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GENERAL SPORT
Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 18 November, 2016
Mike Daly, The Country Store, presents a Hamper of West Waterford produce sponsored by The Country Store, Dungarvan to Mick Galwey, special guest and former Ireland and Munster captain, at the Dungarvan Rugby Club's Dinner Dance in the Park Hotel. Included are Eoin Phelan, President Dungarvan Rugby Club and Kieran O'Connor, MC for the night. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]
Dungarvan Rugby Club 2016 DINNER DANCE Our Dinner Dance on Saturday night in the Park Hotel was a roaring success. With over 250 in attendance and the brilliant Mick Galwey interviewed by Kieran O’Connor, followed by The Fews band and a DJ, the night was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The auction was a great draw and saw some eager beavers bid in excess of €1,000 for different lots. It’s nights like these that keep the club going so we would like to thank Trevor Doherty, Johnny Curran, Eamonn Spratt, Eoin Phelan, Kelly O’Shea and Donna Sheehan for all the hard work they put in to sell tables and run the event on the night. Well done lads! U-16s V SUNDAYS WELL Our U16s played a friendly against Cork team, Sundays Well in Dungarvan last Saturday. Some strong individual performances boosted everyone on the team, making them step up a gear and many players found their confidence, especially in their ability to carry the ball. Ciaran Keating displayed an outstanding performance of goal kicking, putting 6 out
Jillian Hayes representing Dungarvan Rugby Club, pictured on the pitch ahead of the Munster v Maori All Blacks, last Friday night in Thomond Park. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]
of 6 over the bar. Some work still needs to be done on tackling and mauling for next week’s match against Clonmel in the Pan Munster Conference 6 competition but we’re very happy with how the lads played. Squad on the day: Henry Griffin, Kieran Lannen, Rian Hogan, Conor Mullany, Tomas Flavin, Philip Coleman, Ciaran Keating, Ben Power, Dermot Lannen, Luke Power, Liam Regan, Adam Power, Hugo Harty U-18S V CLONMEL Dungarvan got back to winning ways following a lethargic loss to Midleton last week when they travelled to Clonmel on Sunday. There had been a demonstrable lift in the attendance and intensity in midweek training and this was a mustwin game if we were to maintain our ambition to qualify for the 2nd phase of the Pan Munster U-18s Competition. Dungarvan started well and enjoyed the majority of possession and territory, however, were slow to turn it into scores and were wasteful with several chances. The pressure finally paid off as forwards Charlie Murphy, Eoin Ryan, and Jack Kiely carried repeatedly. Following a precision passing from scrum half Robbie McGrath and Eoghan Bohane at 10, quick hands by the backs saw Doug Petit score in the corner. The blues continued to enjoy majority territory and possession with the front row of Conor Scanlon, Mike Walsh and Jack Hickey setting up a good platform. But Dungarvan were not composed in passing and handling was poor with far too many balls knocked forward or lost in the tackle. Brendan Cullinan made gains at 1st centre, one of which led a break by Oisin O’Mahoney. From the breakdown, Ted Kelly and Larry Brazel kept the movement alive allowing full back
Paul Lannen scamper over with Brendan Cullinan converting. Coming out after the break it was Dungarvan 12; Clonmel 0. Dungarvan had plenty of possession and should have scored early in 2nd half but then seemed to fall asleep. Clonmel sensed the drop in our concentration and scored a penalty and two tries with one converted, to lead 15 -12 with 15 minutes to go. Unlike the previous week, Dungarvan had the composure to keep possession, build phases and exploit the territory we enjoyed. Subs Matthew Hickey, Lennon Kennedy and Darragh Meaney added impetus. James Kiely, now at scrum half, upped the tempo. The forwards rumbled and holes began to appear in the Clonmel defence. Textbook passing in the back line led to Jack McGrath getting the ball with a bit space. He showed fine pace to score in the corner. In the closing minutes, Dungarvan won a penalty and Brendan Cullinan took the three points on offer to close out the game, making the final score Dungarvan 20 – 15 Clonmel. Squad: Conor Scanlon, Doug Pettit, Mike Walsh, Jack Hickey, Eoin Ryan, Ted Kelly, Charlie Murphy, Matthew Hickey, Jack Kiely, Thomas Hannigan, Larry Brazel ©, Lennon Kennedy, Jack McGrath, Robbie McGrath, Cillian Fogarty, Darragh Meaney, Paul Lannen, Brendan Cullinan, Eoin Bohane, James Kiely and Oisin O’Mahoney. Our next Pan Munster fixtures is at home against Waterpark at 12 noon on Sunday, 20th November. All squad players are required to train Wednesday (8 pm) & Friday (8 pm). LADIES V FERMOY The ladies will be in action this weekend against Fermoy at home at 2 pm.
