CCFC Dec 2010 Ezine Issue 6

CLUBHOUSE COPY : PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE FROM CLUBHOUSE

Events: In this issue

• 4 Th December St Mary’s AIL (Home) Club of the year 1

• 21St December Winter St Mary’s 1 Solstice Picnic U 21 feature 2 • 26Th December Con V Munster win 2 UCC Crowley Cup Minor nite 3 • 27Th December Golf Ladies Lunch 4 Society at Fota. Times past 5 • Daragh Lyons 7 December 2010 Volume 1, Issue 6 December Round Up 8

Christmas Quiz 9 The Cork Constitution Club of the Year The Rugby Writers of Ireland named Cork Constitution Club of the Weather Alert Year for the fourth time at the annual awards ceremony at the th Aviva Stadium on Monday 7 November. Due to adverse weather conditions all activi- Pat O’Keeffe President 2009/10 accepted the award on behalf of the ties in Cork Constitution have been cancelled club and acknowledged the wonderful performance of the team in winning the All Ireland League and Cup double. for Saturday 4Th December. The AIL game against St Mary’s College has

been rescheduled for the 8 Th January 2011.

Santa's Coming to Con Saturday 11th of De- cember AT 12.00

Rugby Writers of Ireland Chairman Brendan Fanning is pictured presenting the Club of the Year award to Cork Constitution's 2009/10 Presi- dent Pat O'Keeffe

President Der O’Riordan , Chairman Jack O’Sullivan and Director of Rugby Jerry Holland accompanied Pat at the awards dinner. Presenting the award Rugby Writers Chairman , Brendan Fanning , stated that rugby was a different game when Con first won Club of Kids Christmas Party from 12.00 in Main Hall the Year award for the first time back in 1991, but they have adapted along the way and bring to the league a level of profession- FUN, GAMES, SPOT PRIZES, DJ And SANTA CLAUS alism that is a model for the club game in Ireland. Support our "GIVING TREE" in aid of Vincent de Paul. (Children's Gift or Non Perishable food item) Come and experi- Cork Constitution's Ronan O’Gara was also honoured for gaining ence the Festive Season in Con, and enjoy our world famous th his 100 cap against South Africa and joined John Hayes and Brian MINCE PIES !! O’Driscoll in the select group who have attained that milestone.

Page 1 U 21’s Season So far Next Cork Constitution overcame a strong challenge from Shannon at Temple Hill to claim the points and stay on top of their section of The U21’s season got under way with a home loss to Lans- the U21South West Conference. downe , in a friendly game, despite being ahead at half time however they were not able to withstand the second half challenge of a very strong Lansdowne side. Bruff conceded a walk-over in the first scheduled game of the South Western Conference. The following week the U 21’s made the long trip to Galway worthwhile with an eight try bonus point victory. Number 8 Cathal Flaherty and flying winger Cathal Quinn scored five tries between them as Constitution led 25-0 at the interval. They continued to score freely to the end with Andriu Kelle- her, Paul Dooley and Paddy O’Connell completing the tally.

Constitution scored first with a try by Robert Clune and converted by Cian McGovern, who also kicked a penalty for a 10-7 half time lead. In a bruising second half Con added to their lead with a try by Cian

McGovern. However, Shannon kept in touch with a two penalties to be just two points behind. Darren Loftus scored a third try for Con to bring his side’s total to 20 points, but they had to withstand a spirited finish from Shannon who scored in the final minute, but could not convert to equalise. Stan Waldron

Constitution won their third game of the season with some Historic Win in Thomond Park ease over a gallant Waterpark team at Temple Hill. It was a Congratulations to the Cork Con players who helped Munster defeat twelve try blitz for Constitution who led 32-0 at the interval. Australia 15-6 on a cold, wet and windy night in Thomond Park. Winger Cathal Quinn bagged five tries as the home side ran the ball at every opportunity. Cork Constitution then made their second trip to Connacht and again came away with the spoils against a strong Bucca- neers side.

