a try by John Fyffe, converted by Mark McGrath. The squad
now travel to Wanderers in Dublin as a prelude to the Irish rugby
international.
The U16’s had a fine win at sunny but cold
Clane in Co. Kildare on Saturday last. Alan Barry slotted an early penalty and
converted an Eoin O' Toole try for the light blues to lead comfortably
after 20 minutes. Clongowes scrum half and Captain Billy Glynn (also a Garryowen
player) then kicked downfield and looked like scoring when he was held back by
O' Toole the Garryowen full back. A penalty-try was correctly awarded,
leaving the half time score 10-7. Coach Tom Barry's team played good running
rugby which more than matched all that Clongowes could offer. Alan
Barry, who did well at out half, scored a second half try to
secure victory. Best for Tom Barry's team were D. Bonfill, Cian O'Shea,
Aran Healy, Paul Canty and David Rowley.