Constitution F.C. Matchzine

Munster Junior Cup Final Garryowen edged out Richmond in a thrilling Munster Junior Cup semi final tie at Richmond Park, thus denying Richmond the chance of Garryowen F.C. V F.C. emulating both Midleton, Clonakilty and Cashel who did the League and Cup double as well as winning a place in the All Clifford Park League in the same season. th 15.00 pm Sunday 7 May 2013 At Temple Hill Constitution were too strong for Skibbereen run- Cork Constitution meet Garryowen at Clifford Park , Young ning out 25-3 winners. The home side took an early lead with a penalty Munster’s ground, on Sunday next, seeking their 19th Munster Junior from Brian Derham but David Shannon had Skibbereen level Cup title, but it will be their 34th final appearance. The discrepancy in with a drop goal on thirty minutes. Tries either side of half time by those numbers is due to the fact that Constitution lost the first nine Seamus Glynn and Michael Keyes put the game beyond the West finals that they contested between 1909 and 1946, and all to Limerick Cork side. Eoin O’Donnell then scored a superb individual try and opposition. Derham converted and also added a penalty.

Then, to everybody’s joy and relief, they defeated St Mary’s 11-0 at There is nothing in to compare with a Con-Garryowen the Mardyke in 1949 to start the sequence of 18 Cup wins, the last of Cup match, so we look forward to a big support for the last match of which was last season when Skibbereen were defeated 13-10 at Mus- the season, unless, of course it ends in a draw. In that event, there will grave Park. The 1949 team was captained by Peter Fitzgerald, who, be extra time, and a replay in Cork if not decided on the day. though now living in Coleraine, still makes the Annual President’s Din- Bateman Cup Final Victory For Cork Constitution ner most years. And two of his colleagues on that team Jack Crowley and Austin Bradley – Michael’s father - are also still very much around.

Our opponents on Sunday next, Garryowen, need no introduction, as the club’s meet regularly in Senior competition. However, there have only been two Junior finals involving the clubs. The first in 1910 – the second year of the competition – was won 3-0 by Garryowen at the old Market’s Field venue in Limerick. And it was not until 1988 that the rivalry was renewed when Constitution reversed the result when winning the final 9-4 at . The team that won that Cup – our 11th is worth recalling:

Kenny Smith; Ian O’Leary (Richard Wallace), Ian Kingston, Peter Senior Squad , Team Management & Club Officers pictured with Munster Senior Cup O’Leary, Kevin Flanagan; Alan Byrne, Jerry O’Connor; Trevor Barry and Bateman Cup Capt., Rea Kennedy, Peter Good; Finian O’Driscoll, Aran Verling; Joe The only trophy that has eluded Cork Constitution finally made it is O’Brien, Barry Jones, Brian Fitzgerald. way to Temple Hill as Cork Constitution lifted the Ulster Bank Bate- Also played in campaign: Robert Kennedy, Stephen Hayes, Noel Mur- man Cup with a powerful display at Templeville phy, Brian Humphries, Pat O’Donovan and Sham Coughlan. St. Mary’s College 19, Cork Constitution 24. Jerry O’Connor scored a try, converted by Kenny Smith, who also A powerful first half performance that saw Constitution lead 21-9 at kicked a penalty. half time and a great second half defensive display proved too much for St Mary’s as Constitution ran out deserving winners. Since then, the sides have met on four further occasions in recent years, with Constitution winning each: Constitution took the game to Mary’s from the off and went ahead with a penalty from Johnny Holland after four minutes. Gavin Dunne 2005 Quarter-final 23-13 aet Temple Hill had the home side level within minutes with a penalty from the touch- 2006 3rd Rd 16-10 Temple Hill line.

2011 Quarter-final 45-23 Temple Hill Holland restored Constituitions advantage with a second penalty on 2012 Semi-final 22-18 Dooradoyle fifteen minutes. Midway through the half winger Robert Clune got in for a try in the corner after good work by skipper Gerry Hurley and

