Posted on November 25, 2014 by Youth Admin , Posted in News ,
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Saturday 22nd November.
All Ireland Junior Cup Quarter Final.
Newcastle West RFC 10 – 24 Dundalk RFC
Dundalk travelled to the home of the Munster league leaders outside Limerick to play an unknown opposition. Expecting to be met with a well organised and passionate opposition Dundalk’s ability to gain control of the game and play it on their terms would be critical if the Leinster league leaders were to prevail.
Newcastle West kicked off and immediately came up in numbers, Dundalk gathered the ball and were met with some big tackles from the start. The first scrum resulted, and Newcastle West got the push on. Dundalk drovethem back in a determined fashion. Dundalk had met a strong Munster scrum and would have a battle on their hands, two minutes later and another scrum was awarded , this time to Dundalk. Better set and ready Dundalk hit hard and drove Newcastle West back, causing them to calliopes the scrum and Dundalk were awarded a penalty approximately 5 metres inside the oppositions half. Ultan Murphy, the Dundalk out half who has been having a magnificent season place kicking, stepped forward and calmly kicked the ball over the bar putting Dundalk into an early 3-0 nil lead. The home site mounted attack after attack with each phase of play, but great tackling from Ene Fa’ atau, Stephen Martin and Enda Murphy stopped the Newcastle West forwards time and time again. Gaining little ground the home side switched tactics and kicked the ball in behind the Dundalk defence only to find the hugely experienced Stephen McGee there, fielding their kicks and returning them with interest. Dundalk now took the game to the opposition. Robbie Farrell and Johnny Gray drove hard into the heart of the Newcastle West forwards. Rucking and mauling was no place for the faint hearted, Paul Meegan easily winning ball for Dundalk in close contact and presenting good ball to Thomas Campbell at scrum half. Dundalk began to move the ball wide playing their trademark expansive game. With an injury to Chris Scully Jonathan Williams partnered MJ McKevitt in the centre. The backs moved the ball wide and appeared to have broken though the Newcastle West defences and attacked with only metres to the line. Stephen McGee drew his man leaving Stephen Murphy unopposed and the tryline at his his mercy. However, Murphy lost his footing and the opportunity was lost. The battle raged on but more and more the game was being played in the Newcastle West half and more and more each time they tried to attack the Dundalk defence held firm. Despite the home advantage and the home crowd the Munster side were making little impression on the game. On occasion when Newcastle West did move the ball wide in the backs they elected to grubber kick the ball in behind the Dundalk line, something that hasn’t been seen in Leinster rugby in quite some time. Owen McNally gathered this unexpected supply and made off up the field gaining ground all the time. Dundalk continued to pressurise the Munster side and as ruck followed maul Johnny Gray saw an opportunity to snatch a try for Dundalk. Converted by Murphy Dundalk had put their mark on the game. From the restart Dundalk returned the ball and in the resulting maul were awarded a penalty which was converted just before half time, leaving the score 10-3 to Dundalk at the break.
Newcastle West would have to come out for the second half in a higher gear if they hoped to defend their home patch. An early attack after 8 minutes was stopped by a magnificent tackle from Jonathan Williams Lotu Nuku was starting to really come into the game while James McConnon continued from where he had left from last week making powerful bursts through the oppisition defences and gain ground. The big back row was causing a lot of difficulties for the Munster men. As the second half progressed Dundalk moved the ball comfortably and the interchange between forwards and backs insured that Dundalk retained possession of the ball as they set the ball up and moved from set piece to set piece. Lotu Nuku’s throwing into the lineout was excellent with Dundalk winning their own ball while Enda Murphy and Paul Megan continuously disrupted the oppositions set piece. Set plays and ball recycling continued and brought play into the Newcastle West 22. Rucking and mauling towards the home side’s line, Thomas Campbell saw an opportunity and snatched a try to stretch Dundalk’s lead. The conversion was good and Dundalk eased further ahead. The laws of this competition allow for 5 rolling substitutions which Ene Fa’atau used to great effect. With Eugene McEntaggert and Kenny Dorian on the side line exercising the game management plan Dundalk made the most of the ruling. Another penalty for Dundalk converted by Murphy and Newcastle West now had a mountain to climb. They started to play loose rugby , perhaps not their style but it gave Dundalk opportunities. The Munster men kicked away possession allowing Dundalk to gather and clear their lines. Pressure on the Dundalk line was relieved when David Whatley intercepted a pass and broke loose from the Dundalk 22, supported by Ciaran Brannigan the pair took play to the half way line. Time was running out for the home side as Dundalk held a firm grip on the game. Newcastle West tried to regroup but Dundalk swarmed on their every move and prevented any meaningful counter. A consolation try in the 84th minute of the game saved the oppositions blushes but Dundalk had well and truly beaten the Munster side to progress to the semi final.
