Dundalk RFC 1ST XV vs. Tullamore – 22nd September 2012

Dundalk RFC 1ST XV vs. Tullamore – 22nd September 2012

Posted on September 27, 2012 by Element , Posted in News , Comments Off

Following an excellent win away to Cill Dara in their opening Leinster League Division 1A, all connected with the Dundalk RFC first team were confident of building on that positive start in the first home match of the league season in Mill Road last weekend. Dundalk played host to Tullamore RFC in what was expected to be a tough encounter and so it proved.

The matched kicked off later than usual at 5:30pm and both teams enjoyed a strong start to the game; however it was Tullamore who scored first. With 10 minutes on the clock, Dundalk conceded a penalty just outside their 22, having been judged offside at a ruck. Tullamore duly converted to make the score 3-0. Dundalk attempted to answer back in definitive style with player coach Ene Fa’atau breaking through the defensive line, passing to his cousin and recently signed overseas player for 2012/13, Afa Fa’atau. Afa bounced off a would-be tackler, passing on to winger Rory O’Hagan who was tackled just short of the line. This allowed Tullamore got their hands on the ball and they duly cleared their line to the disappointment of the majority in attendance.

The next significant moment of the match came after 20 minutes. The referee had been left with no choice but to penalise Tullamore for off the ball play, with Tullamore No 7 Rob Connors getting sin binned for stamping. Many in attendance felt that the referee may have acted sooner, but nonetheless this meant that Tullamore was down to 14 men for the next 10 minutes of play and the Dundalk faithful in attendance sensed an opportunity for the home side to wrestle control of the match.

Alas, on 27 minutes this proved to be a false dawn as from a line out within Dundalk’s 22, Tullamore won good possession and mauled from 10 meters out to cross the line for the opening try. This brought the score to 10-0 in favour of the away side, inflicting a psychological blow on the home side having gone further in front while down to 14 men.
On 35 minutes, with Tullamore back to full strength, Dundalk kicked to clear their line. This resulted in the Tullamore fullback gaining easy possession and counter attacking, breaking through 3 soft tackles and offloading to the wing for an easy score in the corner. Frustration ran around the mill road faithful, as the general feeling was the try was too soft and better was expected from the home side. Tullamore missed a difficult conversion and the score remained at 15-0.

It was proving to be an extremely difficult afternoon for Dundalk, who at this stage of the game were defending wave after wave of attack. Dundalk’s younger team where finding things hard going and in some areas lack of experience was showing through. However, few can deny the raw talent which exists in this group and Dundalk showed admirable tenacity in getting back into Tullamore’s half and their persistence was rewarded with a penalty after the referee adjudged Tullamore off side. This set the stage for the previous week’s man of the match, Ultan Murphy, to carry on his run of successful spot kicks for the 2012/2013 season, converting to make it 15-3.

Unfortunately Dundalk could not build on this momentum and normal service was resumed just before the half time whistle. Yet another attack by Tullamore exploited wide gaps in the Dundalk defensive line and a slide pass found Brian Geraghty out wide who duly scored Tullamore’s third try of the half. Tullamore failed to inflict further pain right on half time, missing their second conversion of the game to leave the score at 20-3 going into half time.

Dundalk’s undoubted talent started to shine through in the second half with great attacking runs from the Williams brothers, John and Robert, making life difficult for the opposition. Indeed on 65 minutes Dundalk looked a different side and were now starting to click. They were now a cohesive unit and with great work in the forward line producing quick ball and after 6 phases of hard gained yards the home faithful got cause for celebration with a great try from Robert Shields, cutting a super line to score near the posts. Man of the moment Ultan Murphy kept his incredible run going, converting the try and leaving the score at 20-10 with 17 minutes remaining. Suddenly the game was on and the home support had legitimate hope that the match could be turned around. However, hearts sank on 72 minutes, when once again soft missed tackles out wide cost Dundalk dearly, with Tullamore’s fullback crossing for his 3rd try. Missing the conversion mattered little as the match was now out of Dundalk’s reach at 25-10.

It was a case of what might have been as Dundalk finished the game much stronger, only a knock on when across the line from Afa Fa’atau failing to put much deserved respectability onto the score line. The full time score 25-10 with much cause for hope, but also plenty to work on for Ene Fa’atau on the training ground on Tuesday evening.

Dundalk next match is against Garda away with kick off at 3pm, Saturday 29th September at Westmanstown in West Dublin. A strong away support is needed and we call on all members to make the effort and turn up to cheer on the lads, in what we hope will be a match to put the league campaign back on track for Dundalk RFC.

Team: U Murphy; G lynch; R O’Hagan; R Williams; A Fa’atau; J Williams; T Campbell; R Farrell; J Gray; J Smyth; D Sloan; C Sloan; E Fa’atau; S Martin; G Whately
Subs: D O’Connell; R Shields; K Dorian

Dundalk RFC – Match Ticket Application

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Element , Posted in Downloads, News , Comments Off

Dundalk RFC is delighted to announce the sale of tickets for the upcoming Autumn Internationals in the Aviva Stadium against South Africa and Argentina.