Conor Norris, Head Groundsman Munster Rugby, Pat Norris and Tom Fahey pictured with Kane Harmes, Maori All Blacks, after Munster's win over the New Zealanders last Friday night in Thomond Park. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]
NEW GROUPS Sunday last saw the introduction of two new groups to add to the already impressive selection available to club cyclists each weekend. The backroad group is a new group formed and group 4 was reformed due to popular demand. The Back Road Group will be captained by Robert Power and spins will take place on back roads as much as possible trying only to cross main roads or use them to link up with another back road. They will take place while conditions allow and it’s not a year long group due to weather conditions.The routes will be approx 80-90K over lumpy roads and an average speed between 27 and 30kph depending on the particular route. The exact route won't be posted in advance just a general direction of where they will be going. Who would the group suit? Anyone from G2 or anyone comfortable in a G3 spin. Who it might not suit? The group will stop for a coffee so anyone who doesn’t like that aspect, it might not be for them. The spin takes place on lots of small back roads so anyone who is worried about wheels or bike might not enjoy the spin. You have as much chance of hitting a pothole on any group spin but some people complained before so just pointing it out to save the complaining. Due to the nature of the narrow roads we are thinking 10 in a group would be max, however if we get more we can split the group, on the roads where it is necessary, as we have enough lads to lead a second group. We encourage anyone out in the group to come up with a route wherever it may be so that we can all experience new routes and roads around our county and beyond. Group 4 will be captained by Paraig de Burca and the target pace will be approx 25kph with a coffee stop. The is pace will be adjusted down slightly depending on wind conditions if necessary, However, for the moment the group will not go faster than 25. After Christmas and into the spring we will likely be aiming at 25 - 26kph max. The distance covered this weekend and up to Christmas will be approx 60 - 70k, and will be subject to review in the new year. To cater for several cyclists new to group riding, a 10 week series of group cycling skills will be on offer. Each week, we focus on one specific skill. Is this for you? If you feel that you are above 23k pace at present, then 25k pace is usually very achievable, given the a 4 - 6 week adjustment. To make this transition easier, be absolutely sure not to undertake the full spin distance if advised by leader. Stay with the group for half the spin? Stay with the group until 10k from home? Just be assured that the full spin is just a short few weeks away. Members and intending members will be most welcome. So now in addition to the Saturday group we have 7 groups to choose from on a Sunday so no excuse for not getting out on your bike. WEEKEND SPINS The weather gods were in our favour again this weekend with good numbers out on both days making the most of the dry weather. On Saturday the club
group spin had a total of 17 cyclists. Carol selling tickets for the Christmas party before the off must have put a cheer in everyone's peddle as the spin appeared to enjoyed by all. The route was 100k with an average speed of 30k/hr. It was a flat, steady route with the group never once splitting. The route was Lismore, Ballyduff, Clondulane, Conna, Tallow and home to Kilrush. There was a quick puncture repair in Ballyduff and toilet stop in Tallow. Overall the group powered on in the Autumn sunshine and everyone seemed very pleased with their mornings effort on the saddle. Group 1 returned on Sunday after the end of season break and ventured down the coast to Bonmahon and across to Kill. Then they went over the back road to Kilmeaden. There the group spilt with Marc and Daryl still feeling the marathon in their legs. They headed for coffee where they meet group 5 lucky there was some coffee left! While Damian went to an U-16 county final in Waterford ( he wasn't starting ). The 5 remaining group 1 riders headed for Carrick via Portlaw and then home at a swift 32 kmph average. Group 2 had five cyclists out on the planned spin of Lismore, Tallow, Youghal, Clashmore and home via Welcome Inn. Nice short turns were the order of the day given the small group. On what turned out to be another very pleasant day for cycling, 90km covered at a slighted higher than anticipated average pace which was thanks in no small part to literally no wind along the route. The Back Road group had Mike Whelan in the pilots seat for a