Team 15 Stephen McGee, 14 Owen McNally, 13 Jonathan Williams, 12 MJ McKevitt, 11 Stephen Murphy, 10 Ultan Murphy, 9 Thomas Campbell, 8 Ene Fa’atau, 7 James McConnon, 6 Stephen Martin, 5 Enda Murphy, 4 Paul Megan, 3 Johnny Gray, 2 Lotu Nuku, 1 Robbie Farrell.
Subs Derek Williams, Tiernan Gonnolly, Ciaran Brannigan, David Whatley,James Shields.
Next week sees an even tougher task for Dundalk when they meet Enniscorthy in the league. Dundalk who are 5 points ahead of Enniscorthy in second place could put some daylight at the top of the table. Should Enniscorthy prevail, the league could be tiedat the half way point in the League. Next Saturday at the Mill Road will see Dundalk firsts and seconds take on the Wexford sides.
Saturday 22nd November.
Dundalk RFC – U14’s V Portarlington – 22/11/2014
Dundalk U14’s made the journey to Portarlington on Saturday morning for their third game of the season in the Leinster league. Due to weather enforced postponements and the mid-term break this was the first run out for five weeks for this team. It was a perfect day for rugby after all the rain of the last few weeks and both sides were determined to make the most of it and from the start they really got stuck into each other with some ferocious tackling from both sides. Although Dundalk enjoyed plenty of territory and possession they were unable to convert this to points on the board and it was Portarlington who scored first when breaking from their own half with some nice interplay between their backs to cross over in the corner, the conversion attempt not being successful. Dundalk pressed again to get back in to the match but were unable to breach a 
determined rearguard action from Portarlington. It was the home side who struck again just before half time when a pass was intercepted by their tall inside centre and he ran away Tommy Bowe style to finish under the posts, the conversion easily made which left the half time score 12-0 to Portarlington. After some inspirational half time words from their head coach, Dundalk really came out fighting and were camped in their opponents half for a lot of the second half but took them 15 minutes or so to finally make the break through when lock Cathal Purcell stormed over after great work in the tight by the forwards. Purcell kicked his own conversion, leaving just five points in it. Portarlington were stunned into action by this and duly went down the other end and scored their third try of the day, again failing to convert. Dundalk rallied once more and with some good kicking found themselves camped in their opponents 22 for most of the remainder and went over for their second try of the game through Cathal Purcell once again, the conversion not being made this time around. With only a couple of minutes left to get what would have been an equalizing try Dundalk really gave it their all and had some great chances to equalize but were unfortunately unable to convert any of them leaving the final score at 17-12 to the home side. Best on the day for Dundalk were Cathal Purcell, Connor McCarron and Luke McSherry in the forwards and Ciaran Brown and Emmet Byrne in the backline.
The team in full was Conor McCarron, Sean Wallace, Eugene McEntegart, Cathal Purcell, Gerard White, Tom Dorian, Ryan McShane, Luke McSherry (Capt.), Kingori Ndungi, Ciaran Brown, Ruairi McMahon, Jack Hanna, Neil Thornton, Dean Conway, Emmet Byrne, Daire Crilly, Jack McKenna, Mike Territt, Leon Keegan .
Training continues at the club on Mondays and Wednesdays, 6.00-7.30. All new players are welcome, this age group being for anyone born in 2001.
Sunday 23rd November.
Under 11 Sharks Perform Well in Skerries
Dundalk Under 11 Sharks travelled to Skerries on a beautiful, crisp Sunday morning that was perfect for rugby. 28 Sharks made the trip for what were always going to be crunching encounters against Navan and Skerries, two of the best teams in the Northeast at Under 11 level. The Sharks were divided into 2 even teams, the Black Sharks and the White Sharks.
