Week off for Mens Team, Ladies win Big, Hall of Fame for Derick Turner...

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

Men’s XV News

Leinster League Divison 1B 

Longford had a down week in the Leinster League, allowing time to regroup and prepare for the two game block of home league fixtures before the Christmas break.  First up is a visit to CPL Park for Dundalk who sit just above bottom placed Longford on the league table.  Dundalk’s second win was last week against Tullow and will be keen to build on that to drag themselves towards mid table safety.  For Longford it is absolutely critical now to get some momentum and put points on the board to stave off the relegation dangers later in the competition.

Results

25/09/22 Cill Dara 18-12 Longford

02/10/22 Longford 14-20 Wicklow

16/10/22 Mullingar 27-25 Longford

23/10/22 Longford 09-22 Carlow

06/11/22 Tullow 28-10  Longford

13/11/22 Athy 28-12 Longford

Upcoming Fixtures

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. 

Ladies’ 2022/23 Season. 

Results

09/10/22 Longford 22-05 Arklow

16/10/22 Longford 40-00 Greystones

23/10/22 New Ross 37-07 Longford

6/11/22 Longford 15-19 Wicklow J1

13/11/22 Clontarf 10-00 Longford

20/11/22 Longford 55-07 Gorey

Ladies Match Report

20112022 Leinster League Division 3 Longford 55 v Gorey 07

Meghan Banahan on the attack for Longford

Longford moved ball quickly through the phases early with carriers from Dora Ledwith, Rachel O Farrell, Leanne Keegan & Rebekah Stavus.  Accurate passing across the line saw Rachel score the first try.

Following a scrum to Longford, quick ball to Leona on the wing and back to Leanne Keegan who nailed the score the second try.

Longford again worked well to get up their 22 and from the back of a ruck Emma got the ball to Megan, and on to Rachel to score the next try.

Maria got the next score before the best one of the day, as Megan Banahan used her quick feet & fended off the Gorey defence to score a tremendous try.

A yellow for both sides followed from two separate high tackles, but Longford continued the onslaught.

Amanda Sheridan fends off Gorey

Leoana and Leanne got two more in quick succession before Gorey eventually got off the mark, but the final word was from Longford, who shifted the ball to Rebecca O’Hara, who ran in the last try of the game.

Longford squad; Maria Kelleher, Una Mulligan, Rachel O’Farrell, Amanda Sheridan, Dora Ledwith, Rebeka Stavuse, Judyta Starzynska, Amanda Ryan, Rebecca O’Hara, Tegan Evans, Megan Banahan, Leanne Keegan, Tara Gilna, Michelle Mulvey, Mary Sheridan, Roisin Shaw, Eamma Dardis, Leona Hoare, Amy Molloy.

Rachel O'Farrell carries hard

Ladies upcoming fixtures

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 Tuesday and Friday 7.30pm.  New players welcome always. 

Contact Nuala McGoey  (086) 248 2005

Longford Leader Sports Star Awards 2022

Derek Turner – Hall of Fame Award 2022

In 1967 a young Derick Turner, along with a group of like-minded people, set about reforming Longford Rugby Club. There had been a history of rugby in the county going back to the 1800’s but if fell by the wayside during the war years.

In those early years the Club played on a field borrowed from a local farmer and players changed at the back of the Annaly Hotel, where a single cold shower and barrel of cold water were the only facilities enjoyed by the players.

Longford RFC have come a very long way, and while one person can never be credited with all that has happenedthroughout its development, Derick would be the first to acknowledge the help from so many people over the years. However, there is no doubt that he has driven the development of the Club, both on and off the pitch over the past 55 years and continues to play and active role in day-to-day affairs as a member of the board and sitting on the development and fundraising committees.

Over the 55 years Derick has served as Club Captain, firstteam coach and Club President as well as holding various positions on the executive committee.

Derick instigated the introduction of the youths and minis section back in the 70’s. He also pushed on the development of women’s rugby while heavily involved in getting the Club to provide coaching in the schools throughout the county both national and secondary.

He has been a mentor to so many young players who have come through the Club over the years. He is always willing to provide help and encouragement, not just on the rugby front,but if anyone had a problem, he would always be willing to try and help them resolve it if he could at all.