Con Players:- Denis Hurley, Duncan Williams,Billy Holland, Ian Nagle, Peter O'Mahony, Stephen Archer, Brian Hayes and Scott Deasy They arrived back to Templehill just in time as the hungry hordes that had stayed on after the Dolphin game were just about to eat the food that Mick Boland had prepared for the U21’s.

Page 2 Minors Take over Con th On the 26 November the Cork Constitution Minor night took Der’s passionate speech was followed by the excellent and entertain- place in the club house when 100 hundred past and present ing Jeremy (Jock) O’Callaghan who had the floor in hearty laughter Minors turned up for a great night . The night started with the with stories of the 90’s in the Minor Section of Cork Con. traditional Gin & Tonic reception followed by a fantastic four Jock captained the team in 1991/92 and had the pleasure and honour course meal prepared by Long Boats. to win the Dennehy Cup, J2 Cup and captained the club on the two It was great to see some great past players who have repre- week tour to the World Cup in 1991.The focus of his speech was on sented the club in the J’s section and the attendance of the pre- that famous tour that took the Minors to London, Cheltenham, Car- sent team under captain John O’Donovan gave the night a great diff and Edinburgh playing three matches undefeated against London blend of old and new. Irish, Cheltenham and Edinburgh Academicals and a tournament in Blackheath. On their journey they watched the England vs. All Blacks opening match of the World Cup, All Blacks vs. USA, Wales vs. Ar- gentina, Australia vs. Samoa and Ireland vs. Scotland. Jock finally let the cat out of the bag when to mentioned , to astonished gasps, that the Minors had managed to collect £40,000 (yes Punts) for the tour which would have bought a three bedroom semi at the time , quite possibly it might buy it to-day as well.

There were players from the teams of the 1970’s all the way up through the years and it was great seeing past members travel- ling as far as Wexford and Dublin for the occasion.

It was a significant night for the Club President as Der has Cap- tained, Coached and Managed the Minors during his Cork Con days and this was very evident in his speech as he moved from Jeremy moved from story to story and has the floor in his hands as story to story with a passion and enthusiasm that can only be nobody escaped from that period. To his credit he mentioned every present for someone who holds this grade of the club close to member of the 91 tour party and nobody was saved from his good his heart. humour and brilliant story telling. He brought back some wonderful memories to many ex players, Management and Coaches, this will be one to be remember and in years to come they will talk about Jocks speech. Tony O’Connor was invited into the Minor Hall of Fame on the night, which caught him off guard, but he spoke of the honour and privilege to be included on the list with the calibre of past members.

He spoke about the vast contribution members of this part of the club have made in Cork Con. Some of his influencers were mentioned, Con O’Leary, Larry Mc Keown, Brian Ludgate and in particular Billy Casey. Adrian Murphy also deserved special mention as Der was astonished at his visionary tactic of introducing back line moves Thereafter the night continued in the bar. There was a huge appre- to the Minors. He also spoke of a past friend Denis (Bunty) ciation on the night for the organising committee of Shane O’Con- Ormond who was sadly missed on the night. Der thanked all nor , Padraig Higgins and Ian Mitchell and already people are looking involved and stressed the importance of having a strong Minor forward to the next night again under the watchful eye of Shane and section in the club feeding into all other areas that makes Cork his crew. Con the success that it is. Page 3 Ladies Lunch in aid of Mary Mount Hospice The day was a great success with 200 ladies enjoying the day which included a champagne reception followed by lunch and a spot prize On Saturday 13th November Cork Constitution played Dol- phin in the AIL Div. 1A in the first Cork AIL Derby of the for every table. season.