First up for The Black Sharks was Navan and straight away Dundalk applied pressure to a resolute Navan defence. With their backs against the wall under severe Dundalk pressure, Navan went for broke and just like a certain Irish number 14 the day before, intercepted a Dundalk pass to run the length of the pitch and score, just as Dundalk were sensing blood. The Sharks regrouped afterwards and were playing some lovely flowing rugby, with Conal O’Callaghan pulling the strings at scrum half and some fine passing phases resulting in Luke Andrews scoring a good try. Navan scored again which set the stage for some great Dundalk pressure with the forwards fronting up with Ronan McDonnell, Leo MacRuairi, Liam Dorian, Laurence Jones and Aaron McGuinness setting the platform for Kieran McArdle to score a super try after a trademark dynamic run bamboozling the opposition. Noteworthy was a good try saving tackle from Ethan Gilligan in the latter stages of the game. A super match from both sides.
The second match for the Black Sharks was an equally exciting encounter with 3 great Dundalk tries coming from Ronan McDonnell, Conal O’Callaghan and Kieran McArdle and 2 good tries from Skerries. A great game for, the Black Sharks, super performances from Kieran McArdle, Conal O’Callaghan, Ronan McDonnell. Some good forward play from Lorcan Ticehurst, Liam Dorian, Laurence Jones, Alex Gregory and Riain Rafferty. In the backs, solid performances came from Robert Malone, Leo MacRuairi, who worked his socks off, Ethan Gilligan, Luke Andrews, Aaron McGuinness and Fiacra McCormick.
The White Sharks kicked off with a thrilling encounter versus Skerries. The tries were coming thick and fast, with Sam Malone marshalling proceedings excellently at scrum half and some brilliant forward play and fantastic rucking setting the stage for some fantastic passing and running from the backs. Fionn Duffy continued his form of the previous week with 2 tries, James O’Connor and Eoghan Staunton were unstoppable with 3 tries each and Milo Moore got a fine try. Skerries scored 5 tries. Noteworthy defensively was newcomer Caoimhin O’Neill who tackled ferociously and is improving each week and also an excellent try saving tackle from Milo Moore.
The second match was a bruising and at times unsavoury encounter against Navan. Eoghan Staunton was again unstoppable with 3 great tries and Sam Malone scored a super try. Navan were strong at the breakdown and at times were too strong in the ruck, scoring 6 tries. Outstanding for Dundalk were Ciaran Tiernan and Aaron Speight, with Calum Grant also having a fine game. Edward Finnegan was man of the match with an inspired performance.
Overall a great mornings rugby and plenty to admire the boys from the wee county, who did their club and families proud.
Posted on November 24, 2014 by Youth Admin , Posted in News ,
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BRUCE BENTLEY
1961 – 2014
Dear Members,
Dundalk RFC is sad to announce the passing of Club member Bruce Bentley on Saturday last, 22nd November.
Bruce had been ill for a while but fought his illness every step of the way, never lost his lust for life nor his sense of humour.
He will be sadly missed by the Club and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wonderful family.
We appreciate the time Bruce spent with us and the trojan work he put into coaching our youth & mini teams.
One of his great joys in life was to watch his sons play for Dundalk on a Saturday afternoon (followed by a Guinness, or two, in the bar afterwards).
A memorial service will be held for Bruce on Saturday next, the 29th, at 11.00am in the new Drogheda Presbyterian Church and all members who may be available are requested to attend. Full Club dress would be appreciated.
For directions please go to droghedapresbyterian.ie
Posted on November 21, 2014 by Youth Admin , Posted in News ,
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Posted on November 17, 2014 by Youth Admin , Posted in News ,
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Posted on November 14, 2014 by Youth Admin , Posted in News ,
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FRIDAY 14th NOVEMBER
PLEASE NOTE:
ALL CLUB PITCHES CLOSED
THIS WEEKEND.
ALL MATCHES & TRAINING SESSIONS
CANCELLED
Posted on November 13, 2014 by Youth Admin , Posted in News ,
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Final list of fixtures for this weekend .. weather permitting of course.
Posted on November 10, 2014 by Youth Admin , Posted in News ,
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DUNDALK UNDER 12’s v BOYNE Sun 9th November
This week the under 12’s team travelled to local rivals Boyne Rugby club on Sunday morning on a wet cold and miserable day. Conditions were not idea,l despite this both sides tried to put on a show of entertaining running rugby .Both clubs had two teams so four matches were played with Boyne narrowly coming out on top on all four.