Please see the attached pdf outlining the various ticket categories and prices. As always preference will go to club 401 members, however the club will do its utmost to accommodate as many member applicants as possible. We have kept prices as keen as possible.

Members interested in applying for tickets please complete the application form provided and email it back either to Alan Byrne email: alan@marshmackey.com or Brian Byrne email: Brian.byrne@ecci.ie ticket secretary. Alternatively the application form can be printed and handed directly either to Alan Byrne or Brian Byrne.

Please use the link below to download the ticket application form.  The form will open in another window for you to save and download.

Ticket Application Form

3rdXV News Sat 22nd Sept

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Element , Posted in News , Comments Off

There is actual news this week for all our 3rdXV players old and new. There is a strong rumour that a fixture listing for the 3rd XV’s will issue this coming week. Teams withdrawing from competition and teams seeking admission have caused some delay in putting a fixture programme in place. However it is hoped that all problems will be addressed in the next few days and then the fixtures list will issue.

As games are imminent, Coach John Mc Kevitt is anxious to see all the players at training so that some preparations for the season can begin. Coaching is on Tues and Thurs nights and all are welcome. Aidan is there every night to see that all get a proper welcome so do come along and show us your stuff !

Match Report for 2nd XV against Tullamore on Sat 22nd Sept @ Mill Road

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Element , Posted in News , Comments Off

Tullamore were the visitors on Sat last and their experienced 2nd’s panel overwhelmed a young Dundalk outfit who are just finding their feet at this level. There is a good future for this team but the transition period will bring it’s ups and downs as they gather experience.

The Tullamore fifteen started this match with great intent and within fifteen minutes were 21-3 ahead. For their first try the referee did not spot the linesman’s flag and allowed play to go on resulting in a try for the Tullamore number13 which was converted. From the kick off they gathered the ball and scored a breakaway try, again converted. Dundalk were awarded a penalty for offside and Donal Clare slotted it over, giving Dundalk some hope. However Tullamore came straight back with another converted try.In the 28th minute they added another converted try.

Dundalk,in fairness to them, kicked a penalty to touch and from the ensuing lineout drove towards the Tullamore line. David Mc Gee got over for a try which Sam Mulligan converted. The kick off did not go the requisite 10 metres and from the scrum Dundalk pressed with a kick ahead which went dead. Dundalk were awarded a penalty for an offside but Sam Mulligan’s effort was just wide. This was a good period of the game for Dundalk with Donal Clare kicking well and John White doing well in the tight. Poor hands in this period cost us a try. Tullamore struck again in the 38th minute with another converted try. Dundalk fought back gamely and when a grubber kick bounced off a Tullamore player and they followed up only great defending by Brian Tansey and full back Robert Shields saved a certain score.

The second half was no kinder to the home team with the Tullamore full back scoring a try 3 minutes into the half and this was followed by two further tries. Conor Williams must have had a personal best in the tackling stakes as he tried to stem the opposition attacks. Tommy Thornton was again a trojan worker in the pack and Doatas Jonkus made a magnificent break upfield following brave tackling on the Dundalk line which had held out the Tullamore attack.

Injury began to take it’s toll and following an injury to Laurence Steen the scrums went uncontested. Fergal Duffy came on a scrum half with Mulligan moving to out half and hard tackling Simon Byrne moving to the centre. A good move saw Duffy and Mulligan release Dan O Connell to score another Dundalk try which went unconverted. Further injury led to Laurence Steen coming back on to the field where he made great efforts in attack and in clearing out rucks.

Dundalk were exerting some pressure at this time but Tullamore came at them again and only desperate Dundalk defending held them out.  As Dundalk tired, Tullamore, in one last attack and after a number of phases broke clear to score the final try.

Dundalk: R.Shields, C Mc Geady,D O Connell, B. Tansey, D Mc Guinness, D. Clare, S Mulligan, J White, L. Steen, P. Kerley, S. Crawford, T. Thornton, S Mc Eneaney, D, Jonkus, D Mc Gee, C. Williams, C. Kane, S. Byrne, S Matthews, F. Duffy.

Weekly Round Up W/E 23-10-2012

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Element , Posted in News , Comments Off

Dundalk 3rd XV news.

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Element , Posted in News , Comments Off

As is customary the 3rd XV don’t make an appearance until the season has been up and running for a few weeks and so no fixtures just yet. This allows the panel to continue to avail of the coaching and up-skilling opportunities at Mill Road on training nights of Tues and Thurs each week.

If you wish to try rugby or to return to rugby this is the place for you. Aidan is there every training night to welcome newcomers and ensure that you are introduced to all.

The photos of the 3rdXV away fixture with Newcastlewest at the end of last season will be up loaded to the 3rdXV section on the Senior section of the website and no doubt you will see familiar faces and some photos of our visit to Thomond Park.

