Garryowen FC Notes w.e 28^th October 2007.

Despite coming from 13-8 at half time to lead 16-13 in the 52 minute, our seniors lost their grip on The Munster Senior Cup 22-6 to Shannon at a well attended Coonagh last Saturday. The dizzy heights of last season disappeared tamely enough although there was no doubting the home team’s greater desire on a blustery day. Former light-blue Andy Finn had the satisfaction of scoring against his former team mates following a loose kick out of defence in the 10^th minute. The ever-green Andrew Thompson added the conversion from a wide angle before Alan Kingsley kicked through and won the race for the touchdown after our pack had stolen a line-out. Our failure to retain the ball from the restart yielded another Thompson penalty and we couldn’t add to our tally before the break. Captain Paul Neville had an excellent game and it was his midfield interception which eventually paved the way for our second try in the 47^th minute. Shannon did manage to prevent a certain try initially due to lack of support for our No.6, but some pressure on their line eventually yielded a try to Conan Doyle. Conor Kilroy’s penalty edged us ahead in the 52 minute but two further strikes from Thompson and a Tadgh Bennett drop goal at the death sealed our fate. The AIL match in Dooradoyle on 03^rd November affords our boys an immediate opportunity to exact revenge on the Parish side but we will have to play a lot better. In the interim we make the long trip to Ballymena on Saturday at 2.30 for what promises to be the usual tough opening encounter. Our junior cup team had a facile 57-7 win over an injury ravaged and inexperienced Cork Con team in the Munster Seconds League. Even allowing for the obvious gulf in standard between the sides, it was encouraging to see the team play for the full 80 minutes. It thus enabled a number of players to put themselves in contention for selection on our first team. The Gleeson League continued with an away trip to St.Senan’s. Diarmuid Waters accuracy with the boot proved vital as his three penalties saw us edge home 14-10 in a well contested game. John Mark Griffin was our try scorer. UL Bohs picked up full AIL points in Dooradoyle where Colm Downes kicked four penalties for our U20’s but we eventually succumbed 27-12 to an impressed visiting side. Another stern test awaits on Saturday in Derryknockane when we take on Young Munster at 2.30. Our U18’s were comprehensively beaten 45-10 by Newcastlewest in the NM U18 League. The U13’s had better luck when just getting the better of UL Bohs 19-12 and in an U14 friendly, our lads prevailed 21-10 against the same opposition. The big social event of the October weekend is in Dooradoyle when the Halloween Fancy Dress Party takes place in the clubhouse on Sunday. John Staunton and Bernard Carroll have put an amount of work in this now legendary night. We would particularly request that our members and residents partake in the fun. Prepare to be unmasked as the evening progresses. Our thanks yet again to Fran Hogan and Eimear Danagher for organising the annual club Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Clarion Hotel last week. They work tirelessly year after year to ensure this valuable club fundraiser sets the standard.