Club News & Match Report 29.10.23

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Galbally/Mitchelstown notes

No activity for the adult men’s team. Next week the visitors will be Fethard and District, weather permitting.

There was some scant consolation for the Irish Rugby squad and mentors when Andy Farrell was named as coach of the year after the tournament. When you consider what happened as the result of an ill-considered, badly timed, and lopsided draw, we emerged as the only side to beat the eventual world champions. It was great to see our Springbok club members celebrating their country’s victory.

Under 18.5 rugby league

On Saturday last we had the pleasure of hosting one of the most famous and iconic clubs in the country when we took on Cork Constitution in the 3rd game of the league. This was always going to be a tough fixture given that we were down 8 players for several reasons. While we scoreline went against us we still showed incredible fight and determination scoring 2 similar tries after sustained pressure deep within their 22 both of which were converted. The team would also like to congratulate our teammates from Kildorrery on their U17 hurling County Final win. Our next game is away to Cobh on Saturday at 1300.

Team from: Dan Turley, Jason O’Brien, Darragh Casey, Josh Kearney, Lorcan Murray, Gearoid Desmond, Andrew McEnaney, Jack O’Brien, Jayden Lynch, Louis Gorey, Jack Kelly, Eoghan Kelly, Will Murphy, Stephen Flynn.

Match report courtesy of Kevin Kelly

 

Lotto draw

Our well supported bank holiday draw yielded no winner this weekend, so the top prize rises to €1,400.

Details of the lucky dip winners are posted to our website www.mitchelstownrugby.com

Also, on the website are details of membership packages, so to qualify for ticket applications, insurance, and lotto entries, just pick your appropriate package, and use your credit or debit card.

Tickets are available in all associated business premises in Mitchelstown, and from the club web site. An annual ticket for all draws for a year is an ideal present for only €50. For lucky dip winners, please check the website for a full listing, where annual tickets can be purchased, in addition to single or multi draw. Call Owen Dawson 087 8112991 for details. Last week’s numbers were 1, 6, 19 and 23. For full details, please go to the club website.

Training

Minis up to 12         Sunday 10:30am

Boys U14      Tuesday and Thursday @ 7:00pm

Boys U16      Tuesday and Thursday @ 7:00 pm

Adults            Wednesday and Friday @ 7:30pm in Galbally

Girls                Check with Marie Meade

Thanks to all players, coaches, parents, and officers for giving their time, and especially to Harry Kinsella for his tireless work to keep the pavilion and pitches in great shape. Do not forget the lotto on Sunday week.

Club News & Match Reports 11.10.23 – Season up and running

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Under 18.5 squad

The under 18.5 boys went to Kenmare for a bonding weekend to reinforce the existing squad strength. A great time was had by all, and attendance numbers continue to be good.

On Saturday we kicked off our U18.5 season in style when we travelled on a team building trip to the Eclipse outdoor activity centre in Kenmare for an overnight stay. Athos and his team put both players and coaches through their paces on the assault course featuring challenges such as climbing walls, cargo nets, tyre walls and the obligatory mud run which turned out to be a very slowed paced struggle through never-ending waist height mud/water combo. The cleaning effort afterwards consisted of a river, power hose and showers to return them to something like human form again! A feast of a BBQ was then laid on, and made short work of, before then an opportunity to engage in World Cup fever to enjoy the Ireland v Tonga match. An early retirement to the bunkhouse and well-deserved sleep then followed. We returned home at lunchtime on Sunday with lifelong memories and friendships cemented for another season.

 

On Saturday week last we opened the U18.5 season with a home game against local rivals Fermoy. This game was played in poor conditions which dictated the flow of the game throughout. In what was a physical battle both teams stood up and contributed to a close and hard-fought game. An even first half saw us go in at the break 0-12 but with so little between the teams we held out hope that we could find a way back into the game. A try and penalty in the closing number of minutes put the game beyond us but overall, this was a very encouraging start giving us a lot of hope for the season ahead. Our next fixture is Midleton away next Saturday at 1200.

Team from: Cian Coughlan, Conor Dooling, Darragh Casey, Josh Kearney, Ben Cotter, Sean O’Grady, Gearoid Desmond, Andrew McEnaney, Aidan O’Mahony, Ben Cooke, Dylan Spillane, Louis Gorey, Eoghan Kelly, Will Murphy, Sean Gorry, Jack O’Brien, Jack Kelly, Jayden Lynch, Lorcan Murray, Diarmuid O’Brien.