Overall Boyne were strong and well drilled, Dundalk allowed them to run at them and were punished for doing this on no less than 9 try’s in total . Dundalk dug deep and at any chance laid siege to the Boyne try line and were with rewarded for their effort with try’s from Lee O’Carrol. Jack Mulroy’s poaching of Boyne was rewarded with another great try.
Elijah Faapito was a real threat to Boyne, whenever he got on the ball, his awareness and ability to sidestep to evade the tackles together with his speed meant he broke through their defence 3 times scoring 3 trys on the day.
Dundalk played with real passion on the day but poor conditions and a well organised opposition gave the spoils tto the home team.
DUNDALK UNDER 11’s v BALBRIGGAN Sun 9th November
Dundalk Sharks Under 11s met Balbriggan on a lovely mild morning in Mill Road, raring to go and buoyed on after watching a fantastic performance from Ireland against South Africa the previous day. Balbriggan brought 2 teams to face Dundalk’s 2 teams, the Black Sharks and the White Sharks.
First up for the Black Sharks was Balbriggan B and the onlooking parents were treated to a fine display of free flowing rugby. Superb tries from Conal O’Callaghan, Kieran McArdle, Robert Malone, Eoghan Staunton, and 2 from Fionn Duffy, who was back to his imperious best after a quiet outing the previous week. Solid performances up front came from Laurence Jones, Ronan McDonnell, Aron McEvoy, Cillian Halpenny, Conal O’Callaghan, and Brian McCahill added to a great performance all round.
The second game for the Black Sharks against Balbriggan A was a ferocious battle, with Balbriggan’s giant Michael, who at 10 years of age towered over his adult coach, putting it up to the Sharks who had to stand up and be counted. It predictably turned into a ding dong affair between the physicality of Michael and the support of his teammates and Dundalk’s incisive passing, running and free flowing rugby which was more than a match for anything that was thrown at them. The game saw 2 more tries from the outstanding Fionn Duffy, 2 from the free scoring Kieran McArdle and one each from Ethan Gilligan, a fine effort, and Eddie Finnegan. It was just reward for a fine forward display from Brian McCahill, who made a crunching tackle on Michael, over twice his size, Ronan McDonnell who made several crunching tackles on the aforementioned Michael, Robert Malone, Laurence Jones, Eoghan Staunton, Cillian Halpenny, Tadhg Dunne, Calum Grant, Riain Rafferty and Aron McEvoy. A super effort from the Black Sharks. Balbriggan got 4 good tries.
The White Sharks met Balbriggan A first off lead by that man Michael and they put in a fine effort. Tries came from the superb James O’Connor (2), Joseph Pheifer, Milo Moore and Leo MacRuairi, but were offset by 6 Balbriggan tries as Michael ran riot towards the end of the match.
Match 2 saw the White Sharks hit their stride, tries coming from Peter Rice, James O’Connor, Milo Moore, 2 from the excellent Leo MacRuairi who was also tackling like a man possessed, Mark Lawless, Aaron McGuinness Smith and a fantastic first try for Caoimhin O’Neill capping a fine performance in only his second match for the Sharks. Balbriggan got one good try. A super performance for the White Sharks, Sam Malone was brilliant as usual, good solid performances from Luke Andrews, Peter Rice, Aaron Speight, Liam Dorian, Caoimhin O’Neill, Luke Clarke, Alex Gregory and Fiachra O’Gorman.
All in all a good outing for the Sharks against good Balbriggan sides and the lads will look forward to training next Thursday at 6:15pm in the club, as we prepare for next Sunday’s game against Ratoath.
GIRLS U16’s
Suttonian 7 Dundalk 13
Great results for our senior girls tag team, made up of younger players from our U14 team and more experience players from our senior team. Within the first couple of minutes, Suttonian girls took it to Dundalk and stated their intentions with good passing and running to score a try within the first 2 minutes of the game. Dundalk kept their cool and came back with an equalling try. For the next 10 minutes it was try for try then Dundalk finally warming up and getting into the stride picked up their defensive game and started putting the pressure on Suttonians. Outstanding defending work rate by all players in particular Orla Conway, Jessica Malone, Neasa Boyle, Eva Toal, Katie McGee, Zoe Valentine, Aoife Craven(?and Shona Kelly, who all kept their cool and kept the pressure on Suttonians not given them the room to play their preferred fast running game. Dundalk continued to run, and pass, finding the space and getting the ball back to their fast paced support players. Try Scorers: Zoe Valentine continually left Suttonians in her wake and, who grounded the ball on the try line 6 times, had an outstanding game; Deborah Malone with her fast pace and low centre of gravity was difficult to tag; Niamh Belton who found her stride on the wing; Maedhbh O’Callaghan who had a great break and try on the wing; Sadhbh McDonnell with her sheer determination and speed through the centre found the try line 3 time; Eva Toal the youngest of the team had a great game. Outstanding team effort girls, very impressive defensive game which showed in the final score Dundalk 13, Suttonians 7. Keep up the good work!
