By Tommy Butler Longford RFC PRO lrfconnects@gmail.com 

Longford Senior Men on the road for first Leinster League game

Longford Senior Men get their 20-21 Leinster League campaign underway this Sunday when they travel to Clondalkin.  The game has been cleared to go ahead by Sports Ireland.  However, it will take place behind closed doors with no supporters allowed.  Longford are allowed only a few officials outside the match day squad, therefore all members are asked to not travel as they will not be admitted and instead follow the match on Twitter.

Interestingly, Longford’s last match before the lockdown was against Clondalkin when they emerged with a hard fought 20-31 win.  Longford and Clondalkin have enjoyed a highly competitive and friendly rivalry over the last decade and this Sunday promises to be no different.  Senior Men’s Head Coach Glenn Baskett will be hoping to be up to speed after two tough pre-season friendlies versus Monkstown and Tullamore and will be under no illusions on the challenge his team faces.  This year’s Leinster Division 1B has been divided up into a Northern and Southern section initially to minimise travel.  Longford will first play Boyne, Clondalkin and Mullingar home and away before taking on the Southern section sides of Carlow, Cill Dara, Tullow and Wicklow later in the season.  Our first Leinster league home match will be on Sunday week versus Mullingar in CPL Park.  Best of luck to Glenn, his coaches and to 1^st XV Captain Benny McManus and all the players in this years Leinster League campaign.

Longford v Clondalkin March 2020

Longford Senior Men’s Provisional Fixture List 2020-2021 Fixture List

Sunday October 4^th Leinster League Clondalkin (A) J1 3

Sunday October 11^th Leinster League Mullingar (H) J1 3 J2 1.30 

Saturday October 17^th Leinster League Boyne (A) J1 3 J2 1.30 

Sunday November 1^st Leinster League Mullingar (A) J1 2.30 J2 1

Sunday November 8^th Leinster League Clondalkin (H) J1 2.30

Saturday November 21^st Leinster League Boyne (H) J1 2.30 J2 1

Sunday December 6^th Leinster League Cill Dara (A) J1 2 J2 12.30

Sunday December 13^th Leinster League Tullow (H) J1 2 J2 12.30

Sunday January 17^th Leinster League Wicklow (A) J1 2.30 J2 1

Sunday January 24^th Leinster League Carlow (H) J1 2.30 J2 1

Sunday January 31^st Leinster League Tullow (A) J1 2.30 J2 1

Sunday February 21^st Leinster League Cill Dara (H) J1 3 J2 1.30

Sunday February 28^th Leinster League Carlow (A) J1 3 J2 1.30

Sunday March 7^th Leinster League Wicklow (H) J1 3 J2 1.30

Sunday March 20^th Provincial Towns Cup 1^st Round v TBC J1 3

Sunday March 27^th Provincial Towns Cup 1^st Round v TBC J1 3

Longford Senior Women

Longford Senior Women kick of their Leinster League Division 3 campaign with a long trip to New Ross this Sunday after earning promotion last season.  Undoubtedly, Nuala McGoey and her charges will be aiming to challenge at the top of the division rather than just trying to consolidate their position.  Best of luck to Nuala and coaches and to incoming Captain Hannah Shea and all her players for the coming season.

Longford Senior Women’s Provisional Fixture List 2020-2021 Fixture List

Sunday October 4^th Leinster League New Ross (A) J1 1

Sunday October 11^th Leinster League Garda/Westmanstown (H) J1 1 

Sunday October 18^th Leinster League Naas (A) J1 1 

Sunday November 1^st Leinster League Greystones (H) J1 1

Sunday November 8^th Leinster League Portlaoise (A) J1 1

Sunday November 15^th Leinster League Clondalkin (A) J1 1

Sunday November 29^th November Leinster League Arklow (H) J1 1

Sunday December 6^th Leinster League New Ross (H) J1 1

Sunday January 17^th Leinster League Garda/Westmanstown (A) J1 1 

Sunday January 31^st Leinster League Naas (H) J1 1

Sunday February 7^th Leinster League Greystones (A) J1 1

Sunday February 21^st Leinster League Portlaoise (H) J1 1

Sunday February 28^th Leinster League Clondalkin (H) J1 1

Sunday March 14^th Leinster League Arklow (A) J1 1

Mini/Youth Rugby is back

It was brilliant to see Youth rugby back at CPL Park over the weekend with many of our Youth sides taking the field against some of our Midland neighbours.  A round up can be found below.

