Mens News, Womens News, Youth News, Garda Open Day...

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

Men’s news

Leinster League Div 1B fixtures 2022/23

Following the recent Midlands league final win,  Longford RFC attention turns to the Leinster league. The boys have solid ambitions for promotion after a bright start to the season and a successful Midlands league.  We begin on Sunday 25^th September next 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

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

Rugby passion rekindled at Longford Rugby Club by Allen Marshall

Allen Marshall and his family, originally from South Africa reflects on settling in County Longford and joining Longford Rugby Club. Travelling from counrty to country looking for greener pastures has not been an easy process. We wanted a nice place to settle down and set up for family life.

My wife, Lisa, and I eventually ended up in Ireland and it has been a true Godsend.

We bought a house at Glen, outside Edgeworthstown, and pretty soon were blessed with two kids.  Once the children had started school, it really did begin to intertwine us with the local neighbourhood.

Life was passing quickly by, and the little guys were growing up very fast.

Our son, Aaron, was not participating in any sports activity. We took him to rugby at first, then GAA, both football and hurling and also soccer.  You name it, we tried it and he refused it all.  None of the sports interested him! 

It was funny how it all works out over time.  I met then club Vice President, Donagh outside his vet practice one afternoon and we chatted about life’s twist’s and turns.  The conversation came to a point where Donagh suggested I join Longford Rugby Club to train and hopefully play for the seniors.  Donagh phoned me several times to encourage me to come in.  Youths coach with the U14’s at the time, Padraig Murphy, also phoned enquiring about Aaron and following that, I took that opportunity to go in and bring Aaron with me.

I realised, knowing how parenting works, that it's probably a case of monkey see monkey do, so I committed myself to train with the seniors.

I soon found myself playing with them really did remind me how awesome and how much I missed been part of a broader club family and community!  The lads in the squad and coaches at the club welcomed me in with open arms.  I was so grateful to then team coach, Glen Baskett, and all the lads for having the patience with me then and continuing to do so!   At 44, keeping up with the younger lads in the squad is not such an easy process!

But it’s definitely worth the push through the negative thinking that you are not capable.  My motto is - where the mind goes, the body will follow.

Playing and training with Longford Rugby Club is akin to reliving my youth. Ok -  I might feel like I look the part at the time, but definitely don’t feel it when I get out bed the following day. Regardless, in my opinion it’s so worth it!

At the start, Aaron would carry my kit bag and water bottle.  He would sit and watch.  Seeing me hit and tackle a few players really did change him. He would be all chat afterwards in the car as he told me how hard I tackled the lads. It was such an overwhelming feeling to have him positively engaging with me about it!

My son now is playing with Longford youths, much to my delight and relief.

As I started to watch him train and play, I got to know both Padraig and chairperson Gerry Carthy, both of whom were coaching the boy’s team at the time.  They both encouraged me to get involved and to help out I could.  I was delighted to be asked and felt that with me giving Aaron that equal support that he gave me, we would have an even stronger father/son bond.

That really did really help me out both physically and from a social perspective.  Sitting in the car while Aaron was training was definitely the boring bit and getting involved with the team was brilliant for both that social perspective and was quite rewarding to be able to contribute back to the club.

For anyone is out there, whether a family of any culture,  if you have any concerns about been judged or fear not being accepted, I would definitely suggest that you come to Longford Rugby club!!  Rugby is a sport for all and that’s how I have rediscovered my love for it here at the club!

They will invite you in and welcome you with the greatest of acceptance.

For some of the older guys I would also say that you are far from retirement in the mind, even if not in body!  There is plenty for players to offer the club after playing retirement.  I definitely believe that. If I can do it, do can you!

Alan Marshall and family

O’Reilly Bros Nissan sponsor car

Longford RFC wish to thank Kevin O’Reilly and all the team at O’Reilly Nissan, Dublin Road, Longford who have come on board as sponsors of a Nissan Qashqai for use by the senior team coach.

Kevin O'Reilly presenting the keys of sponsored Qashqai to Henry Brice with Club President Donogh McDonnell

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

Membership

Membership is 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 welcomed An Garda Síochána

This year witnesses the centenary of the establishment of An Garda Siochana and Longford Rugby Club was delighted to host them when visiting County Longford as part of their nationwide road show.  Superintendent Seamus Boyle and Sgt James Rowan, along with a large number of colleagues attended the club to meet visitors and display different parts of the force for the community.

