Last Sunday, our Under 14s completed our league programme with a visit from Ennis to Derryknockane. While both sides were out of contention for the knockout stages of the league, this tie however, turned out to be a full-blooded encounter, with the result in doubt up to the final play of the game.
We started in confident mood, and after a period of sustained pressure, with surging runs from Jack Finucane and Calvin McDonagh, a sweeping move across our backline saw left wing Aaron McNamara cross for a try after eight minutes. Out half Dean Garvey kicked a magnificent conversion from a difficult angle to put us 7-0 ahead. However, we lost Calvin soon after to what looked like a nasty ankle injury. He was replaced by Jake Bennis, who took over a tight head. The physically bigger Ennis pack began to gain the ascendency in set pieces, and their efforts were rewarded with a well-worked try after 20 minutes. Despite some fine individual breaks from Dan O’Brien, Brendan Kelly and Jack Finucane, we were unable to finish off several promising attacks.
At half time we introduced Under 13 player Peter King for his debut with us, with Shane O’Connell making way. We spent most of the second half defending, with the combined effects of a strong head wind and a very resolute Ennis defence preventing us from getting any worthwhile field position. To their credit the lads defended our line as if this was a cup final, with Tadhg Enright and Brendan Kelly leading the tackle count. Further injuries to full back Alex O’Callaghan and centre Kelvin Brosnahan forced us to reshuffle our backline. With almost ten minutes of injury time played, Ennis were awarded a five metre scrum after a try-saving tackle from Dan O’Brien, and with the last play of the game, the Ennis No. 8 broke for our line and was deemed by the referee to have grounded the ball. Ennis duly added the two points for the conversion. The long whistle sounded thereafter. Final result: Young Munster 7 – Ennis 12. Understandably, our lads were extremely disappointed to have surrendered the lead after defending so gallantly for almost the entire second half. With our league programme now complete, our attention now turns to the cup campaign. In preparation for this, we will be playing a series of friendlies over the coming weeks.
Final score: Young Munster 7 – 12 Ennis
Team: Alex O’Callaghan; Tadhg Enright, David Benn, Kelvin Brosnahan, Aaron McNamara; Dean Garvey, Josh O’Donoghue; Jack Finucane, Emmett Connolly, Calvin McDonagh; Eoghan Cary, Shane O’Connell; Jake Fitzgerald, Dan O’Brien, Brendan Kelly (Captain). Subs: Damien Benson, Jake Bennis, Jordan McKnight, Peter King, Mike Jordan.
This week the club mourned the loss of Geraldine Browne RIP. Geraldine was the wife of the late Ollie Browne who served as President of Young Munster for three successive years in 1960/61, 1061/62, 1962/63. Geraldine was herself a member and enthusiastic supporter of the club.. She will be missed by all who knew her. We send our deepest condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.
SATURDAY 21ST JANUARY
U12 S.W. Conference: Waterpark v Young Munster, Waterford 2.30pm
SUNDAY 22ND JANUARY
MSL: Young Munster v U.L. Bohemians, Tom Clifford Park 2.30pm
Women’s Munster Provincial Cup: Young Munster v Galbally, Derryknockane 12pm
Under 19s Pan Munster League: Kanturk v Young Munster, Kanturk Kick Off TBA
U13s League: Richmond v Young Munster, Garryowen Green 11.30am
Minis Rugby Blitz U8s: Young Munster, Newport, Copeswood Gales. Venue: Estuary 10.30am
SUNDAY 29th JANUARY
Minis Blitz U9s: Garryowen, Ennis, Bruff, Young Munster, St Senans. Venue: Dooradoyle 10.30am
