By Tommy Butler Longford RFC PRO tommylbutler@gmail.com 

Senior Men welcome Tullow, Senior Women play CYM, Longford Hall of Game Awards v Joe Schmidt…

Senior Men

Longford Senior Men returned to action v Tullow in CPL Park yesterday after a weekend off and came from behind to record a superb 35-23 against a very good Tullow side.  The Early XV also recorded a great 27-08 win against the current Provincial Seconds Cup holder.

Longford are back on the road to Dublin again next Sunday away to Suttonian’s.  This will undoubtedly be one of Longford’s toughest matches of the season.  This is a true top of the table clash and one Longford will be putting every effort into after losing home and away to Suttonian’s last season, the only side to do the double on a Longford side that were right up there challenging for league honours for most of the season.  Interestingly, Suttonian’s finished second last year with Longford just behind in third.  Although, Longford lost out 26-05 away to Suttonian’s last season, they had by far the better of the first half and even though they made three clean line breaks only converted one chance to go in at half time in the lead.  However, Suttonian’s led by their Player Coach Henry Bryce significantly lifted their intensity in the second half converting every chance that came their way to finish as bonus point winners.  Bryce has since moved onto to Balbriggan.

Longford are the only unbeaten team in 1B after third placed Monkstown downed Suttonian’s on Thursday under lights.  Their loss loss coupled with Longford’s win means that Longford move to the top of the log for the first time this year.

It has been positively commented on by other clubs on the great level of traveling support that they have enjoyed this season.  We sincerely ask that next weekend in Suttonian’s continues the trend.

You can find a player profile of Longford’s longest serving player, the evergreen Colm Glynn.

Upcoming Fixtures

Sunday November 11^th Leinster League Suttonian’s (Away).

Sunday November 25^th Leinster League North Kildare (Home).

Sunday December 2^nd Leinster League Coolmine (Home).

Sunday December 9^th Leinster League Carlow (Away).

Kick offs 13:00/14:30 in November/January & 12:30/14:00 in December.

Player Profile of Colm Glynn

1. Position

Out Half/1st Centre

2. What team do you most look forward to playing the most and why?

Any of the Dublin teams, they don't like playing the country teams

3. Favourite Food?

Fillet steak

4. Favourite Band or Musician?

The Coronas

5. If you could attend any sporting event in the world, what would it be?

The Super Bowl

6. When did you last score a try?

In September v Mullingar

7. Growing up who was you all time favourite rugby player?

Carlos Spencer

8. Who is your funniest teammate?

Justin Forde

9. What is your favourite website?

the42.ie

10. Who is the best dressed in the squad?

Joe McGowan

11. What teammate is most likely to avoid paying for a round when you are out?

Benny McManus

12. What training drill do you dread the most?

Murder Ball

13. What is your nick name?

Glynner

Longford Women (Warriors)

Longford Women played also had last weekend off and played CYM in CPL Park yesterday and scored a comprehensive win.  We will publish a match report on their game tomorrow.  Well done Ladies!

The Warriors train every Tuesday and Friday night at 7.30 PM. New players of all fitness levels are welcome, even if they have not played before. Contact Nuala on 082482005.

Upcoming Fixtures:

Sunday November 11^th Leinster League Tullamore (Away).

Sunday November 25^th Leinster League Tallaght (Home).

Sunday December 2^nd Leinster League Athy (Away).

Sunday December 9^th Leinster League Portlaoise (Home).

Women’s Match Correspondent Wanted

Can you spare a few hours a week to write match reports for Longford Senior Women?  Your report will be featured in the Longford Leader and on the club website every week.  If you are interested, please contact any of the Women’s Team or Club Volunteer coordinator; Derick Turner on 0862559624.  No previous experience is necessary.

Longford Mini/Youths

Longford Players selected for Midland U16 & U18 Squads.

The Midlands Squads assembled this week for screening and some games.  The Midlands comprises the pick of the players from Longford, Edenderry, Mullingar, Tullamore, Roscrea, Birr and the Midland Warriors.

Congratulations to JJ Jackson, Dario Cigliano & Seamus McKeon who played for the Midlands U18 squad versus the South East.  They all came on in the second half and helped the Midlands come back from 19-7 down 10 minutes in the second half to drawn the match 19-19.

Also, congratulations to Kevin McDonagh and Kola Adejinmi who played for the Midland U16s versus the South East.

Pictured below is the Midlands U16 Squad

Match reports

U14

The U14's played in their second Midland league match away to Mullingar today. Great conditions, played on their 4G pitch, resulted in a 30 to 14 loss. Longford lead at halftime thanks to two converted tries to Ryan D'Arcy and Sam Mills. Mullingar brought their A game to the second half scoring 20 points to our nil. Outstanding plays during the game by Shane O'Hara, James Gilheaney and Sam/Jude O'Rouke. Areas for improvement will be support around the ruck and tackling. Next match will be in the Leinster League, away to St Mary's on the 11th November. Wednesday training this week will be attended by specialist coaches.

U12

Our minis headed into the west on Saturday to play Ballina at U9, U10, U11 & 12. What started as a wet and windy trip brightened up as we neared Ballina.

Our U12 divided into two teams as the pitch set up didn’t allow full teams. Therefore, tackling effort was key to managing the games. Team A managed two wins and one loss. Tries from Daniel Corr, Mitch Clark, James Cosgrove and William McEntire was the reward to the great team effort.

Team B had two wins and one draw. There was fast defensive line speed on show from our lads and some mighty tackling. Donnacha Golden, Derek Belton and Darragh Nash showed some nice attacking abilities in scoring tries while some massive carries by Tadgh McAuley also created scores for the team and his last effort ended with himself dotting down for a great try. The boys were glad for a bite after from our hospitable hosts.