Guest speaker Regina Donnelly from the Hospice spoke of the importance of fundraising activities for the future of the hospice and As part of the day a ladies committee from both clubs came together to organise a fundraising event for Marymount thanked both clubs for their efforts. Hospice, a Specialist Palliative Care Unit based at St. Pat- rick’s Hospital in Cork. The hospice provides skilled medical, nursing and spiritual care for patients with serious and advanced illness and their families, in addition to a 24-bed in- patient unit.

The hospice also offers care and support to those patients who choose to be cared for in their own homes. Working in close liaison with community based medical and nursing services, hospice based nurses visit patients in their own home.

President Dee O’Riordan thanked the Organising Committee , all the sponsors and especially the attending ladies for their support of such a worthy cause.

The organising committee was drawn from both club (Valarie O’Riordan, Dee O’Riordan, Deirdre O’Hanlon, Jan Derham , Lucy Tyrell and Sally O’Riordan) and worked with local businesses to fundraise on the occasion of the AIL for the Hospice. The following firms gave sponsorship towards the lunch. Christy’s Wines and Spirits , Murphy’s topaz , Ballygowan, and Kelkin. The flowers were arranged by Lucy Tyrell

Tony O’Connor

Page 4 The above summary does not do justice to Noels smashing article tell- Free Clothes Alickadoo ing all about the great friendships which were forged during those hal- cyon days and which have endured to this very day. It is a great read and I highly recommend that you buy the Holly Bough and read pages In this years Holly Bough , our own Noel Walsh has penned a two page article recounting his days as a member of Irelands 76 and 77. own Dads Arm , an Forsa Cosanta Aituil , whilst still a school Editors Note boy in Pres. The F.C.A. was frequently dubbed the Free Clothing Association which lead to the Saw Doctors belting out these classic lyrics:-

When I signed on I was sixteen Had to lie about my age Had me hair cut short already At the time 'twas all the rage

I was bored, broke, oblivious So I joined the F.C.A.

I got fitted for the uniform One sunny summers night The trousers never fitted And the beret was'nt right But the boots were strong and powerful I still have them to this day Though the shine is long deserted They still keep out the rain

Starting the day he joined , after telling a small fib about his age, I was bored, broke, oblivious Noel narrates about the great friendships he made when train- So I joined the F.C.A. ing during the winter months and especially the summers of 1959 , 1960 and 1961 where he augmented his pocket money Pat Twomey by attending training camp on Spike island.

Life was idyllic on Spike during those long hot summers . Activi- ties included swimming , football and for the odd rainy days a gym was available. The sleeping arrangements , although not palatial were comfortable, with everybody sleeping soundly and awaking refreshed in the fine sea air of Cork Harbour. However it was not all play on Spike as the FCA members spent the day training on various deadly weapons and practiced marching under the watchful eye of the Company Sergeant “Parad”

Night time manoeuvres were restricted to week-ends as the troops headed for Crosser or Cobh for a movie or other social occasion. Getting back to Spike from Crosser was dependent on getting a lift and one night their best laid plans were dis- rupted when a bunch of stragglers meant they missed the tide.

Noel was too modest to say that he was not one of the stragglers but we can confirm that definitely was not as everybody knows Noel is never late when getting a lift. All was not lost Doc. “Why didn't I think of joining the FCA , imagine free clothes , however as a distress call was made to Collins Barracks and a summer camp and getting paid for it!” convoy of trucks was dispatched to collect the stranded troops. Liam. “I did better , I joined the Post Office instead , got a free uni- When camp ended the troopers , pockets bulging with their form every year , got paid every week and didn't have to march on hard earned cash , headed straight for the shops and soon were parade” the best dressed young men “doing pana” (walking Patrick St). They also cut a dash at the record hop (dances) and chatted up the girls with their heroic tales.