He would collect players who had difficulty making training or make sure to get them back to work or collage after games regardless of if he had to go out of his way, the welfare of the players has always been his main concern.

On the Club facilities front, Derick Turner has been involved in all major developments at the club in his 55-yearinvolvement. From the humble beginnings in the borrowed field mentioned above, the club now enjoys some of the best facilities of any sporting club in the country. The club has their own grounds with two grass Prunty pitches, one of which is fully floodlit. There is a new state of the art 4G pitch, again, floodlit to televised match standard. The clubhouse facilities boast separate men’s and women’sdressing rooms, a functional gym, a dedicated youth centre and comfortable clubhouse bar including restaurant and conference facilities.

While a lot of people have come and gone since 1967, Derick Turner is, to this day, the one constant at Longford Rugby Club, be it driving development, encouraging players to join, fundraising, marking pitches, tidying up the grounds or whatever has been required.

Derick has always been to the forefront and shows no sign of letting up.

Longford Rugby Club is a great asset, not just to club members, but to the wider community!

The club’s presence in the heart of the community and county, is due to the great work and foresight of Derick Turner - Longford Sports Awards 2022 - Hall of Fame Award.

Membership

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.

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. 

Your Club Your Country

Irish Rugby’s popular annual draw returns with another list of fantastic prizes.  All ticket sales proceeds go directly to the club and thus is the largest fundraising event of the year.  You can enter at the following link; https://app.galabid.com/ycyc22longfordrfc 

Youth News

Match Results

U16 Longford 38-28 Ravens

U16 Girls Kilkenny 00-43 Longford

U15 Conceded by Longford

U13 Longford 17-07 Kilkenny

U16 Boys

Longford 38-28 Ravens

Longford U16s hosted Ravens (Birr/Roscrea amalgamation) on Saturday last in a cold and wet CPL Park. Following a narrow loss to Tullamore the previous week, a strong performance was necessary from the home team to get their Midland League challenge back on course and they didn't disappoint.  Some strong Longford probing from the start failed to yield the deserved reward and in their first foray into the Longford half, Ravens openside forward crossed for a try on 5 minutes.  Longford stuck to their task well at the resumption and good distribution from scrum half Donnacha Golden following multiple phases of play led to a well worked try by Jamie Donohue.  A second followed for Donohue some 7 minutes later following some excellent work by Conor O Grady and Joseph Davidson in the pack creating a sound platform for the backs to spread the ball wide.  Senan Murphy scored the conversion from the touchline to register a 12-7 lead for Longford. Ravens fought gallantly and brought the fight back to Longford and a tight arm wrestle ensued between two evenly matched teams.  In the 27th minute, having forced a turnover in their own 22, Longford passed the ball through the phases with Daniel Corr popping up to make the decisive break and scored under the posts.  Ravens immediately came to life with several strong carries into Longford territory and were rewarded with a try under the posts on the stroke of half time.

Longford carried a 5-point advantage into the second half but extended it immediately following good handling by George Burns to release Jonathan Groenewald along the wing to score a blistering try in the corner.  Ravens were not throwing in the towel by any means, and another try kept them in touch before Ryan Spollen burrowed through a pile of bodies to touch down near the posts for Longford.  Some sturdy defence by Daragh Walsh at full back steadied the Longford ship.   A try from Shane McGuigan followed shortly afterwards which crowned a fantastic outing by the young number 8.  With McGuigan's try, Longford finally had some breathing space but lost a player to the sin bin for the last 8 minutes and had to fight hard to maintain their advantage.  Ravens scored a try in the last play of the game to finish Longford 38-28 Ravens.

This was a pulsating game which was a credit to the effort of both teams. Longford will be particularly happy with the showing of Donnacha Golden, Jamie Donohue and Ryan Spollen who each contributed strongly to a solid team performance.

Scorers: Tries -  Jamie Donohue 2, Jonathan Groenewald 1, Daniel Corr 1, Shane McGuigan 1, Ryan Spollen 1.

