In this issue AIL V 1

Under Age News 2

Brendan Cuttriss 4

John Hayes 4

Team Match Reports 5

Garryowen Lunch 8

News from Dubai 9

Club Shop 10

Golf News 10 December 2011 Volume 2, Issue 3 Concession Scheme 10 The Constitution F.C. V Young Munster R.F.C. Young Munster R.F.C. 3Rd December

Templehill Saturday 3rd December 2011 2:30 As has been the case with AIL League Match Days in Temple Hill the club have put an emphasis on bringing as much to the day as is possible. A warm welcome to all our visitors to Temple Hill for today’s Ulster Bank League game with Young Munster RFC. We extend a special welcome to Young Munster Presi- Itinerary for the Day dent, Nay Cantillon, his committee, players and supporters. 1pm: Club Blitz U7’s U8’s U9’s U10’s Young Munster currently lead Division 1A of the Ulster Bank League having won five of their six games to date. Most recently they defeated Lansdowne last weekend on a 1pm: Match day Christmas Lunch with guest speaker 15-13 score line. They have 22 points, one ahead of Clontarf in second place. For their part, Cork Constitution have won their last two outings against Clontarf and Black- Please contact John O’Mahony or Fiona Burke if you wish to attend the rock College and are in third place with 18 points, level with St Mary’s College. And lunch. since St Mary’s play Clontarf today, the question of who will lead the Division 1 table for the Christmas break will be resolved this afternoon. 2.30pm: Ulster Bank League Match - Cork Constitution v Young Munster Also in today’s game, the teams will compete for the Danaher Sheehan Cup in hon- our of the former Young Munster scrum half who also played for Constitution, Munster U7’s U8’s U9’s U10’s will form a Guard Of Honour for the Senior team and in the 1930s. And we especially welcome the Sheehan family members to Temple Hill today. For your added entertainment today there will be some Christmas Munster’s Heineken Cup games with the Scarlets will dominate the rugby scene for the Carol singing in the clubhouse before and after the game. next fortnight, in the run-up to Christmas, and we hope that our members will continue to support the club and watch the games in the Clubhouse . Your team needs your support Don’t let them down Santa's Coming

Bheith ann gan teip Saturday 17th of December

Kids Christmas Party from 10.30 in Main Hall Brendan moves up All Time List

Congratulations to Brendan Cuttriss who made is 100Th All Ireland League and Cup appearance for Constitution in FUN, GAMES, SPOT PRIZES, DJ And their recent league game against Blackrock. Brendan lies SANTA CLAUS eight in the Constitution all time appearances table behind Support our "GIVING TREE" in aid of Vincent Richard Lane who played 103 games. de Paul. (Children's Gift or Non Perishable Former skipper Frank Cogan heads the table with 133 ap- food item) Come and experience the Festive pearances in total. Season in Con, and enjoy our world famous MINCE PIES !!

Match Day Parking

Please note that there is restricted parking in Templehill on Match Days. We request that match patrons respect our neighbours by not parking on the double yellow lines outside local housing estates as this causes a traffic hazard. Page 1 Underage Section News

