Dundalk 26-40 Ratoath
Posted on November 19, 2012 by Element , Posted in News ,
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The 3rd’s kicked off on Sunday afternoon against a stong Ratoath team. The match saw the return of to former players making their long awaited return, James Eagan and Andrew Naylor. Ratoat were the better side in the first half, going into the break leaing 20-13.
Dundalk came out the 2nd looking to improve on their performance in the end of the first half. Ratoath however ended up the stronger side, finishing the game 26-40.
Team: 1.Andrew Holmes; 2.Brian Igoe; 3.Mick Hannaphy; 4.James Eagan; 5.Conor Kane; 6.Joey Brady; 7.Alan Bryne; 8.Andrew Naylor; 9.Cathal Myles; 10.Aidian Reilly; 11.Will Mathews; 12.Eamon Roe; 13.Chad Conroy; 14.Shane Mathews; 15.Rory O’Hagan
Posted on November 19, 2012 by Element , Posted in News ,
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The Dundalk 2nd XV also travelled to Merrion Road on Saturday last. Theirs was not as happy an outcome as the 1st XV. A very much stronger Wanderers XV overwhelmed them. The strength in depth available to other clubs has made life difficult for us this year in this league but well done to all the players who represent us week in week out despite very few really rewarding outcomes.
David Quigley scored both tries for us and newcomer Richard Moffett made in impressive debut at out half, kicking both conversions and looking a very good prospect. The two week break until the next league match should help us regroup . the final score at Merrion Road was Wanderers 74 Dundalk14
Posted on November 19, 2012 by Element , Posted in News ,
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Dundalk travelled to Merrion Road on Saturday last to take on Wanderers in our Leinster League Div 1A fixture. Both teams were on 15 points in the League Table and the winner was going to take a place in the top four after the Saturday game. Wanderers had strengthened their playing panel in an effort to go back immediately to the AIL so we knew we were in for a tough encounter.
There was a quiet optimism in the club after Thursday night’s training as we knew our strongest possible XV were available for selection and we travelled knowing we would give a good account of ourselves.
Wanderers dominated from the outset with a big strong pack pressurising our forwards in the scrums. Dundalk No8 Greg Whately was under severe pressure to control the ball but he stood up well to same and controlled the ball and also made good ground on a number of occasions. However, despite the best efforts of all, the Wanderers pressure paid off after 10 minutes when their winger scored out wide having got round his tackler. Wanderers converted this score. 7 – 0. Shortly afterwards Dundalk were awarded a penalty which Captain and kicker for the day Thomas Campbell kicked form just inside the Wanderers half to leave the score 7 – 3 wit 13 minutes gone.
Dundalk broke out from their own 22 following a lineout and quick accurate passing across the back line set Stephen Murphy free up to the half way but a knock on with just one one defender to beat was definitely a missed opportunity for the visitors. A long kick into the Dundalk half was gathered by centre Afa Fa’atau whose strong direct running brought the ball back into the opposition half where Dundalk secured a penalty. T.C. tapped and went passed to Ene Fa’atau who found Robert Williams who was shoulder tackled by the Wanderers second row. The ensuing penalty was slotted over by T.C. 7 – 6 after 16 minutes
Wanderers scrum continued to trouble Dundalk and a penalty was awarded for a collapsed scrum. Wanderers kicked the penalty 10 – 6 after 20 minutes. Wanderers were gaining in confidence and playing well at this point. They broke down the wing to inside the Dundalk half where they were awarded a penalty. They opted for a kick down the line. From the lineout a maul was formed. Greg Whately was deemed to have entered the maul from the side and was rather harshly sin binned. Wanderers, not unexpectedly, called a scrum and their No 8 picked and went and got a try which they converted leaving the score at 17 – 6 after 30 minutes.
Wanderers were determined to make the best of their extra man.They made another break up the wing and following interlinking play between the centres and the winger they crossed the line in the corner but the conversion was missed. Some spectators suspected forward passing in the scoring movement but the referee saw nothing wrong. 22 – 6 at half time.
Dundalk knew they had to up their game if there was to be a positive outcome to their visit to Dublin. They took to the field for the second half with a can do attitude which was to stand them in good stead.