Both Superintendent Boyle and Sgt Rowan have been involved in the club at underage level for many years.

Youth News

U16 match report

Longford U16 v Carrick on Shannon U16

Longford conceded early before touching down twice in quick succession. A try each from Conor O’Grady and Harry Byrne with extras off the tee from Darragh Walsh giving Longford a 14-5 lead.

The Longford boys conceded 2 more tries, as they were sucked in and exposed on the right side, which, with good handling from the Carrick lads , they took full advantage of.

Joseph Davidson then powered through for another five pointer after a number of direct phases during which Tadgh McCauley was immensely powerful in his carries.

Carrick struck back yet again with two more to edge back in front before full back, Darragh Walsh, backed himself to score under the posts.

Longford were now piling on the pressure and Conor O’Grady really impressed with two more well taken tries to seal the win.

Tadgh McCauley, Danny Kelly and Shane McGuigan were excellent in the loose. Both Harry Byrne and Jonathan Groenewald impressed for the second game, continuing the good form from Wednesday evening. Lots to work on in terms of ruck speed and support play but for today we celebrate the positives and the win. Final score, Longford 41 Carrick on Shannon 27.

Scorers- Tries: Conor O’Grady 3 and 1 Con, Joseph Davidson 1, Jonathan Groenewald 1, Harry Byrne 1, Darragh Walsh 1 and 1 Con.

Longford squad- Ryan Spollen, James Cosgrove, Joseph Davidson, Conor O’Grady, Danny Kelly, Harry Byrne, Shane McGuigan, Daniel Corr, Mel Mulligan, Donnacha Golden, Dan Donohue, Jonathan Groenewald, Vieanny Durand, Niall Connaghton, Tadgh McCauley, Darragh Walsh.

Next fixture is a round 2 midlands league game at home v E’Derry on Saturday.

U13's Match Report

Longford U13 v Cavan U13

Longford welcomed Cavan Sunday morning in their first game as youth’s players. It was an exciting morning for the young players as they now play contested scrums and full pitch, but these young Longford lads didn't disappoint.

The first Longford try came after a great passage of play from the Longford  forwards, securing the ball in contact, offloading to the back when the time was right. Quick ball from the scrum half, great handling skills and fast footwork from the backs saw Longford’s winger score just right of the post.

Cavan hit back and were camped inside the Longford 22 for a good 7 phrases of play. Eventually, Cavan conceded a penalty to relieve the pressure.  Winning the resulting lineout, Longford were on the attach again. Quick ruck and ball out to the backs saw Longford’s opposite winger score his first try.  Half time 13-0 to Longford.

In the second half Longford made 7 changes. For the next 15 mins Longford held a tight defensive line. Cavan flashed the ball out wide to get their first try of the game.

Longford put the pressure on again and kept it in the forwards. Working it up through the middle of the pitch, Longford scored another game team try for Longford.

Cavan came back strong once again, and it wasn't long until they had scored their 2nd try of the day.  After restarting, Longford gave away 2 penalties at the breakdown from which Cavan scored their third try.  The conversion was missed and at the final whistle, Longford won by the smallest of margins.

Longford had 7 new players on the pitch today. For the first game of the season, it was a great team performance.

Longford U13 team before they play their first youths game against Cavan RFC on Sunday

Youths Fixtures 

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

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

Youth’s training 

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 & URC Comment

Both Ulster and Leinster recorded wins in the first round of fixtures in the URC. Ulster proved too powerful for the westerners with Hacob Stockdale having a fine game on his return from long term injury layoff.  Leinster on the other hand looked good from the off however Zebre really put it up to score 5 tries of their own and giving Leinster a good run for their money.

Next Zealand we’re cast a lifeline from French ref Mathieu Reynal, in a controversial call against Australia.  In almost the last play Australia dithered on their own penalty inside their 5m only to be then penalised for time wasting. The resulting scrum ended in a try for the All Blacks to steal the win.

Our state-of-the-art 4G artificial surface pitch is available for rent. There are a limited number of slots available during the week and weekends.  The pitch includes a full-size football pitch with full sized goals or can be spilt for reduced numbers of games with reduced size goals.  For details, contact Gerry Larkin on (086) 819 5519.

Sin Bin

The Sin Bin is open for Sunday Lunch and matches.  Outside this time it can be booked for events.  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/