Friday Night Lights for Dundalk Sharks Under 9s at Mill Road
Posted on February 13, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
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Dundalk RFC Under 9s welcomed Boyne RFC to Mill Road for a 7pm kickoff under floodlights on Friday night. There was a fantastic turnout from both sides, with both sides fielding 2 teams of ten and alternating subs throughout the games. Dundalk fielded 2 equally talented teams, the Black Sharks guided by Mini Co-ordinator Fergus O’Callaghan and head coach Jason Malone and the White Sharks guided by coaches Stuart Jones and Hugh Pheifer.
The Black Sharks started under pressure and were pinned back in the early stages, defending admirably and resisting wave after wave of attack from a physical Boyne side, who had the edge in terms if size and strength. After resisting wave after wave of pressure Boyne eventually crossed the Dundalk line to make it 1-0. This spurred a fantastic response from Dundalk with Leo MacRuairi crossing to make it 1-1 shortly after. Dundalk’s defence was standing up manfully and Ronan McDonnell made a crunching tackle on Boyne’s behemoth “wee Johnny”, which typified Dundalk’s resistance on the night. On the stroke of half time Boyne crossed to make it 2-1 which was harsh on the home team. The second half was a much different affair, with the home side having very much the better of it, on the front foot from the off and taking a 3-2 lead with tries from Conal O’Callaghan and Sam Malone. It stayed 3-2 until stoppage time where Boyne crossed to level the game at the death which was harsh on the home side, honours even after game 1.
The second game was a much different affair Dundalk’s game clicking and having much the better of proceedings and running out comfortable victors. Fantastic attacking prowess was shown by James O’Connor, Sam Malone, Conal O’Callaghan, Leo MacRuairi, Robert Malone and Cian Burns. Crunching tackling, rucking and powerful line breaks from Ronan McDonnell, Fionn Duffy, Fiachra O’Gorman, Eoghan Staunton and Aron McEvoy. A fantastic win for the Black Sharks against a good Boyne side.
The White Sharks were also performing admirably under the guidance of coaches Hugh and Stuart, winning their first match and narrowly losing their second, but competing fiercely to the death. Among the fine performances for the White Sharks were Lorcan Ticehurst, who competed fiercely in the rucks and at the breakdown and Kieran McArdle who showed his customary speed and skill. Among the try scores for The White Sharks were Milo Moore, who had a fine game, Peter Rice, Jack Gilmore who only recently took up rugby and has certainly hit the ground running, Kieran McArdle, Ciaran Tiernan and Laurence Jones who had a fine game stealing ball and imposing himself at the breakdown.
Overall it was a very satisfying night watched by a big crowd and the parents all made great efforts to put on a fantastic spread of tea coffee, sandwiches, cakes and buns after the match. The Boyne coaches were at pains to point out how impressed they were at the performance of the guys which is testament to the work of Fergus, Jason and the team. A great night all round under the floodlights at Mill Road.
Posted on February 13, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Dundalk U8s entertain Boyne.
On Friday night, Dundalk U8s invited their neighbours Boyne down to a match under the very impressive floodlights at the Rugby Club. The kids were very excited and coupled with the kind weather, it turned out to be a very successful night in which everyone enjoyed. Dundalk had twenty two players (two teams) which were matched by their Drogheda counterparts.
Dundalk A burst out of the blocks brilliantly in their first game with some fine surging runs from Luke O Connell and David Crilly. Boyne did well to hold out the Dundalk boys but after super support play Tom O Brien and Oisin Nash, Daire Thomas dived in the corner for the opening try. Boyne responded well and attacked the Dundalk line but some fantasic tackling from Eoin Purton and Jake Kenny kept them at bay. Dundalk then orchestrated some of their own forays into the oppositions half only to be caught out with two late breakaway tries.
Their second game was again a very even affair. This time David Coyle and William Connyngham led the charge and some of their great play enabled DD Reilly to storm up the field where he offloaded superbly to Tom Cunniffe who danced his way around three defenders to score a try. Boyne’s larger squad began to take its toll in the latter part of the match and tired legs eventually led to the concession of two late tries.
Dundalk A: William Connyngham, DD Reilly, Oisin Nash, Jake Kenny, Eoin Purton, Luke O Connell, David Coyle, Tom O Brien, Tom Cunniffe, David Crilly, Daire Thomas.
Dundalk B’s first game up proved to be a real humdinger as both teams went at it right from the off. Boyne raced into an early two try lead but some brilliant interplay from Ewan Kelly and Liam O Connor soon brought Dundalk back level. Boyne edged ahead again in the second half but a brilliant solo try from Oisin McBride again levelled matters. Boyne upped the tempo in search of a winning score but Dundalk were in no mood to concede and some aggressive tackling from Will Smith, Conal Mullins and Michael Carroll kept the score level.