The second half got off to a flying start for Dundalk with an inspiring run by Owen Mc Nally. With his quick feet and evasive running Owen beat four tacklers only to be denied a score by a quality tackle by the Wanderers full back. This move seemed to inspire his team-mates as they upped their game. At the next ruck the Wanderers winger prevented a certain try but was ruled offside and yellow carded. T.C. converted the penalty leaving the score at 22 – 9 after 43 minutes.
From the kick off Ciaran Sloan took a clean catch and a ruck was formed outside the Dundalk 22. T.C. found Ultan Murphy who found Afa and Afa handed off his would be tackler to create open space for himself and he carried successfully to the Wanderers 22 where he passed to Gerard Scully who made more ground before being forced into touch.By this time Greg Whately had returned to the fray after his ten minute “sos” and John Smyth had replaced Robert Farrell in the front row. Dundalk were now playing with a renewed enthusiasm and forcing the opposition into errors. Wanderers out half was penalised for hands in the ruck but the penalty kick was unsuccessful for us. More pressure on the opposition led to their No4 being sin binned for not releasing in the tackle.
Dundalk hooker, Jonathan Grey, found Greg with a superb throw on 55 minutes. The ball went quickly to T.C.who brought in the back line but an intercept by the Wanderers winger saw him race forward where only a wonderful covering tackle by Ultan prevented a certain try. Another break by Afa through the centre brought in Coach Efe and between them they bamboozled the Wanderers defence for Afa to score under the posts. T.C. converted leaving us at 22 – 16 on 65 minutes.
Wanderers were awarded a penalty which they converted and increased the gap to 25 – 16. Dundalk knew they needed two scores to win and they resolutely set about the task.From the kick off the Sloan brothers secured the ball for Dundalk. The ball was released speedily out wide where Afa took possession, ran straight and hard and left four tacklers in his wake as scored in the corner. T.C. converted 25 – 23 with ten minutes to go.
Wanderers steadied themselves and pinned Dundalk into their own half. From a scrum they actually crossed the Dundalk line but resolute defence and discipline held them up. They were awarded a penalty soon after this but it went wide, a miss that was to prove costly in the end. From the 22 drop out Wanderers returned the kick and it was taken by Robert Shields who sent it back into the Wanderers half where Dundalk got a lineout..
From the lineout the ball was played out to full back Robert Williams who was high tackled at the 10 metre line. There was only time for a shot at goal so up stepped T.C. Merrion Road looked on in silence as he lined up the kick. The kick was millimetre perfect bouncing on the black spot and going on through the posts for the winning score.
As Van the Man says “there will be days like this”
Dundalk 26 Wanderers 25
The Man of the Match award went to some superb play by Afa Fa’atau who broke through defences time and time again and garnered two tries for himself, two super tries. A close second was Thomas Campbell who kept us in constant touch with measured kicking throughout the game and whose final kick won the match and made it a good day out in Dublin for us all.
Team:
R.Williams,O.Mc Nally,S.Murphy, A.Fa’atau, G.Scully, U.Murphy,T Campbell, R.Farrell, J. Grey, C. Brannigan, D. Sloan, C.Sloan, C.Beattie, E. Fa’atau, G.Whately, L.Steen, J. Smyth, R. Shields.
Posted on November 19, 2012 by Element , Posted in News ,
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Dundalk Team 1 Back Row Left to Right; Calum Grant, Ronan McDonnell, Laurence Jones, Johnny Jones, Conal O’Callaghan, Cian Burns. Front Row Left to Right; Luke Clarke, Alex Gregory, Sam Malone, Fionn Duffy
Dundalk Sharks Under 9s hosted a mini-blitz at Mill Road on Sunday 18th November where they fielded 2 equally talented teams to take on Ashbourne RFC and Balbriggan RFC. Team 1’s first game was against Ashbourne, while at the same time team 2 were up against Balbriggan.