U16’s: Zoe Valentine (C), Meadhbh O’Callaghan, Shona Kelly, Eva Toal, Siadhbh McDonnell, Aoife Craven, Orla Conway, Deboarh Malone, Jessica Malone, Niamh Belton, Neasa Boyle, Katie McGee
U12’s
With some new players on our side this year – it was the first dip in the competitive world of tag rugby for some Dundalk girls today – this proved little challenge for our U12’s, who oozed confidence and control throughout the game. From the off the girls threw themselves into a flowing game and consistently pushed at Suttonians line of defence – with Caoimhe O’Callaghan running a quick try to signal Dundalk’s intentions. Caoimhe was well supported by Captain on the day Clodagh Flynn, and fiercely competent defender on the day, Grace Cranny, who let nothing pass her on the wing. The sister act of Holly and Lily McEntegart knew no fear and constantly ran at the opposition, setting up and scoring trys for their club. New player Caolfhlinn McCarthy showed her budding ability, throwing herself into the game from the first whistle unafraid to run for the line. Strong support and imaginative play led to a dream team with Tara Herr and Temi Fagbamilla taking every chance to intercept opposition ball and showcase their skills and ability. Hugely positive start from our U12’s, leaving us all on a high for the season ahead. Can’t wait!
U12’s: Clodagh Flynn (C), Temi Fagbamilla, Caolfhinn McCarthy, Holly McEntegart, Grace Cranny, Lily McEntegart, Tara Herr, Robyn Coan, Caoimhe O’Callaghan
U10’s
With a big influx of new Under 10 players this year, we were looking forward to seeing how our girls would fare in their first outing of the season. From the kick off we weren’t disappointed – the girls threw themselves into the game and surprised the coaches and spectators with their text book
delivery – try after try! it was a big team effort from all our new girls and we’re hugely proud of the performances of our new girls – Hannah Laverty, Eve Conway, Orlaith McGeough, Saorla O’Mara, undaunted by the occasion – they got stuck in – quickly got to grips with passing with Orlaith McGeough running in her first try for Dundalk – way to go Orlaith! Our ‘seasoned’ U10 players provided the run away tries – Ruth McGee, Bronagh Hughes and the wonderful, talented Natascha Swan. It’s impossible to single out players but special mention has to go to Hazel Malone…simply fantastic play. The final whistle produced celebrations that would rival a grand slam win and what else can we say about these U10’s – a bundle of talent and fun, fun, fun…ones to watch!
U10’s: Natascha Swan (C), Ruth McGee, Bronagh Hughes, Hazal Malone, Mia Coan, Eve Conway, Orlaith McGeough, Hannah Laverty, Saorla O’Mara
Posted on November 7, 2014 by Youth Admin , Posted in News ,
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Posted on November 3, 2014 by Youth Admin , Posted in News ,
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Dundalk v Cill Dara Sat 1st Nov.
Dundalk beat Cill Dara 20-5 in the Leinster League last Saturday.
In what was billed as Dundalk toughest test so far this season the league leaders continued the defence at fortress Mill Road.
In miserable conditions Dundalk took to the field with a changed team to last week’s line up. With injuries to Mike Bently and Johnny Williams Enda Murphy started in second row while Ultan Murphy moved to the 10 position. From the kick off Dundalk won the ball, secured possession, and rucked and mauled the ball up the field until inside the Cill Dara 22. With a continued and determined drive Dundalk crossed the visitors line, Johnny Gray grounded the ball to score the first try of the game for Dundalk after only four minutes of play. Murphy kicked the conversion and a marker had been laid down.
