Senior Men win the Midland League, Rugby; a game changer for Longford Ladies...

By Padraig Murphy Longford RFC PRO Ph: 087 6063587 Email:  lrfconnects@gmail.com

Men’s news

Longford RFC claim Midlands’s league title

Friday night lights at Longford Rugby CPL Park was the venue, where Longford dethroned current 3 times holders, Mullingar, to claim the Midlands league title in a very entertaining encounter.  Longford raced into a two-score lead in the first half and had to withstand a strong fight back by the visitors to win out at the end.

Midland’s league final Match report (by Matt Hanly)

Longford 26-21 Mullingar

Longford welcomed our good friends from Mullingar on a lovely night for rugby, with the Midland League cup up for grabs. The coaching teams had agreed to unlimited subs and the home team togged out 31 players with head coach Henry Bryce donning the black jersey for the first time.

Longford were first on the score board with Joe McGowan kicking a good three pointer. He added a conversion to a well worked try scored by the impressive George McDermott. Another penalty saw Longford into a 16-point lead, but this was cut when Mullingar got a 7 pointer with Longford down to 14.

The home team took a 14-point lead into half time following a try from the hard-working David Geelan.

The opportunity was taken to make some changes at half time, but it was old hand Benny McManus who barged over to add 5 more points to the Longford total.

There were further changes made with Longford using the opportunity to get game time into the squad with 29 players used. Mullingar continued to battle for every ball and brought the result into doubt with two well worked tries. They ran out of time and the final whistle was a welcome sound for the home supporters in the large crowd who were well entertained.

Seamus McKeown contributed handsomely to the improved performance with Mark McHugh also having a fine game. Robbie Shaw impressed at 9 while the aforementioned McDermott was good on both sides of the ball. Lots of work ons in advance of the Leinster League but plenty of positive signs.

Longford now have a short break ahead or the first game of the Leinster league, away to Cill Dara on 25^th September.

Colm Glynn, Director of Rugby commented afterwards-

“we knew we needed a big step up in performance from the previous week and in fairness to the guys, we got that. The first half in particular we were very compact and physical in defense and that laid the foundation for the win. We exited our own half far better than previous week and that meant we didn’t gift mullingar soft scores and let them build momentum.

What was also extremely pleasing was that we got to use 29 of our players, changing nearly the entire team and the lads still found a way to win which shows the spirit they have as a group. Our more experienced players led the team well and provided great leadership at key times while some of our younger players really showed up again and put their hands up for selection against Cill Dara in 2 weeks time. It will be tough to pick the 1st XV for that match but that is what every coaching group wants, tough decisions in selection because a number of players are playing well.

Having said all the above there are a lot of work ons from the other night that we need to work on as a group and that will be key over the next 2 weeks training. Hopefully we can do that and tweak a few things so that we really hit the ground running in the Leinster league. I’m excited, as are most club members, to see what this group can do throughout the season.”

Club President, Donagh McDonnell presenting Longford Captain Danny McHugh with the Midland League trophy 

Leinster league Div 1B fixtures 2022/23

Following the Midlands final win on Friday evening last Longford RFC will have solid ambitions for promotion in the upcoming Leinster league campaign which begins in earnest on 25^th September with an away trip to Cill Dara RFC at Silken Thomas Park.  Last season’s corresponding fixture resulted in a 17-25 vital away victory for the Longford men.

25/09/22 Cill Dara v Longford

02/10/22 Longford v Wicklow

16/10/22 Mullingar v Longford

23/10/22 Longford v Carlow

06/11/22 Tullow v Longford

13/11/22 Athy v Longford

27/11/22 Longford v Dundalk

04/12/22 Longford v Cill Dara

15/01/23 Wicklow v Longford

22/01/23 Longford v Mullingar

29/01/23 Carlow v Longford

19/02/23 Longford v Tullow

15/03/23 Longford v Athy

26/03/23 Dundalk v Longford

Longford Rugby ‘lucky’ mascot, minis player Micheala Marlowe with team captain Danny McHugh before the game 

Men’s Senior training continues Tuesday and Friday evenings at 7.30pm. 

Ladies’ news

2022/23 Women fixtures

The Ladies Leinster league fixtures are now confirmed as follows

9/10/22 Longford v Arklow

16/10/22 Longford v Greystones

23/10/22 New Ross v Longford

6/11/22 Longford v Wicklow J1

13/11/22 Clontarf v Longford

20/11/22 Longford v Gorey

4/12/22 Athy v Longford

11/12/22 Arklow v Longford

8/01/23 Greystones v Longford

15/01/23 Longford v New Ross

29/01/23 Wicklow J1 v Longford

5/02/23Longford v Clontarf

12/02/23 Gorey v Longford

26/02/23 Longford v Athy

Training continues every Monday and Friday 7.30pm.  New players welcome always.