Team 1 enjoyed a blistering start to their first match against Ashbourne with Conal O’Callaghan brilliantly stealing a ball from Ashbourne quickly offloading to Sam Malone, who showed trademark skill and a sublime pass to Ronan McDonnell who finished well in the corner. Almost immediately from the restart Laurence Jones proved too strong for his opponent with a fantastic turnover, feeding Sam Malone who had plenty to do but expertly ran in to make it 2-0 with only a few minutes played. Shortly after Fionn Duffy, and Laurence Jones’s ferocious tackling were to thank for creating the next try, with Conal O’Callaghan breaking and passing to Alex Gregory who went over to make it 3-0. There was to be no let up with 2 unanswered tries to follow, both scored by Ronan McDonnell, the first after a great steal by Jonny Jones leading to a good solo effort from Ronan, the second after a penetrating run from Cian Burns came up just short, the ball was recycled well for Ronan to go in for his third try of the half and a 5-0 lead overall. Dundalk then seemed to take their foot off the pedal and allowed Ashbourne in for s soft try to make the score line read 5-1 Dundalk at half time.
Ashbourne started the second half strongly and quickly scored early in the second half to make it 5-2 and were sensing a comeback might be on the cards. This was quickly knocked on the head by excellent rucking from Conal O’Callaghan, followed by a sublime pass to Cian Burns who showed great pace to score from a long way out. Ronan McDonnell then scored his 4th of the game a powerful run home after a nice offload by Jonny Jones. This was followed by an exceptional solo effort from Conal O’Callaghan late on to make the final score Dundalk Sharks 8 Ashbourne 2.
Team 1’s second match was a much tighter affair against Balbriggan, with Dundalk eventually winning 7-5 after squandering a great start where they led 3-0. Dundalk were as threatening as ever in attack but defensively were too relaxed at times. Fionn Duffy was powerful competing at the breakdown and making driving line breaks, ably assisted by Laurence Jones and some nice work from Calum Grant. Fionn Duffy scored an excellent first try for Dundalk and set up Alex Gregory for the second try with an excellent pass but Alex still had plenty to do and did it very well. Alex’s second try of the game came after excellent work and pass from Cian Burns. Dundalk’s 4th was a great solo effort from Conal O’Callaghan after excellent play from Fionn Duffy. Try number 5 was from Fionn Duffy who was having an excellent game and equally as good was try number 6 from Sam Malone, another trademark solo effort from Sam. The scoring was completed by Ronan McDonnell who finished well after great support play from his team mates. There was too much sloppy work defensively at times but overall coach Fergus O’Callaghan was delighted with how the lads acquitted themselves on the day. Final score Dundalk Sharks 7 Balbriggan 5.
Team 2 was guided on the day by team manager Jason Malone and they were also a credit to the club, emerging comfortable winners in both matches. Their first encounter was against Balbriggan and they emerged winners 11-4 with multiple tries from Kieran McArdle and Leo MacRuairi, Mark Lawless, and Robert Malone. Also worthy of mention was some great tackling and rucking from Brian McCahill, Lorcan Ticehurst, Aaron McGuinness, Peter Rice, Joe O’Donnacnadha and the rest of the team, everyone made a contribution. Game 2 against Ashbourne was a more keenly contested affair with Dundalk Sharks running out eventual winners 8-3. Team Manager Jason Malone was delighted with all his team’s efforts on the day.
Dundalk Team 2 Back Row Left to Right; Cillian Murphy, Robert Malone, Kieran McArdle, Joe O’Donnachadha, Mark Lawless, Leo MacRuairi, Peter Rice. Front Row Left to Right; Team Mascot, Dylan O’Shaughnessy, Brian McCahill, Lorcan Ticehurst, Aaron McGuinness, Ciaran
Posted on November 19, 2012 by Element , Posted in News ,
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On a crisp and biting winters afternoon Dundalk U 13 travelled to Skerries. The first half could be summed up as a non event. Dundalk seemed to have left their game at home and Skerries ran away with the first half 26 – 0. After a team talk and some positional switches the real U 13’s showed up in the second half. All 15 ran at the the opposition and the tide started to turn. The first to cross the try line was David Murdock.
Quickly followed by Cormac Mc Guigan. Skerries were rocking at this point and everytime the 13’s took ball on they were making yards. Some great passing between backs and forwards led to a chance for Caolaon Meegan to run for the line. For what seemed an eterninty he sprinted like a young Usain Bolt and dotted down behind the posts. Philip Tynan then converted to leave the score at 26 – 17 with 10 minutes reamining.