U12 Tour to Waterpark RFC and Gravity Park

Over 60 of the U12 squad went on tour on Saturday, 19th Nov, to Waterpark for a Blitz and then on to Gravity Park in Co. Wexford. The trip was a huge success and the boys really enjoyed the day. And all the coaches returned alive! The Waterpark Blitz went very well and the boys performed above themselves. We were very lucky with the weather and each of our 6 teams played two games each. The host club then gener- ously provided rolls and soup for the kids before we re-boarded the bus for the trip to Wexford. Gravity Park was a huge success and the boys were engaged in various outdoor activities in Ireland's largest rope park. In particular they en- joyed the 50m high climbing wall and the What a Weekend 300m zip-line ... which was tested to its max weight bearing capacity when some of the The annual U-13 tour to Terenure College coaches tried it out! Afterwards, the boys were fed in a local take-out (which coped What a weekend, it all began by meeting in the train station at 9:45, admirably) before boarding the buses back after a head count and some tearful goodbyes from their mums (although some were seen opening champagne bottles and cheering to Con. when leaving the train station) we all boarded the 10:30 train bound A huge thanks to Kevin Clarke and Dave for . Farrell who took on the responsibility of organising the day ... Including a dry-run the There was both excitement and trepidation amongst the travelling party of sixty children and eight adults as they were heading off on the week before! annual “U-13 Terenure Tour” they heard so much about. AT 10:30 on More photos can be viewed in the club- the dot the train started chugging its way out of the station and into house. Kevin Fielding the tunnel and right on queue the packed lunches were taken out of their bags, ranging from crisps, fizzy drinks and just to make sure some chocolate. Saturday Juvenile Training Times By the time we were approach- UNDER 7 'S BORN 2005 9.30AM TO 10.30 AM ing Mallow they were buzzing, I UNDER 8 'S BORN 2004 9.30AM TO 10.30AM knew this was going to be a long two and a half hours. On UNDER 9 'S BORN 2003 9.30AM TO 11.00 AM route we got the train driver UNDER 10'S BORN 2002 10.30AM TO 12.00 NOON to slow down going through UNDER 11'S BORN 2001 10.30AM TO 12.00 NOON Mallow allowing just enough time for Tony and Daniel UNDER 12'S BORN 2000 10.30AM TO 12.00 NOON O’Connor to jump on. UNDER 13'S BORN 1999 10.00 AM TO 12.00 NOON AND WED AF- Arriving at Heuston Train Station we all hopped onto a double decker TERNOONS 5.00 TO 6.30PM bus that brought us straight out to Terenure College. On arriving in Please note the above times are subject to change Terenure College we were met and welcomed by Fr. Michael and went straight to our dressing rooms. The Cork Con squad were split into three teams, the Spring Boks, Stags and Lions each having their own dressing room. FOGRA The Spring Boks were coached by Noel Leonard & Tony O’Connor, We hope that the underage news section will be a regular feature of future The stags by Fred Casey, Eoin Burke & John Boland and the lions by editions of the Cork Constitution. Mick Moloney and Paul O’Callaghan. If you have any underage news you would like published please forward to Pat Twomey at [email protected] Page 2 Onto the pitch everyone went for the first of two fixtures to be played that weekend. After a short warm up the matches kicked off, all were played in a friendly manner with great passion and were also very exciting to A big thank you to Fr. Michael and staff of Terenure College, the fami- watch. For the first time lies who kindly hosted our boys and the adults who gave up their Cork Con won all their weekend to travel and look after the squad. three matches away to Terenure. Back into the Dressing Rooms to change and clean up before the boys met their hosts for the weekend. Fr. Michael called out the name of the boy’s one by one and introduced them to the Terenure boy’s and their parents that they were staying with for the weekend and off every one went for the evening.

It was up early again the following morning as the host families dropped all the Cork Con kids off at Terenure College, this time to play St. Mary’s. With the same teams as This is the first big U-13 tour over and done with, it was hugely suc- the day before Cork Con cessful and great fun and which all the kids enjoyed. again won all their games. The planning for the next tour which will be to Italy in Easter is well

underway and lots of fundraising events will be taking place over the So all in all six wins out of six was a pretty decent return and is credit coming months so keep an eye out a help in any way you can. to Fred and his team of coaches who have all put in a huge effort since Words and pictures by Fergus Humphries they have returned to training after the summer break. After a quick change the kids went away with their host families, a lot of them met up again later that day in Dundrum Shopping Centre where they played Child Welfare- Best Practice a bit of crazy golf and did some shopping. The Club have fully endorsed the IRFU Child Welfare Policy and in doing so have The Cork Con coaches were very kindly invited to lunch by Terenure ensured the following:- College to the Terenure RFC v De La Salle Palmerston F.C. AIL • That each of the coaches attended the Communication Ses‐ League Division 2A pre match meal, the grounds of which are right sions on this very important matter next door to the college grounds. • That they have signed the IRFU Declaration of intent relating Afterwards a few of us went over to Stradbrook to watch the Black- to the IRFU Child Welfare Policy and rock College v Cork Con match, thankfully a match Con won by three • That they have completed a Garda Vetting Application Form. points. It is important that all parties Club, coaches & parents alike are aware of what is ex- For the third morning in a row we were all up early as host families pected and is acceptable behaviour when their child is playing rugby in Cork Constitu- dropped the Cork Con kids back to Terenure College on Sunday tion F.C. morning. The same double decker bus that dropped us off on Friday Finally, as part of the child’s welfare and our best practice we would like to remind was waiting in the College car park to bring us back to Heuston Sta- parents to ensure that they advise their child’s coach of any allergies/medical issues tion, Fr. Michael thanked everybody one by one has they got on the their child may have and any special medications needed. bus and said he was looking forward to seeing everybody again the Mark O’Sullivan following weekend. Some of the host parents were talking to me just before we left and Cork Constitution 2012 Club Calendar every one of them spoke very highly of the kids saying they were great fun, mannerly and well behaved. The 2012 Cork Constitution Calendar will shortly be available in the Club Shop and Bar. Featuring We are very much looking forward to the return fixture at the week- end and our boys I know are looking forward to seeing their new photographs of all of the Underage and Youth friends that hosted them the previous week. teams. Costing €10 or 3 for €20 it would make an ideal Christmas Gift. Page 3 Getting to know Brendan Cuttriss John Hayes Makes History John Hayes recently became the first player to win 100 Heineken Cup caps when he came on as a replacement for BJ Botha in Munster's epic win over Northampton Saints.

And to put the Bruff man's achievement into context consider that Toulouse's (4 times winners) highest capped is Fabien Pelous (retired) with 76, (twice win- ners) is Martin Corry (retired) on 69 while Leinster's is Shane Horgan with 87.

