Garryowen Rugby Club @GarryowenFC GarryowenRugby.com THE STAR

September ‘17-’18 Volume 2 Issue 1

Seniors score over 50 points against last year’s runners-up ~ ~ Experience some nostalgia as we take a look back in our new ‘Yesterdays’ section

~ ~ Find out in this issue how your voice can be heard. Table of Welcome member registrations. I wish our Contents Seconds, Thirds and Under 20 management, coaches and players, Senior News… 3 an enjoyable and successful season. Our Under-Age structure under the Third’s… 4 direction of Michael Power, continues to grow with over 550 Ladies’ Tag … 4 players competing across all age groups, on any given weekend. This would not be possible without the Under 20’s… 5 assistance of our wide group of volunteers, who are involved in U’Age Fixtures… 6 coaching, admin and fundraising It is with a profound sense of honour activities throughout the season. A Seconds… 6 and pride, that I take over as huge degree of gratitude goes out to President of Garryowen FC in its these members. Yesterdays… 6 134th Year. The sentiment however, Over the Summer period, Tom is tinged with sadness due to the Fogarty once again, ran the high UBL Table… 7 passing of our former president, Paul successful Youth Athletic O’Byrne on 22nd May 2017. Paul Development Camp, in conjunction was an highly-respected Consultant with Setanta College, the leading Surgeon, based in Barringtons educational institute in Performance Hospital. His leadership and affable Science, Strength and Conditioning. character will be sorely missed by A special word of thanks to our title the Garryowen FC Family. sponsor Quattro Plant, who are now ‘Ar dheis Dé go raibh an anam.’ in their second year. Much Following some tough years both on appreciation is also extended to our and off the field, there is a general additional sponsors; Medicare, First sense that we have turned a corner Choice Financial Services, Downes in Dooradoyle. Our Senior squad is Solicitors, Frank Hogan Motors and led once again by Head Coach Conan Asystec. I would also like to thank all Doyle as Director of Rugby, ably those who advertise with pitch side assisted by Paul Neville, John hoarding, those who support our Staunton and Sean Skehan. Neil fund-raising events and attend our Cronin captains the side. pre-match lunches. I would also like Recruitment has gone well in the off to thank everyone who took part in, season and we are upbeat that the or supported, the Garryowen FC Golf coming season will see us, once Classic. again, competing for honors, across Finally, it gives me immense all major club competitions. To this pleasure to extend a very warm end, I wish them every success welcome to all visiting teams, Staying with the Senior Club, last coaches, members and club season was very successful for both executives. I trust your trip to our J2 and Under 20 Squads, with a Dooradoyle will be an enjoyable one. virtually clean sweep of all available I look forward to meeting you before trophies. It is encouraging to see and after the game in our clubhouse. that many of the players from these squads are now pushing forward for Yours in Rugby, Edited by Anthony inclusion in the first team setup. Tony O’Rourke, Geoghegan There is a steady supply of new Hon President, Photographs provided by talent emerging from both our under-age structure and new Garryowen FC, Kieran Ryan 2017/18

2 First XV

The new Division 1A season kicked off three weeks ago The attacking prowess of the week prior showed no for the senior side against 2012 champions St. Mary’s signs of slowing down as along with ‘Neilly’, tries from College at Templeville road. winger Liam Coombes, Sean Rennison, Hugh O’Brien- Cunningham and Peadar Collins sent ‘Tarf. It proved to be a battle of attrition for the light blues as two crucial St. Mary’s penalties would prove to be This was the first time Garryowen have scored 50 the deciding factor in the end as the home side points in a single All- League game since their retained the Shay Deering trophy. 54-5 thrashing against Galwegians in the final game of the 2009/09 season, Despite losing 13-7, this the seniors clawed a losing bonus point a difficult achievement for any travelling The Seniors will surely look to continue this emphatic side. form in their trip to Terenure College next Saturday who have been performing well above expectations A week later the senior side hosted newly-promoted with their 100% record. After that it’s another Dublin Buccaneers at Dooradoyle. college against UCD at home on the 28�� of October. Buccaneers recorded a spirited 10-19 loss to favourites Lansdowne at Dubarry park the week prior. GARRYOWEN: David Johnston; Liam Coombes, Sam Arnold, Peadar Collins, Hugh O’Brien-Cunningham; Bill Johnston, Neil Cronin (C); Niall Horan, Mike Sherry, Andy Keating, Aaron McCloskey, Dean Moore, Tim Ferguson, Garryowen’s backline unleashed a flurry of attacks Darren Ryan, Sean Rennison. leading to tries from Dean Moore, Darren Ryan, Jason Replacements: Liam Cronin, Barry McNamara, JP Phelan, Mikey Wilson, Jamie Gavin. McInerney and Munster hooker Mike Sherry Scorers: Neil Cronin, Liam Coombes [2], Sean Rennison, Hugh O’Brien- respectively. Cunningham, Peadar Collins Conversions: Neil Cronin [6] A resounding 29-17 victory for the home side, two Penalties: Neil Cronin [3] matches two bonus points to lay the foundation for an CLONTARF: Max McFarland; Rob McGrath, Sean O’Brien, Matt D’Arcy, exciting season ahead for the light blues. Cian O’Donoghue; David Joyce, Sam Cronin; Ivan Soroka, Dylan Donnellan, Royce Burke-Flynn, Cormac Daly, Ben Reilly (C), Tony Ryan, Neil Reilly, Michael Noone. The seniors concluded the month by entertaining 2- Replacements: Andrew Feeney, Joe Roe, Mark Sutton, Vakthhang time winners Clontarf at home in Dooradoyle. Abdaladze, Vincent Gavin. Scorers: Penalty try, Vakthang Abdaladze Conversions: David Joyce Our skipper Neil Cronin alone outscored the bulls by Penalty: David Joyce contributing a whopping 26 points in total, to the light blues’ 51-17 staggering victory. Referee: Mark Patton Charity Cup