On Saturday 7th October last we travelled to Midleton for our first away game of the season to take on what was a strong side. This was always going to be a tough fixture not helped by a number of players being unavailable through injury etc. however this did not deter us with a huge physical effort put in by all for the entire 70 mins. The team and management wish a speedy recovery to the 2 U16’s who sustained leg injuries in their game. Our next fixture is a home game against Cork Constitution on 21st Oct.

Team from: Lorcan Murray, Ben Cotter, Darragh Casey, Josh Kearney, Ben Cooke, Sean Gorry, Aidan O’Mahony, Stephen Flynn, Eoghan Kelly, Jack Kelly, Sean O’Grady (C), Gearoid Desmond, Jayden Lynch, Louis Gorey, Jack O’Brien, Andrew McEnaney, Will Murphy

Double Lotto Winners

Congratulations to the winners of our first split lotto prize, with Dave O’Connor and Sarah Molloy each getting €1,400. We have had a total of four winners of our jackpot in 2023 which is amazing, but fewer balls mean more jackpots.

Training

Minis up to 11   Sunday @ 10:30am

U12’s                Thursday @ 7:00pm

Boys U14         Tuesday and Thursday @ 7:00pm

Boys U16         Tuesday and Thursday @ 7:00 pm

Boys under 18.5    Tuesday and Thursday @ 7:00 pm

Adults                     Wednesday and Friday @ 7:30pm in Galbally.

Girls                       Check with Marie Meade

Thanks to all players, coaches, parents, and officers for giving their time, and especially to Harry Kinsella for his tireless work to keep the pavilion and pitches in great shape. Do not forget the lotto every second Sunday.

Tickets are available in all associated business premises in Mitchelstown, and from the club web site. An annual ticket for all draws for a year is an ideal present for only €50. For lucky dip winners, please check the website for a full listing, where annual tickets can be purchased, in addition to single or multi draw. Call Owen Dawson 087 8112991 for details. Last week’s numbers were 2, 6, 9, and 22. For full details, please go to the club website.

All memberships are now due, and there are several attractive packages available on our website. Please check now and choose the bundle that suits you best.

U18.5’s Pre-season Trip Sept 2023

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U18.5’s Pre-Season Trip Sept 2023

On Saturday last we kicked off our U18.5 season in style when we travelled on a team building trip to the Eclipse outdoor activity centre in Kenmare for an overnight stay. Athos and his team put both players and coaches through their paces on the assault course featuring challenges such as climbing walls, cargo nets, tyre walls and the obligatory mud run which turned out to be a very slowed paced struggle through seemingly never-ending waist height mud/water combo. The cleaning effort afterwards consisted of a river, power hose and showers in an attempt to return them to something like human form again! A feast of a BBQ was then laid on, and made short work of, before then an opportunity to engage in World Cup fever to enjoy the Ireland v Tonga match. An early retirement to the bunkhouse and well-deserved sleep then followed. We returned home at lunchtime on Sunday with lifelong memories and friendships cemented for another season.

 

Our playing season kicks off on Saturday September 30th 12pm at home to Fermoy RFC.

AGM Notification 2023

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Mitchelstown RFC Annual General Meeting

The club AGM will take place on Wednesday August 2nd @ 7:30pm in The Tavern, Lower Cork Street, Mitchelstown.

All are welcome to attend.

Regards,

Martin Sheehan

Hon Sec

Mitchelstown RFC

Club News 18.04.23 End Of Season Approaching

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Munster Junior 1 league playoff final

Charleville 14      6 Galbally-Mitchelstown   

A strong wind accompanied the bright sunshine and the home side defended well against the elements. Charleville took full advantage of the elements and scored a try in the sixth minute. Despite the wind advantage, the conversion failed. John Kearns kicked his first penalty, but the visitors restored their advantage within minutes. Another Charleville penalty was scored shortly afterwards, but Galbally-Mitchelstown reduced the half time deficit to five points, with everything in the balance.

In the second half, most of the action was between the twenty-two lines, and the visitors scored their third penalty after ten minutes, which was the last score in the match. The intensity never reduced, but defenses remained on top.

Charleville have now qualified to play in Munster Junior 1 league division 1, while Galbally-Mitchelstown will play in division 2 next season. We wish them well.