Hayes received his 100th cap after the game from ERC Chief Executive Derek McGrath .

Our own Ronan O’Gara is set to win his 100Th Cap in the away game against Scarlets .

It was also a first for Peter O'Mahony who claimed the Man of the Match award in his debut game in the competition and it was probably the first time a side Brendan recently played his 100Th AIL League for Cork Constitution put 41 phases together as Munster did at the death to set up O'Gara for the winning drop goal. against Blackrock. Brendan is a tough uncompromising flanker who knows only one way to play rugby , with one 100% commitment. Peter received his Man of the Match award from Pat Possessing all of the attributes of a top class flanker Brendan’s mobil- Maher of Heineken after the game. ity, power, strength and endurance has made him a formidable mem- ber of Cork Con’s back row since he joined the club in 2004. Bren- dan captained the club to victory for the first time in 20 years in the Serge Blanco Man of the Match 2009 Munster Senior Cup. Brendan has also won two All Ireland The winner of the Serge Blanco Cork Constitution Man of the Match for the Ulster Leagues (2008 2010) and two All Ireland Cups (2006 and 2010) with Bank AIL match V Clontarf game was Constitution. Brendan has played on a number of occasions for Mun- ster, Brian O’Hara

Name: Brendan Cuttriss Place of Birth: Mayfield, Cork Currently Residing: Glanmire Serge Blanco was arguably one of the best French full backs in the modern game of Education: Mayfield Community School Rugby. In 1992, he transferred his number Occupation: Sales (JC Products) 15 and his name to this exclusive range of First started playing Rugby when: Sundays well U12 clothing for men and children.

Sportsperson Admire Most: My brother Donncha raced 3,000miles across America Serge Blanco Ire 59 St Patrick Street, this year, the first Irish solo rider to do so. He completed it in 11 Days Cork Toughest Opponents: Shane Jennings, James Coughlan You can also buy on line at Career Highlight to date: Winning Munster Senior Cup 09 www.sergeblanco.ie/ Favourite Other Sport: Skiing, Golf, Squash This award is kindly sponsored by John Favourite team outside rugby: Cork Hurlers Mannix, Serge Blanco Ire Hobbies outside rugby: Gym, Walking the Dog Best part of being a rugby player: The fact that it is a contact sport…THE HITS Worst part of being a rugby player: Injuries Person you would most like to meet: Hugh Hefner Person you would avoid at all costs: Gerry Hurley in a Foreign Country CHRISTMAS QUIZ Favourite Food: Indian Rochestown Park Hotel has again kindly agreed to sponsor the Cork Constitution Sporting Event you'd most like to attend: Col du Tourmalet stage of Tour de France Christmas Quiz. Best place you've visited: Krabi, Thailand The quiz will be set in a special Christmas issue of the Cork Constitution with Fantas- Three people you would invite to dinner and why; John Terry, Wayne Bridges and tic Prizes. The questions will be set by Pat Twomey and all of the questions in the quiz Ryan Giggs………. It could be interesting!! will be taken from this season’s Matchzines and Ezine version of the newsletter . The Matchzine and Ezine can be downloaded from the website.