Contact Nuala McGoey  (086) 248 2005

RUGBY – A GAMECHANGER FOR LONGFORD LADIES

As a newly appointed Coach with Longford Ladies Rugby Team former Longford Senior Rugby Player William Hall explains why Ladies Rugby offers a rewarding and challenging option to Ladies GAA players who want to play competitive sport during the GAA “off-season”. In conjunction with his lifelong passion for rugby William was also a member of Kenagh GAA club and played competitively at national level earning two All Ireland Medals on behalf of Multyfarnham Agricultural College.

“As a former GAA player myself I have found that the skill set, and discipline learned on the GAA field are a good foundation for a successful transition to rugby” he says. The fundamental skills of catching, kicking, running, passing, and tackling are common to both disciplines. Many of the best-known rugby players in the country started their sporting careers on the GAA field. There are many memorable events such as Shane Horgan’s try in Croke Park 15 years ago, in Ireland’s game against England which demonstrated team play, kicking, and catching skills at an international level which were first learned on the field of play at a local GAA club.

Many Ladies Rugby players have demonstrated similar prowess such as Galway Ladies County Footballer Claire Molloy. Having reached the pinnacle of her GAA career following an impressive performance in the 2005 GAA All Ireland Ladies Final which was played in Croke Park in front of a crowd of over 23,000 spectators Claire Molloy then set her sights on playing Ladies Rugby at the highest level. Her transition to Ladies Rugby opened a new world of opportunities for Claire. Having played in three World Cups, numerous World Championships and at European level in Rugby, Claire has proven how successful GAA players can thrive and succeed at the highest level in Ladies Rugby.

Success at that level means that players who develop their rugby skills to international standards are given global opportunities to represent their sport and their country. Ambitious players know that taking part in Ladies Rugby Sevens competitions for example can lead to opportunities for international travel and even Olympic qualification.

Longford Ladies Rugby Team are an ambitious and hardworking group and were recently given the opportunity to gain invaluable experience during a training session with former international player Mazzie Reilly. Although many international playersstep away from competitive play at a relatively young age their skill set can easily be adapted to allow former players to remain actively involved in Rugby in coaching and mentoring roles.

The core principles of discipline and respect are at the heart of the Rugby culture. During any game respect for referees and fellow players and also player safety are of paramount importance.

As a game which is now played in over 100 countries worldwide Rugby is proving to be one of the fastest growing sports in the World offering players enviable opportunities to play overseas and to immerse themselves in various cultures across the Globe.

Finally, it goes without saying that participation in a team sport brings health benefits, wellness, and other life-long benefits such as friendships which will last for a lifetime. Aside from the hard work and discipline associated with the sport there is also a social aspect which players and their families can enjoy.

As part of a newly formed coaching team, William invites all aspiring Ladies Rugby players to consider the excellent facilities and warm welcome which is on offer at Longford Rugby Club for all new players.“ Give it a Try” he says, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them” .

William Hall – Coach, Longford Ladies Rugby.

Longford Ladies Backs Coach Willie Hall

Membership

Membership is now due for existing members, players, coaches, and those who wish to play for the first time with the club. Firstly, new members should register with the IRFU on the following link. https://rugbyconnect.irfu.ie/

When prompted, select Leinster as the Provence, and then select Longford Rugby Club as your club. Once complete, note the player number.  You are then directed to https://sportsmanager.ie/sportlomo/users/login to complete the process. Please complete each line correctly or the player application will not go live.

Have a player head photo ready to upload also.

Payment is online and must be made as part of the process.  Players are only approved and available for match selection when full payment and forms are completed. 

Longford Rugby Club welcome An Garda Síochána

As part of its current era of Centenary Commemorations, An Garda Síochána will hold an open day at Longford Rugby Club on Saturday next 17^th September.

Several sections of the force will attend including

Garda roads policing unit,

Garda air support,

Garda mounted unit,

Garda dog unit,

Garda water unit,

Garda crime scene unit,

Garda armed support unit and

Garda Choir. 

It promises to be a fantastic morning at the club from 10.00-12.00am and is open to everyone on the day.

Youth Training resumes

Youths’ rugby midlands league games finally return this coming weekend. However, to facilitate the Garda centennial celebration at the club, all home games will be held from 2.30pm.

Link to midlands area competition fixture and results can be found on the following link.

https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/domestic-rugby/domestic-fixtures-results/

Training for all youths’ rugby teams continues weekly. Longford Rugby field girls only teams training from U14 up to U18’s.

