Well folks,
Think that by now all should be well up the road to recovery after one of the best do and stew nights witnessed at Cloondesh.
The evening began with 8 fiercely contested semi finals. Derrig Whytes team faced the Springboks, captain Eugene Maris was inspirational in attack with incisive runs from Rob Coyne cutting the brave whyte defence. Marcella Derrig soaked up plenty of punishment and launched some effective attacks of her own amply supported by her kin with cousin Brian testing an experienced Bok defence. the Defence held firm and the Springboks progressed to the group D Final.
The Power Rangers faced Bar 1 in the other group D semi. Bar 1's Tommy Walsh rallied the troops to pulled off a surprise win over the much fancied and youthful Rangers. Kevin Glynn's charges fought to the bitter end but could not match the fox like play of the more experienced bar 1 side, It was this experience that saw captain Tommy lift the winners trophy. The Springboks battled hard and were gracious in their defeat gladly retreating to the clubhouse for the comfort of a warm shower, a hot plate of chili and cooled by beer and cider.
The C semis saw TFI take the spoils as they defeated The Usual Suspects. The suspects were enjoying a rich vein of form and were expecting things to go their way sadly nothing is written in stone and TFI spurred on by the prospect of silverware emerged victorious at close of play. It was a real clash of the Titans with Niall Forde towering at a generous 6foot 8inches for the Suspects face off with Paul Heverin for TFI standing to at 6foot 8. A graceful pairing in combat, Forde was fleet footed and kept his team on the front foot throughout but it was Paul's ability to use his long reach to offload passed the tackle proved successful. This victory saw them take on the Lions in the C Final. The Lions advanced after dispensing the challenge of Shambles who confident in their efforts in the competition thus far emerged second best. Shambles retired with heads held high and had plenty of energy in reserve to party the night away. The Lions took the spoils in the C finals and it was no 6footer that championed the Lions cause. Paul Yeaun stands a little over 5 foot and busied himself carving open the stern line of TFI. It was a great final with an abundance of well spirited play.
The group B saw the paring of long time rivals Minging Wingers and the Feckless Rouges. The Wingers are the most experienced team in the league and have ben involved from the start. It was not their day however as the Rouges boosted by the return of their Clare star Edel claimed the final spot. In Your Endas claimed the other spot after playing the missing links. The Links were boosted by the return of long term absentee Ger Prendergast but the firepower of the opposition proved too much in the end and captain Hana consoled the troops with a few bottles of corona and can be held at fault for the bar running out of said bottles a short time later. In Your Endas would have being relishing the thoughts of getting their paws on prizes, The Rouges had other ideas however and can thank the defensive efforts of dual captains Peter and Caroline along with the inspired play of Sean Egan. The Elverys team will rue coughing up a 7 point advantage thanks to such players as Sharon McGing, Richie Feeney and Enda Murphy. Mark Staunton only hit decent form after a few well needed JD and cokes in the clubhouse later on.
Group A was supposed to be a foregone conclusion, on paper it should have ben the Rockets and Sinead Holmes meeting with Sinead Holmes emerging the victors as said before nothing is written in stone. The Rockets were first to fall and were blaming the condition of half their team for such a poor show. This condition was due to partying a bit prematurely in the preceding few days. The real blame however was the excellent play of the Killary team who dominated from start to finish. The Rockets were glad to leave the field to concentrate on the massive party effort. Thelma Birrane led the charge but captain mess Chris Keeley stole some Thunder. Sinead Holmes team faced Special Branch and once again failed to win. Special Branch can walk proud knowing they are the only team not to have lost against the league favourites. Holmes team were hungry for success and it was win at all costs. Joyce O'Boyle stood out and kept the opposition in check throughout but it was the understanding of play between captain Paul Coady and Taidg Kirby that won the day. Aoife Gannon was rock solid in defence for Special Branch and soaked up the pressure all evening. The Final between Killary and special Branch was played at lightning pace. Both teams were exemplary in their conduct and spirit and were both deserving finalists. There can be only one and it was Special Branches day. The almost telepathic play of the aforementioned Branch pair had Killary in 6's an 7's in the early exchanges but Killary settled well to hit back. It was Mairead Coyne for killary who kept them within a score and were pushing hard til the final whistle. It was sad to see last years winners come second and strangely enough it was Paul Coadys team they beat to win last years prize. Revenge a dish best served cold.
That's it for another year. A great night was had after the games. The clubhouse bar didn't know what hit it and the floor was equally bewildered. thanks to all the bar staff and glass collectors. Special thanks to Trevor, Shaney, Ger and Emily for the Trojan effort to make the night a success.
A few have expressed an interest in continuing the training nights. We will try to arrange a night that suits and will have to charge a one off membership fee of around € 50 for the year. When I know more I will let you know.
On behalf of Castlebar RFC I would like to thank you all for your participation. It was a pleasure hosting you all. I would like to wish you all the best for the future and hope to see you all soon.
Regards
Alan Gavin.