Page 4 Richard Lane added to Clontarf’s tally from SENIORS THIRD IN TABLE a penalty in the 46th minute after Scott Deasy was sin-binned for not releasing, but Cork Con are in third place in the AIL table after two stirring victo- Hurley restored Con’s lead in the 53rd ries against Clontarf and Blackrock. Match reports by Stan Wal- dron. minute from another penalty. Clontarf Cork Con FC 1st XV V Garryowen 29 October 2011 were unfortunate to lose Adrian Darcy, who had just come on as a replacement in Score 9-13 the 57th minute for a dangerous tackle, and Constitution made the most of the oppor- Garryowen gained a win over Cork Constitution in this Ulster Bank tunity to pressurise the visitor’s defence. League encounter at Temple Hill, but they can thank a moment of From a 5-metre scrum Constitution drove madness just before the half time for the decisive breakthrough. the opposition to the line where Gerry Constitution, who had six changes from their previous game with Hurley got the touchdown for 21-6. Dolphin, were slow to get to grips with a bright Garryowen side, Niall O’Driscoll was on the end of a clever Johnny Holland cross kick in who came to Temple Hill with just one win from three. However, the 69th minute to extend Con’s lead with their third try. In the closing there were few scoring chances in the first 40 minutes, with the bat- stages Clontarf made light of their numerical disadvantage with a strong tle being played out in mid-field and both defences very much on top. finish. First full back Noel Reid evaded all would-be tacklers, to score at A scoreless first half looked most likely. the posts. Lane added the points. And in the final play of the game Barry O’Mahony broke away from half way and made it to the corner for the It therefore came as a surprise, when in the 2nd minute of injury final score. Shannon saw out time as their strong pack controlled pos- time, Constitution backs attempted to run a speculative Garryowen kick to the corner, rather than clear to touch and prepare for the session in the closing minutes. second period. However, with minimal pressure exerted by Garryowen on the kick, the Con backs contrived to fumble the ball Cork Con FC 1st XV V Blackrock 26 November 2011 and presented the easiest of try scoring chances to wing Alan Score 17-14 Gaughan who had little trouble dotting down at the posts. Lawlor added the points and Constitution went to the half time huddle with Cork Constitution won a narrow victory over a competent Blackrock a seven point headache. College side at Stradbrook in a very entertaining game. Gerry Hurley kicked a penalty Constitution were a fielding one of their youngest sides ever in the AIL, from 40 metres in the 50th min- and will be delighted that the team came through the difficult test. They ute to get Constitution back in had five changes in personnel from the team that started against Clon- the game. But just as quickly they tarf in the last game, with none of their Munster Academy and squad conceded two penalties, to Fer- players available. gal Lawlor and Alan Gaughan in the 52nd and 58th minutes, to Blackrock benefited from the downfield wind in the early exchanges and give Garryowen a 13-3 advan- Declan Fitzpatrick opened the scoring with a 10th minute penalty. tage. Ronan O’Mahony was sin- However, he missed a similar effort 3 minutes later. Constitution took binned in the 62nd minute giving the lead in the 16th minute when Niall O’Driscoll set up Brian O’Hara Con a numerical advantage and for a try, that Gerry Hurley converted. Constitution continued to at- Gerry Hurley kicked penalties in tack, and right wing Cathal Quinn crossed the line in the 20th minute, the 67th and 74th minute to set but the play was recalled for a forward pass. Then in another probing up a possible late charge by the attack by Constitution in the 25th minute, a loose pass was intercepted home side. on his 22 metre line by Declan Fitzpatrick, and the out half’s pace took him to the Con line for a try, but the effort caused him to miss the rela- However Garryowen were able to control the last minutes without tively easy conversion. Constitution might have regained the lead be- difficulty. fore the break, but another good attack was foiled as the ball did not After the game the Trevor Barry Memorial Cup was presented to the reach the extra man. Subsequently, Fitzpatrick added two penalties in winning captain Conan Doyle by Wendy Barry the minutes before half time to stretch the home lead to 14-7. Con FC 1st XV V Clontarf 5 November 2011 The third quarter was just as frantic, with both sides playing as expansively as possi- Score 26-18 ble. Con had the better chances, but Brian Hayes knocked on with the line beckon- Cork Constitution defeated Ulster Bank League leaders Clontarf to ing, and Niall O’Driscoll was denied when record their first home win of the season. On a fine and sunny after- he was held up in the 47th minute. noon, Constitution started brightly Gerry Hurley opened the scoring in the 2nd minute with a penalty for Constitution, but missed a simi- However, from the play following the 5 lar chance shortly after, as did Richard Lane for Clontarf. Constitu- metre scrum, Martin Gateley was driven tion attacked strongly at every opportunity, but good runs by Joe over at the posts, and Hurley added the McSwiney and Niall O’Driscoll failed to yield. Then in the 19th min- points to level the scores at 14 points ute Simon Zebo broke and linked with full back Darragh Lyons, who each. Gerry Hurley knocked over a pen- put Brian O’Hara in for the first try. Hurley slotted the conversion alty on the hour mark for the lead, after for 10-0. Con had scorned a few similar opportuni- ties in favour of scrummaging options. Defences were then on top in Former Constitution captain Evan Ryan, playing at out half for Clon- the final quarter as the cracking pace took its toll on the players, and tarf, brought his side into the game with a fine break on the half hour Darragh Lyons’ missed drop goal attempt in the final minutes was of mark. Constitution had No.8 Joe McSwiney sin-binned form the re- sultant play, and Richard Lane, returning to his old stamping ground, little consequence as Con took the points on the 17-14 score line. kicked the points from the penalty. Clontarf were caught off side in the 37th minute, following a Sam Cronin box kick, and Hurley kicked Page 5 Stan Waldron the penalty to leave Constitution leading 13-3 at half time. J1’s remain unbeaten U 21’s continue to impress

