Tag Archives: rugby

Senior Men’s Junior League 2: Ennis RFC 26 – 6 Cobh Pirates RFC The Ennis Senior men’s rugby team were victorious 26 – 6 over Cobh Pirates during the Junior League 2. Ennis started off with a strong scrum, followed by Dylan Kenny breaking through tackles to score a converted score under the posts. Ennis’ defence stood firm and soon Joey Keane managed a huge steal with the Cobh Pirates just short of the try line. At the end of the first-half, the opposition scored a penalty, bringing the half-time score to 7 – 3. At the start of the second-half, the Cobh Pirates scored another penalty. With the score at 7 – 6, Ennis increased their defence and attack, allowing Cian Guilfoyle to score Ennis’ second try. Brendan Keane scored their third try, converted by Kenny, after a dominant Ennis scrum. With the game almost over and the Cobh Pirates on the attack, Guilfoyle intercepted on the halfway line …

Craig Casey will never forget the emotional high after Munster won the 2023 United Rugby Championship (URC) final, defeating defending champions DHL Stormers 19-14 in Cape Town. Played before an official attendance of 56,334 in DHL Stadium, Munster scrum-half Craig Casey replaced Conor Murray in the 66 minute and was part of a move involving Mike Haley, Jack Crowley and Shane Daly that created the opening for John Hodnett to score a vital try in the closing stages. “Winning the URC in South Africa was the highlight of my Munster career to date. Growing up around the province and being a Munster fan, you always associate Munster with winning trophies. “To be part of the team that broke the 12-year drought without a trophy was unbelievable. I want to emulate this a few more times throughout my Munster career,” he said. Asked how Munster overcome the power and strength of the Stormers, Craig recalled the Reds managed to impose their …

Munster and Ireland scrum-half Craig Casey was quick off the mark once again when he officially opened a new €250,000 state-of-the-art impressive indoor astro turf facility at Scariff RFC on Sunday. Although small in stature, the former Ard Scoil Rís player had no problem passing a jersey to one side on a rail to unveil a plaque on the outside wall of this new all-weather 40 by 20 metres facility. Cheered on by a large crowd of Scariff RFC committee members, supporters and young rugby players, this unveiling marked a special milestone for a rugby club that was first founded in 1963. Family attractions to mark the occasion included a bouncy castle, barbeque and refreshments, underage rugby blitz and activities for children. Thanking Craig Casey for attending the official opening, Michael Madden hoped next summer he would become a Lions Rugby player. The Scariff RFC Chairman praised Munster Rugby Development Officer Gerry Casey, Craig’s father, for all the assistance he …

Ennis/Kilrush women’s rugby club have only been in existence for two years. Their growth and progress has been nothing short of sensational with huge success. This year alone they won the Division 1 league and Munster Cup. Beaten in the All Ireland semi-final by a solitary try against eventual winners Tullow has only whetted their appetite and as a club there’s fierce determination to make it to the All Ireland League. Coach Gareth O’Hanlon is so proud of all involved and wants to encourage any girls who might want to take up rugby to come and join the club. “It’s truly been a remarkable journey. To think we’re only two years in existence and to be the standout team in the entire competition is amazing.” Ennis/Kilrush rugby club like to play an attractive brand of attacking rugby and scored a remarkable 65 tries in seventeen matches this year, something coach O’Hanlon is immensely proud of. “When we as a management …

Coláiste Muire will line out in the Pinergy Girls Schools U-19 Munster Senior Cup final next Wednesday after a whirlwind few weeks for the Ennis school. This is the first year that Coláiste Muire have fielded a rugby team with their progress nothing short of remarkable. The team has made an impressive entrance into the U-19A schools cup competition and are set to face off against Sacred Heart Clonakilty in the final. With Joint captains Lyndsey Clarke and Ellis O’Flaherty, who have represented Munster at underage level, at the helm, along with the experience of Orna Moynihan, Sally Kelly and Jennifer Weston, the team possesses quality operators and players who are willing to learn. While Coláiste Muire has achieved great success in music, debating, volleyball, Gaelic Games and athletics, the introduction of a ladies rugby team is another significant milestone. Despite the physicality of the game, respect is at the forefront of the sport as the Coláiste Muire players have …

ST Senan’s Rugby Club in Shannon are the first in Ireland to make headgear mandatory at underage level. They have entered into a collaboration with Galway based N-Pro, a world leader in the production of head guards, and it is estimated that wearing the products can reduce impacts to the head significantly. With such high levels of physicality in rugby, there has been major concern in recent years about the impact of hits to the head on players at all levels. Club President Dave Lee said that St Senan’s felt it was important to be proactive about dealing with a common concern. “We are going on feedback from parents, there has been a lot of discussion and concern about concussion and injuries lately, and we felt we had to do something to counteract that worry. We made contact with N-Pro, about maybe doing a collaboration and they jumped at the chance.” He said that the N-Pro product is superior to …

IRELAND suffered a heartbreaking 20-18 defeat to Scotland as they saw their World Cup dreams banished, reports Ivan Smyth. With Clare’s Eimear Considine and Edel McMahon both starting, Ireland led this game by 18-13 heading in to the 80th minute. However, Chloe Rollie scored a try for Scotland before Sarah Law tapped over the conversion against Ireland’s 14 players. With Italy top of the table heading in to this game, the equation was simple for Ireland beforehand. A bonus point win would see them finish top of the table and qualify for the World Cup. The girls in green also had the safety net of a place in the repechage qualifying tournament with a second-place finish. A draw would also have meant Ireland finished second place in a group containing Scotland, Italy and Spain. Considine threatened in attack in the opening half while McMahon looked assured in the back row as Ireland failed to make their forays forward count on …

CLARE’S Eimear Considine has been named in Ireland’s squad for three crucial games that could see them qualify for a place at Rugby World Cup 2021, reports Ivan Smyth. Considine crossed the whitewash twice when Ireland defeated Wales 45-0 in the opening round of this year’s Six Nations campaign, cementing her place in Adam Griggs’ squad. She can play as a winger, but was used at full-back in this year’s Six Nations, starting all three games. Considine is one of six Munster women named in the 28 strong panel. Ireland are preparing to go head-to-head with hosts Italy, Spain and Scotland for a place at Rugby World Cup 2021, which will be held next year. Griggs’ side will face Spain in their opening game on Monday, September 13, (5pm Irish time) before meeting Six Nations rivals Italy in Round 2 on Sunday, September 19, (2pm Irish time) and Scotland in Round 3 on Saturday, September 25 (5pm Irish time). The …