Cronan Healy to lead 11-3. Page 1 Dunne reduced the deficit on twenty five minutes with his second Pacey wingers Rory O’Sullivan and Jack penalty. O’Sullivan scored some very important tries at times when given limited opportu- Holland and Dunne exchanged penalties and two minutes before nities. Simon Barry at out half proved to half time a great move by Constituition was rewarded when Scott be extremely influential with his kicking Deasy ran in for their second try and Holland converted for a skills and abilities, which ensured a path to twelve point lead at the break. each final. Mary’s came out a different side in the second half and had Consti- tution on the back foot for long periods. Gareth Austen got in for a Mary’s try after forty eight minutes after sustained Mary’s pres- The J2 squad and management can be sure close to the Constituition’s line and Dunne converted. proud of the progression made on previ- ous seasons. The dedication and commit- Dunne was again on the scoreboard with a penalty after fifty five ment shown by all of the squad was exem- minutes to leave two between the sides. plary. For 7 week-ends in a row there was Mary’s came in search of a winning score but Constituition with- an 11O’Clock curfew on Saturday nights stood everything the side had to offer and eventually lifted which was observed by all. the siege as Holland dropped an excellent goal in injury time to wrap up the victory. Last weekend’s narrow defeat, which Cork Constitution: Darragh Lyons; Robert Clune, Scott Deasy, in essence sums up the season ‘close Alex Ryan, Cronan Healy; Johnny Holland, Gerry Hurley (capt); but not close enough’, may leave with Bryan Carney, Andrew O'Driscoll, Chris Corkery; Brian Hayes, Joe a bitter taste with some, having just McSwiney; Graeme Lawler, James Ryan, Cathal O'Flaherty. lost out (10-9) to Carrigaline in the J2 Replacements used: Dave O'Brien for Lawler , James Rochford for cup final in Musgrave Park. Carney , Niall O'Driscoll for A Ryan .

St. Mary's College: Gavin Dunne; Steve Toal-Lennon, Marcus O'Driscoll, Robbie Hudson, Darragh Fanning; Philip Brophy, Matt However, hopefully this bitter taste may resonate into next season as a D'Arcy; Colm McMahon, Richie Sweeney (capt), Rob Sweeney; Ci- motivating factor, whereby lessons can be learnt and experience gained by aran Ruddock, Jerry Sexton; Kevin Sheahan, Gareth Austen, Dar- this young squad to hopefully win some silverware next season. ragh Keller.

Replacements used: Conor Hogan for Lennon Arthur Lyons for Rob Sweeney , Stephen Bradshaw for Sexton , Dylan Fawcett for The Club , Director of Rugby Jerry Holland Richie Sweeney , Richie Sweeney for Keller , Mark Fallon for Aus- and minor team management would like to ten , Rob Sweeney for McMahon . thank and congratulate every player who Referee: David Wilkinson (IRFU) played J2 this season, in particular to the dedication displayed.

Close but not close enough’

It was a season of mixed emotions for this year’s minor team. With A special thanks to Jack O’Riordan for his unquestionable support as team a new enthusiastic coaching team, led by Eric Tracey (Head coach), mascot, Peter O’Mahony for his lineout coaching and to Cillian O Connor featuring Eoin Quinlan (Backs coach), Packy Derham (Forwards for finally scoring a try! Coach) , Der O’Riordan (Manager) , Padraig Higgins (Selector) and Eddie Quinn Don Mullins (Selector and Head of Communications).

The J2 side reached three cup finals, and a Munster Semi final, how- ever failed to bring home silverware on each occasion. Overall, the J2 team, led by scrum half captain Kevin Minihan, displayed great rugby at times and illustrated great commitment throughout every game.

The pack, led by tight-head Eddie Quinn, dominated opposition packs they faced. In the line out veteran Cor- mac Fouey height and experience proved key, in the tight breakdowns which were contested by Dav Leung and Fergus Rowin their strength was essential throughout the season. CORK CON FAMILY FUN DAY 2013

Family Day was held on Saturday 20th April and we were blessed with great weather. This year the President gener- ously agreed to having all the proceeds from the day donated to two local chari- ties: the Cork Association for Autism and Console (Suicide Awareness). The money donated will, in both cases, be used locally in the Cork area. The Captains of the eight teams contesting the tournament are photographed Festivities kicked-off with rugby for with Fred. the U7, U8, U9 and U10 squads at 12 noon. The U9s played a Blitz to decide Thanks again to Club President Finian the bragging rights and destination of O’Driscoll for kindly agreeing to provide a the impressive 'Stephen Long Memo- couple (or three) beers for the under-age rial Trophy', kindly donated by the coaches in recognition of all their hard-work Long family and presented on the day during the season. In addition to the beers, by Ian Long. they were all presented with a voucher for a sleep-in next Saturday! I know the parents

