U8 Blitz in Balbriggan.
Posted on February 5, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
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Due to the unplayable pitches at the Club, the U8s switched their blitz on Sunday morning to Balbriggan. A very strong squad of twenty four players made the trip from Dundalk to compete with the hosts, Ardee and Balbriggan. With the other clubs fielding only one team each, Dundalk split their squad into three teams to ensure each side would play three matches each. After training indoors since Christmas, the prospect of playing outdoors had the Dundalk players chomping at the bit and they did not disappoint the large crowd of spectating parents in attendance.
Dundalk A began their day with a clash with the hosts Balbriggan. After a nervy start by both sides, Dundalk exploded into life with some superb tries by Donal Lavery and Rory Wallace and they ran out comfortable winners. Up next was Ardee and again Dundalk triumphed with brilliant scores from Max Valentine, Liam O Connor and Will Smith. Their last game against Ratoath proved to be a closer affair but after some fantastic tackling by Oisin McBride and Conal Mullins, Dundalk pulled away in the closing stages with Adam McCoy scoring one of the tries of the day.
Dundalk A: Adam McCoy, Max Valentine, Will Smith, Conal Mullins, Liam O Connor, Donal Lavery, Rory Wallace, Oisin McBride.
Dundalk B started against Ratoath and with some fine interplay between William Connyngham and Oisin Nash, they raced into an early lead. Ratoath staged a comeback but fine tackling by Daire Thomas ensured Dundalk held on to the win. Balbriggan provided the next opposition and a feature of this game was some outstanding individual tries from DD Reilly and Ewan Kelly which brought deserved applause from bot sets of supporters as Dundalk ran out easy winners. A tough game against Ardee was Dundalk’s last game and an early try from Luke O Connell gave Dundalk the advantage. Ardee responded with a score and looked odds on to win the game only for some magnificent tackling by Michael Carroll David Coyle to keep them at bay.
Dundalk B: DD Reilly, Daire Thomas, Michael Carroll, Oisin Nash, Ewan Kelly, Luke O Connell, David Coyle.
Dundalk C clashed with Ardee in their first game and thanks to some well worked tries from Jake Kenny and Tom McCourt, Dundalk edged to a deserved victory. Ratoath provided the opposition for Dundalk in their next game. A tribute of this game was some tigerish rucking by Eoin Purton and Tom O Brien which resulted in Enda Dooley and Daniel Cartwright reaping the rewards and scoring the tries to win the game. The final game was against the hosts and the Dundalk lads finished on a high with David Crilly and Tom Cunniffe getting some brilliant tries to seal the victory for Dundalk.
Dundalk C: Jake Kenny, David Crilly, Tom Cunniffe, Enda Dooley, Tom O Brien, Daniel Cartwright, Tom McCourt, Eoin Purton.
Posted on January 29, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on McGee Cup
Mc Gee Cup
The Mc Gee Cup match set for last Friday evening was not played due to the inclement weather conditions.
Posted on January 29, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
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Our 2nd XV take on Tullow on Sunday next at Mill Road at 3 o’clock in the Seconds Towns Cup. Your support would be appreciated as the sideline can inspire a team. Play your part and be there.
Training will be as usual on Tues and Thurs at 7.30 sharp.
Posted on January 29, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
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Dundalk travelled to Gorey in Co. Wexford for their First Round Towns Cup encounter with the local Gorey RFC. Dundalk had prepared well and were hoping for a successful outcome but it was not to be. Dundalk travelled with a small cohort of supporters but they were greatly outnumbered by the local enthusiastic and vociferous supporters who loudly encouraged the home team throughout the match.
The game started with a strong wind behind the home team and this kept the play towards the Dundalk line. The wind played a part in the first Gorey score when a high kick from the Gorey side spun out of Dundalk’s reach and the home full back was able to run on to kick the spinning ball over the Dundalk line and touch it down for their opening score. The try was converted to leave the score at 7-0 on seven minutes.
Not long afterwards Dundalk were dealt a hammer blow when out- half Jonathan Williams had to leave the pitch due to injury. Gorey crossed the Dundalk again on fifteen minutes when after a great maul off a line out they were able to drive over the Dundalk line and touch down to go 12-0 up.