In the Munster Seconds league the Junior 1 team have got off to a flying start and head Cork Con FC U21 V NUIG 12 November 2011 the table after eight consecutive wins. Score: 75 - 9 Cork Con FC J1 V Cashel 6 November 2011 Cork Constitution travelled to NUI Galway on Saturday Score: 34 - 14 and claimed the points in a one-sided contest. Leading 49- 9 at half time with seven converted tries, they continued Cork Constitution completed a Seconds League double over Munster Junior Cup in the same vein in the second period for a facile victory. holders Cashel and secured a bonus point with six tries. Cathal Quinn scored the first try virtually from the kick off when he nipped in to touch down when a home defender Cork Con FC U21 V Buccaneers 26 November 2011 fumbled a clearance. Cashel pulled back three points with a penalty by Colin Morrissey Score: 40 - 10 before Shane Kelly finished a move to the left corner for the second try. Cork Constitution U 21’s scored a bonus-point win Morrissey added two further penalties for Cashel to narrow the deficit to a single over Buccaneers in the South Western Conference . point. Peter O’Sullivan scored Con’s third try on 35 minutes, but Cashel hit back again They registered three tries in the first half and led 23-3 with a try by Paddy Maher on the 40 minute mark, to leave the half time score 15-14 at the break. A further two tries were added in the to the visitors. second as Buccaneers to their credit made it a good Shane Kelly scored the bonus-point fourth try in the 50th minute. Peter O’Sullivan entertaining game. added the extras, and also added the points to a 60th minute try by Simon Hanbidge, Tom Harrington got the first try in the left corner after and then scored the final try himself in the 70th minute. Unfortunately, a Cashel player just 4 minutes. Buccaneers out half Tim Clifford dropped a neat goal in the 7th minute to was injured in the play leading to that score, and the referee blew for time to allow put his side on the score board, but they failed to add from two later penalty attempts, assistance to be organised for the injured player.. whereas Sean Og Murphy was successful from penalties in the 25th and 34th minutes. In Cork Con FC J1 V Dolphin 13 November 2011 the 37th minute James Rochford got possession from a line out at half way and made a great burst to the Buccaneers’ 22 metre line. Score: 25 - 14

Cork Constitution accounted for Dolphin’s challenge at Temple Hill to extend their unbeaten run to seven Munster Seconds League games. Leading 14-0 at half time they Quick hands put the ball across the line, and right wing Eoin withstood Dolphin’s second half revival and claim the points in an entertaining tussle. O’Donnell finished with the try. Just before the break Simon Hanbidge made another incisive break, and this time Constitution winger Neil O’Connell did the damage in the first period with two scintil- Cathal Quinn finished to the posts. Murphy added the ex- lating tries. The first on 20 minutes he gained possession from Shane Kelly’s return tras for 23-3 at the break. from a missed touch kick to skate home from half way. He repeated the feat just on half time with another 50 metre sprint. Peter O’Sullivan converted both to leave Con 14 points to the good at the break. Centre Graham Murray slipped over for the fourth try in the 44th minute, after a neat Dolphin got their game together quickly on the restart when former Con player Niall step and pass by out half Sean Murphy, to which he added the points. Buccaneers got a Barry was driven in for a try that was converted by Brendan O’Shea. Peter O’Sullivan deserved try in the 50th minute when impressive full back Robbie Henshaw cut through added a penalty to Con’s total after 55 minutes for 17-7. the Con line and scored at the posts. Steward Flynn kicked the conversion. Sean Murphy added a 74th minute penalty and converted a second try by Cathal Quinn in the 78th The Con pack was proving too strong for the visitors with superior scrummaging minute to complete the scoring. power and excellent line out play. Danny O’Shea finished a sweeping movement to the left corner for Con’s third try in the 71st minute, but Dolphin’s full back Brian Roche Stan Waldron pulled the score back in the 73rd minute with a try converted by Chris Bannon. Finally Cork Constitution captain, Peter O’Sullivan, had the last word with a penalty in injury 4Orm Online Shop time, to leave Con 25-14 winners. Eddie O'Connor is pleased to announce that the 4orm range of casual Cork Con FC J1 V Sundays Well 27 November 2011 Cork Constitution gear is now available to purchase on-line. Just click on the link on the Cork Con Website Score: 44 - 3

Constitution continued their winning sequence in the Munster Seconds League South with a solid win over Sunday’s Well at Temple Hill on Sunday afternoon.

Both sides were slow to settle, but once Constitution got on the score board in the 13th minute they kept the score board ticking over to the finish. Out half Sean Og Murphy scored the opening try in the right corner after good work by Peter O’Sullivan and Eoin O’Donnell. O’Sullivan added the conversion from the touchline.

Padraig McSweeny got the Well’s only score in the 15th minute from a penalty, and O’Sullivan also kicked a penalty for Con in the 20th minute. Full back Danny O’Shea was in position to score from Sean Murphy’s cross kick in the 28th minute, and O’Shea put Eoin O’Donnell in for a score with a precise chip to the corner in the 39th minute. Peter O’Sullivan kicked the second conversion for 22-3 lead at the break.

Peter O’Sullivan kicked a penalty in the 48th minute, and added a conversion to the second of two tries by Simon Hanbidge to stretch Con’s lead to 37-3. An injury to a Sunday’s well forward held up play for a few minutes, but in the final play of the game Conor Desmond finished off a fine Con move. O’Sullivan kicked the conversion to leave the final score at 44-3.

It was Constitution’s eighth straight win and leaves them well ahead in the table with four games remaining. On Sunday 4 December they meet Dolphin at Musgrave Park.

Page 6 J2’s on a roll Smartest man on the team.