Next Saturday evening, the battle hardened G-M team will play Cashel second team in Clanwilliam Park, Tipperary town for the much prized Mansergh Cup.

Josh Evans will probably line out against his former team mates, and we look forward to the clash with relish. Kick off is at 7:30 pm, but please arrive early. The boys need your support in their efforts to clinch their third trophy of the season.

Under 16 boys

On Saturday last we welcomed the combination of Douglas & Muskerry to Currabowen for the semi-final of the South Munster Development Cup. This was a game we were very much looking forward to and that enthusiasm was reflected in the manner which the boys played the game. After conceding an early try we came back into it and put the opposition under huge amounts of pressure and quickly pulled 3 points back through a well taken Lorcan Murray penalty. We were unlucky a few minutes later when Ben Cooke was held up over the try line after some great forwards movements and control. Once again Ben was denied on the stroke of half time when their defence managed to force his foot into touch as he was grounding in the corner leaving us going in at the break 03-05 down. The second half continued in the same vein but unfortunately their size advantage paid off and they forced their way in for 3 more tries to close out what was an incredible game with huge levels of physicality, bravery, skill and commitment. While we were down several players due to injury, illness & holidays everybody gave their all in what was a very pleasing overall performance.

This was our 14th game of the season with us recording 6 wins and a draw. By all measures our expectations this season were far exceeded, from those whose development continued from past seasons to those who joined and excelled, standards were raised to an extremely high level and puts us in a great position to look forward to next season.

Team from: Carlos O’Grady, Dan Turley, Eoin Lynch, Cian O’Donnell, Oden van der Werff, Darragh Casey, Lorcan Murray, Gearoid Desmond, Ben Cooke, James Kennedy, Eoghan Kelly, Jack Kelly, Sean Gorry,

 

Boys under 14.

The final game for the boys was a knockout semi-final, where they met a very strong Fermoy team who won a hard fought battle, despite ‘town scoring three fine tries, two of which were converted

Training

Minis up to 12         Check on website

Boys U14    Finished until September

Boys U16      Finished until September

Adults            Wednesday and Friday @ 7:00pm in Galbally

Girls                Finished until September

Thanks to all players, coaches, parents and officers for giving their time, and especially to Harry Kinsella for his tireless work to keep the pavilion and pitches in great shape. Don’t forget the lotto on Sunday.   

LOTTO JACKPOT €1,400.00 not won.

Next draw will be on Sunday April 30th at 9:00pm in Jackie O’Brien’s Bar, Lower Cork Street at 9pm approximately. One lucky winner could collect €1,600 to prepare for the holidays.

Tickets are available in all associated business premises in Mitchelstown, and from the club web site. An annual ticket for all draws for a year is an ideal present for only €50. For lucky dip winners, please check the website for a full listing, where annual tickets can be purchased, in addition to single or multi draw. Call Owen Dawson 087 8112991 for details. Last week’s numbers were 2, 13, 18 and 19. For full details, including lucky dip winners, please go to the club website.

Club News & Match Reports 03.04.23 A Winning Weekend

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Galbally/Mitchelstown 

Munster Junior Clubs Shield – Final

Galbally/Mitchelstown 34 – 10 Dungarvan

A blustery day replaced the sunshine by the time the teams took the field in Fermoy last Sunday. The large attendance in the afternoon were glad of their jackets, and it made for an enjoyable occasion as the rain stayed away. The Waterford visitors started with intent but were overcome by a great move by the forwards which was converted to give Mitchelstown Galbally the lead after 32 minutes. John Kearn’s sweetly struck effort brought the score to 7-0 level. Dungarvan replied from the kickoff and a well struck penalty reduced the deficit to 4 points at the interval.

After the break, with the assistance of a brisk breeze, the Galty men took control, and tries from Cooke, Graham Burke, and juggernaut Davy Sheehan took the margin to eighteen points, which looked to be a winning score. In fairness the west Waterford men fought hard and were rewarded by a fine individual try and a touchline conversion kept them in touch.

However, the trusty boot of John Kearns added two more penalties which were enough to allow us to relax. Charlie McCarthy presented the shield which was won on the day, and Division two Junior league trophy to the joint captains.

