Club News & Match Reports 14.01.23
Mitchelstown Rugby Club
Galbally/Mitchelstown notes
The men of the joint junior side have enjoyed a break up to now, but the next three weekends will be busy. Weather permitting the next game will be in Galbally on Sunday 15th in the Junior league Section B, at home to Dungarvan, with a 2:30pm kick off. The following weekend is league again, with a trip to Carrick on Suir.
The Munster Junior Cup follows with a home tie against Youghal, with the venue to be confirmed.
Under 16 bowl competition
Mitchelstown 38 – Newcastlewest 3
On Saturday last we played our first game of the new year when we hosted Newcastlewest in the opening round of the Munster Bowl competition. After a bright start it was the visitors who took the lead through a penalty, though this would prove to be their only score of the game. The first half was a very tight and even affair with the away team making good use of the strong wind blowing straight down the middle of the field. 2 well worked tries, one a forward’s move, and one finishing off a fine flowing backs move had us going in at the break 12-03 ahead. The game opened up for us in the second half as we knocked off the Christmas cobwebs and became more clinical in our play. Several tries in quick succession from the 40th minute meant we took complete control of the game and ran out 38-03 winners. This was a game where some of our newer members gained a lot of experience and confidence helped with some very good performances from the more established figures. While we don’t put much focus on the actual try scorers in this team game the 2 tries scored by new comer Aidan O’Mahony at loose head and 3 tries scored by centre Darragh Casey must be noted. Our next game is away to Skibbereen next Saturday at 1200.
Team from: Jack Kearney, Carlos O’Grady, Cian O’Donnell, Darragh Casey (3T), Liam O’Donnell, Dan Turley, Oden van der Werff, Eoin Lynch, Lorcan Murray, Gearoid Desmond, Aidan O’Mahony (2T), James Kennedy, Ben Cooke (1T), Jayden Lynch, Eoghan Kelly, Jack Kelly, Will Murphy
Next weekend sees the team travel to Skibbereen for the next outing, unfortunately clashing with Munster v Northampton and the junior All Ireland hurling final. We wish them all well.
Match report courtesy of Kevin Kelly
Under 14 South Munster league
Winning start for the boys in Sunday’s Well
Our boys travelled to the city to begin the second phase of the South Munster League group. Atrocious conditions prevailed as the heavens opened, just as we kicked off. This did not affect the boys and from the beginning we won possession and Will Howard broke through for the first try. This was the start of a brace of tries as the lads strove to attack at every opportunity.
Possession and good rucking followed by direct running allowed Colman Fagin to break the defense, and ended with a fine touchdown.
Moving the home defence wide by getting quick ball saw Niall Casey cross for a third score. The boys kept their heads in defence and great counter rucking meant many opportunities, and Michael Coughlan, Cormac Hoye and Sean Hennessy all scored, with each of the scores coming from great team work and willingness to support and recycle, and to taking their chances.
A great start to the league and the whole team must be commended on the rugby played in awful conditions.
Panel: Jack Dalton, Eoin Luddy, Jake Farrissy, Colman Fagan, Michael Coughlan, Will Howard, Niall Murray, Michael Kenneally, Evan Stock, Sean Hennessy, Mark O’Regan, Seamus O’Brien, Eoin Sheedy, Niall Casey, Ciaran Fitzgerald, Cormac Hoye.
Coaches: Louis van der Werff, Michael Casey, Michael Hoye, Denis Howard.
Match report courtesy of Michael Hoye.
Training
Minis up to 12 Sunday @ 10am
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 €1,000.00
Next draw Sunday 22nd January at 9:00pm
The lotto jackpot of €2,200 survived Christmas and new year, but the first draw of 2023 saw the numbers 1, 3, 10, 19 drawn in Jackie O’Brien’s Bar on Sunday last. The lucky winner was Owen Dawson, club president.
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.
Paddy Hartnett – RIP
We have just heard of the tragic death of Paddy Hartnett in a road traffic accident. Paddy was a great player in the under age ranks of our club, and is a huge loss to his friends and family. We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Hartnett family. We will all have fond memories of Paddy.
As a mark of respect, Mitchelstown RFC will postpone all club activities until the weekend.