Cork Con FC J2 V Kanturk 6 November 2011 The club president, coach, a prop and a wing are taking a charter flight Score 14-13 to the AIL Finals when the engines cut out. The pilot enters the passen- Constitution had a hard earned win over Kanturk in north Cork . ger compartment and says, "We're going down. There's only four para- They trailed 13-0 at the break but came out for the second half with chutes! Since I'm the pilot I'm taking one," and then jumps from the more determination. plane. Rory O’Sullivan and James Sullivan scored two tries in the third quarter with Pierre The coach says, "Without me the team won't have a chance, so I'm Hadbi converting both to give Con the taking one," and he jumps out. lead. The winger says, "I'm the fastest and smartest man on the pitch and Thereafter some stout defending aided by without me the team can't win a game, so I'm taking one," and he jumps wayward place kicking by Kanturk saw out of the plane. Con home..

Cork Con FC J2 V Muskerry 13 November 2011 The club president looks at the prop and says, "You take the last para- chute. The team needs you more than it needs me". The prop re- Score 32-17 sponds, "We both can take a parachute. The smartest man on the pitch Cork Constitution completed a Junior 2 League double over Muskerry just jumped out of the plane with my kit bag on his back at Temple Hill scoring four tries in a comfortable win.

Muskerry got the first score from a penalty by Mick Lyne after just 2 For those of you who were wondering why Dinosaurs are extinct. minutes. Constitution’s top scorer Pierre Hadbi equalised with a pen- alty after 10 minutes. Jonathan Young scored the first try after 18 min- utes.

Hadbi scored an excellent try in the left corner on 24 minutes, and added a splendid conversion from the touchline for 15-3. Second row Cillian O’Connor was rumbled over by his forwards for a try on the half hour.

Rory O’Sullivan scored one of his specialities after 36 minutes with a mazy run from half way. Hadbi added the extra points for a substantial 29-3 lead at the break. Volunteer Kit Manager and Backs Coach Required

Muskerry were down, but not Kit Manager out, and fought back with tries by Volunteers are required to assist Ian Doyle as Kit Manager for the Senior , J1 Brian O’Connor and Kevin and J2 teams. The kit manager is responsible for organising and handling all McCarthy in the third quarter, aspects of the teams training and match kits. If you are interested in this key before Hadbi completed the scor- role in the club please contact Kenny Murphy or Jerry Holland

ing with a 70th minute penalty. J2 Backs Coach

A volunteer is required to assist Tom Hannigan in coaching our very suc- cessful J 2 team with an emphasis on back play. This is an ideal role for anyone, Cork Con FC J2 V Mallow 27 November 2011 over 18, who is thinking of returning to coaching or retiring from playing and Score 32-17 wants to get coaching experience. The J2 backs coach will be expected to participate in the I.R.F.U. coaching development Programme. If you are inter- Constitution lost their return match against Mallow in the Junior 2 ested please contact Tom Hannigan or Jerry Holland League at mallow on Sunday. Trailing 3-9 at the interval they were unable to overcome a dogged home side. We hope you enjoyed this issue of The Cork Constitution.

Stan Waldron If you have any news item or article you would like published please forward to Pat Twomey at [email protected]

All contributions are more then welcome.

Don’t Forget to follow Cork Constitution on Facebook and on our website www.corkcon.ie Garryowen Match Day Report Clubs in Freefall

