Killarney Rugby Club News           

U13 Plate: Corca Dhuibhne RFC 22 Killarney RFC 24

Whether it was the break from rugby over the Christmas holidays or the early and long journey to Ballydavid or playing against the hill in the first half, the Killarney lads struggled to rise to the pace of the game and found themselves 12 - 0 down after 15 minutes. Shortly before the half time break Conor Sheehan scored the first of his superb 3 tries, which Barry Slattery converted. Although Killarney were outplayed for the majority of the first half the team took solace in the fact to scoreboard only read 12 - 7 at half time. Playing with the hill in the second half, the Killarney lads began to scrummage more effectively and began to compete more aggressively at the breakdown. This enabled Killarney retain possession and a superb team play was consequently rewarded when Cian O' Shea scored a well-deserved try to leave the teams at 12 -12. Just as Killarney were beginning to regain a foot hold in the game, poor unforced errors enabled Corca Dhuibhne score two tries in quick succession to leave the score 22 -12. Conor Sheehan's second try reduced the deficit to 5 points and we were in for a nervous finish to an entertaining game. With less than 5 minutes to go Conor completed the comeback and his hat-trick to leave the scores level at 22 - 22 with a conversion to come. The conversion suited a left legged player as the placed kick was to be taken close to the right hand touch line. Cathal O' Shea displayed great strength of character and asked for the ball. This was his kick, his moment and under extreme pressure he displayed nerves of steel to strike the ball straight between the two uprights and give Killarney a two point lead that they would never relinquish. Great team display by all but Conor Sheehan and Cathal O' Shea must get special mention for their outstanding contributions in helping their team to victory.

 Senior Club – Munster Junior League Div. 2 Newport 8 Killarney 1^st XV 13

Killarney scored a memorable victory last Sunday away to our old Plate rivals Newport. The home side had a number of players home from abroad and were very strong. The return of Adrian Hegarty was a bonus and we had a dilemma to pick the back row for the start and last week’s man-of-the-match Ger Allman made way for Brian O’Leary to slot in at No.8. There is a big slope on the pitch and Killarney had the ‘hill’ in the first half but went down a penalty after 20 minutes. Paudie Sheahan levelled and then ‘Bull’ Hegarty burst over for a great score and Paudie converted. Dan Dineen had a man-of-the-match performance and was pushed all the way by Alan Mulligan and they were both outstanding in the second row. All the pack did well and they have become a formidable unit and possibly one of the strongest packs in Junior rugby at the moment. Killarney made four subs all in the pack and all subs did superbly well and even outshone their replacements. Paudie added a further penalty at the restart and it was nip and tuck all the way until Newport finally got over in the wide corner with 15 minutes remaining. The home side fluffed a golden opportunity in the last 10 minutes and victory was deservedly taken by Killarney. Our backline have improved immensely this season thanks to the instruction from Des Foy. Their handling and defence in particular has been very much improved and with the strength of the pack we can feel that promotion is within our grasp yet again, only to go for it. All top four teams in the division won without bonus points so Muskerry are clear on 34 points, Mallow second on 31, both top have played 9 games. Castleisland are on 27 pts with a game in hand while Killarney are in fourth on 26 pts with two games in hand. All to play for with two for promotion. A great result.

Mick Barry Cup – UCC forfeited the game being unable to field a team against our 2^nd XV. The boys are at home to Bandon next Sunday – time to be confirmed – 2 or 2.30pm. Check with Keith O’Leary.

Six Nations – is on the horizon and we have a draw for match tickets coming up next week with €5 per ticket – tickets will be distributed in the coming week to all members and your support would be very much appreciated.

Aghadoe – works are continuing and archaeologists have completed their studies and reports are pending for submission to the authorities in Planning. We hope to get more material delivered and bulldozed over the coming weeks – the priority now is a search for top soil, so if you have any insight please let Liam McGuire or Paudie Sheahan know asap.

FIXTURES: Saturday 19^th January – MINI Rugby at Knockreer from 10.30am. If your fella is thinking about it, please bring him or her along and ask for Tom Campbell or any of the coaches – they would be delighted to meet you. Blitz coming up soon.

U17s – Killarney host Kenmare at Dirreen at 12pm in the West Munster league

Sunday 20^th Jan – Killarney 2^nd XV v Bandon at Dirreen at 2pm in the Mick Barry Cup – This will be a tough encounter and your support would be appreciated.

Killarney 1^st XV – no details at time of print – Please contact Luke on 087 2689234 or Paul on 087 9727464.
Ladies!! Anyone interested in a women only coaching course coming up on Feb 15th & 16th should contact Anne Clifford on 087 2229039 and the club will book your slot. The perfect Valentine's gift!!!