U18 Tullamore 18 Longford 22

Longford U18s were away to Tullamore on Saturday in their first competitive game of the season. Longford were eventual winners with a score line of 18 to 22 points.

The game commenced with the home side pressurizing Longford who showed some strong defence to repel Tullamore. Longford’s effort was rewarded with a kickable penalty duly converted by Paddy Connaughton who had a one hundred percent conversion rate on the day.

Longford scored two tries great tries by Jonathan Jackson on both sides of the water break which were replied to by Tullamore keeping the try count even but Tullamore did not convert giving Longford the lead at half time.

The second half was a battle with many interruptions as both teams tired but it was Longford again who scored first with a lovely interception by Ultan Sullivan who ran half of the pitch to score an unconverted try. Sure enough Tullamore fought back with a try of their own but they also failed to convert. Tullamore’s poor record with the kicking tee rate became their undoing as the full time whistle saw Longford win by 18 to 22 points.

It was great to see the Longford U18s play as a unit with big tackles by scrum half Ronan Kavanagh who deserved the man of the match award and new joiner Ben Murtagh who made a try saving tackle inside the Longford 5 metre area on the death. Also, a great start for the team management of Junior, Niall, Danny and Kenny.

Longford U18 Squad

U17

Longford U17s took on Mullingar and had a good season opening workout.

U15

Longford U15s took on Tullamore and although they came out the wrong side of the score line they were all happy to be back on the pitch.

U14 Longford 26 Mullingar 07

Longford U14’s had a great start to the season with a decent win against Mullingar in the Midlands league on Saturday last.  After a tough time in their first season in youths rugby, this win was just what the doctor ordered and a welcome morale booster for the squad. It wasn’t all plain sailing, Longford started well but went on to concede a converted try early in the first half. A lack of attention to their defensive width cost Longford and indeed remained an issue throughout the game.

The boys battled on and speed of the line in defence yielded turnover ball and penalties.

Senan Murphy kicked for the corners and on the second time of asking, Conor O’Grady finished with a great team try. Daniel Corr added a second before the break, continuing where he left off last season.

Mel Mulligan playing at 9 was next, finishing a nice team effort was deserving of the third score. There were notable efforts from a number of lads in the pack. Ryan Spollen seems to relish a good battle and worked really hard while Jamie Donohue was impressive in his first stint at 13.  Danny Kelly (second row) and Dan Donohoe at 7 were constantly in the thick of it. Darragh Walsh was working hard in rucks and impressed as a relatively new member. William McEntire, as always, was lively. Most had their hand up for player of the match but the award went to Derek Belton, a fine game full of decent tackles in defence, was capped off with a fine individual effort from about the 10 m line to dot down wide on the left.

4 good tries against a side who defeated us twice last season was an excellent reward for the boys. Tagging on 3 conversations from 4 attempts was a good return from Senan Murphy, having a good game playing at out half.

All in all, a good game and vital points in the bag. Next outing away to Roscrea next Saturday TBC.

Longford: Ryan Spollen, Daniel Corr (1 Try), Sean Ginty, Danny Kelly, Conor Gallagher, Derek Belton (1Try), Dan Donohoe, Conor O’Grady (1 Try), Mel Mulligan (1 Try), Senan Murphy (3 Conversions), Harry Byrne, Tom Murray, Jamie Donohoe, Darragh Walsh, Donnacha Golden, Tadgh McCauley, Shane McGuigan, Darragh Nash, William McEntire.

New members welcome. Training Thursday 7.00pm- 8.30pm. Contact 086 2526741

Longford U14s enjoyed a great win versus Mullingar in their season opener.