In their second, Dundalk B really got into their groove with some outstanding play. Rory Wallace and Max Valentine were like demons at rucktime and turned over plenty of possession in which Daniel Cartwright and Shane Smyth punished the opposition with great tries. Boyne rallied late in the match but a wonderfully executed score by Adam McCoy sealed the match for Dundalk.
Dundalk B: Adan McCoy, Michael Carroll, Ewan Kelly, Liam O Connor, Rory Wallace, Conal Mullins, Shane Smyth, Will Smith, Max Valentine, Daniel Cartwright, Oisin McBride
Overall it was a very enjoyable night for both visitors and hosts. Also a word of thanks to all the parents who helped out in the kitchen and brought lots of tasty treats to feed the hordes!
Posted on February 13, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Tickets for Scotland v Ireland Away
Dear Members,
Anybody interested in purchasing tickets for Scotland v Ireland at Murrayfield, please contact Honorary Ticket Secretary Brian Byrne on 087 2411234, or atbrian.byrne@ecci.ie. A limited supply of 20 tickets are available.
Best Regards,
John McDonnell
Honorary Secretary
For Dundalk RFC
Posted on February 13, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Table Quiz Night Friday March 1st at 8pm
Dear Members and Friends,
On behalf of the club I would like to thank everybody who participated in Band Night and made it such a success. The next big social evening for your diaries is the annual Table Quiz, being held this year in Kennedy’s Bar on the Carrick Road at 8pm on Friday 1st March.
Last year’s event was a fantastic success and a great night was had by all and we would like this year’s event to be even better, but we need your support. Tables of four cost a very reasonable €40 and there will be fantastic spot prizes on the night. It promises to be a great night and one of the few remaining club nights out left on this season’s social calendar.
Please do all you can to support the night, come along purchase a table and make it a wonderful night’s craic for all. We are not selling tickets, just turn up and pay on the night.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
Best Regards,
John McDonnell
Honorary Secretary
For Dundalk RFC
Posted on February 13, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Provincial Towns Plate – Dundalk v Portarlington on Saturday 16th February at 4:00 pm
Dear Members and Friends,
For the avoidance of doubt the Provincial Towns Plate match v Portarlington is at Mill Road this Saturday at 4pm. All support greatly appreciated.
Posted on February 13, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Dundalk lose out in Jenkinson Cup Final.
The final of this year’s Jenkinson Cup took place last Friday night at Shamrock Lodge, home of Boyne RFC.
Dundalk had qualified for the final earlier in the season in this North East J2 competition and hoped to emulate the 1st XV who had captured the McGowan Cup for the same area.
Dundalk’s play was patchy in this game and they only showed their true capabilities for short periods of the game. They started well and were soon 10-0 up with tries from Rory O’Hagan who scored after a move which saw quick hands free him to score and a second try scored by Robert Williams who followed up a clever kick ahead by himself to cross the whitewash and touch down. Dundalk then seemed to take the foot off the pedal. Swords took advantage of Dundalk’s loss of concentration to score two tries, one a breakaway and only a penalty for Dundalk left the score at half time at 13-10 to Dundalk.
The second half started well with Rory O’Hagan scoring a second try which Donal Clare converted, leaving the score at 20-10.. Again Dundalk concentration lapsed and Swords scored a try bringing the score to 20-15. Dundalk conceded a penalty which Swords converted leaving the score now at 20-18 as the game headed into injury time. Dundalk were down to thirteen men at this stage with two players in the sin bin, one at least for a rather dubious refereeing decision. We seemed to be holding out well but in the tenth minute of injury time a drop goal gave Swords the winning score.
All in all it was a disappointing result and the majority of the players were disappointed with their own performances on the night but they will no doubt regroup to focus on their Town’s Cup campaign which resumes in the next few weeks.
Dundalk:
R.Williams,R.O’Hagan,R.Shields,M.J.McKevitt,S.Murphy,D.Clare,,S.Mulligan,J.Whyte,J.Kerr,C.McCabe,D.Fearon,T.Thornton, R.McGee,M.Bentley,D.McGee,C.Brannigan,L.Steen,C.Williams,C.Scully,U.Murphy
Provincial Towns Plate
Dundalk1st XV v Portarlington 1st XV Saturday 16th Mill Road 4 o’clock.
Supporters needed so be there and shout the team on!
McGee Cup
Dundalk RfC v Rathoath RFC Jamestown Sports Complex Sunday 17th 3o’clock
Training as usual this week so make every effort to attend. See you there!