Dundalk were finding it very difficult to get out of their own half due to a mix of home team pressure and the strong breeze. Gorey confidence was up, understandably, and they continued to run hard and attack the Dundalk line at every opportunity. On the twentieth fifth minute Gorey were awarded a scrum on the Dundalk ten metre line. The Gorey No 8 broke off the scrum and attacked on the blind side. He drew his tackler passed to his scrum half in support. He found the winger who touched down in the corner to leave Gorey leading 17-0.
Dundalk re-focused and worked their way towards the Gorey line. On the thirty fifth minute after a number of phases the ball was spread wide allowing centre, Afa Fa’atau, to cross the Gorey line for a vital score coming up to half time. The score now was 17-5. The remaining minutes of the first half were played in a howling gale accompanied by a torrential downpour which meant that all sides welcomed the half time whistle. Players and supporters took to the clubhouse for the half time to escape the elements.
The second half started in much better conditions, rain gone and the wind dropping to just a breeze so no help from the wind for Dundalk. Gorey were awarded a scrum on the Dundalk ten metre line on the fifty five minute mark. Again their No 8 carried strongly to bring them closer to the Dundalk line setting up a ruck. The Gorey prop who was planning to carry knocked on but it was missed by the official and he carried on to register another Gorey score to put them 22-5 ahead with twenty five minutes left on the clock. Dundalk players protested but to no avail.
Dundalk fought back well and spent the bulk of the remaining time in the Gorey half of the pitch. Gorey defended strongly and held out the Dundalk attack on most occasions. Dundalk did not help their own cause as there were a number of missed line-outs and forward passes which reduced our scoring opportunities and let Gorey off the hook.
With ten minutes left a Dundalk attack went through a number of phases which released Afa to cross the Gorey line for a second time. Thomas Campbell converted, leaving the score 22-12 with eight minutes to go. This gave the Dundalk camp some hope of getting a result but alas it was not to be. Time got the better of us but Greg Whately crossed the Gorey line in the last play of the game after some strong running and well worked phases to leave the final score at 22-17 and Dundalk’s Town’s Cup hopes for this dashed.
Dundalk:
U. Murphy,G. Scully,A. Fa’atau,M.J. McKevitt,O. McNally,J. Williams,T. Campbell,R. Farrell,J. Grey,J. Smyth,C.O’Hanlon,M. Bentley,L. Steen,S. Martin,E. Fa’atau, G.Whately,R. O’Hagan,C. Brannigan,P. Meegan,R. Williams.
Dundalk wish Gorey every success in the next round of the Towns Cup away to Cill Dara.
Posted on January 29, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
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Saturday 26th January 2013
Under 10’s
Dundalk under 10 girls travelled to Rathoath Rugby Club on Saturday in their first league game of 2013, with their coaches Sharon Toal and Linda Valentine. Torrential rain on Friday made the conditions very difficult, but the minis were buoyant, spurred on by the success of the senior teams of late. The pitch resembled a mud slide at times, but Dundalk girls got stuck in and quickly settled into their game. Their dedication at training paying dividends with tries run in by several girls including Aoife Bermingham, Tara Herr, Aoife Purcell, Sophia Murdock and Temi among others. Ruth McGee and Sophie Woulfe proved valuable in defence and it was a great display for the minis At half time Dundalk girls were trailing behind, but came back strongly in the second half determined to secure a win, great passing and ball control eventually saw the Under 10’s come away with a win to the immense pride of their coaches.
UNDER 10’s Team:- Aoife Purcell, Aoife Bermingham, Tara Herr, Suphia Murdock, Temi, Ruth McGee and Sophie Woulfe.
Under 12’s
9 Dundalk
8 Ratoath
Dundalk Under 12’s maintained their winning form in a trip to Ratoath on Saturday 26rth January. A strong team travelled with coaches Sharon Toal and Linda Valentine on a bitterly cold but bright day. Playing conditions were messy, the pitch was very mucky, and,it took Dundalk a while to settle into their game. Ratoath had many talented players and they took the game to Dundalk in the first half. Dundalk played a confident game and never seemed to be in real danger of losing the game. Great passing and communication between the players kept them ahead at all times They played a controlled game with Caoimhe O’Callaghan running in crucial tries when needed as Ratoath threatened to close the gap. Other try scorers included Deborah Malone who had a brilliant game, along with Shona Kelly and Molly Hughes. Shona Kelly and Rebecca Moffat-McdGinn were particularly strong in defence, along with Eva Toal, Clodagh Flynn, Chloe Ticehurst, Grace Cranny, Neasa Boyle and Aoise Finegan. There was a steely determination to this team, much to the delight of their coaches who predict a great season for the U12’s.
