Rainey Old Boys RFC 12 – 27 Connemara RFC

Connemara blew the All Ireland League Ulster Bank Division 2B table wide open as they recorded an impressive victory over Rainey Old Boys in Hatrick Park on Saturday last. Four points now separate fifth from second in table due to Connemara’s win. The result came as a major shock, heading into the game Rainey occupied second place, whilst Connemara were in sixth place.
Due to the wet conditions, onlookers expected expansive rugby to be at a premium, the truth however was the opposite, and Connemara opened the scoring with a flowing move after just four minutes.
Connemara fly half Sean Joyce’s pass inside was met by winger David McDonagh just inside the 22, the Roundstone man had picked a great line and had the power and pace to see him home to take the score to 5-0 Connemara. Joyce dually added the extra’s to take the score to 7-0 to Connemara.
Connemara’s score saw a response from Rainey and had it not been for a despairing tackle from Connemara full back Alan Keogh, Rainey would have scored through winger A. Campbell. Despite the increase in Rainey pressure, Connemara would strike next. Rainey’s front row were penalised for standing up in the scrum and Sean Joyce slotted the resultant penalty to make the score 10-0 to Connemara. Joyce, in contrast to his opposite number G. Martin was having a solid day with the boot. Martin missed an early penalty which on reflection he will feel was eminently kickable.
Rainey were intent on playing an expansive passing game, but it had failed to pay dividends as Connemara defended stoutly. Rainey did however erode the Connemara defensive line, in a try of pure strength rather than skill, after numerous pick and goes Rainey prop Neil O’Kane bludgeoned his way over the line, Martin added to conversion to take the score to 10-7 to Connemara. O’Kane’s score buoyed Rainey and with their tails up they put Connemara under increasing pressure. Both full backs found it difficult to field the ball in the damp conditions, and after Rainey full back R Paul’s grubber kick bounced awkwardly in front of his opposite number Alan Keogh, Keogh fumbled the ball behind him, and in an attempt to re gather the ball he inadvertently tripped Paul which lead to a yellow card from referee Kevin Beggs.
Rainey now had a man advantage, and the momentum swung the way of the Northerners. After another series of pick and goes from the Rainey pack, instrumental  Australian scrum half P. Sciascia’s brilliant reverse pass was met by lock P. Boyle who had merely to fall over the line to give Rainey the lead for the first time in the game, fly half G. Martin missed the conversion to leave the score 12-10 in favour of Rainey at half time.
Connemara started the second half with their full allocation of players, but Rainey still had the momentum. Rainey spent the first ten minutes of the second half camped in Connemara’s half, but Connemara’s defence was determined and dogged, flanker Barry Gibbons epitomised Connemara’s performance, his industry and determination was a joy to behold. Rainey continued to lay siege to Connemara’s line, but the Galway men held firm, eventually winning a penalty when Rainey didn’t release the ball. Rainey’s inability to score after all their possession and territory seemed to drain them both mentally and physically, and Connemara took full advantage.
Full back Alan Keogh on one of his marauding runs, attempted to grubber kick the ball behind his Rainey counterpart R. Paul.  Paul spilled the ball to the feet of Connemara centre Paddy Madden, Madden fly hacked the ball over the head of Paul, reminiscent of Brian O’Driscoll’s try against Wasps in The Heineken Cup, and collected the ball before running in for Connemara’s second try of the game, Joyce added the extra’s to take the score to 17-12 to Connemara.
Connemara showed the variety that exists in their game as after a rolling maul from the pack, fly half Sean Joyce slotted a brilliant drop goal to take the score to 20-12 to Connemara. Rainey occasionally threatened but looked jaded toward the end of the game, Connemara however looked fit and hungry for more. After a raking move full back Alan Keogh managed to acrobatically flick the ball through his legs to the on rushing Richard Bourke, Bourke showed great pace to finish for Connemara’s third try, Joyce added the conversion to make the score 27-12 to Connemara. A great win for the Blacks.
Connemara R.F.C. would like to offer a special thank you to all involved Rainey R.F.C.    Connemara fan’s, committee, and players alike received a wonderfully warm welcome prior to Saturday’s game, and Rainey’s hospitality after the game seemed to know no bound. We wish them well for the rest of the season, and we eagerly await our next meeting with Rainey.