The recent Ulster Bank League Garryowen Match Day at Temple Hill was a resounding The following article, penned by Charlie Mulqueen, was recently published success , the day’s activities were well supported, a favourable impression was created in the Irish Examiner and the day’s events were enjoyed by all. THE Ulster Bank All-Ireland League got back on track over the weekend with some The day began at 9.30ma when the Juvenile U7s, 8s and 9s groups had their regular train- outstanding games and excellent performances. Sadly, many were watched by the ing runs, while parents enjoyed their coffee morning and caught up with the news. Pho- proverbial man and his dog. tos were taken by Martin O’Brien , official Club Photographer , for the Under Age and The grassroots had so much to do with the successes of Ulster, Munster and Lein- Youths 2012 Calendar and treats were handed out for the Halloween festivities. ster through the 90s but has been allowed to fade away with the future of some of At 12.30pm the pre-match luncheon attendees arrived our most famous clubs in considerable doubt. and filled into the hall in great numbers for the sit-down Blackrock College, the pride of Leinster at schools level for over a century, continue meal and talk show, where Moss Finn was the guest to produce quality players only for the cream to be plucked by the likes of the Lein- speaker. ster Academy with the result that the first XV is propping up Division 1 and their Meanwhile the U10s, 11s and 12s commenced their resources are so stretched they don’t field junior teams. Club Blitz tournament at 1.00pm. and were in position When the All-Ireland League was founded in 1991, Wanderers were holders of the as a guard of honour as the teams took the field for the Leinster League and Cup and were expected to sweep all before them in the new main game. series. There was a full house seated for the luncheon at which Today they find themselves last of the 52 teams in the competition having lost each IRFU committee men Stephen Hillditch and Scott Walker of their six matches so far in Division 2B. A club that gave men like Ronnie Dawson, were special guests. They heard the respective Presidents, the Kavanaghs, Kevin Flynn and countless others to the national side may soon find Brian Humphries and Eoghan Prendergast address the main itself outside the senior fold. club concerns of the day. Instonians are an example of another famous club that has fallen a long way having Attending their first Constitution lunch as trainee been, like Wanderers, many people’s idea of a major force when the AIL began. Alickadoo’s were the Contarf players , Evan Ryan Richard Lane and Frank Cogan accompanied by Alas, for the club that produced the Hewitts, the McKibbins and so many others has Robert Quinn. also fallen on hard times, lying third from bottom in Division 2B with just one win from six. There are examples of other veritable institutions of the game facing bleak Fresh from their victory the previous night against futures. And yet there is the other side of the coin as clubs with little or no tradition Lansdowne the trio were telling everyone they were are enjoying massive success. looking forward to returning to Templehill the fol- lowing Saturday as table toppers. Bruff and Cashel are just two examples. Bruff was founded in 1970 but through the encouragement of excellent coaches and many talented youngsters, they attained They were later seen in the company of Walton Morrissey taking senior status a few years ago and last season were crowned Bateman Cup (All- detailed and copious notes on Alicidoo ethics and protocol. Ireland) and Munster Senior Cup champions. They again reached the Munster Cup Brian Humphries also paid tribute to the late Trevor Barry, his former final this season. playing colleague. He presented young James with a memento to mark In the heartland of Tipperary hurling, Cashel lead the way in AIL Division 2B. They the occasion and James replied on behalf of his family. have won each of their six matches — including the 32-0 away defeat of Navan at Brian also made a presentation to Rohestown Park Hotel’s departing the weekend — scoring 163 points with only 30 against. This shouldn’t come as a general manager Shay Livingstone, who is transferring to Galway. surprise given they won the Munster Junior Cup, Junior League, Challenge Cup and Gleeson League last year. Here, too, the work done at underage level continues to When Moss Finn rose to speak, there was an expectant hush, as pay a rich dividend as the youngsters revel in the achievements of locals like Denis the former Munster & Ireland star was not likely to let the mo- Leamy, the Fogarty brothers and other Tipperary stars such as Alan Quinlan, Don- ment go without recalling some gems from his store of tales. nacha Ryan and Trevor Hogan. A few in the audience probably got Quite obviously, country clubs like Bruff, Cashel, Ballynahinch (top of Division 1B), ready to cringe if his recall should Ormond and even Connemara, whose fortunes have improved appreciably involve their recent past. Of this year, have different ways of ensuring their futures from their city rivals. Despite course, because of his great friend- their current good run, even these teams can’t be at all sure of what lies in wait. ship with Trevor he naturally re- galed the audience with a few anecdotes of their great It is a situation many believe the IRFU have allowed and even caused to occur in days together, but he also had a pop at one or two oth- pursuit of an agenda of achieving international success through the provinces alone. ers! It’s also a course of action which, at the very least, seems fraught with danger for the future of the game as we have known it for a very long time. Sincere thanks to all who attended the luncheon, and special thanks to Moss Finn, Wendy and James, for making it a memorable occasion. News from afar Guess the Score In the November edition we introduced a new concept where we catch up people who The recent winners of the Eco Restaurant €50 Voucher for have been associated with Cork Constitution in the past and who are now living far Guess the Score for the Garryowen game was:- from our shores. Barry O’Connor This months news is from sunny Dubai courtesy of Shane Moynihan. If are a member living abroad or if you know a member who lives far away and would Located in the heart of Douglas, Eco is one of Corks most like to contribute please contact me at [email protected] popular restaurants. Since opening in 1996 Eco has become famous for its great food and friendly staff. Eco features an exciting menu of new food ideas from around the world, all prepared with the finest Pat Twomey local ingredients. The vouchers are kindly sponsored by Dave Halpin, News From Dubai The IRB has supported the region well with the advancement of the game through structured coach- Shane Moynihan ing courses and their support of nationalised rugby unions where up to very recently there was one This months news comes from Dubai courtesy of Shane Moynihan who played with Con regional international representative team named from the age of 7 up to the age of 33. He played with the Connetts , Youths and finally the Arabian Gulf. his beloved Minors . He went on to manage the Minors before left for Dubai. 2011 saw the dawning of a new era as the UAE RFU It is with fond memories of my nearly 33 years of association with Cork Constitution, was officially established at the start of the year and that I write this submission for the club’s magazine. That said, I am not sure that I miss will be responsible for the management of the game the Sunday morning away games to Castleisland, Bantry and the likes, in the depths of an across the seven Emirates which make up the United icy winter as we battled our way through yet another ‘minor’ campaign. They were in Arabian Knights U-7 – 2011 HSBC Arab Emirates. indeed fantastic days of great fun and with many successes. It is in stark contrast to those UAE Tag Rugby Champions (Joey Moynihan – far left) In closing I would like to wish Cork Con the very chilly conditions that I now find myself, having moved to the Middle East nearly eight best for the current campaigns across all levels. For years ago. sure I will continue to stay up to speed on the club’s latest progress & developments via the worldwide web and I look forward to a time when my career takes me back to the hallowed dressing rooms of Templehill.