Next week we host our own Midlands blitz at 10.00am Saturday. Sandwiches and help will be required once again as we expect 6-7 teams to visit.

Fixtures

Saturday November 10^th  
U18 v Birr (Away)

U17 v Navan (Away)

U16 v Carlow (Home)

U15 v Mullingar (Home)

U11/U12 Midland Blitz (Home)

U7/U8 Blitz (Tullamore)

Girls U8/U10/U12 Blitz (Mullingar)

Sunday November 11^th

U14 v Balbriggan (Away)

U9/U10 Training (Home)

The Full Mini (U7-U12) Season Planner can be downloaded at the following link; http://goo.gl/DAZ5GK  

Training

Longford RFC field teams at Youth level from U6 to U18. Training and coaching information can be found below.  Gerry Carthy is Minis/Youths Chair. We are always looking for more coaches, managers, referees, administrators or helpers. If you can help out for even a few hours or make sandwiches for a game or have an ideas/concern’s please contact Gerry on; 086-8046857.

Youths

Longford Youths are back training at all levels. New players are welcome at all age levels throughout the season (it is never too late to join in!). There is no better time to start with the Rugby World Cup looming large on the horizon next November. Training times and Fixtures can be found on www.longfordrugby.com or at https://goo.gl/qAVBPv

New players are welcome at all age levels – just come to the club on the relevant training night or contact the coach above for details. Don’t worry about not having played before – we have the coaching staff to teach the basics to any player. Jimmy Murphy is the Youth’s Co-ordinator and can be contacted at 086 2555621.

Minis (U6-U12)

Our future Leinster and Ireland stars train every Sunday at 10.30 am. New players are very welcome, we have a comprehensive team of trained coaches. Just remember to bring a gum shield and a bottle of water along with your training gear. Two new innovations for the coming season are that we have a new state of the art 4G training area, which are suitable for contact sports along with Girls Training from U8-U12.

Padraig Murphy is the Mini’s Co-ordinator and can be contacted at 086 2526741 or prgm@me.com 

Please make sure to have membership paid in order to take part in games and make sure that your details are on the text list.

Club News

Longford RFC Hall of Fame awards with Joe Schmidt on December 15th

The awards will take place in the prestigious venue that is The Mansion Houses Round Room on December 15th.  The two inductees for the Clubs Hall of Fame are Paddy Quinn and Matt Hanley.  Neither of these club stalwarts will need any introduction to members and friends of the club.  Longford have secured the services of the most in demand speaker on Irelands sports circuit at the moment, none other than Ireland Head Coach, Joe Schmidt.  Getting to hear from Joe with the Six Nations and the World Cup on the horizon are worth the ticket price alone.  A pre-lunch reception begins at 12.30 followed by lunch at 13:00.  To round off the day attendees can add tickets to the Leinster v Bath Champions Cup match in the Aviva Stadium, which takes place at 5.30. Tickets are priced at €100 each.  Tables of ten are also available.  

Tickets are going fast sop please contact any of the event committee asap to secure your place; Michael Connellan, Pat Fitzgerald, Padraic O’Kane, Dan Magan, Padraig Murphy, Gavin Belton and Derick Turner.

Amazing Fundraising Draw by Longford Senior Men

The Senior Men's Rugby team will be holding a draw this Christmas to support the local rugby club. The tickets will range from 1 cent up to €15 and will be available from all senior players. There is a big prize fund so get your tickets to be in with a chance to win!  The first prize is €1000!!! Second prize is €500 and three further prizes of €100 each.

Social Dancing at Longford RFC

Did you know that social dancing takes place every Wednesday evening from 10 PM – 12 PM?  We have one of the newest and best clubhouses in the country, along with great music and a great crowd.  Admission is €10 including refreshments with all funds raised going directly to the club.  Contact 087 9843331 for more information.

Upcoming lineup;

07/11/18 Robert Brown

14/11/18 Matt Leavy

21/11/18 Sean Brennan

28/11/18 Carmel McLoughlin

Christmas Gifts from Longford RFC
It is getting towards that time of year where you might be considering what to get your friends and family for Christmas. Did you know we have 24/7 online shop through our partners Uniformity.ie where you can purchase Longford RFC Jerseys, Hoodies, Jackets and more, all by Canterbury. Why not consider Longford RFC Canterbury Gear as a gift this Christmas? The general turn around is up 14 days from order, so make sure to order early!  You can log out to our shop via the shop link on our website www.longfordrugby.com or the this direct link https://goo.gl/5MH8eE

Uniformity will be in the club on Sunday November 25^th with samples and taking orders.

Great Food/Events & Christmas Parties at Longford RFC

The Sin Bin at Longford RFC serves great quality and value food on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 12-3 and 12-7 on Saturday and Sunday. Booking for events such as birthdays, christening, confirmations, communions, weddings and funerals are available.

Kris is now taking booking for the Sin Bins ever popular Christmas parties.

The Sin Bin also shows all Irish rugby/Leinster/Munster matches live.

For bookings and information phone Kris on 0872872357.

St. Stephens Night at Longford RFC

The Sin Bin will be hosting our normal great St. Stephens night party on December 26^th.  On what is a very busy night in town the rugby club is perfect place to meet friends and family in a more chilled atmosphere.  Remember to put it down on your diary.

4G All Weather Pitch Rental

Our state of the art floodlight Mel Diffley 4G pitch is available for rental.  It contains shock absorption so that players can play contact sports/fall over without hurting themselves.  It is also perfect for 5 a side soccer.  If you would like to book it phone Damian on 0862757103.