Historic Achievement: Nenagh’s Senior team made history on Saturday by being the first team in the club’s history to qualify for Division 1 AIL rugby. In taking their place in Division 1B next year they will also join the Top 20 rugby clubs in the country. Heady days indeed for a club that were plying their trade in the 2nd division of the Munster Junior League little more than 25 years ago.
A nice aside from Saturday’s game was the fact that both Derek Corcoran and Eoin Gardiner, who played their part in this famous win, also lined out for Nenagh in their Junior rugby days and now have played their part in the club’s biggest biggest achievement yet by winning what is another AIL medal for both to go with their Division 3 victory in 2014.
There are too many people involved in this great feat to mention individually as so many have played their part and to attempt to do so will inevitably mean someone is insulted by being forgotten so we as a club simply congratulate all who were involved directly or indirectly in this fantastic effort. To go from winning a relegation playoff to stay in Division 2A of the Energia AIL 24 months ago to lifting the league trophy at home last Saturday is an amazing transformation. To do so having beaten each team in the division at least once along the way is even more praiseworthy. Team captain Willie Coffey did a better job on Saturday than I ever could of thanking all who contributed to the journey this team has gone on when making his acceptance speech. No more needs to be said other than the fact that as a club we are immensely proud of the achievement, built overwhelmingly on home grown talent from the underage section of our club that continues to churn out incredible talent. Consolidating our position in the upper reaches of Irish rugby will be our greatest challenge yet but one which all in the club will look forward to embracing together. The future is indeed bright for the red and white!
U16: Our U16s were at home to Shannon on a very wet Sunday morning. After bitter disappointment in losing to Ennis in the Pan Munster Cup semi final 2 weeks ago, the lads will now get another shot at them in the North Munster Cup semi final after following a comprehensive win over Shannon at the weekend. The weather was very wet and cold and the boys worked hard in the conditions to achieve a good win. Ball handling, tackling and mauling were excellent and the boys showed some great teamwork and communication. Tries from Adam Boland, Ben Deegan, Oisin Ryan(2), Jack Cleary, Diarmuid Gleeson, Sean Stone and Shaun Kennedy sealed a good win with Dean Carey and Michael Cleary kicking well off the tee. Defensive lines were quick up, putting great pressure on Shannon and turning over great ball. We rucked well and spread the ball wide, using space well as well as dominating lineouts and breakdown play all game. The lads face Shannon again in 2 weeks time in the North Munster League Cup final in Coonagh, which will surely be a different game with Shannon having home advantage and revenge in mind. Please come to Coonagh on the 14th April to support the u16's in the League Cup final, thanks to all for their continued support.
U16 panel - Armandas Kiaulakis, Shaun Kennedy, Ronan Maher, Thomas Ryan, Jack Kennedy, Jack Cleary, Darragh Murphy, Diarmuid Gleeson, Max Austin, Brandon Rosney, Liam O'Brien Dunne, Billy Hodgins, Dean Carey, Matt Leyden, Adam Boland, Alexander Finn, Keith O'Donaghue, Michael Cleary, Martin Heveli, Ben Deegan, Sean Stone, Darragh Murphy, Shay Óg Kennedy(abs), James Kennedy (abs).
U11: Last Friday our Under 11s made the short trip into Shannon RFC for the Good Friday Rugby Festival. Following the recent inclement weather it was a relief for all to see the sun shining as we made the short trip up the M7.
Our lads gave a very good account of themselves against some very tough opposition and it was great to play against teams we wouldn't normally meet. There was plenty of entertaining rugby on offer and more importantly plenty of smiling faces. Many thanks to Shannon RFC for organising such a well-run tournament.
Our next outing is to the Naas Joe Moran Festival of Rugby on Saturday 13th April.
U9: Our Under 9s travelled to Scariff last weekend for a blitz against Scariff, Shannon & Ballina/Killaloe.
While some games were played on their indoor astro pitch, some were outside in very unfavourable conditions but that didn't stop our brave players putting on a great show of rugby.
We have 2 more blitzes remaining before the end of the season. Our next one is very exciting as we are the curtain raiser for our Senior’s final Energia AIL game vs UL Bohs this Saturday in Annacotty.
Split the Bucket: Congratulations to our most recent winners. Our Split the Bucket Draw continues to hand out a minimum of €500 in prize money every week. This is our main fundraiser and supports the work of the club at all age levels. Go to nenaghormondrfc.com/products to enter and be in with a chance to win our next weekly jackpot.
Other Results:
U18.5: Nenagh 19- Garryowen 27
Fixtures:
Senior: Nenagh vs UL Bohemian RFC. Saturday 6 April @ 2.30pm (Annacotty)- Energia AIL
U13: Nenagh vs St Senans RFC. Wednesday @ 7.30pm (Lisatunny- NM U13 Cup
Other Underage Fixtures TBC- Please follow our social media updates