and the boys will agree with me that their Afterwards, all the boys were treated to their choice of burgers or time and effort is much appreciated. Thanks hot-dogs, a variety of sweets from the tuck shop and slush-puppys you coaches. and ice-cream from visiting stalls. A marvellous day was had by all and Martin O'Brien, club photographer, While the AIL game was played on was on hand to capture the event for posterity. Of course, the day didn't the main-pitch the U11 and U12 just happen by itself and much thanks to Liz Farquhar and Carla O'Connell squads played a blitz on the side and the rest of the Events Committee for organising the food and festivi- and back pitches. The U11s played ties. for one of the oldest pieces of sil- There was a superb team of volunteers on-hand for the day, consisting of: verware in the Cork Con trophy head-chefs (Dom O'Connell, Brian McManagan, James Farquhar), commis- case - the 'Ned O'Connor Trophy' chefs (Jack O'Riordan, Michael Dunne, Dee O'Riordan), cash and security named after one of Con's most (Clodagh O'Sullivan, Pat Moynihan Julie Foley), shop-assistants (Noel Leo- successful players and a former nard and JoAnn Cain), artistic judge (Hope Fielding), purser (Neil Collins) captain and President of the club. The trophy was presented on the and majordomo (Mick Boland). Many more helped in the planning of the day by Jim Barry on behalf of the O'Connor family. event (including Phil O'Sullivan and John O'Mahony). Thank you all from When the AIL game finished, the the 600 very happy and satisfied customers! U13s took to the main pitch. U13

Head Coach, Fred Casey has been coaching at under-age level in Con for a half-century (so he Words Kevin Fielding should know a thing-or-two by now!). Photo’s Martin O‘Brien

In recognition of his enormous contribution to juvenile rugby in Con, the club has commissioned a trophy to be called the 'Fred Casey Perpetual Trophy', to be played for annually at the U13 age level. Almost 60 players participated in an intense and hard-fought 7-aside tournament for the inaugural presentation of the trophy. Cork Constitution F.C. U 13 French Tour 2013

Cork Con U-13 – French Tour 2013 This trip will resonate with the lads in years to come and we hope it Introduction will give them a sense of the sacrifices made by previous generations On Easter Saturday, 30th March 2013, 65 of our U-13’s along with ten for the peace and freedom we enjoy today. very nervous coaches, embarked on the annual U-13 tour. This tour marks the end of the seven years most of the lads have been playing in the junior section of the club (since U-7s).

Next season, a fair number of them will start in rugby schools, while over 20 of them will continue into the Con Youth section. So it is the end of an era in many respects. However, the bonds forged on this tour will ensure that all players will continue in the ‘Con family’; will return to play with the club in the future; and most importantly, will remain lifelong friends.

Head Coach, Fred Casey, has been running this tour for 41 years at this stage and during the intervening years, he has coached quite a number of players who went on to become full Irish internationals (and Lions). Name like O’Gara, Stringer, Holland, O’Mahony and Zebo (Entire group at American graveyard, Omaha beach) have all featured on previous U-13 tours. Given the level and quality of players in this group there could be a number of future internationals After a long day of travel and a few food pit-stops along the way, we in this current batch. arrived at our (not quite 5 star) hotel and all the boys got an early night (Editors Note: some edits have been made to protect against possible litigation! Cases pending.).

On Monday, we woke to beautiful sunshine and it was straight into Rugby, with a series of games against Antony Metro, a feeder club to Racing Metro and against Frennes, another local Paris side.

Given the harsh cold weather that Paris had endured up to the week we arrived, the pitches were extremely hard. This did not deter the Con lads who, despite inferior physique, played outstanding running rugby.

The French players were bigger than their Irish opponents and won the upfront battle, particularly in the maul and ruck. However, with dogged tackling and no little panache, the Con lads gave their hosts an (Entire group in Con, prior to departure) exhibition in ‘French flair’ and expansive, running rugby. The Tour We are proud to report an overall win on a score (in games) of 3 – 1 On landing in France, early on the Sunday morning, we took a coach to Con on the day. Afterwards, we were treated to great hospitality by trip to the Normandy beaches; specifically, Omaha beach, the scene of our French hosts and exchanged some gifts and mementoes in the incredible sacrifice by the American soldiers on D-Day. In advance of ‘Antony Metro’ clubhouse. The highlight was possibly Kevin Clarke’s arriving, we showed the boys the opening scene from the movie speech in “French” thanking them for their hospitality. ‘Saving Private Ryan’ to give them a sense of what had happened there.