The boys now face the daunting task of a quarter final away to the cup holders, Young Munster, on Easter Sunday. This will be the stiffest opposition that ‘town have had to face, but there is every hope that they can be beaten. Kick off is at 2:30 pm, and anyone travelling by car should take the Dooradoyle exit and follow the signs at the roundabout.

Under 16 development cup first round

Mitchelstown 12 – 7 Sunday’s Well

On Saturday last we welcomed Sundays Well to Currabowen for the Quarter Final of the U16 South Munster Development Cup. This was a game we were looking forward to as it had been a number of weeks since the league finished, and we were keen to get back on the pitch again. The game started with Well putting us under a lot of pressure and we defended strongly but on 15 mins they slipped through for a converted try which turned out to be their only score of the game. We then settled on playing some good passing rugby and were unlucky on a number of occasions deep in their 22. With 5 mins to go we crashed over the line from a tap and go penalty to leave us going in at the break 05-07 down. This try gave us a lot of confidence that we were more than capable of getting the result out of this game and the second half picked up where we left off which us having the majority of possession. Another try came after several controlled phases of attack with the successful conversion pushing our lead out to 7 points. Well rallied after that but we defended extremely well without giving them sight of the line and eventually ran out 12-07 winners. This was a massive win against a team playing in a higher division so it was more than satisfying for the team to win a knock-out game against a traditional heavy weight. We move into a home semi-final with the opposition and date to be confirmed.

Team from: Carlos O’Grady, Liam O’Donnell, Dan Turley, Eoin Lynch, Darragh Casey, Cian O’Donnell, Lorcan Murray, Gearoid Desmond, Jayden Lynch, Aidan O’Mahony, Sean Gorry, Eoghan Kelly, Jack Kelly, Jack Kearney, James Kennedy, Will Murphy, Ben Cooke, Cillian Lysaght

 

Training

Minis up to 12         Check on website

Boys U14      Tuesday and Thursday @ 7:00pm

Boys U16      Tuesday and Thursday @ 7:00 pm

Adults            Wednesday and Friday @ 7:00pm in Galbally

Girls                Check with Marie Meade

Thanks to all players, coaches, parents, and officers for giving their time, and especially to Harry Kinsella for his tireless work to keep the pavilion and pitches in great shape. Don’t forget the lotto on Sunday.

 

 

LOTTO JACKPOT €1,200.00 not won.

Next draw will be on Sunday April 16th at 9:00pm in Jackie O’Brien’s Bar, Lower Cork Street at 9pm. One lucky winner could collect €1,400 to prepare for the Easter festivities.

Tickets are available in all associated business premises in Mitchelstown, and from the club web site. An annual ticket for all draws for a year is an ideal present for only €50. For lucky dip winners, please check the website for a full listing, where annual tickets can be purchased, in addition to single or multi draw. Call Owen Dawson 087 8112991 for details. Last week’s numbers were 3, 10, 20 and 23. For full details, please go to the club website.

Club News & Match Reports 30.03.23

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Galbally/Mitchelstown notes

Munster Junior cup – 4th Round

Galbally/Mitchelstown 18 – 15 Tralee

Spring arrived with a shock on Sunday last in Galbally, with the Galtee mountains resplendent in their green livery. Warm sunshine bathed the large attendance in the afternoon, and made for an enjoyable occasion.

The visitors started with intent and took advantage with a penalty to open the scoring. Eight minutes later, John Kearn’s sweetly struck effort brought the scores level. It was twenty minutes later when the home side broke through the middle with Padraig Finnan getting the touchdown near the posts. John Kearns converted to increase the margin to seven points at the interval.

After the break, another Kearns penalty, and a fine try by Kevin Cooke increased the home advantage to fifteen points, Tralee bounced back with a converted try, but were unable to reduce the margin until the dying seconds of the period, when a try was scored, but not converted.

The boys now face the daunting task of a quarter final away to the cup holders, Young Munster, possibly over the Easter weekend.

In the meantime, the final of the Munster Junior shield must be contested in Fermoy RFC next Sunday 2nd April, with Dungarvan providing the opposition.

Under 14 boys

Skibbereen 29 – 22 Mitchelstown

The boys undertook the marathon of travelling to Skibbereen for their knockout fixture. Despite having a size disadvantage, they gave their all and were unlucky to lose by a single score.

The west Cork boys are never an easy conquest at home, and the whole unit of coaches, players and parents can feel proud of their achievement.