The game restarted and the ball was taken on by Sean Fitzpatrick. The forwards then led a drive up the blindside and Cormac Mc Guigan, as only he can, ran a jinking line that Skerries could not deal with and dotted the ball down under the posts. Game on!!! 26 – 24 with 4 minutes left. Skerries then restarted the match and spent the rest of the remaining 4 minutes camped in the Dundalk 22. The referee blew the whistle and the game was over. A very relieved Skerries team then celebrated.
This must be classed as a game that got away. The resilience shown by the 13’s again was and always is remarkable. Hopefully the Rugby Gods will smile upon us on a day and we start the match with the level of intensity and commitment that we finished with. So well done to all. It is a loss but the performance in the second half gave the coaches and supporters something to smile about and indeed a very warm round applause greeted the boys as they left the pitch. Congratulations to Skerries on their win and a big thanks for the tea and sandwiches in the Club House after. Also big thanks again to all the parents who travelled today on what was a bitter winters day.
Posted on November 16, 2012 by Element , Posted in News ,
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Team 1: (Back Row) Martin O Donnachadha, Ciaran Browne. Craig McMahon, Gerard White, Daire Crilly. (Front Row); Fionn Meegan, Ciaran Murphy, Neil Thornton, Patrick Burns & King’ori Ndungu
Dundalk U12’s played host to Terenure on Sunday morning. On a bright Sunday morning conditions were ideal for rugby and both sides put on a show of entertaining running rugby. Both clubs had two teams so four matches were played in total with Terenure just edging things overall.
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. They fought back however to level things at two tries apiece only for Terenure to go ahead once more. Dundalk dug deep and levelled matters once more but after Dundalk had a man go off with an injury near the end Terenure ran in a couple of late tries to run out 5 – 3 winners. Try scorers for Dundalk were Fionn Meegan, Ciaran Browne and Neil Thornton.
In their second match Dundalk really put on a brave performance as Terenure once again scored early tries to go two nil up, Dundalk fought back to level things up only for Terenure to take the lead again by two tries. Dundalk really dug deep and fought back to level things. Dundalk had a last gasp chance to win it at the death but were denied by a fine try saving tackle inches from the try line. Try scorers for Dundalk were Ciaran Browne (2), one being a great take from a lineout before driving through the opposition line and over for a try. Ciaran Murphy and Neil Thornton were also on the score sheet.
Team 2 (Back row); Fionn Ni Mhuirri , Peter Woulfe, Isaac McGahon, Jack Hanna, Connor McCarron & Cathal Purcell. (Front Row); Tom Dorian, Leon Keegan, Dean Conway, Luke McSherry & Michael Belton
Dundalk’s Team 2 above also had two matches against Terenure an in their first match cam up against a tough Terenure team who defended valiantly against everything Dundalk could throw at them and kept the home side scoreless. The visitors managed to run in two tries to run out two nil winners.
In their second match Dundalk did manage to cross the line on three occasions but Terenure still managed to get the better of them by a single try, the match finishing 4 – 3 to the visitors. Try scorers for Dundalk were Cathal Purcell, Tom Dorian and Dean Conway.
Dundalk U12 coaches would like to thank the players for their efforts on the day and to both players and coaches from Terenure for making the trip down from Dublin on the day.
Posted on November 15, 2012 by Element , Posted in News ,
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Change of venue in Dublin
The games against Wanderers have been moved to Wanderers RFC grounds at Merrion Road with both 1stXV and 2ndXV playing there. The 2nd XV game will be at 1 o’clock with the 1st XV game at 2.30. We wish both teams well.
The 3rd XV will field at home at Mill Road on Sunday in the Mc Gee Cup J3 against Ratoath.
All Support will be welcome both in the capital and at home.
Apologies about yesterday’s notice but that was the information to hand at the time.
Posted on November 12, 2012 by Element , Posted in News ,
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1st prize – Martin o’ Donnachadla c/o Joe o’ Donnachadla
2nd prize – Raphaela mc Cormick c/o Eoin Purtan
3rd prize – Ciaran Herr c/o Ciaran Herr
4th prize – Heidi Meegan c/o Carl Meegan
5th prize – Ciaran Murphy c/o Ciaran Murphy
The winners of 1st and 2nd prize recieved there prizes last week and the remaining prize winners will be contacted this week.