Page 5 More pictures from the Dolphin Day

Page 6

More Minor Nite Pics Getting To Know Daragh Lyons

Daragh went to school in Rockwell where he had won a Munster Senior Schools Cup medal in 2001. Prior to joining Con, Daragh

showed his talent at other sports, he won an two All Ireland under 14 handball titles in 1997, played under 14/16 hurling for Tipp and also played Minor Football for Tipp in the Munster championship in 2000 and 2001. Daragh has enjoyed considerable success with Con winning two AIB League Finals, Two AIB Cup Finals , One Munster Senior Cup and Three Munster Junior Cups. Those of us who were in Ath- lone in January 2010 will never forget Daragh’s line break in the 70Th minute to win the AIB Cup for Con. Place of Birth: Ballyporeen Currently Residing: Cork Education: Rockwell College Occupation: Quality in Boston Scientific First started playing Rugby when: 1ST year in Rockwell College Sportsperson Admire Most: Martin Gately Toughest Opponents: Kilkenny Career Highlight to date: Being unbeaten in the Players vs Man- agement golf outings Favourite Other Sport: Mario Kart Favourite team outside rugby: Liverpool FC. Hobbies outside rugby: Beating Frank and Scott in Mario Kart Best part of being a rugby player: The big hits Worst part of being a rugby player: Listening to Cronan on the rugby pitch Person you would most like to meet: Mohammed Ali Person you would avoid at all costs: Colum Murphy (Current Lansdowne prop) Favourite Food: ‘Frank Cogan’s Lasagne’ Sporting Event you'd most like to attend: Superbowl Best place you've visited: New York Three people you would invite to dinner and why; Just Jennifer Anniston

Page 7 Shop Opening Hours UP COMING EVENTS December 2010 St Stephen Day Cork Con V UCC Saturday 4 th 10-00amto 3-00pm Cork Con will play UCC in the annual St Stephen’s Day match Saturday 11th 10-00am to 1-00pm for the Starry Crowley Cup on Sunday 26TH December . Kick Wednesday 15th 7-00pm to 8-30pm off at 2.30 PM. Saturday 18th 10-00am to 1-00pm Thursday 23rd 10-00am to 12-00 noon Winter Solstice 21 December 2010

The Con Trailers will have their annual Winter Solstice Picnic on the 21St December . Hugh O’Donovan will decide on when and where.

Child Welfare- Best Practice

The Club have fully endorsed the IRFU Child Welfare Policy and in doing so have ensured the following:-

• That each of the coaches attended the Communication Sessions on this very important matter • That they have signed the IRFU Declaration of intent relat‐ ing to the IRFU Child Welfare Policy and 10% Discount when purchasing with membership Card • That they have completed a Garda Vetting Application Gift Vouchers available in Club Shop Form. Happy Christmas to all our customers It is important that all parties Club, coaches & parents alike are aware of what is expected and is acceptable behaviour when their December Innovation Award child is playing rugby in Cork Constitution F.C.

This months innovation award goes to the Ciara Boland who Finally, as part of the child’s welfare and our best practice we has set up a Cork Con page on face book . Visit the page and would like to remind parents to ensure that they advise their keep up to date with all of the Con news. child’s coach of any allergies/medical issues their child may have and any special medications needed.

Christmas Office Hours

The Club office will close on Thursday 23rd December 2010 at 1:00 AM and re-open on Tuesday 4Th January 2011 at 9:30 AM

CHRISTMAS QUIZ

Don’t forget to enter the Cork Con Christmas Quiz kindly sponsored by Rochestown Park Hotel . Closing dates for entries is the 17Th December 2010 ,

Down load the entry form from the website and E-mail to [email protected]

CLUB MEMORABILIA

We hope you enjoyed this issue of The Cork Constitution. If you have any Cork Con Memorabilia please contact

If you have any news item or article you would like published please Stan Waldron or Landy Hill who will arrange for cop- forward to Pat Twomey at [email protected] ies to be taken and for the item to be returned to the

All contributions are more then welcome. donor. We are especially interested in old photo’s films or video of Con teams in action. Page 8 CCFC Christmas Quiz December 2010 Page 1