Under 16 boys

The team has the advantage of an early kickoff at home to Sunday’s Well on Saturday. The prize is a semi- final game to get to Musgrave Park for a final. The game will start at 10:30, and extra time will be played if needed to separate the sided at full time.

Best of luck to all.

International Rugby

The preparations for the men’s world cup in France in the autumn now begin in earnest, with Irish players returning to club rugby in the European Cup and URC games.

The Ireland woman’s team had a disappointing first half in their match away to Wales, but there was some hope after they held their own in the second forty minutes. It will be a tough season for them.

Tickets are available from the Munster Branch ticket line.

Training

Minis up to 12         Check on website

Boys U14      Tuesday and Thursday @ 7:00pm

Boys U16      Tuesday and Thursday @ 7:00 pm

Adults            Wednesday and Friday @ 7:00pm in Galbally

Girls                Check with Marie Meade

Thanks to all players, coaches, parents, and officers for giving their time, and especially to Harry Kinsella for his tireless work to keep the pavilion and pitches in great shape. Don’t forget the lotto on Sunday.

 

LOTTO JACKPOT €1,200.00 not won.

Next draw will be on Sunday April 2nd at 9:00pm in Jackie O’Brien’s Bar, Lower Cork Street at 9pm approximately. One lucky winner could collect €1,400 to prepare for the Easter festivities.

Tickets available in all associated business premises in Mitchelstown, and from the club web site. An annual ticket for all draws for a year is an ideal present for only €50. For lucky dip winners, please check the website for a full listing, where annual tickets can be purchased, in addition to single or multi draw. Call Owen Dawson 087 8112991 for details. Last week’s numbers were 3, 10, 20 and 23. For full details, please go to the club website

U16 Match Report V Fethard RFC Feb 25th

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Match Report U16 V Fethard RFC Feb 25th

On Saturday last we travelled to Fethard to take on the local team in the hugely impressive 4G pitch in the ¼ final of the Munster Bowl competition. This was a game we were very much looking forward to and had concentrated the last number of week’s preparation towards. We started brightly and opened the scoring after 5 minutes we got on the scoreboard with a penalty. Fethard struck back quite quickly with 2 tries in quick succession to highlight the quality they have in their team. The rest of the half was a very even affair with us held up short of their try line on the stroke of halftime leaving us going in at the break 10-03 down. A very quick start to the second half had us camped on their try line for a number of minutes after being held up over the line twice. Our persistence paid off when we crashed over to bring the scoreline to 10-08. The game played out in a very even manner but unfortunately conceded a breakaway try with 4 minutes remaining to leave us down 17-08 and time quickly ran out on us. This was a very hard working performance against most likely the best team in the competition and to have come so close was a disappointment for the boys but the improvement this year meant our season has been a huge success. We still have a cup competition to play for and so will look forward to that.

Team from: Carlos O’Grady, Liam O’Donnell, Dan Turley, Eoin Lynch, Darragh Casey, Cian O’Donnell, Lorcan Murray, Gearoid Desmond, Jayden Lynch, Aidan O’Mahony, Sean Gorry, Eoghan Kelly, Jack Kelly, Jack Kearney, James Kennedy, Will Murphy, Ben Cooke.

Club News 12.02.23

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Galbally/Mitchelstown notes

Munster Junior Cup – 3rd Round

Dungarvan 5      Galbally-Mitchelstown 40   

Pat Molloy, Dylan O’Gorman, Graham Burke (2), and Pat Shanahan were the winners try scorers. They were also awarded a penalty try. John Kearns kicked a penalty and a conversion, and Shanahan also added a penalty. Robbie McGrath was Dungarvan’s only try scorer.

Upcoming fixtures:

Munster Junior League – Section B

Waterford City (Away) 19/02/2023 2.30pm

 Under 16 boys friendly

On Saturday last we made the short trip to Tipperary town to take on Clanwilliam in a friendly game. Conditions were perfect and this allowed for a very open game with no restrictions on style of play. Clan put us under pressure from the kick off and held us within our half for the first ten minutes. After a lineout win in our own 22 the forwards set up a maul to control the play and a superb clearing kick resulted in play being taken up to the halfway line. We turned over this lineout and several phases of controlled heavy carrying later we crashed over for the opening try. From this point on we remained in full control of the game, 2 further tries seen us go in to the halftime break 17-05 up. The 2nd half continued in the same vein with us playing some very controlled rugby at a high tempo which resulted in a further 3 tries and a penalty. Our set pieces were dominant, work rate very high and were very clinical whenever we got within their 22. The final score in this very pleasing performance was 37-15.