Conversions- Senan Murphy 4

Longford: Tadgh McCauley, James Cosgrove, Ryan Spollen, Conor O’Grady, Danny Kelly, Harry Byrne, Daniel Corr, Derek Belton, Shane McGuigan, Senan Murphy, Dan Donohue, Tom Murray, Darragh Walsh, Donnacha Golden, Jonathan Groenewald, George Burns,

U14 Match report

Wexford 30-12 Longford

Longford U14s team had an early start when they travelled to Wexford.  Longford hit the ground running and after a scoreless first quarter, Wexford touched down for the first try.  The home side would strike again before halftime.  Longford started the second half even better than the first with a well worked move from a scrum leading to Ethan Neary touching down in the corner. Wexford responded with another before Longford struck again with a great team effort.  Longford's second try came from Brody Corcoran and the conversion from Conor Quinn Kelly.  

Wexford did score again and with their size just out muscling Longford.  Longford had plenty of chances throughout the game, one of which came from a powerful run by Jay Reynolds to be stopped a meter short and was turned over for the last play of the game. Longford had made position changes all over the field and the effort from the lads was impressive.  Conor Mahon as captain led his team all the way.  Sam Elliott put in a brilliant display at number 8 whilst carrying an injury.  Adam Cronogue, Evan Bohan and Brody Corcoran made up the front row of a scrum which was never in doubt.  Jay Reynolds, Jack Neary second row with some great support from Eli Mulligan and William Nolan. Two of our lighter players Naoise Golden and Finn Larkin were superb on ball.  Pietro Gino and Brandon Cronogue worked 13 and 14 positions brilliantly with plenty of pace and tackles made. Conor Quinn Kelly played full back, providing great cover and clearance time and time again. Ethan Neary played a very important role at number 9 and delivered some excellent ball throughout the game. Special mention to Jack Neary and Luke Carlton who only played for the first time on Saturday, so well done to both lads.  Final score Wexford 30- 22 Longford.

New players always welcome please contact Longford RFC if interested.

Longford squad; Ethan Neary, Conor Mahon (C), Finn Larkin, Naoise Golden, William Nolan, Brody Corcoran, Brandon Cronogue, Adam Cronogue Flood, Samuel Elliott, Tadhg Fagan, Eli Mulligan, Conor Quin Kelly, Jay Reynolds, Evan Bohan, Jack Neary, Pietro Gina, Luke Carlton

Youths Fixtures 26/11/22

U18 Girls Longford v Wolves

U18 Longford v Mullingar

U17 Midlands Warriors v Longford

U16 Girls Ardee v Longford

U16 Kilkenny v Longford

U14 Midlands Warriors v Longford

Link to Leinster league and Midlands’s area competition fixtures and results can be found on the following link.

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

Youth’s training 

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 – Declan Elliott 086 8125363

Wednesday 7.00-8.15pm

U15 – Aoghan Clarke 087 6727002

Monday and Wednesdays 7.00-8.30pm

U16 – Padraig Murphy 087 6063587

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 

Our U12 team played in a blitz hosted by Birr Rugby Club.  Longford played 3 games in total, playing Birr, West Offaly Lions and Roscrea.  Our lads played some very attractive rugby but when called on to mix it with the opposition they were not found wanting.   The team are improving week on week and are enjoying their rugby. We pass on our thanks to BirrRugby Club for their hospitality and friendly welcome and look forward to the next round of fixtures.

For further information on all mini’s rugby, please contact your coach or our Mini’s Co-ordinator, Pauline Marlowe on Mob - 087 632 3373.

For all teams not involved in blitz games, 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.

At Longford Rugby Club, 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

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 - Why not check out the hugely popular Boot room here at Longford rugby club where we have a self replenishing stock of replacement boots.  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

The Autumn international series concluded over the weekend.

Australia were the opposition at the Aviva, and both sides were keen to finish their autumn series on a high.  It was more a game for the purest as neither side managed to inflict major blows in a low scoring contest.  Irelands defence was excellent given the amount of possession Australia had but were lacking in attack with too many penalties conceded and also uncharacteristic handling errors.  Ireland took the win with Ross Byrne slotting over a penalty, to end the year as number 1 side in the world having beaten all the southern hemisphere big 3 teams this year.  Roll on the 6Nations!

Sin Bin

The Sin Bin is open for Sunday Lunch and is available for functions/events outside these times. It is also open on match days.

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/

For all Longford RFC club correspondence please contact 

Ph: 087 6063587

Email:  lrfconnects@gmail.com