As soon as fixtures are available they will be posted on this site and in the clubhouse for the attention of all aspiring 3rdXV players.

2nd XV match Report Leinster 2nd’s League v Cill Dara Sat 15th Sept.

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Element , Posted in News , Comments Off

Dundalk’s 2nd XV were hit by injuries and return to college problems ever before they could select their team. However the team selected gave of their best and match experience will stand them in good stead as the season progresses. Missed tackles cost them dearly in this match and allowed Cill Dara to breach the Dundalk lines  to finish ahead 36 – 5.

Will Matthews came off the bench to score Dundalk’s only try. There was also a great display from Will Lauaki in the centre. In the pack Tommy Thornton featured prominently at second row. Cill Dara took full advantage of any mistimed tackles and pressed home their advantages. Dundalk hope to have a more settled panel for the up coming games in the League and this will improve displays. The next outing is next weekend against Tullamore, who will be visiting the Mill Road. Kick off is at 1.30 and preceeds the 1st XV match. Do come along and support the 2nd’s, they would appreciate it.

Dundalk 2nd XV v Tullamore 2nd XV at Mill Road Sat next @ 1.30

1st Xv Match Report Leinster League Div 1A Dundalk v Cill Dara Sat 15th Sept.

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Element , Posted in News , Comments Off

Dundalk opened their Leinster League campaign on Saturday last against Cill Dara in Beechpark. This was Dundalk’s first outing since capturing the Mc Gowan Cup and Thomas Campbell captained the team, for the first time, in place of the injured Paul Meegan.

Dundalk needed to start well and after only five minutes, after a turn over ball, Campbell found Afa Fa’atau, who from his own 10 metre line sprinted up the pitch, drew two defenders, before offloading to Stephen Murphy, who dived over near the Cill Dara posts for the opening try. Ultan Murphy converted to put Dundalk 7 – 0 ahead. Dundalk conceded a penalty which Cill Dara converted to leave the score at 7 – 3. Dundalk stepped up the pace and but for some great tackling from Cill Dara would have added to their score. Fifteen minutes into the game, following six phases of ball carrying involving Greg Whately, John Smith and Ene Fa’atau space was created out wide and quick hands in the backs freed Fa’atau to side step the fullback and finish under the posts with Murphy converting again giving Dundalk a 14 – 3 lead.

Dundalk’s Sloan brothers were dominating the lineouts and frustration on the part of a Cill Dara defender gave Dundalk a penalty when he tackled Ciaran Sloan in the air. Ultan Murphy slotted his effort between the posts to increase Dundalk’s lead to 17 – 3.

Dundalk then seemed to take their foot off the gas and let Cill Dara back into the game. The home team’s Barry Kehoe found a gap and passed to Greg Burns who scored in the corner. The conversion was missed 17 – 8. A Cill Dara kick and chase was deemed to have been obstructed and the ensuing penalty left the score at17 – 11 in favour of Dundalk. Cill Dara encouraged by their scores came at Dundalk with renewed effort and aggression but this only resulted in a penalty fro Dundalk, which man of the match, Ultan Murphy slotted over to leave the half time score 20 – 11 to the visitors.
The second half started with the early concession of two more penalties by Cill Dara which Murphy duly put between the posts to leave Dundalk 26 – 11 ahead. Dundalk seemed to tire and lose concentration in the final quarter and tackles that were being made in the first half were being missed now.Cill Dara took advantage of the situation and broke up the field to score a converted try which took the score to 26 – 18.

Cill Dara piled on the pressure and a scrum near the Dundalk line allowed them to build a platform from which their winger crossed the Dundalk line in the corner. The conversion was missed leaving the score 26 – 23.

With ten minutes left, Dundalk, in their anxiety to hold on to the ball, conceded a penalty for off-side. Cill Dara succeeded with the kick leveling the scores 26 – 26.

Dundalk steadied themselves and Robert Williams got his hands on the ball, after a great kick off chase.This allowed Dundalk to put pressure on the Cill Dara defence and they were penalised for an off the ball tackle. Ultan Murphy stepped up to take the points and keep his 100% record on the day to give Dundalk the victory 29 – 26.

Next up Tullamore next Sat at Mill Road @ 3 o’clock. We need your support. Be there!

2nd XV Team Fixtures update

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Element , Posted in News , Comments Off

Golf Classic on Saturday 13th October

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Element , Posted in News , Comments Off

Dear Members and Friends,

The club are holding a golf classic on Saturday 13^th October which promises to be a great day out with tee times starting at 11am with a meal and prize presentation back at the club from 8pm.  Teams of 3 cost €100 INCLUDING the evening meal which we believe represents exceptional value. Full details on the attached flyer.

Please come and join us on Saturday 13^th October and give your club much needed support whilst also enjoying a great day and night’s craic.

Yours in Rugby

John McDonnell
Honorary Secretary
For Dundalk RFC