Here’s wishing the club and it’s patrons the very best for the future,

Sandy Pockets (Shane Moynihan)

‘Here Here the Cons ’………..’Goooooooo Kniiiiiiiiiights’

Winter is upon us finally having endured 40 degs C temperatures for the best part of five months. As a young fella I remember an ad on TV for a popular lager which implied that you could fry an egg on the sands of the desert (‘…if ya had an egg!’), well I can attest to that now for sure having successfully accomplished the task in a recent desert camping expedition.

My wife and I arrived in Dubai as a young married couple but how times have changed! We are now a family of five, having had three boys in the interim, Mohammed, Abdul and Samir (aka Joey, Conor & Malachy), aged 6½, 4½ and 2½ respectively.

The onset of winter brings the start of a new rugby season in the Gulf and after taking a few years sabbatical from the game, I have recently returned to the coaching fraternity of under-age rugby.

It should be noted at this point that we only have two seasons in the year, summer, and a slightly dumbed down version of summer, which we call winter.

Every Saturday our family heads over to the Dubai

Arabian Knights U-5s (Cheeky Sports City complex to join up with the rest of the Monkeys) Conor Moynihan receives his end of season medal from Dad CNCF-AK (Christina Noble Children’s Foundation – Arabian Knights) Rugby Football Club.

The club was founded in 2008 by a number of expats from the UK and has gone from strength to strength over the past three years. Today almost three hundred kids go through their paces on the training grounds with a total club membership of approxi- mately four hundred (all fully paid up I might add!!).

The Arabian Knights RFC is part of the CNCF global charity organisation with all club fundraising proceeds going directly to the Children’s Founda- tion. The club caters for both boys and girls, from the U5s (Cheeky Monkeys) through to under 18s, with regular leagues and 7’s competition s throughout the season.

Rugby consumes our Saturdays but given the late evening kick-offs of the RD Pro-12 and Heineken Cup competitions (11-12 pm UAE local time) the parents get ample opportu- nity to quench their thirst once the kids have been tucked away.

Rugby has been growing in popularity across the Gulf driven by the number of northern and southern hemisphere expats in the region. We expect this trend to continue as many more arrive in the region as a consequence of the economic pressures on employ- ment rates in the more developed markets.

Cork Con Concession Scheme.

Thomond Bar Re-opens Friday 2 December 2011. Cork Constitution FC Shop The Thomond Bar , Marlborough Street is re-opening after a major refurbish- ment. Rea Kennedy is offering members of Cork Constitution a 5% discount on purchases of food and drink on presentation of your membership card.

Cork Con Golf Society

Christmas Outing

The Cork Con Golf Society Christmas Out- ing will be on December17 at the Cas- The shop stocks Cork Con Club Jerseys, Shorts, Socks, Hoodies, etc supplied by O'Neill's Sportswear. Club Members can avail of 10% discount when purchasing with Membership tlemartyr Golf Resort from 9:30 to 11:30 Card. Hrs Gift Vouchers are now available for Christmas This outing will count to-words the golfer of the year competition for the Cork Constitu- Cork Con Shop December opening hours. tion Trophy.

A time sheet for the outing is on the Club Notice Board in the Saturday 3rd December 9-30am to 2-30pm Clubhouse. Don O’Riordan Saturday 10th December 9-30am to 1-00pm Presidents & Captains Annual Dinner Saturday 17th December 9-30am to 1-00pm Wednesday 21st December 7-00pm to 8-30pm President Brian Humphries and Captain Garth Murray Annual Saturday 24th December 11-00am to 1-00pm Dinner takes place in the Clubhouse on 27 January 2011 at 8:00 PM Please contact Clodagh O'Sullivan or Erika O Sullivan for your Christmas 2011 Order Invited guests include John Hussey President IRFU and Denis Kel- leher President Munster Branch

As the President and Captains Dinner is a normally a sell out Many Thanks to Martin O’Brien for providing the please contact John O’Mahony as soon as possible if you wish to photographs for the Cork Constitution. attend this most enjoyable night. Pitchside Hoardings December Achiever Award Our Pitchside Hoardings are a valued source of income to the Club and a number of spaces are available for the coming season.

This months Achiever award goes to Rose If you are interested in becoming a Hoarding Sponsor please contact Dunne for her fantastic work in organising the Sean O'Riordan or Fiona Burke at 021 4291960 or e-mail cork- administration of the under-age and youth sec- [email protected] tions since the season started. Page 10