Team from: Carlos O’Grady, Liam O’Donnell, Dan Turley, Eoin Lynch, Darragh Casey, Cian O’Donnell, Lorcan Murray, Gearoid Desmond, Jayden Lynch, Aidan O’Mahony, Sean Gorry, Eoghan Kelly, Jack Kelly, Jack Kearney, James Kennedy, Will Murphy, Ben Cooke.

Match report courtesy of Kevin Kelly

All in all, a great weekend for the club with victory all round. Thanks to all players, coaches, parents and officers for giving their time, and especially to Harry Kinsella for his tireless work to keep the pavilion and pitches in great shape. Don’t forget the lotto on Sunday.

Training

Minis up to 12    Check on website

Boys U14              Tuesday and Thursday @ 7:00pm

Boys U16              Tuesday and Thursday @ 7:00 pm

Adults                   Wednesday and Friday @ 7:00pm in Galbally

Girls                       Check with Marie Meade

LOTTO JACKPOT €1,400.00 Not won. Next draw Sunday February 19th February at 9:00pm.

Tickets available in all associated business premises in Mitchelstown, and from the club web site. An annual ticket for all draws for a year is an ideal present for only €50. For lucky dip winners, please check the website for a full listing, where annual tickets can be purchased, in addition to single or multi draw. Call Owen Dawson 087 8112991 for details. Last week’s numbers were 12, 17,18 and 21. For full details please go to the club website.

Club News 05.02.23 A Winning Weekend

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Galbally/Mitchelstown notes

Munster Junior League – Section B

Galbally-Mitchelstown 19   Fermoy 9

This local derby was never going to be easy for either side, and the added spice of Mitchelstown’s former coach, Cillian Bohane, being the Fermoy manager meant that the tension was high. A chilling wind blew despite the clear spring sky, and the home side had the early support of the elements.

The home side opened the scoring, with a penalty after 12 minutes, and added another just before half time leaving the score 6 – 0.  After the interval Fermoy were bound to have a purple patch, leaving the score level at nine points each with 12 minutes remaining. The boys in white and red dominated the closing stages, and after sustained pressure, took the lead with a penalty goal.

From the kick off, another wave of forward pressure brought the final score with a fine try, converted by the unerring boot of Kearns which denied Fermoy a bonus point. That could prove to be important in deciding placings in the knockout stages.

Upcoming fixtures:

Munster Junior Cup v Dungarvan (away) 12/02/2023 Kick off 2pm

Munster Junior League – Section B v  Waterford RFC 19/02/2023 2.30pm

Under 14 league – Phase 2

Mitchelstown 41 Mallow 26

Last Sunday week  our U14 boys travelled to Mallow to play our 4th match of the phase 2 league having won our first 3 matches the lads were understandably confident. We got off to a strong start pushing Mallow back and edging closer and closer to the line but Mallow held firm for the first 5 mins but couldn’t withstand the constant pressure and eventually cracked allowing our No. 8 Niall Casey to store our first try and Colman Fagan converted. From the restart we again put pressure on Mallow but they caught us napped and against the run of play they broke through our line and scored a try and conversion. This woke our boys up and they quickly regained the lead with a try from Danny Gorry but the conversion hit the outside of the post. Mitchelstown 12 Mallow 7 at halftime.

