Garryowen FC Notes w.e. 04^th November 2007

Big match of the weekend is undoubtedly our second game this season against Shannon when we renew rivalry in the AIL at 2.30 on Saturday in Dooradoyle. The Parish side held the upper hand when we exited the Senior Cup in Coonagh recently and we are under no illusions that we will have to play an awful lot better to come out on top. Both sides opened their league campaign with a win last Saturday. The extra point gained in our 26-3 win over Ballymena in Eaton Park came courtesy of tries from Lorcan Bourke, Ciaran O’Boyle, Paul Neville and Conor Kilroy. The latter also kicked two penalties in what was an improved performance. It would be foolish to predict Saturday’s outcome but suffice to say both clubs will be hoping their supporters come out in greater numbers. Andrew McNamara and yours truly have been hard at work in the past seasons thinking of initiatives to lift the club rugby support base. Both clubs have a healthy under age structure and we are eternally optimistic that the huge support on Sundays will flow through to the adult teams. Note pre match luncheon commences at 12.30. To reserve a place contact John Noonan at 087 9308318. The senior game is preceded by the Gleeson League fixture v UL Bohs at 1.00. Our U20’s travel to Cork on the back of two losses in their AIL campaign. However the team is coming along nicely and the newer recruits will soon find their form under the watchful eyes of Mark Fitzgerald and Andrew Bermingham. Young Munster proved a bit more economical with the ball and were full value for their 14-3 win in Derryknockane last Saturday. UCC in the Mardyke are always hot to handle but there is a lot of potential in our team who will surprise quite a few as the season progresses. On Sunday our junior team take on Young Munster in the M2L at 2.30 in Tom Clifford Park. In under age Young Munster proved too powerful for our boys in the NM U18 League, running out 28-5 winners at Tom Clifford Park last Sunday. The home pack provided the platform for their five tries and ran out comfortable winners in the end. Michael O’Shea showed lovely footwork and great determination in grabbing a consolation try. Robin Healy had another fine game and was eager-beaver for work all through. Alan Kennedy and Tadgh Casey also caught the eye. A special mention for our U12's on their great win in the James Keating Memorial Trophy in Bruff last Monday. 18 teams took part and our boys prevailed over UL Bohs to lift the trophy in an exciting final. Our annual Race Day is being held on Sunday 11th November in Limerick Race Track in Patrickswell. Tickets are on sale for both the racing and the outstanding dinner/racing package. Killian Slattery 086 8359902 and Rory Brosnan 087 9366170 will gladly give you some pointers for the day. The legendary Paddy Reid has been a tad under the weather of late and we send him our best wishes. Dooradoyle is not the same without Paddy and Cecil urging on the troops. God speed their return. Finally, well done to John Staunton, Bernard Carroll and Paul Cunningham for their excellent organization of the now well established Halloween Fancy Dress Party. It was definitely a treat!