Longford Dan Donohoe makes a covering tackle

Mini/Youth Fixtures Weekend October 3^rd-4^th 

U18 v Mullingar (Home)

U17 v Ravens (TBC)

U16 v Edenderry (Away)

U15 v Mullingar (Away)

U14 v Roscrea (Away)

U13 v Midland Warriors (Home)

Pro 14 20-21 Fixtures released

The fixtures for this seasons Pro 14 were released during the week.  Leinster start with a home game versus the Dragons.  Initially the first eight rounds were released with some matches being played during the remaining Six Nations matches and the inaugural Eight Nations.  For the first time the Pro 14 will feature Monday night games, which probably will be welcomed by most fans with access to Eir Sport.  There is a lot uncertainty regarding the South African sides participation with no travel allowed from the country until 2021.  Furthermore, the Southern Kings have gone into liquidation leaving only the Cheetahs.  However, it looks likely that the leading South African franchises; the Bulls, Lions, Stormers and Sharks will jump ship for the 21-22 season from Super rugby to Pro 14 rugby.  This is to be welcome and should substantially increase the competitiveness of the league and therefore that of the Irish teams.  However, Leinster are once again the team to beat if any other team has aspirations of lifting the Pro-14 trophy at the end of the new season.

Leinster Pro 14 Confirmed Fixtures

Round 1: Leinster Rugby v Dragons, Friday, October 2, RDS Arena – 8.15pm
Round 2: Benetton v Leinster Rugby, Saturday, October 10, Stadio Monigo – 5.15pm (Irish time)
Round 3: Leinster Rugby v Zebre, Friday, October 23, RDS Arena – 7.35pm
Round 4: Glasgow Warriors v Leinster Rugby, Monday, November 2, Scotstoun Stadium – 8.15pm
Round 5: Ospreys v Leinster Rugby, Sunday, November 8, Liberty Stadium – 3pm
Round 6: Leinster Rugby v Edinburgh, Monday, November 16, RDS Arena – 8.15pm
Round 7: Leinster Rugby v Cardiff, Sunday, November 22, RDS Arena – 5.15pm
Round 8: Scarlets v Leinster Rugby, Sunday, November 29, Parc y Scarlets – 5.15pm

Ireland’s Six and Eight Nations

Many of Irelands provincial players will now turn their attention to the remaining Six Nations fixtures versus France and Italy and Novembers inaugural Eight Nations competition.  Covid-19 put pay to Ireland confirmed November Internationals so instead a new competition to bridge the gap has been added where the Six Nations side will play a mini tournament along with Fiji and Georgia called the Eight Nations.  Ireland are in a group with England, Wales and Georgia and will play each team once.  The other group comprises France, Scotland, Italy and Fiji.  After the pool fixtures are played, all the teams will play one final game against the team that finishes in the same position of the other pool, with the winners of the match between the teams that top each pool declared the inaugural Eight Nations Champions.  Ireland are still in the running for the Six Nations title but will probably need 10 points from their last two games. Irelands confirmed fixtures for the rest of 2020 can be found below:

Ireland Eight Nations Fixtures

Saturday October 24^th Italy Home 3.30 PM

Saturday October 31^st France Away 8 PM

Friday November 13^th Wales Home 7 PM

Saturday November 21^st England Away 3 PM

Sunday November 29^th Georgia Home 2 PM

Saturday December 5^th TBC Home 2.15 PM

Senior Training

Longford Senior Men train every Tuesday and Friday night at 7.45 with matches generally on a Sunday.  It is great to see so many of last year’s U18s in at training over the last few weeks along with so many of our regular players.  If you would like to play rugby, want to restart your rugby career or are new to the area you are very welcome.  Please give Director of Rugby Niall Moran 0879185073 or Head Coach Glenn Baskett 0876036175 a ring if you are interested.  Please note a Covid-19 questionnaire needs to be filled in before starting training.

Our Senior Women are also back training and are welcoming new and returning players.  If you would like to give rugby a go (you do not need to have played before or be very fit) you will be very welcome.  Training is on Tuesday and Friday nights at 7.30 PM. Please give Women’s Head Coach Nuala McGoey a ring on 0862482005.  Again Covid-19 questionnaires needs to be filled in before training.