Dundalk were about the business at hand and would spend the next 80 minutes applying themselves. Tackles from Ene Fa’atau and penetrating runs from Rory O’Hagan kept Cill Dara on the back foot. Initially Cill Dara tried to muscle the Dundalk pack but in poor weather conditions the ball was hard to control. Relentless tackling from Dundalk saw the visitors loose control of the ball time and again. Each time James McConnon was at hand to pounce on the mistakes and secure turn over for Dundalk. Paul Meegan was causing serious disruption to any attempt to structure an attack by the opposition using his strength and range to get amongst the Cill Dara forwards .Ultan Murphy got the conversion, kicked two penalties and Chris Scully scored a wonderful try from lineout ball. Stephen Martin made the initial break and lovely hands from Owen McNally and MJ McKevitt put Chris Scully in space. Despite having two men outside him Chris stepped inside the last defender and showed great pace to beat the cover defence to the line. Ultan Murphy kicked the conversion. Dundalk now had a comfortable lead and despite their best efforts Cill Dara really only threatened the Dundalk line once during the game. They took a try which they failed to convert. Dundalk went close late on after a well worked move, ball secured by the forwards was moved quickly through the backs but Stephen Murphy knocked on with the line at his mercy. The game however was well and truly over as a contest. Dundalk retain their unbeaten status and play Coolmine away in two weeks time.
Team 15 Stephen McGee 14 Rory O’Hagan 13 Chris Scully 12 MJ Mc Kevitt 11 Owen McNally 10 Ultan Murphy 9 Thomas Campbell 8 Ene Fa’atau 7 Stephen Martin, 6 James McConnon 5 Paul Meegan 4 Enda Murphy 3 Johnny Gray 2 Lotu Nuku’alofa 1 Robbie Farrell.
Dundalk 2nd v Cill Dara Sat 1st Nov.
Dundalk 2nds suffered their first league defeat of the season on Saturday loosing 17-15 to Cill Dara.
Dundalk, the league leaders, were narrowly beaten by a Kildare side that hadn’t won a game all season. Dundalk opened well, but some ball not quite going to hand and knock on’s gave the visitors more possession than they could have hoped for. The Dundalk pack took the ball into contact using Tiernan Gonnolly and Cathal McCabe, they recycled the ball allowing scrum half Simon Byrne to get the ball away to Eamon Roe at out half. The experienced no.10 varied the play by kicking the ball in behind the Cill Dara defence allowing the Shields brothers, Robert and James, on each wing to use their pace in attack. When the opportunity arose he let loose with the backs 
using Chris McGeady to crash through the middle and gain good ground. In the forwards crunching tackles from Ciaran Lennon and John McGahon stopped any advance in the Cill Dara attack. Continued pressure from Dundalk saw the visitors concede a penalty which Paddy Reilly kicked to put Dundalk in the lead. Shortly before half time Dundalk’s first try came from a ball turned over by Kieran McCabe in the forwards, presented cleanly to Simon Byrne who’s quick pass allowed the backs take the opportunity to attack, again McGeady gained ground and released Eamon Roe who used is pace to round his opposite number and score Dundalks first try which he converted himself.
Going into the second half Cill Dara changed their game plan and elected to keep the ball up front. While perhaps not the most gifted of footballers their dogged determination and brute force approach did nothing for the spectators and the game degenerated into an arm wrestle. This style seemed to suit the visitors allowing them back into the game and through a score and converted penalties found themselves back in the game. Dundalk threw everything at the Kildare side with both forwards and backs, but handling errors in now deteriorating conditions didn’t allow the home side to make any ground and continued dogged determination saw Cill Dara fight their 
way over the Dundalk line in the dying moments to give them the narrowest of leads. Running out of time and fighting both the opposition and the elements Dundalk didn’t have time to get back into the lead and so it finished with a disappointed captain John McGahon left to rally his team for their next outing against Coolmine in two weeks time.
Team
Kieran McCabe, Sean Arrowsmith, Ciaran Braniggan, Cathal McCabe, Robin McGee, John McGahon, Tiernan Gonnelly, Ciaran Lennon, Simom Byrne, Eamonn Roe, Chris McGeady, Derek Williams, Robert Shields, James Shields, Paddy Reilly.
Subs: Gavin Mullen, Darren McGuinness, Matt Raftis.
Under 12’s Sun 2nd November
Dundalk Under 12’s were in action at home this week playing host to Malahide. We fielded two strong teams to start and had the better
of Malahide in all areas. The locals were simply a much better side and too strong for Malihide . Dundalks direct running by Johna Power, Lee o ‘Carrol, Jake Mc Namara and Dara toner paid off. Persistent pressure from Dundalk saw Adam Duffy bag four try’s on the day. James Toal’s passing and play making was excellent and trys from Lee O’Caroll, James King, Jack Mullroy, Calum Bourton made it a good day for the home squad.