Before kicking off their Ulster Bank League campaign, the senior side advanced to the Charity Cup final.

The light blues outclassed the reigning champions and local rival Old Crescent respectively in their route to the final.

Nenagh Ormond defeated both Shannon and UL Bohemian in their historic campaign and they look to end their underdog story with a win against the light will make their first appearance in a Charity Cup Final on Nov. 17�� blues.

However, the senior side will be sure to not The 93�� Charity Cup will take place on November 17��. underestimate the premier county natives as they Jack O’Sullivan, a ‘Garryowner’ introduced the cup in were knocked out of the Munster Senior Cup by order to raise funds for Barrington and St. John’s Hospital , last year. in Limerick.

3 Thirds

The thirds side have run rickshaw in the McInerney Cup this month, producing two dominant victories in a row against Old Crescent and St. Senan's respectively.

The Gleeson League holders made the short trip down to Rosbrien and racked up a 29-19 against their neighbours.

It was a more one-sided affair in Jimmy Slattery park last week as the light blues won the semi-final 52-5 against shattered St. Senan's side.

Garryowen will meet old rivals, Shannon in the final the venue and date has yet to be announced, keep in touch with our social media for more information.

Until then, the thirds begin their Gleeson League defence against Newport on Saturday the 7th of October at Dooradoyle, kick off is at 2:30. REMINDER FOR MEMBERS! Your Club Membership can be registered and paid online at garryowenrugby.com/members by Credit Card, Debit Card (such as Laser) or by Cheque. Or by using the myclubfinances app available only on itunes. *Payment of Under-Age subscriptions will be managed by the subscriptions team on Sunday Mornings at the Club House. For Adult Members and Players, please contact the Hon. Registrar, Billy Purcell. Email: [email protected] Ladies’ Tag Mobile: 086-6799109

This year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup inspired many young women to be involved in the wonderful sport of rugby and we at Garryowen want to help these women reach their full potential.

Follow in the footsteps of the likes of Irish skipper and history-making referee Joy Neville and get involved in our Ladies’ Tag Rugby Teams.

Interested? Contact details are below.

Girls Tag Manager Rachel Joyce. Mobile: 087 2057362 Girls Tag Coach: Kate Nevin. Mobile: 085 8460874 E-Mail Address: [email protected]

Source: Youtube

4 Under 20’s

The young stars scored over 100 points in the two games this past month.

The Under 20’s as expected finished top of their North Munster Under 20’s Group ahead of Tipp sides and Nenagh Ormond.

In their trip to Nenagh the light blues won 59-5, the following week the young stars’ momentum continued in a 59-0 whitewash at Dooradyle.

With scores like those, supporters will be rest assured of the attacking rugby the current Donal Walsh trophy holders will look to implement when they get their opportunity. Pos. Team Pld. W D L Pts.

1 Garryowen 2 2 0 0 10

2 Thurles 2 1 0 1 4 3 Nenagh Ormond 2 0 0 2 0

Clubhouse Wild Swans at Coole’ It is with great sadness that we learn of the deaths of three of our loyal members of the club, Mrs. Máire by William Butler Yeats. Magee, Neville Furlong and Dermot Keyes this past month. The nineteenth autumn has come upon me Máire from O’Connell Avenue is survived by her son David a former player at the club and the former Since I first made my count; Honorary Fixtures Secretary and Ronan who is also a I saw, before I had well finished, former player. All suddenly mount Neville was a popular and hard working member of And scatter wheeling in great broken rings Garryowen FC and represented us as a player, Upon their clamorous wings. underage coach and Chairman of Underage Rugby. Neville also had the distinction of representing Ireland I have looked upon those brilliant creatures, as a player. And now my heart is sore. Dermot, from North Circular Road and his family have a All’s changed since I, hearing at twilight, long association with the club both as players and The first time on this shore, members. The bell-beat of their wings above my head, Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Magee, Trod with a lighter tread. Furlong and Keyes families.