John O’Sullivan

Connacht J1c League 22-01-2012

Connemara’s Junior side produced a sensational performance on Sunday last to beat Carrick 77-3. Connemara, who fielded a strong team, looked extremely impressive throughout, with Jack Vaughan and Derek Heanue in particular catching the eye. It was also encouraging to see Cleggan man Ian McDonagh play an entire eighty minutes, as he recovers from injury. The game also saw twenty Connemara players togged, an extremely impressive feat for the clubs second’s team considering emigration and the general depopulation of the area. The evergreen Gerry King gave a ten minute cameo toward the end of the game, 30 seasons after he made his Junior debut, and showed why for many years he was such a highly regarded player. Kudos must go to Carrick for their attitude and efforts.

John O’Sullivan

It was a spectacular sight last Saturday at the Monastery Field Clifden, when over 160 children-boys and girls, took part in a series of mini rugby games. The children, many as young as 7 years of age with their parents and coaches, revelled in the very cold but dry conditions. All of the children Oughterard R.F.C., Barna R.F.C and Connemara R.F.C, and looked splendid in their colours, Barna(Red), Connemara(Black) and Oughterard (predominantly green).
There was a great feeling of well being after Connacht’s fine win over Harlequins the previous night. Irene King our overworked honorary secretary and her team of helpers were on hand with a generous supply of tea, coffee, soup and sandwiches and post-match treats for all the children. They deserve great credit for their help. Many thanks to all parent’s who supplied the sandwiches and special thanks to PJ Heffernan – Off the Square Restaurant for the generous supply of soup.

Matt O’Sullivan

Connemara R.F.C. would like to offer its congratulations to Clifden native and former Connemara player Tiernan O’Halloran, who was selected along with five other ‘up and coming’ players to spend a week training with the provisional Ireland Six Nations Squad. Inclusion in the squad is another prestigious achievement for O’Halloran, who has made great strides with Connacht this season, including two Heineken Cup tries.

John O’Sullivan

Connemara 67 – Tuam 0

Connemara’s under 15’s produced a scintillating display of attacking rugby to warm the brave souls who turned up at the Monastery Field in terribly cold and windy conditions on Sunday. Tuam provided opposition to the so far rampant Connemara, both teams were fighting for the right to play either Monivea or Westport in the upcoming Connacht final.  All 15 Connemara players looked extremely comfortable in possession and the 67-0 score-line was testament to this. Credit must go to the team coaches Nigel Murray and Henry O’Toole for the way the team conducted themselves both on and off the pitch. Such was the high level of performance from every player it would be unfair to pick out individuals. If this is the future of Connemara rugby, the future is bright.

John O’Sullivan

Connemara 16 – Wanderers 13

There were scenes of jubilation at the Monastery Field this past Saturday, as David McDonagh’s last gasp try continued Connemara’s 100 per cent home record at the expense of bottom of the league Wanderers. Connemara last played in early December, and it showed as many passes failed to meet their target. Whilst Connemara were profligate in possession Wanderers were efficient, and they dually took the lead in the first half. After some continued Wanderers pressure Connemara’s defense was breached and Wanderers went in for a deserved try. Wanderers added the extra’s to make it 7-0. The Dublin based side was extremely resilient in defense, belying their bottom place in league, and added another penalty after Connemara were penalised at the breakdown to make it 10-0. Connemara started the second half with renewed vigour, and outhalf Sean Joyce added a drop goal to bring the score back to 10-3. With Joyce’s score spurring them on the Blacks improved and had it not been for some terrific Wanderers defending would have scored more. However not all Wanderers efforts in defense were legal and they were punished for offences at breakdown, leading to Sean Joyce scoring two long range penalties which took the score to 10-9 in favor of Wanderers. Despite building up a head of steam, Connemara conceded a sloppy penalty for offside, Wanderers slotted their attempt to make the score 13-9 and set up a fascinating crescendo. The next few minutes were reminiscent of the Alamo, as Connemara laid siege to the Wanderers line. Kudos must go to Wanderers for their organisation, but Connemara’s pressure eventually told.
After receiving a neat pass from Alan Keogh, Roundstone native David McDonagh crashed through the Wanderers line for the most brilliant of tries. McDonagh seems to improve with every passing game, and his try capped another promising performance. Sean Joyce added to extras to take the score to 16-13. Connemara have now won four from four at home, but none of the other victories were close to Saturday in terms of drama.