Posted on February 8, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Ireland V England this Sunday 10th February in the Clubhouse
Dear Members and Friends,
For those not going to the game this Sunday, why not experience the next best thing and watch the match live in the clubhouse. There promises to be a cracking atmosphere, pints only €3 during the game and Alan will be serving his delicious bar food menu (attached) all afternoon. We look forward to seeing you there on Sunday afternoon, hopefully cheering on another famous Irish victory over the auld enemy!
Kind regards,
John McDonnell
Honorary Secretary
For Dundalk RFC
Posted on February 5, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Seconds win in tight encounter.
Sunday afternoon was cool and crisp but the pitches at Mill Road were very wet after overnight rain and were also soft in places. The 2nd XV were taking on Tullow in the Provincial Towns Seconds Cup with a scheduled kick off at three o clock. Tullow and the referee were of the impression that kick of was two thirty so it was agreed that we would kick off at quarter to three.
A minutes silence preceded the kick off as a mark of respect to our recently deceased member Paddy Boland and also to pay tribute to Adrian Donohue killed in the line of duty at Lordship last week. This was the first senior home fixture since both events took place and the club’s first opportunity to pay their respects.
Tullow had the wind in the first half and the strong breeze blowing down the pitch was a factor in the play during that time. Chris Scully made a good break for the home team which led to lineout. Dundalk won the lineout and some aerial tennis followed but in a ruck that followed Tullow went over the top and Dundalk were awarded a penalty. The penalty was kicked for touch which we again won and made some forward progress. A scrum was awarded, which Dundalk turned and the ball was kicked through by captain Sam Mulligan followed up by Rory O’Hagan who touched down in the corner after Tullow failed to deal with the greasy ball.The try was unconverted and Dundalk led 5-0 after fifteen minutes.
From the kick off Donal Clare kicked an up and under but Tullow dealt well with it and returned it for a line out on the Dundalk twenty two. A minute later Chris Scully was penalised for not releasing in the tackle and the Tullow kicker made the most of the wind to bring the score to 5-3.
The kick off was taken by Tullow who forced a lineout on the Dundalk twenty two. From the lineout the ball was caught but Dundalk were again penalised for not releasing and lost further ground for chat leaving the Tullow kicker with an easier kick and he duly obliged leaving the score at 5-6 in favour of the visitors. A good catch by Rory O’Hagan was unfortunately knocked on in the pass as a score looked on. Great ground was made by the Mc Gee brothers Robin and David ably assisted by John Kerr and this led to a penalty to Dundalk, who opted for the kick to touch. A good lineout take set up an attacking platform and Dundalk were driving well but the referee gave a penalty for crossing and the Tullow out half relieved the pressure with a good long kick.
Dundalk gave away another penalty which Tullow took quickly and saw them drive into the Dundalk twenty two. Dundalk defended well holding out a Tullow scrum just five metres out. Dundalk were awarded a penalty for holding by Tullow but Robert Williams kick didn’t make touch but the catcher was forced into touch for a home team lineout. A Chris Scully break led to a scrum for a Tullow knock on. Dundalk were penalised for delaying the put in. The penalty was taken and then re-taken and passed out the line but a knock on led to a scrum from which great defence was required to put Tullow into touch on the Dundalk five metre line. At this point the referee spoke to both captains about discipline and talking and asked them to speak to their players.
In the next lineout Robin Mc Gee took a great catch and the lines were cleared by a good kick from Robert Williams. Tullow attacked again but great defence by Paul Meegan and Ciaran Mc Cabe held them out. A scrum on the five metre line was won by Dundalk and again Robert cleared our lines with a relieving kick to touch. Tullow won the lineout and a kick through looked a definite score but for a brave covering tackle by full back Robert Williams. The ball was however knocked on and Tullow attacked from the scrum but another super tackle by Robbie Shields led to a Tullow knock on and another scrum.. Tullow continued to attack and Robert Williams broke up their attack with a n attempt at an intercept but a scrum was awarded for a knock on. Aerial tennis brought us to half time.
The second half saw Tullow attack from the kick off. Great tackles from J.K. and Chris Scully saw a scrum being awarded. The ball was sent out the line from Donal Clare to Robert Williams who found touch on the Tullow five metre line. Tullow took the lineout but the kick was poor and a drive by J.K. and Robin Mc Gee followed by a scrum looked likely to bringa dundalk score but a poor pass saw Tulllow break out and only a great covering tackle by Sam Mulligan saved the day. Tullow were awarded a penalty and kicked for touch. The breeze picked up again after dying away just before half time.