fantastic spin around his home roads with 9 in the group they headed out through Ballinameela and Kilmolash to Affane Cross and onto the climb of the Vee, after a swift decent into Clogheen they headed for Ballyporeen but a surprise turn left brought them onto the category 1 climb of Shanrahan hill with amazing views of Helvick head at the top. After a fast tricky decent to Araglin we headed for Ballysaggart where the group refuelled and enjoyed the comforts of home baking with Mikes family, then it was downhill to Lismore onto Cappoquin and returning again by Ballinameela to Dungarvan a distance of 100k at just over 27kph average. Group 3 stuck to their home county on Sunday with the planned spin taking in the Cappoquin Lismore perimeter. A large group to start as the group regulars were interspersed with Group 2's out for a shorter spin and some members from the local tri club. Off out the Burgery and across the humpy Military Road. On the climb up Colligan an unfortunate incident led to Paul taking a tumble. Luckily Dunford’s Medical Centre was open and the patient was patched up and back in action in no time. The less travelled roads are not just for the back street boys as Group 3 frequently seek out alternative routes. Sunday was no exception as the groups criss crossed from Millstreet, up Boherwillin and Glenshelane eventually linking back up with the main Cappoquin road. A steady climb up the Vee to the Lismore turnoff followed by a bumpy ride back down to main road. A flat fast spin back to base in lovely calm conditions with a good bunch of friends. 90k covered at 27.5kph average. On the first official spin for the
newly reformed group 4 the weather was very kind to us. Spirts were high and the group was full of positive energy waiting for the off. The call was made and the 12 strong group started on their planned route towards Cappoquin and onto Lismore at a good controlled pace where we stopped for refreshments (an excuse for a chat and a bit of banter and some exclusive pictures from Anne, lol ). Back on the road again we headed for Tourin through Cappoquin and onto the back roads to Kilmolash. From here the group then took a new route to Villerstown which to the group's delight evolved a long drag up hill and the group became more thrilled when the captain make a call to attack the oncoming drag at own pace, which all the group obliged and followed by a tricky descent due to road conditions. From here the group cruised through Villerstown towards Aglish where the captain gave another option to the group to attack the upcoming climb again at own pace and regroup in Aglish. Need to mention, while we were regrouping the chat turned to Conor Coleman's socks which seems to fascinate Karen. Karen then suggested that as a group we should all have fancy socks? Christmas is coming, I am a size 8 Karen.lol. With a smile on everybody's face we were back on the bikes and ready to tackle the final section home. The call was made for quick rotations at a controlled pace back into Dungarvan. 65k covered at an average of 25kmph with a total ascent of 481 m with a great group of people. The Group 23K sunday spin took in 7 cyclists which headed in the direction of the Welcome Inn at a nice steady pace were the group turned left and headed past Kereen to Ballycullane were the group turned right and headed through Aglish to Villierstown. The group then headed through the picturesque Dromana towards Cappoquin and then onto Lismore where a coffee stop was needed. After being fed and watered we headed for home. All in all a good spin with a good group and the weather was kind to us. Distance was 60km and average speed was 23.9kph. Group 5 had a very pleasant spin on Sunday taking in the Gold Coast on to Durrow, 5 Cross Roads with plenty of practice on roll-ups to Mahon Bridge where they had to make a very important phone call to Noreen. They cycled at a very steady pace on to Lemybrien for coffee and a catch up with two of G1 and Noreen. Great to see Noreen and have a good catch up. They would like to thank Marc for taking the group photo. On to Durrow and home the coast road. A group of 7 was out with a distance of 50km at an average of 20km. CHRISTMAS PARTY It's that time of year again folks and this year’s DCC Christmas party will be held in Creation Nite Club, Abbeyside on December 9th at 8 pm. Tickets are priced at €20 and includes hot food, 2 drinks and entry to a raffle for some great prizes. Tickets will be on sale before the spins on the next few Saturdays and Sundays, look out for Carol Byrne or Michael Morrissey and at Michael Morrissey auctioneers in Bridge Street. So get your tickets quick before they are all gone and a great night is assured for all!