Dundalks ball control was good and the ability of the pack to work as a unit was a feature of the game.
A big thank you to Haughey Pharmacy, Demense Shopping Centre for sponsoring the team a full fisrt aid kit which thankfully wasn’t used on the day !
Under 11’s Sun 2nd November
Dundalk Under 11 Sharks entertained sides from Virginia and Clondalkin on a beautiful, crisp Sunday morning at Mill Road. The Sharks were split into two evenly matched sides with the Black Sharks first out against Virginia while the White Sharks played Clondalkin.
The Black Sharks outing against Virginia was a keenly fought affair with the Cavan men enjoying the lions share of the territory and dominating upfront, with the Louth men exhibiting a fine back line display of free flowing passing and running. Dundalk scored 3 great tries through Sam Malone, Conal O’Callaghan and Ciaran Tiernan and were unlucky not to get a fourth through debutant Caoimhin O’Neill who made a powerful run down the left wing but was forced out of bounds inches from the try line. Although Virginia didn’t manage to get over the line during the match they played their part in a keenly fought contest.
The Black Sharks second outing against Clondalkin was more of the same with scintillating running and passing and some slightly underwhelming rucking and tackling. Tries for Dundalk included 2 great Robert Malone tries, 2 super solo efforts from Conal O’Callaghan, a fine effort from Sam Malone and a brilliant first ever try for Ethan Gilligan who continues to impress in only his second match for the Sharks. Clondalkin got 2 good tries.
The White Sharks started against a physical Clondalkin side but we’re well up for the fight. Super back play marshalled by the excellent James 
O’Connor at scrum half was combined with strong forward play and excellent rucking from the likes of Joseph Pheifer, Peter Rice, Ronan McDonnell and others. Joseph Pheifer kicked off the scoring for the White Sharks followed by three unanswered tries from the irrepressible Kieran McArdle and a superb brace of tries from Milo Moore. Clondalkin scored 2 good tries.
Match 2 for the White Sharks was one dominated by the forwards and was a keenly fought affair. Tries for the Sharks came from Joseph Pheifer, Brian McCahill and Peter Rice and Virginia got 3 good tries also.
Overall it was another good outing for the Under 11 Sharks with the lads looking forward to training at 6:15 on Thursday where a lot of hard work on rucking and tackling will be the order of the day.
Posted on October 29, 2014 by Youth Admin , Posted in News ,
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Dear Members and Friends,
Please find attached below ticket application for this year’s Autumn Internationals against South Africa and Australia. Please copy and complete the attached application form and email back to Honorary Ticket Secretary Brian Byrne, brian.byrne@ecci.ie ,by Sunday 2nd November.
As always fully paid up members of the club get first preference on tickets, whether membership is via 401 draw or annual membership subscription. Non-members can apply but will only be accommodated if there are remaining tickets after all members requests have been accommodated. If you require membership forms/information please contact me.
Best Regards,
John McDonnell
Honorary Secretary
For Dundalk RFC
determined rearguard action from Portarlington. It was the home side who struck again just before half time when a pass was intercepted by their tall inside centre and he ran away Tommy Bowe style to finish under the posts, the conversion easily made which left the half time score 12-0 to Portarlington. After some inspirational half time words from their head coach, Dundalk really came out fighting and were camped in their opponents half for a lot of the second half but took them 15 minutes or so to finally make the break through when lock Cathal Purcell stormed over after great work in the tight by the forwards. Purcell kicked his own conversion, leaving just five points in it. Portarlington were stunned into action by this and duly went down the other end and scored their third try of the day, again failing to convert. Dundalk rallied once more and with some good kicking found themselves camped in their opponents 22 for most of the remainder and went over for their second try of the game through Cathal Purcell once again, the conversion not being made this time around. With only a couple of minutes left to get what would have been an equalizing try Dundalk really gave it their all and had some great chances to equalize but were unfortunately unable to convert any of them leaving the final score at 17-12 to the home side. Best on the day for Dundalk were Cathal Purcell, Connor McCarron and Luke McSherry in the forwards and Ciaran Brown and Emmet Byrne in the backline.