Page 2 In the afternoon, we were hosted by Rugby Club Paris (RCP-15) which is a feeder club to Stade Francais. The venue was an astroturf pitch, specially designed and built for rugby. It was a welcome change from the rock hard underfoot conditions we experienced on Monday.

Playing on such a setting once again raised the quality of play by the Con lads. If we thought that the opposition on Monday were big, well the RCP-15 players were enormous! One was a full 6 foot … wide!

(Editors Note: some small white lies are included to help improve the (Entire group including Antony Metro …. With chateau in background) story).

Tuesday was a rest day from rugby and However this did not intimidate our guys and they produced the per- we took a sightseeing tour – by coach formances of their short careers to emerge victorious overall (3 games and on foot -- around Paris. Notre to 1) once again. This series of games was undoubtedly the highlight of Dame, The Louvre, Place de la Con- the whole tour. corde, the Eiffel Tower anf the Moulin Rouge were all included in the tour. We spent a few hours in and around the base of the Eiffel Tower and the best lunch of the tour was produced by the Coaches in the park adjoining the tower with ‘baguettes, jambon et fromage’.

(Entire group after RCP 15 games)

Such was the quality of the all round play from everyone, the coaches agreed that it was impossible to nominate one individual for ‘L’homme de Match’. (Entire group under Eiffel Tower while coaches prepare lunch) Instead it was decided to ask the respective captains of the four teams

to accept the ‘L’homme de Match’ Wednesday was our second on behalf of their entire team. rugby day but in the morning we Chapeau les lads!! took time out to do some shop-

ping at a L-A-R-G-E Decathalon sports store. Later that evening, we took over a small Italian restaurant near the The boys shopped for Ireland and RCP-15 grounds for a victory we came away with all sorts of dinner. It turned out to be the rugby and soccer jerseys, balls of best meal of the tour, with ex- all denominations and persua- ceptional pizza and pasta fol- sions -- and even a martial arts lowed by ice-creams. sword (a wooden one TG!!). During the meal our birthday-boy, Ray Mansfield, was toasted by all (Shopping for Ireland) the tour party. And the waitress almost came home with us!

(Birthday boy Ray Mansfield & cake) Page 3

Every morning we held an ‘Awards For an hour and a half, the coaches meeting’ where individual feats of held five court cases where several strength or daring (or roguery!!) of the touring group were tried for a were recognised and rewarded by variety of tour offences -- both real the entire group. The limited- and imagined! edition, tour Pink T-Shirts that were (Kangaroo Court) given out to the boys for “exceptional endeavour” were much sought-after and became prized pos- A large crowd of expectant Mums and Dads met the group at Con on sessions on tour. Saturday morning for the welcome reunion and hugs!! And while the parents were no doubt relieved to have their boys back safe-and- (Jack Lester getting pink T-Shirt) sound, that relief was nothing compared to the relief on the coaches Thursday was another highlight with a trip to EuroDisney. The waiting faces to be handing them back!! No doubt the lads have been regaling times in the morning session was only around 15 minutes for the more their parents with the events of the tour. But boys, please remember: popular rides. By the afternoon, waiting time were less than 5 minutes, “WHAT GOES ON TOUR – STAYS ON TOUR!!” so as a result the lads (and coaches) got numerous rides in.

Some of the lads had up to 12 rides on the more popular attractions such as Indiana Jones. It certainly was great value for money.

Con U-13 Coaches for France Tour 2013 Fred Casey,Noel Leonard, Kevin Clarke, Dave Farrell, Conor Shalloe, Ger Collins, Noel Humphreys, Jack O’Connor, James O’Riordan and Kevin Fielding. Missing in body but not in spirit: Tom Cahill.

Finally

We have to acknowledge that all the lads were impeccably behaved and did themselves, their families and Cork Con proud for the entire (EuroDisney) duration of the trip. Sincerely, they were exceptional … every last one of them. That evening we ate together at Planet Hollywood in the EuroDisney complex. Highlight of the evening was one of the boys pretending it We hope it was a positive experience for them all and that the friend- was his birthday to see if he could wangle a free ice-cream! ships forged, not just on the trip but since their first year at U-7, will stand them in good stead in the years ahead. Instead, he was forced to stand on a chair while the entire restaurant sang ‘Happy Birthday’. Most embarrassing!! Thanks to all the coaches for putting in a HUGE effort into planning and running this tour. The comments back from the parents on the An early start on the road was needed on Friday morning for the jour- Facebook page are a good indication of the esteem in which they are ney to Roscoff. So all out of bed at 7am and on the coaches by 8am. all held after ‘Le ordeal’! After a day of travelling, shopping, eating and more travelling we ar- rived in Roscoff … still with 65 boys amazingly!! Ger Collins and Kevin Fielding

We set sail at 8 pm and the initial part of the journey was ‘bumpy’. The rough seas and the fact that the lads were tired anyway after the week meant that an early night was had by all. But not before we had the end-of-tour ‘Kangaroo Court’.

