Senior Men secure 1st win, break weekend for ladies, lots of youths news....

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

Men’s XV news

Longford secure vital win against Dundalk to kick start their season

29/11/2022 Leinster League 1B Longford 18 Dundalk 14

By Mark Quinn at Longford Rugby Club

Longford Senior Men’s 1^st XV hosted one of Leinster Junior Rugby’s most formidable opponents, Dundalk RFC, on Sunday in what was a pivotal fixture in the Leinster Division 1B calendar. The match marked Longford reaching the half way point in what has proved a frustrating league campaign to date and one that simply had to be won in order for a fight back to be possible in terms of our league position going into Round 7 of fixtures.

In what was an ideal day for Rugby, the squad arrived focused and single minded as they prepared for the task at hand. Several changes in team selection were required due to injuries throughout the squad and so a new looking mix took to the pitch to take on the task of securing our first league win of the season. Notable changes seen Mark McHugh move to hooker, Danny McHugh move to inside centre and Joe McGowan switching to full back. Tom Gilheany was also rewarded with fine recent displays with a start at openside flanker.

The match started at the expected frantic opening pace. Both sides laid down their respective markers in terms of physicality with big hits being trade throughout the opening exchanges. Longford however were very much equal to the Dundalk pace and indeed began to impose their own shape on proceedings. Several phases of smart attacking rugby with clever interchanging between forwards and backs kept Dundalk guessing. It was game on.

Longford were then dealt an early blow when Captain Danny McHugh stayed down after making a heavy tackle on a member of the dynamic Dundalk back row. As shoulder injury ended his participation and resulted in a shifting of the cards in the backs with Cormac Casey coming on to the wing and Daithí Connolly moving to inside centre. Just as the game restarted, Dundalk moved the play deep into the Longford half and were awarded what would prove to be the first of several penalties in the match. They slotted home the resulting kick to open the scoring at 3-0. The home side were not in the mood to accept any potential change in momentum and immediately set about working their way towards the Dundalk line. Determined phase play brought Longford right back up to the Dundalk try line where after several phases, Benny McManus took control of matters from a lineout maul to crash over and bag a crucial opening try to swing the scoreboard 5-3 in Longford’s favour. Ryan McHugh narrowly missed a very tough side-line conversion kick. However only minutes later he atoned with a sweet penalty attempt that deservedly extended the home lead to 8-3.

Dundalk came roaring back at the Longford defence and began to kick smartly with the wind at their backs. One such effort resulted in a huge territorial gain that pinned Longford tightly into the Club corner of the new 4G pitch and resulted in several scrums being awarded in their favour. Longford gave everything for the next 8 minutes to defend their line against a barrage of Dundalk runners. Eventually a gap opened with the Dundalk player seemingly over the line and the ball only a foot away from being touched down when from nowhere arrived Kieran O’Gorman with a simply astounding hit that foiled the try and turned over possession in Longford’s favour. Longford cleared their lines, but the Dundalk assault was not going away and they landed 2 further penalties before half time to leave the scoreboard 9-8 in their favour at the break.

The second half started as the first left off with both sides competing ferociously. The back row of Alistair McCormack, Kieran O’Gorman and the superb Tom Gilheany were everywhere and making both dominant carries and tackles that kept Longford on the front foot at every breakdown. After some superb interplay between backs and forwards the ball was swung out to Joe McGowan on an overlap to bag the home sides 2^nd try of the day and swing the scoreboard back to 13-9 in favour of Longford.

It was at this juncture that Longford had a superb opportunity to really push on and perhaps even dream of a bonus point victory. However, like earlier matches in the campaign indiscipline reappeared for this team and 2 quick yellow cards, both borderline, made the majority of the 2^nd half all about hanging in. Dundalk however could smell blood and bagged a try while they had the 2-man advantage to bring the score to 13-14 in their favour. Longford showed huge character to keep the dam from breaking after this and despite the odds began to make gains back into the Dundalk half. Time was however against the home team and it began to feel like another one of those days where the result simply refused to come.

