Limerick – A witty poem, with a strict rhythm scheme with humorous intent.
Another definition, however, is a Munster city of 91,000 populations which currently supports no less than 14 rugby clubs.
Armagh visited one of these honoured clubs, Thomond RFC, on Saturday to play their fixture in the Ulster Bank All-Ireland league. Anyone who has played, supported or just watched their televisions has heard of Thomond. That would, no doubt, have referred to the home of the European champions and Irish provincial side, Munster. Their enormous, iconic stadium dominates the surrounding townscape and dwarfs all in it’s shadows especially Liam Fitzgerald Park – The home of Thomond Rugby Football Club. This club was founded in 1944 & its location in the midst of a 1970’s urban sprawl is, to say the least holds it’s unique characteristics
The pitch was in superb condition, as was the weather, which promised an entertaining afternoon’s rugby. Armagh kicked off and immediately launched an attack on the Thomond line. Both left, Willis, and right, Morton, wingers made inroads deep into Thomond territory but neither failed to put points on the scoreboard. The Thomond scrum-half picked up a head injury and was forced to leave the game for treatment. Armagh then managed to inflict a ‘choke tackle’ on the heavy Thomond pack and sent Josh Morton (Man of The Match) storming through the centre of the Thomond defence to score a text book try under the posts which Richard Reaney converted to open the score at 0-7. Despite some ridiculously careless passing the visitors kept the pressure on Thomond. Just before the break Thomond were penalised for failing to roll away after a tackle. Richard Reaney’s kick was on target to leave the half-time score at 0-10.
Armagh always expected a reaction from this team as they were a very sound pack and would appear to deserve more league points than their lowly league position exhibited. However, Armagh opened the second half with an exemplary try when a beautifully controlled rolling maul which culminated with Phillip Fletcher touching down the try. Again, the reliable boot of Richard Reaney converted to bring the score up to 0-17. Shortly after the re-start the referee yellow-carded Willy Martin for over enthusiastic use of his boot in a ruck. With Armagh down to fourteen men it was obvious that Thomond would step uo their pressure. The game now took on a, somewhat, sinister phase when the referee penalised the Thomond out-half who, after serious remonstrations, was yellow-carded. Armagh, however, continued, through attacks from Johnny Steenson and Josh Morton to pressurise the home side.
The game now seemed to be in Armagh’s into the last quarter control only to see the resurgent Thomond side launch a rolling maul which ended in a complete team effort to touch down just left of the Armagh posts. The conversion was on target to bring the score to 7-17.
Shortly after the restart the home team put a ball right down into Armagh’s left corner and managed to touch down another try. This time the conversion went wide but the 12-17 score line began to look ominous.
It has to be said that the pressure on the match officials from the home supporters was, to say the least, very, very vocal!
In the dying minutes of the game Armagh were awarded a penalty when Thomond were caught offending in a ruck. Again Reaney’s kick was on target to end the game with Armagh winning 12-20.
This result deprived the home side of a losing bonus point much to the annoyance of the local support but it has to be said that the Thomond team on the field did put on a fine display of gritty rugby.