UNDER 12’s Team:-Deborah Malone, Clodagh Flynn, Eva Toal, Shona Kelly, Molly Hughes, Neasa Boyle, Rebecca Moffat-McGinn, Aoise Finegan and Chloe Ticehurst.
Under 15’s
Dundalk 13
Ratoath 4
Dundalk Under 15’s also travelled to Ratoath on Saturday 26th January with coaches Chris Scully, Suzanne Flynn and Maria Cartwright. A very skilled and experienced side made the trip as Dundalk under 15’s continue their march towards the first ever North East League title. With a surplus of players and talent from Dundalk, it was always going to be difficult for Ratoath. Brilliant passing and defending saw Dundalk take control of the game from the first whistle. The unstoppable Sophie Murtagh running in a try within the opening seconds of the game, quickly followed by Meadhbh O’Callaghan. The experience of Ellen O’Hara, Ruth Hanna and Shannon Greene was evident as they guided and coaxed the absolute best out of their team mates. At half time Dundalk had a substantial lead on Ratoath and it never really looked like Ratoath had it in them to come back against such a text book display of tag rugby from Dundalk. Tries run in by Sophie Murtagh, Ellen O’Hara, Ruth Hanna,
Posted on January 29, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Dundalk Sharks Under 9’s V Navan RFC
Dundalk Sharks Under 9’s welcomed Navan RFC to Mill road on Saturday morning for a challenge match.
The Sharks fielded 2 equally talented teams for the encounter and both teams played 2 matches. Dundalk won 2 & lost 2 games.
Team A coached by Hugh Pheifer got off to a great start with great rucking & passing which led to a hand full of tries before any reply by Navan.
The second half was excellent game off rugby by both teams – Game finished 6-1 to the Sharks, Tries scored by Kieran Mc Ardle, Aaron McGuiness, Ciaran Tiernan & Fionn Duffy.
Their second game Navan had a much stronger team which we struggled to contain in the first half which finished 4-1, Kieran McArdle scoring the try.
In second half Dundalk stepped up a gear to give Navan a good game, there was some rucking & turnovers especially from Eddie Finnegan, Lurcan Ticehurst, Aaron McGuiness & great individual drive by Joseph Pheifer which he was rewarded with a try. Game finished 6-2 to Navan.
Team B coached by Paul McEvoy started against Navan’s stronger team, they battled well with some excellent defensive play. Our only try was scored by Mark Leavy, but what a try it was running the full length of the pitch to touch down. Game finished 4-1 to Navan.
The second game proved to be easier winning comfortably 5-1, Tries scored by Lawrence Jones, James O’Connor & Mark Leavy.
I would like to commend the new players on their first game, Jack Gilmore & Eddie Finnegan.
Posted on January 29, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
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On a weekend that saw the Black sharks and the grey sharks games cancelled in Navan due to waterlogged piches the white shark team travelled with a well balanced side to The Garda Sports ground at castleknock on sunday . There was a minutes silence observed by both sides at the half way line and all shared a thought for the fallen Guard from Dundalk , Detective Donohue. RIP.
Dundalk were captained by Mark Brennan who is showing tremendous form of late and lead from the front with a tenacious Rory Mcdonagh , a towering Sheamus boyle and flanked on by the marauding James Finnegan and big hitting Josh chalonder . The pack delivered a solid platform for a barn storming scrum half Lochlainn O’Conboirne to set off a sharks three quarters line brimming with tallent .
Fly half daniel chong’s foot work would put any tiger shark to shame as he cut through the defense numerous times . Adam Gartland , conor macken and conor smith all showed great fortitude with brian o’droscoll qualities in their tackling and turning over ball. Timmy Connolly and Donal leavy both displayed their full bag tricks and truly left the home side with no answers to the Dundalk sharks who recored a convincing win on the road in this metro league encounter. Mark Mc Connell gave his season best and was ably supported by an in form Eoghan Flannagan and a rejuvenated Cian Herr.