Posted on November 12, 2012 by Element , Posted in News ,
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1st XV
This week we play at Lansdowne Road against one of the resident clubs, Wanderers RFC, in the Leinster League Division 1A at 2.30.
It will be something to have to say that we played at Lansdowne Road but we will be hoping to have it to say that we played and won at that venue. The team have been preparing well and training is well attended. All support will be most welcome. If you played with us ever and are now a Dublin resident come over and give us your support on Sat afternoon. You might meet an old friend!
2nd XV
Our 2nd XV will also take on Wanderers in their League match at 1 o’clock at the same venue. The seconds are hoping to maintain their improving performance and are looking forward to the game All support will be most welcome.
Your Club Your Country IRFU Grand Draw:
Please check your tickets. The winning numbers are given on the link from this website or on the IRFU ‘s own website.Someone may have been lucky! Paul and his sellers thank you for your support for this Draw and all proceeds are retained by the Club with the prizes being put up by the IRFU.
Ireland v South Africa:
Many travelled to the Aviva on Saturday last for the Autumn International against the Springboks. It was good to see so many of our Mini and Youth Sections getting the chance to experience an International match but just a pity they could not have had a win to savour. Go again on the 24th.
Ireland v Argentina:
We wish the Irish team well for the upcoming Puma’s match and no doubt we will have many supporters in attendance on the 24th. Brian Byrne still has a few family tickets left for the Argentinian match. This game will be very important to Ireland and their place in world rankings and so a highly competitive match is anticipated. Don’t miss the game. Get the final few tickets from Brian. Brian’s contact details are on the website just scroll down!
Posted on November 12, 2012 by Element , Posted in News ,
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Ashbourne 50 – 10 Dundalk 3rds
Dundalk traveled to Ashbourne on a cold Friday night looking to make it two wins in a row in the McGee cup. Dundalk started off well, putting Ashbourne under pressure were they were awarded a penalty in the Ashbourne 22. Alan Bryne picked from the scrum were he made 10 meters for a strong carry. Dundalk made ground from two great phases followed by a strong carry from prop Johnny McDonnel who broke tackles from three Ashbourne players to cross the line for the opening try. Aidian Reilly converted the try giving Dundalk a 7-0 point lead.
Ashbourne restarted the game were Dundalk forwards cleaned up a messy restart followed by monster of a kick from out half Aidian Reilly who put the ball just outside Ashbournes 22. Dundalks pressure a ruck time lead the Ashbourne outhalf to kick the ball over their 22 were Dundalk were awarded a scrum. Pressure from good ruck play saw Dundalk helpd up over the line.
Continuous pressure saw Dundalk awarded a penalty for shbourne players not rolling away at ruck time. Aidian Reilly opted to have a kick at goal and he gave Dundalk a 10-0 lead from a kcik in front of the posts. Dundalk cleaned up another messy restart and again Aidian Reilly put Dundalk into the Ashbourne 22 were their fullback knocked on the ball. Dundalk lost the ball from the scrum and Ashbourne cleared their lines. Ashbourne pounded the pressure on and Dundalk were releaved when the Ashbourne outhalf opted to kick in open play aimlessly into the Dundalk 22 were Reilly marked the ball, a superb 50 meter clearance kick took the presure off the away side. Dunalk put the pressure on again and were unlucky not to score another try when Johnny McDonnell got injured looking to score another try. Lack of player available meant Dundalk had to play on with 14 men. The extra man told throughout the rest of the match were Ashbourne took advantage.
Pierce Campbell made the tackle of the night with a superb one on one tackle on the Ashbourne outside center. Ashbourne scored four times before half time. Dundalk went into ther break 24-10 down.
The second half was a walk over for Ashbourne adding another 28 points to their score were Dundalk were unable to score any points.
A few injuries throughout the squad told on the night, the 3rds take on Ratoath this Sunday in Mill Road looking to get back on track. Training this Thursday night for the 3rds is essentials and numbers are needed. Anyone looking to take up rugby or come back to play after a few year out is very welcome.