Age group, coach contact details and training schedule as follows:

Girls’ teams

U14 girls - Mags McKenna  087 6309653

Wednesday 7:00-8:15pm

U16 girls – Morag Rowan 087 4135962

Wednesday 7:00-8:15pm

U18 girls – Declan Smyth 085 1375973

Wednesday & and Fridays 7.30pm

Boy’s teams

U13 – Lisa Brady 087 6119960

Monday 7.00-8.45pm

Saturday 10.30-11.30am

U14 – James Rowan 087 9870560

Wednesday 7.00-8.15pm

U15 – Aoghan Clarke 087 6727002

Monday and Wednesdays 7.00-8.30pm

U16 – Padraig Murphy 087 6063587

Tuesdays and Thursdays 6.30-8.30pm

U17 – Freddie Forde 086 1727145

Tuesdays and Thursdays 7.00-8.30pm

U18.5’s – Jimmy Murphy 086 2555621

Thursday 7.30-9.00pm

New players welcome at all age groups. Just turn up with a gumshield. 

Please follow club social media for updates on our Instagram & Facebook profiles - Longford RFC

Mini Rugby 

Longford Mini Rugby continues on Sunday mornings, 10.30am at the club.

Players should wear football boots, appropriate clothing, and a gum shield. Blade type boots are not permitted.

We cater for all age grades from U6 up to U12 for both boys and girls with a girls’ team at U12. This group is for girls born 2010 & 2011.

Please note the following if your child was born in/Age Grade/Team contact:

2011 - Age Grade U12's - Pauline Marlowe 087 6323373

2012 - Age Grade U11's – Mark Quinn 085 8642266

2013 - Age Grade U10's – Colm Glynn 087 1520428

2014 - Age Grade U9's – John Healy 0879884240

2015 - Age Grade U8's - TBC

2016 - Age Grade U7's - TBC

2017 - Age Grade U6's* - TBC

2011 & 2012 Age Grade U12 Girls – Gerry Carthy 086 8046857

* Children born in 2018 are welcome to try out training with our U6 Age grade team. They should be able to take instructions as part of the group without taking too much coach time from the group.  

Membership is now due. Returning players registration can be updated on the player portal on this link

https://sportsmanager.ie/sportlomo/users/login?

New players can be registered via this link

https://rugbyconnect.irfu.ie/

For further information please contact Pauline Marlowe, Mini Co-ordinator, Longford RFC. 

Mob - 087 632 3373

New coaches are needed at the younger age groups. If you are interested in helping, please contact Pauline Marlowe or Gerry Carthy. 

Please follow club social media for updates on our Instagram & Facebook profiles- Longford RFC

Boot room

Parents - we all know how quick the kids grow up and requirements to have a new pair of boots as they have outgrown the most recent, expensive pair.  Why not check out the hugely popular Boot room here at Longford rugby club where we have a self replenishing stock of replacement boots.  The idea is that you drop in a pair you no longer need and replace it with a pair that fits your child. That way your pair of boots doesn’t go to waste and someone else gets to benefit also, thus also helping someone else save a few Euros. 

If you have any boots that you wish to donate or exchange, please bring them into minis training and drop off the office for the attention of Gerry Carty or Pauline Marlowe who will assist with selecting the replacement pair.  Boots should be clean, laces intact and no missing studs.  No blades will be taken in. 

Please note it is not possible to guarantee there will be a suitable replacement available however we have rarely not had some to choose across a wide range of sizes.

International Comment

Order has been restored in international rugby as both New Zealand and South Africa reversed the recent losses  In the Rugby Championship.  NZ putting 50 points on Argentina preventing Los Puma’s from completing a double over New Zealand, just as Ireland had done on New Zealand soil during the recent summer tour.  South Africa then reversed last week’s result against Australia by defeating them this time round. 

In the World Rugby Cup Sevens competition in South Africa, Ireland sevens had a great run getting themselves to a semi final against New Zealand.  In a very tight and pulsating competitive game they went down 17 – 10 on Sunday morning.  Ireland then played third/fourth place playoff against Australia, who lost out to Fiji in their semi-final.  That game ended in a 19-14 win for Ireland, bringing their tournament to a close with an impressive bronze medal finish. 

In the Women’s tournament, Ireland lost out in the quarterfinals against a strong New Zealand side and had to settle for fifth/sixth place play off against England.  The girls in green won that game 26-10 to take a credible 5^th place.

Leinster start the season proper away to Zebre in the United Rugby Championship (URC) next weekend, while Connacht, who recently signed our former player, Shane Mallon on an academy contract, are away to Ulster.

Sin Bin

The Sin Bin is open from Friday’s.  Superb food and drink are available across the weekend (Friday to Sunday). 

Phone 087 346 4914 for bookings or email sinbinbookings@outlook.com. 

Check out the Sin Bins Facebook page for update, specials, and updated opening hours;  www.facebook.com/sinbinlongford/