First timer Patrick Brady made an impressive debut and show maturity in his field positioning. Well done to the White Shark Team , the weather was cold but your great fighting spirit was a heart warming tonic to those cold winds . Shark s forever. If any parent would like their child to be part of a wonderful sporting setup and have lots of new friends , please contact the coaching staff or the webe site at dundalkrfc.com
Posted on January 29, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Dundalk U12’s Match Reports V Boyne
Dundalk U12’s
27th January 2013
Match Reports V Boyne
Dundalk U12’s played host to local rivals Boyne on Sunday morningin a Metro league fixture. On a cold wet and windy Sunday morning conditions were not ideal for rugby. Despite that both sides tried to put on a show of entertaining running rugby. Both clubs had two teams so four matches were played in total with the scores ending honours even with one win apiece and the other two matches ending level.
In the first match Dundalk’s Team 1 above got off to a slow start as their opponents raced in to an early two try lead by half time with the aid of a strong breeze. They fought back in the second half and a wonder try from Dean Conway where he picked the ball up from behind his own try line, evaded a couple of would be tacklers and sprinted the whole way down the touch line to score. Dundalk then really came in to their own after this and laid siege to the Boyne try line and were finally rewarded when Fionn Meegan crossed the try line just before the end of the match to level things up at the end.
In their second match Dundalk put up a brave performance but against a big strong Boyne team and having used up all their energies in the first match went down by 4 tries to nil.
Team 1 was made up of the following; Fionn Meegan, Fionn Ni Mhuirri , Tom Hamill, Cathal Purcell, Isaac McGahon, Ryan Meegan, Patrick Burns, Ciaran Murphy, Tadhg McKeown, Jack Hanna, Jason Conlon and Dean Conway. Top performers on the day were Tom Hamill, Fionn Ni Mhuirri and Cathal Purcell in the forwards and Ciaran Murphy, Patrick Burns and Jack Hanna in the backs.
Team 2 took on their Boyne counterparts in what proved to be an exciting game. The teams exchanged try’s twice in the first half before Boyne went over for a third just before half time to lead 3 – 2 at the break. Dundalk came out with all guns blazing in the second half and playing some lovely rugby managed to run in four try’s without reply to run out comfortable winners in the end by 6 – 4. Try scorers for Dundalk were Leon Keegan (2), Ciaran Browne, Tom Dorian, Craig McMahon and Jake Conlon.
In their second match Dundalk took on Boyne’s second team in what proved to me a much tighter affair. Defences were mostly on top and the tackling was tough from both sides. Each side managed to touch down once in the first half leaving it level at half time. Dundalk really piled on the pressure in the second half and went over to take the lead once more. Boyne responded well and really piled on the pressure from then on and were rewarded at the very end in the last play of the game scored the equalising try. Try scorers for Dundalk were Leon Keegan and Neil Thornton. There were great performances from Craig McMahon, Sean Wallace, Ciaran Browne and Gerard White in the forwards along with Leon Keegan, Neil Thornton, Jake Conlon and Tom Dorian in the backs.
Team 2 was made up of the following; Martin O Donnachadha, Craig McMahon, Sean Wallace, Ciaran Browne. Gerard White, Tom Dorian, Luke McSherry, Leon Keegan, King’ori Ndungu Neil Thornton, Jake Conlon & Michael Belton.
Posted on January 23, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
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Dear Members,
A friendly reminder re Band Night this Saturday, 26th January, which will feature headline act The Willing Fools fronted by the excellent Conor Hughes. It’s clear from ticket sales that interest for the night is huge and it promises to be a sell-out. The Willing Fools always put on a show which is second to none. Some tickets are still available and cost €15, which includes finger food and are available from Sabrina, Tommy or any of the club committee members. Please come along and make it a special night, we look forward to seeing you all there.
Kind regards,
John McDonnell
Honorary Secretary
For Dundalk RFC
Posted on January 23, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Six Nations International tickets
Dear Members,
As you may know, we made a decision at our last AGM to try to increase income from sponsorship using our International tickets as an incentive.
We have been successful in doing so, which is good for the finances but means less tickets for our members.
As the game against England is on a Sunday this was much less attractive to potential sponsors, and so, rather than accept a small sponsorship contribution, we retained a good portion of tickets for members which will be allocated as usual, on application with preference given to more active members.
With regard to the French game, we have only a handful of tickets available, so, while members are welcome to apply, we are letting you know that most will be disappointed.
An application form is attached, please return it to Brian Byrne (brian.byrne@ecci.ie) as soon as possible.