John O’Sullivan

Connemara RFC would like to wish a very happy and successful new year to all our members, supporters, sponsors, players, coaches, trainers, drivers, committee members, match photographers etc. Success can be had on and off the field, and we thank all of the people who help us in every way, Connemara local radio and its listeners, those who bought and buy lotto tickets, calendars, and played bingo. Our aim is to be of use to all of Connemara and to our many friends all over the world, particularly to our many players who had to emigrate and leave our shores.

Lydon Cup
Lydon Cup. The Presidents versus Captains challenge on St. Stephens Day for the Peter Lydon cup was a great success. The game itself had some very fast running rugby and many of our players who had to emigrate and returned home for Christmas took part. For example Gary Conroy, Conor O’Malley and Macdara Breathnach. Shane Young played his first game for the local team, and was extremely impressive. The Lydon family was represented by Mary Lydon, and our president Des Fogerty presented the trophy on her behalf.

Roundstone New Years Day

Many thanks to Johnnie Sheehan and the Roundstone Connemara R.F.C. supporters for a wonderful days festivities and competitions at the quay in the village on New Years Day. A huge number of competitors, male and a few females, took part in the first annual penalty shoot and drop goal competitions. The rugby posts were on a platform in the harbour, festooned in the Connemara colours. There were lots of magnificent efforts at scoring, but a slight cross wind made success difficult to achieve. Alan Pryce lead for a long time, but eventually was caught up with by five other competitors. In the shootout Roddy O’Connor was ultimately successful and some fine kicking. Patrick King, son of our secretary Irene King, had a magnificent win in the drop goal competition. One noticed the Vaughan family with friends, doing a great trade in providing burgers soup etc. And also thanks to our DJ Michael O’Malley who provided fine entertainment, also to the boat crew, the two Patrick McDonagh’s, who retrieved all wayward balls. Sincere thanks to all the helpers and players who took part. The organizers will be present for our lunch at the Station House before the All Ireland League game against Wanderers on Saturday week. Our president Des Fogerty attended the function. The final action of the day was a sad one, as Connacht were pipped at the post by Leinster. Mary McDonagh of the Shamrock Bar looked after our many visitors and sadly some of the supporters did not get time to visit Mary King or Nicholas Griffin at O’Dowds. The Shamrock, O’Dowds, Eldons, Kings & Vaughans are staunch supporters of our club and we thank them very much.

Sundays Well RFC 16 – Connemara RFC 30.

Connemara entered the festive period with a fantastic win over Sundays Well, in Cork, on Saturday last. Connemara’s previous visit to Cork, the week before against Highfield, ended in defeat, and Connemara were hungry to make amends. Connemara started brightly and nearly took the lead after five minutes. An imaginative line out move saw prop Kevin Barry break through the Sundays Well defence, but unfortunately Barry slipped at the vital moment and the chance was gone. Both teams showed attacking intent, and had it not been for a great tackle by wing David McDonagh, Sundays Well would have scored. The teams were evenly matched for the opening twenty minutes or so, with a six all scoreboard, virtue of a penalty and drop goal from Sean Joyce, and two Sunday’s Well penalties. The turning point in the first half came when Sundays Wells lock Lenny Sullvan was yellow carded for constant infringement. The man advantage saw Connemara seize the advantage. Afterwards Connemara showed great patience, going through the phases with the forwards, the ball was then moved wide, upon reaching Emmet Ferrons, the Roundstone man drew one tackle before off loading to centre Jerome Harimate who went in for his first dry for the club. Sean Joyce showed remarkable composure to steer his conversion over the bar, in what were extremely windy conditions. Connemara entered the break with a 13-6 lead.
Restored to their full allocation in the second half, Sundays Well improved and after some prolonged pressure scored. After some slick passing, Sundays Well winger Barry Hanrahan received the ball and showed good pace to evade several tackle attempts and touched down. Fortunately for Connemara, Sunday Wells’ outhalf Shane O’Riordan’s accuracy deserted him in the second half and he dually missed his conversion, leaving the score at 13-11 in favour of Connemara.
With ball in hand Connemara looked very assured, Paddy Madden and Sean Joyce in particular were very impressive, Joyce’s game management was very impressive, whereas Madden often broke the first tackle with typical gusto. It was a move no doubt forged in training on the Monastery Field that brought Connemara their second try. After some good Connemara passing, the ball was passed inside and was met by winger David McDonagh, whose magnificent line, pace and strength saw him power his way over the line for Connemara’s second try of the game. Once again Joyce was successful with the kick, making it 20-6, another accomplished day with the boot for the Clifden man.
The momentum swung in the favour of Connemara, and after some sustained pressure Sundays Well conceded a penalty, which Sean Joyce dually converted to make it 23-11.  Connemara continued their pressure, and were rewarded when  centre Jerome Harimate showed brilliant pace and stepping ability to evade several tackles and go in for his second try of the game. Joyce converted it, to make the score 30-11.
Sundays Well responded well, and after a rolling maul went over for a try, but with the time against them, it was only to be a consolation. Sundays Well out half Shane O’Riordan missed the resultant conversion to make the score 30-16. Connemara even had time for a cameo for coach Peter Bracken. Bracken entered the fray with less than two minutes to go, he engaged in a Connemara scrum which was harshly penalised by the referee, much to the annoyance of Bracken, who let his feelings be known. In summation it was a great victory for Connemara, which ended the calendar year in a great manner. Connemara hope to continue this good form in 2012.