A couple of successful Dundalk scrums saw Tullow bring on replacements in the front row. The replacements showed their mettle in the next few scrums but eventually Tullow were penalised for a crooked in. Robert Williams kicked us into the Tullow half and the follow up attack broke down because of the wrong option being taken. Tullow changed their full back due to injury.J.K. continued to throw well into the lineout and David Fearon showed his guile and experience with some great takes.
Dundalk were penalised in the scrum and Tullow kicked down the field but a tackle by Rory O’Hagan stopped Tullow. Their no8 and out half were very influential and drove them down the field. Dundalk were penalised for holding and tullow kicked the penalty to leave the score at 5-9 in favour of Tullow.
With just ten minutes left on the clock Dundalk were awarded a lineout thirty metres out from the Tullow line. Robin Mc Gee took another great ball. Tullow were deemed to be offside and Dundalk opted to kick for the corner. The touch judge raised his flag on the five metre line. Darren Mc Guinness who had replaced J.K. threw a fine ball, caught by Robin Mc Gee and the ensuing drive by the Dundalk forwards saw good basics bring their reward with a try from Darren. Donal Clare converted 12- 9 to Dundalk.
Tullow redoubled their efforts and only a huge tackle by a Clare /O’Hagan combination saved a Tullow breaakout. Tullow were penalised for coming in from the side and a good kick from full back Williams brought us within ten metres of the Tullow line. Crooked in to a scrum saw Robbie Shields and Robert Williams bring us inside the opposition twenty two.. Again Robin took the ball at two to start a drive but we were penalised for offside. Tullow broke out from the penalty and we were awarded a scrum on our own twenty two. Tullow took the ball against the head. We ended up with a lineout where Robin again took the ball but it was lost to Tullow At a follow up ruck Tullow were penalised for diving in.
Two minutes of injury time were played but a kick to touch finished the game with Dundalk the winners.
Dundalk now play Clondalkin in the next round date and venue TBC.
Dundalk:
R.Williams,R.Shields,R.O’Hagan,C.Scully,S.Murphy,D.Clare, S.Mulligan,C.Brannigan,J.Kerr,C.McCabe, D.Fearon,R.McGee,D.McGee,C.Williams,P.Meegan,J.McGahon,D.McGuinness,C.McGeady,J.Whyte, T.Thornton,D.O’Connell.
Posted on February 5, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Under 7 Blitz
An Under 7 blitz took place on Sunday morning in Oriel Park as the pitches in the club were very wet and not suitable for games at this age group. We would like to thank the parents who supported the event in the most practical of ways by organising the food for the competitors. Your efforts were greatly appreciated by the coaches and by all our visitors and our own players. The photos make it look like a very enjoyable event and we hope that all our players enjoyed themselves. Onwards and upwards.
Posted on February 5, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Under 9s Stroll to easy win at the home of Leinster Rugby
Dundalk Under 9s travelled to Donnybrook to face Bective Rangers Under 9s. A strong panel of 22 players made the journey to Dublin 4, with confidence running high following a convincing win in the reverse fixture at Mill Road before Christmas. Head Coach Jason Malone split the players into two equally strong teams with one team “The White Sharks” being guided by Paul McEvoy and Stuart Jones and the other team “The Black Sharks” being guided by Head Coach Jason and Hugh Pheifer.
The White Sharks started slowly in what was a lacklustre affair in the first game, a solitary try from Laurence Jones sending the Mill Road team into a 1-0 lead at half time. The momentum gathered in the second half where 2 tries were added from Kieran McArdle to give the scoreline some respectability. Highlights from the first match were great tackling and rucking from Edward Finnegan, Laurence and Jonny Jones, Lorcan Ticehurst, Ronan McDonnell and some fine attacking play from Leo MacRuairi, Kieran McArdle, Aron McEvoy and Jack Gilmore playing in only his second match for Dundalk. The second match saw the White Sharks hit their stride better, running out comfortable 6-1 victors.
Onto the Black Sharks and they were performing admirably.The pitches were very small for the number of players playing, this was good as both teams had to tackle & ruck a lot. The Black Sharks were vastly superior at passing the ball from the ruck and were awarded with a handful of tries scored by Sam Malone, Fionn Duffy, Alex Gregory, James O’Connor. The first match finished 6-2.
The second match was similar to the first, this match Luke Andrews found is stride with 2 great tries. Also to mention in this game for great rucking & turnovers were Milo Moore, Conall O’Callaghan, Brian McCahill, Fiachra O’Gorman, Joseph Pheifer & Robert Malone. Game finished 5-1. Overall great team performances by both.