We were playing down the slight hill for the second half and were confident that the lads would start dominating in the second half and very quickly we scored our third try and conversion when Danny Gorry again powered over the line but the conversion was just wide. In fairness to Mallow they dug deep and very quickly scored two try’s but only managed one conversion we were now trailing by 2 points Mitchelstown 17 Mallow 19. For the next 10 minutes Mallow dominated scoring another try and conversion. At this point our forwards said enough was enough Michael Keneally, Sean Hennessy, Mark O Regan, Ciaran Fitzgerald, Sean Young and Evan O’Regan Stocks drove them back time and time again taking everything Mallow had to throw at them. Mallow tried probing our wings but our wingers Michael Coughlan and Eoin Sheedy said no way and closed every gap. Mallow tried a few kicks over the top but every one of them was dealt with by our fullback Jack Darrer- Dalton. Our lads dug deep and started to turn the game around with powerful running by our front three of Evan, Michael and Sean it took a lot of effort for Mallow to try and stop them and Michael Keneally was rewarded with a powerful try carrying the ball and 3 Mallow players over the line with the conversion put over by Colman. This was the catalyst for the lads to kick on and shortly afterwards Colman powered over for his own try and again converted. Eoin Luddy playing at scrum half and Will Howard playing at 10 were now fully in control of the game and spreading the ball around at ease. It didn’t matter which Mitchelstown player received the ball they all had the confidence to take it on and gained ground, our flankers Cormac Hoye and Danny Gorry along with our number 8 Niall Casey rucked over every ball and kept us in control. It wasn’t long before one of flankers Cormac broke through the Mallow line and sprinted from the halfway with four Mallow players chasing him to score right under the posts with a conversion by Colman. Our number 13 Jake Farrissey wanted to get in on the action and weaved his way through the Mallow defence to round off a very strong performance by our lads. This performance was the best team display so far and the lads showed some real character to come home worthy winners.

Report courtesy of Mike Casey

Under 16 boys

Mitchelstown 31   Nenagh 0

Last Saturday we hosted Nenagh in the last round of the group stage in a winner-takes-all game to qualify for the ¼ final of the Munster Bowl competition. With a lot on the line the lads were very focused and crossed the line after 3 minutes to give us the perfect quick start we wanted. On the 10th minute mark we doubled our advantage when Lorcan Murray ran back a clearing kick, a good offload saw Oden van der Werff run a heavy line beating a number of defenders, ball was recycled and we scored after a number of heavy carrying phases. We worked hard for the remainder of the half and keep the pressure on with most of the play taking place well inside the opposition half. A quick start to the 2nd half saw us win our lineout on the 22 and as our maul marched towards the try- line we won a penalty on the 5m line, a quick tap and go saw us over the line. With us well on top at this stage the focus remained and an intercept try from the halfway line put the game beyond doubt. A 25m meter penalty was kicked by out-half Lorcan Murray, who kicked 5/5 on the day, bringing us to the final score of 31-0. Despite Nenagh applying a huge amount of pressure on us for the last 15 minutes the lads worked hard and refused to let the try-line be breached. This particular aspect of the game was most pleasing as it showed a number of characteristics such as determination, concentration, endeavour and discipline. This win sees us qualify for the ¼ final of this Munster-wide competition for the 2nd year in a row, we now await the conclusion of other groups to find out our next opponents.

Team from: Carlos O’Grady, Liam O’Donnell, Dan Turley, Eoin Lynch, Darragh Casey, Oden van der Werff, Cian O’Donnell, Lorcan Murray, Gearoid Desmond, Jayden Lynch, Aidan O’Mahony, Sean Gorry, Eoghan Kelly, Jack Kelly, Jack Kearney, Will Murphy, Ben Cooke

Match report courtesy of Kevin Kelly

Team from: Carlos O’Grady, Liam O’Donnell, Dan Turley, Eoin Lynch, Darragh Casey, Oden van der Werff, Cian O’Donnell, Lorcan Murray, Gearoid Desmond, Jayden Lynch, Aidan O’Mahony, Sean Gorry, Eoghan Kelly, Jack Kelly, Jack Kearney, Will Murphy, Ben Cooke

All in all, a great weekend for the club with victory all round. Thanks to all players, coaches, parents and officers for giving their time, and especially to Harry Kinsella for his tireless work to keep the pavilion and pitches in great shape.

Training

Minis up to 12   Check on website

Boys U14             Tuesday and Thursday @ 7:00pm

Boys U16             Tuesday and Thursday @ 7:00 pm

Adults                   Wednesday and Friday @ 7:00pm in Galbally

Girls                      Check with Marie Meade

LOTTO JACKPOT €1,400.00 Not won.

Next draw Sunday February 19th February at 9:00pm.

Tickets available in all associated business premises in Mitchelstown, and from the club web site. An annual ticket for all draws for a year is an ideal present for only €50. For lucky dip winners, please check the website for a full listing, where annual tickets can be purchased, in addition to single or multi draw. Call Owen Dawson 087 8112991 for details. Last week’s numbers were 12, 17,18 and 21. For full details please go to the club website.