John O’Sullivan

Connemara-55-21-Dunmore

The supporters who turned out at the Monastery Field on Sunday to watch the Nigel Murray trained under 15 side were treated to a feast of great rugby. In this vital Connacht League game the home team turned out in single file in a very determined way and got into positive mode straight from the kick off, scoring a number of brilliant tries. This was their sixth league win on the trot, they have now won their U15 south division and have a home game in the semi final in mid December.
One also has to credit the Dunmore players, who had some outstanding footballers on view, and scored three great tries. For Connemara, Dylan O’Neill at 8, Henry O’Toole at 9 and Brendan Regan at 12, Emmanuel at 14, and the King brothers, Dillon & Kevin, were all outstanding among the 20 Connemara players who took the field at various stages.
Please god Connemara will advance to the final, which will be played in early January. Also thanks to Henry O’Toole Snr who coached the team when Nigel was ill.
This Connemara U15 team is an inspiration to all our teams and coaches from underage to senior level and also to our very creditable youth lady players.

Matt O’Sullivan

Connemara RFC U15 Team 2011-12

Highfield 35 – Connemara 16

Connemara entered Saturday’s game at Highfield knowing it would be a tough encounter against the Cork team, and they were right. Highfield bullied Connemara at times, particularly with their rolling mauls which resulted in two tries. Highfield had a massive pack and they utilised to its full extent.
Although Highfield were deserved winners, Connemara will feel the margin of defeat didn’t reflect their efforts. Indeed, despite Highfields domination up front, Connemara had numerous chances to score, and would have had it not been for resilient Highfield defending. Highfield took the lead early in the game. After a line out Highfield opted for a rolling maul and the sheer size of their pack surged over the line for 5-0. It was to stay at 5-0, due to strong swirling winds their out half was unsuccessful with his conversion attempt. Connemara’s out-half Sean Joyce had no such problems as he scored all Connemara’s 16 points, including a try after a jinking run. Highfield’s second was almost a carbon copy of their first, another line out resulted in a rolling maul and they again powered over for 10-0, this time their conversion was successful to make it 12-0. Connemara responded well and were soon over for a try of their own. Some incisive back play saw Sean Joyce evade several tackles and run in under the posts. He converted the resultant conversion for 12-7.
At 12-7 Connemara were firmly in the game, but it wasn’t long until Highfield crossed again. For once it wasn’t their forwards, after some good Highfield passing and poor Connemara tackling Highfields outside centre ran in unopposed to make it 17-7. It was a simple conversion for their out-half who dually made it 19-7.
Connemara did threaten a few more times in the first half, particularly through David McDonagh, but Highfield held out to keep the score at 19-7 at half time.
Connemara started the second half much better and laid siege to the Highfield line, Connemara came close on a number of occasions, but lacked the cutting edge on the day. They rewarded for their pressure with three second half penalties, all of which Sean Joyce converted. The penalties however were a mere consolation as Highfield secured their fourth try of the game late on. It a counter attacking move Highfield turned over Connemara ball and sent their winger over in the corner for their first bonus point of the season. Connemara were close to a deserved try at the death, but were once again off the mark.
Highfield deserved their victory, but Connemara will feel that on another day it could have been much different.

 John O’Sullivan