‘Ar dheis Dé go raibh an anam.’

5 U’Age Fixtures Seconds

Date Team K-O Venue Following the cancellation of the seconds’ proposed match against Nenagh Ormond, the second side kicked off their Seconds North Munster League Under 18’s campaign against Bruff last Sunday. 1/10 Nenagh Ormond 12:45 (A) Nenagh 8/10 Thomond 12:45 (H) Dooradoyle A total of five tries were scored by the seconds the scoreres included two tries from Sam Gleeson and a Under 15’s score a piece from Micky Wilson,, Dara Shanahan 01/10 Old Crescent 11:45 (A) Rosbrien and Mark Roly. 15/10 Nenagh Ormond 11:30 (H) Dooradoyle 29/10 Richmond 11:30 (A) Richmond Park It was a very hard match as it always is against any Bruff side against their prevalent large pack. Under 14’s 8/10 St. Senan’s 12:00 (A) Jimmy Slattery Park Jamie Galvin had a good outing at fly-half with the 22/10 Nenagh Ormond 11:30 (H) Dooradoyle youthful Conan Doyle at full-back . So we are off and running with a bonus point win. Under 13’s 15/10 Ennis 11:30 (A) Ennis it’s short trips to Thomond and UL Bohemians on the 8�� and 15�� of October respectively for the light blues.. Kickoffs for all games are scheduled for 2:30.

D.O.B: 6/8/1979 Achievements: School: Ardscoil Ris Represented Munster The 2007 Treble and and Connacht at another Munster Senior Current Role: Forwards coach Senior Level, Cup in 2012 Favourite Player: Zinzan Brooke Capped for Ireland Munster Senior Cup Advice for young stars: “Keep at it, Sevens, Under 21’s Finalist in 1993 Never Give Up.” and Under 19’s

Yesterdays

Despite being in control for the majority of the first half the light blues only led by 5 points.

Blackrock’s Alan McGowan was unable to secure two vital penalties same with Garryowen’s fly half Ken Smith however, tries from Neville Furlong and Keith Wood accompanied by conversions and penalties executed by Smith proved to be the the difference leaving the champions with a 18-7 victory at Stradbrook.

Eddie O'Sullivan who coached Blackrock at the time Keith Wood braces for impact Source: INPHO/Billy Sticklandt stated that, "They were the better side by a street. They controlled the first-half and a five points interval lead 18�� September 1994 did not reflect the real level of their overall superiority.” Blackrock College 7-18 Garryowen The 1993 All Ireland Champions Garryowen began Wood’s shoulder issues forced him to withdraw from their campaign in a difficult trip to the capital against the Shannon clash the following week, since his Blackrock College. shoulder surgery that took him out of Garryowen’s successful Munster Senior Cup campaign many were It was a repeat of the final match of the previous worried if this would hinder his career… season where in a infamously muddy affair, the light blues ran out 9-3 winners securing the league title. As we all know, it did not. 6 Ulster Bank League 2017/18

Pos. Team Pld. W D L F A Diff BP Pts. 1 Terenure College 3 3 0 0 95 56 39 3 15 2 Lansdowne 3 3 0 0 96 27 69 1 13 3 Garryowen 3 2 0 1 87 47 40 3 11 4 3 2 0 1 83 62 21 3 11 5 UCD 3 2 0 1 80 46 34 2 10 6 Clontarf 3 1 0 2 68 97 -29 1 5 7 Young Munster 3 1 0 2 57 88 -31 1 5 8 St. Mary’s College 3 1 0 2 50 72 -22 0 4 9 Buccaneers 3 0 0 3 51 80 -29 0 0 10 Dublin University 3 0 0 3 20 112 -92 0 0 Pre-Match Lunches Entry to the game, a three course lunch with wine for just €25.

To book your place contact Hon. Secretary Geraldine Morrissey at 087-2466815 by Thursday prior to any match Opinion

It’s a new year for The Star Therefore we believe it is crucial that the voices of our and this season we are members be heard both positive and negative so that the looking to incorporate a vital club can achieve future successes. element of our club into our monthly newsletter, If you wish to submit your piece please use the contact details below: You.

Yes, you whether you are a supporter, player, veteran Contact us: or some randomer that managed to get a hold of this issue, we want your thoughts and opinions of the club E-Mail: in our new opinion section. [email protected] Garryowen couldn’t have possibly garnered as much Phone: prestige and success over the years, without the loyalty of our supporters backing players both young and old. 085-7548568

7 ~ 1884 ~

Garryowen Rugby Club @GarryowenFC GarryowenRugby.com