Page 4 Director of Rugby Letter to U 13’s April 2013 Less than six of you will play for Munster as a semi- professional player at academy or sub-academy level. We will Boys and Parents, all be rooting for you. This is a poignant time of the year as we prepare to say good- Three of you will play for the Ireland Club team as the bye to some of our players for a few years as we 'loan' them pinnacle of an amazing amateur career. Perhaps you will emu- to the rugby schools. late Gerry Hurley and captain the side? Roughly a third of our U13 squad will continue to play rugby in Three of you will be paid a serious amount of money to Con and hopefully compete for Munster trophies at under 15, play rugby ... imagine that! 17 and 19 level. The balance will go to CBC and PBC, on-loan for a few years. We expect to see you all back here again -- Probably two of you will play for Ireland as a full Interna- this is YOUR club now. For life. tional. But twice that number will represent Ireland at some level - schools, U20, club or A-level.

There is only a 1-in-10 chance that one of you will win a We have all come a long way since, as six and seven year-olds, Lions jersey. you started playing here in Con in the 2006/2007 season. Re- member the old clubhouse? Remember the previous grumpy Finally two of you will become President of Cork Constitu- Director of Juvenile Rugby!? Remember the trip to Tralee tion FC. We will all be there for the swearing in! and the Aquadome? Remember how the Toxic Twins got their These predictions will not be 100% accurate ... But they won't name in a game against Midleton? be far wrong. Statistics don't lie. The trip to Waterpark and Gravity Park? Remember being So my question to you is this: are you going to be one of the coached by Rua Topoki the year he led the Munster haka? guys mentioned above? Are you one of the guys who will go The Terenure weekend? The dirty jokes in the bus on the way the whole way and make a career out of rugby? Will all the back from Athlone? Great memories. Many joined along the others in the group say "I played with him at under age ... And way; some said goodbye. All are remembered. But it has been I dumped him on his ass in the final of the Fred Casey tourna- an enjoyable journey throughout. ment!!" The only thing I can say with complete certainty is that, as of If there is one message I would like to leave you with, it is today, nobody knows who those guys will be. NOBODY. Ask this: please, please continue to play rugby and continue to en- Paul O'Connell, ask Doug Howlett, ask ROG, ask Fred Casey ... joy this great sport. The benefits of playing are obvious and It's not the most talented that make it; it's the ones with well understood: improving physical health, strengthening of the greatest perseverance. So if you are ever in a situation character and building of friendships for life. But even ignor- over the next few years where you are contemplating giving ing those high-level benefits, consider these statistics (based up rugby ... DON'T. Put in another week, another training ses- on the Con under-age section over the past 50 years). sion, one more season. Because you could be the guy who proves me wrong and delivers the Lions jersey on behalf of Approximately 20 of you will represent your schools at this years U-13 squad. either Junior Cup or Senior Cup level.

Less than half of those will win a Munster JC or SC medal. Treasure them. Enjoy your rugby ... and see you soon, Another 20 of you will represent Con at youth level; per- haps emulating this year’s U19 team who won the South Mun- ster Cup last week. Kevin Fielding Around 8 of you will make the Munster Clubs U15 cadets squad as representatives of Cork Con in two years time. Director of Juvenile Rugby A similar number will make the Munster schools squad af- Cork Constitution FC ter Junior Cup year. Of this year's U-13 squad, more than half of you will rep- Tour Booklet sponsored by resent Con at adult rugby. Some will play at every level: sen- ior, junior, minor and U21.

Around 15 of those will win a prestigious trophy with Con, be it Munster Junior Cup, Munster Senior Cup, All Ireland League or Bateman Cup.

Slightly more than that will play Minor for Con ... And will enjoy the most amazing wins and share gut-wrenching losses. But because it is Con, there will be more wins than losses.

Page 6 Many Thanks to Don Mullins and Michael Galvin