Bonus point victory in Ulster Bank League opener
Nobody would’ve predicted the final score of last Friday’s opening Ulster Bank League local derby fixture in Thomond Park. Young Munster recorded a memorable bonus point victory in the league, beating local rivals Shannon in what Charlie Mulqueen described in the Examiner as, “one of their biggest ever defeats in the competition.”
Young Munster had the upper hand throughout, but didn’t really make it count until the second half. We were ahead by 11-3 at the break thanks to a penalty by scrum-half Brian Haugh (who has just returned from the Munster U20 representative side), a drop goal by new outhalf Gareth Quinn-McDonagh, and a great try from centre Mark Doyle which was aided by a break from Neville Melbourne.
Handbags early in the first half had seen Shannon No.8 Mike Essex, and our new winger Dom Lespierre in his first ever Ulster Bank League game, sent to the Sin Bin.
Lespierre got his name on the score sheet in the second half when the speedster raced after a ball to touch down over the line, and this was followed by a superb try from the pack as a rolling maul allowed prop Ger Flaherty to do the honours.
Mark Doyle clinched a second try before the final whistle to secure the bonus point and Brian Haugh added on the extras for a historic victory.
This game was streamed live on the internet by Irish Rugby TV and can be watched back at www.irishrugby.ie.
Final score: Shannon 3 – 36 Young Munster
SHANNON: R Mullane; C O’Neill, B Smith, W O’Connor, M Darcy; B Sargent, R Guerin; M Horan, D Casey, K Griffin, J Sheerin, D Heffernan, J Murphy, J S Shine, M Essex. Rolling replacements: G McNamara, D Fitzgerald, F Walsh, M Culhane, D Turner.
YOUNG MUNSTER: C O’Hanlon; D Lespierre, M Doyle, L Kuntz, D O’Neill; G Quinn-McDonagh, B Haugh; G Flaherty, G Slattery, D Cantillon, S Duggan, D Gallagher, C Liston, L Russell, N Melbourne. Rolling replacements: M Madden, G Burke, H McGrath, P Fitzgerald, M Prendergast.
Referee: G Clancy (IRFU).
* A minute’s silence was observed before kick-off as a mark of respect to Noel Clohessy, father of former Young Munster players Peter, Ger and Des.
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Munster Seconds League victory
The Young Munster Second XV recorded a large victory over close rivals Shannon last weekend in the Munster Seconds League. 4 tries from Derry O’Connor, 2 from Shane O’Leary, 2 from Declan Bannon, 1 from Steve Macauley and 1 from Hugh McGrath plus 4 conversions from Bannon and 5 from O’Leary plus a penalty from O’Leary made up the final tally.
Final score: Young Munster 71 – 7 Shannon
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In memory of Noel Clohessy R.I.P.
The unexpected death of Noel Clohessy recently was deeply felt in rugby circles around Limerick. Noel was a prominent member and avid supporter of Young Munster RFC. He attended most games home or away and got great pleasure watching his three sons Ger – Peter and Des in action down through the years. After the games he would head to clubhouse with his family and many friends to discuss the game over a drink or two. To his wife Meg and family we would like to extend our deepest condolences he will be sadly missed by all at Tom Clifford Park. RIP.
By Johnny Brennan
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Fixtures:
Saturday 6th October
Ail Div. 1A: Young Munster v St.Marys, 2.30pm Tom Clifford Park
Gleeson League: Garryowen v Young Munster, 12.30pm Dooradoyle
U21 South West Conference: Galwegians v Young Munster, 12.30pm Crowley Park
Sunday 7th October
Munster Seconds League: Thomond v Young Munster, 2.30pm Fitzgerald Park
Friday 12th October
Munster Senior Cup: Shannon v Young Munster, 7.30pm Coonagh
Saturday 13th October
Munster Seconds League: Young Munster v Old Crescent, 12.30pm Tom Clifford Park
Gleeson League: Young Munster v Richmond, 1.00pm Derryknockane