Minis/Youths Training

The good news for all our Underage players is that rugby is back.  The work that has been going on behind the scenes to ensure compliance with Governments Covid-19 guidelines is immense and thanks to Gerry Carthy (Mini/Youths Chairperson), Gerry Larkin (Club Covid-19 Officer) all the coaches, parents and players on making it work.  Each group has their own compliance officer.  Everyone is loving being back to training and cannot wait to play a few matches.  In the meantime, they are working hard on their fitness and skills.  Again Covid-19 questionnaires needs to be filled in before training.  We welcome new/returning players at all levels.

Minis

U7-U10 Sunday 10.30-11.30

U11 Thursday 7-8 (check with coaches for following week) (born 2010)

U12 Sunday 10.30-11.30 (born 2009)

Boys

U13 Thursday 7.00-8.30pm (born 2008)
U14 Thursday 6.30-8.30pm (born 2007)
U15 Mon 7.00-8.30pm and Thursday 7.00-8.30pm (born 2006)
U16 Tuesday 7.30-9.00pm (born 2005)
U17 Wednesday 7.30-9.00pm (born 2004)
U18 Wednesday 7.30-9.00pm (born 2003 & up to 01/07/2002)

Girls
U12&U14 Thursday 7.30-8.30pm
U16&U18 Wednesday 7.30-9.00pm

Contact 0862526741 for more information.
Longford Rugby Club is a 'Minimum20' club. Youth teams up to U15 promote minimum 20 minutes game time for all players on match day squads. Longford Minis rugby promotes equal game time at all times during games or blitz events.

Longford RFC Mini/Youth Boot Room

As we move towards getting back out on the pitch, there are a lot of players who need bigger boots.  So instead of spending big on new ones why not use the #LongfordRFC Boot Room instead?  It is a great concept where growing members swap the boots they have outgrown for nearly new bigger ones.  They donate the ones they have outgrown back to the boot room.  It benefits everyone and is way members can support each other post Covid. 

The Boot Room Concept

How many months use do you get out of a new (and very expensive) pair of boots before your child moves up a size and a new (and equally expensive) replacement pair is required? Aimed particularly at Minis and Youths we are going to set up a “Boot Room” where you can trade your perfectly good (but outgrown) pair of boots for a larger pair.  Boots will not be for sale – the Boot Room will operate on the basis that you trade in your own pair for another pair.  In this way, the plan is that the Club will have a self-replenishing supply of boots available to anyone who has a decent (but outgrown) pair which can be traded in return.  To set up the Boot Room we are asking you, the parents, to scour your garage, utility room, footwear box, kit bag or whatever for any outgrown or unloved pairs of boots which you would be willing to donate or trade.  We would only be interested in good quality boots without rips or tears and which can be used for playing rugby (ie. no blades).  If you have any, you can bring the boots to training and give them to any of the coaches, bring them to the Minis training on Sunday, leave them at the Club for the attention of Padraig Murphy or Gerry Carthy or any or your coaches.

New 4G Pitch

We are delighted to announce that the sod had been turned on our new state of the art 4G artificial pitch.  We will have more updated over the coming week so keep your eye on the notes.

Volunteers/Players for the coming season

Longford Rugby Club is a progressive club that fields Men’s/Women’s teams at Senior Level and has more than 400 Mini/Youth Players training every week both male and female from U6 right through to U18. We are looking for more players, coaches and volunteers at all levels of the club. If you would like to join Longford Rugby Club at this exciting time, please contact any club coach or volunteer.

The Sin Bin

The Sin Bin Bar & Restaurant at Longford RFC is one of the best club house facilities in the country. It offers a welcoming atmosphere, great food and drink and is the perfect place for members and friends to hold functions/events with lots of free parking and is just outside Longford Town. As of July 2020, it is now under the management of Andrew Reynolds who is a very experienced operator in the food/beverage area.

There has been very positive feedback on the great food being served all in a Covid 19 compliant setting with lots of social distancing between tables.

For reservations and enquiries about functions/events, please ring Andrew on 087 1631075.
Food is served at lunchtime from 12-4 Wednesday to Sunday and dinner Friday to Sunday from 5 PM. Please like and follow the Sin Bins Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thesinbinlongford/ for updates and specials.