Latest from Tir Chonaill 1st May 2012…
Tir Chonaill Mini Rugby : The teams travelled recently to Finn Valley RFC recently for the eagerly anticipated County Blitz. The teams had been aiming to peak for this one and a great mornings rugby was well hosted as ever by Finn Valley. The joy on the day can be seen from the pics, the Under 8s were hardcore as ever well coached by Kathryn O’Donnell and Tommy Boyle. The Under 10s completed some hard fought games with coaches Paul McCann and Breege Ward pronouncing themselves happy with progress over the year. The Under 10s also had the privilege of playing at Ravenhill this season, some future stars will no doubt return in years to come. Once again, the Under 12s were outstanding, completing the Grand Slam winning all their games. This team has developed into a tight and serious unit, with great physicality, high workrate, some incredible skills and a real sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Every girl and boy played their part, but special mention must be made of new player Kyran Glennon, who with the benefit of only one training session played like a seasoned pro….Well done to all our minis, your coaches are so proud of you, with coach coordinator Joe McConnell delighted with all teams. See you all next year and hope many more kids join this exciting club.
Seniors : Tir Chonaill 12 v UUC 8 : An incredible game to round off the seniors debut league campaign. This was a bruising encounter, a very physical game. TC played one of their best games of the season with outstanding skipper Martin McGarvey opening the scoring with a fine drive into the corner. The captain again made another drive and a sweet offload to Gary Gallagher for the second TC try. One of the tries was converted by excellent fly half Paul Gallagher in his first game at 10. There were great performances all round, the 2 try scorers were superb, along with Mark Doherty the standout forwards. The whole pack played a stormer with James Doogan notable in the 2nd row despite an injury partnered by Eddie Sharkey, Seamus McDyer excellent at No.8 and JP Baska and Adrian putting in a big shift in the front row. The offloading was much improved in this game with the new pairing at 9 and 10 of Ciaran McCann and Paul Gallagher gelling well. Declan McGee and Shaun Doogan provided a huge physical presence in midfield, with high tackle counts. On the wing, Ross Ward was in outstanding form, with several runs and chip/chases, and was very unlucky not to score. The other wing was well covered by Ceri Noyles. Special mention goes to newcomer Caoimhghin O’Curran absolutely dominating his position at fullback and surely cementing his place for next season. Newcomer Cathal Duggan looked sharp when he came on as sub on the wing. The only fly in the ointment was a late try for UUC after ageing sub Eugene Doogan infringed stupidly at the breakdown, but fortunately it was too late for the students to overhaul TC. To be fair to UUC, they were a man down after a bad ankle injury to one of their players, but it was sweet revenge for TC after 2 previous defeats to the visitors. This gives TC seniors a total of 6 wins in their debut season, an outstanding return, and coaches Joe McCann and Dave Geoghegan can be proud of their charges and look forward to pushing on and mounting a real challenge next season. Special mention also to acting team Manager/Medic/Mentor Mick Patterson for all his help, advice and wise words….”It weren’t like that in my day” ….was it Mick??
10 a Side Tournament : Tir Chonaill will host a 1O a Side Tournament for the Donegal Clubs on Sat 12 May. This was a fantastic days rugby and craic last year. Come along and enjoy a great day out at Carrickfin starting around 12.30.