That was however until George McDermot took matters into his own hands in the final minutes to finish off a brilliant phase of attacking rugby and crash over for the most deserved of tries to swing the scoreboard deservedly to 18-14 in Longford’s favour. Longford finished out the final frenetic 3 minutes to the sound of the referees’ whistle. The win that has eluded this team so far this season was theirs and with it the newfound belief that this could be the start of a remarkable fight back in the league for the remainder of the season.

There were standout performances from the majority of the team, but special mention should be given to Mark McHugh, Liam Brady, Benny McManus, Kieran O’Gorman and Player of the Match Tom Gilheany up front. The pick of the backs were Ryan McHugh, George McDermott, DaithÍ Connolly and the McGowan brothers. Special mention also to Rioch Farrell and Cormac Casey who both made very important contributions to a very, very important win.

The season starts here…

Leinster League Division 1B 

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

27/11/22 Longford 18-14 Dundalk

Upcoming Fixtures

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 2^nd XV

Longford 2nds came up short at home to Dundalk in a good competitive game.  Dundalk raced into a 12-point lead, driven on by their impressive No 8 and second row. Longford responded with a lovely try off a scrum scored in the corner by Steff Evans with Robbie Shaw adding the extras.  The home team turned into the wind and went another 3 points down following a penalty but showed great heart and desire when scoring a top class try. The move started with Jack Finn running the ball back before it was moved left to right.  It was then spun wide to the left where Finn broke forward before offloading to the onrushing Peadar Kenny to burst through and score. A quality try. This left 3 points between the teams and Dundalk held on to win.

Longford had two debutants in Lolu Adjemini and Evan Hogan who made very impressive first appearances. Donal Harkin led up front while Robbie Shaw and Cormac Casey were the pick of the backs.

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

Longford Leader Sports Star 2022 Hall of Fame Award

Longford RFC wish clubman Derick Turner all the best for the awards night on Friday next at the Longford Arms.  Well deserved recognition for a lifetime of hard work dedicated to the development of the club.

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

Longford ladies had a league break this week and are preparing for a block of games which could really define their league.  Currently sitting joint mid-table, level on points with Athy, the girls next outing is against their mid table opponent’s, followed by two games against teams sitting below them on the league table.  This represents a big opportunity to consolidate position in the top half of the table, ahead of Athy and open a clear gap to the teams below them. 

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

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.  Entry link can be found on all club social media channels.

Youth News

Match Results

U17 Midlands Warriors 07-29 Longford

U16 Game off

U16 Girls Conceded by Ardee

U15 No Game

U14 Midlands Warriors 14-48 Longford

U17

Midlands Warriors 07-29 Longford

Longford took control of the game from the off in challenging conditions, pressing on their 5-metre line for long periods in the first half, but Warriors spirited defence held Longford up over the line twice, before Cathal Byrne made the initial breakthrough for a try. Unfortunately, the difficult conditions prevented its conversion.

The game continued in this vein, but warriors defence held strong.  James Grehan eventually powered through to score.  Rian Brown added the conversion.

During one brief foray up  the field by Warriors, Longford scrumhalf, Conor Mulligan spotted an opportunity to kick behind the opposition defence and Jack Reilly showed a great turn of speed to reach the ball first and score a try.

Half time 17 - 0 for Longford.

Playing against the wind and up the slight hill in the second half, we expected to be pressed by Warriors, and so it turned out.  Stalwart defence prevented Warriors from making any headway as out lads kept their discipline and prevented any serious threats developing.

In this regard, while all stood up and contributed, returning player Stephen Oates was particularly effective in defence and attack.

We re-established our supremacy to again press their line and after being previously held up, James Grehan again touched down close to the posts and converted by Conor Mulligan.  After further pressure on their line over a long period, keeping the ball moving from side to side and stretching the defence, a ball was moved out the line and after a great lay off pass by Jack Ó Hara to Jack Reilly, he scored a try in the corner.

In the last few minutes, the lads started to tire, which allowed the warriors score a consoliation try despite the best efforts of Conor Mulligan, who was the last line of defence on this occasion.  Final score Warriors 07-29 Longford.

Most notable was the superb performance of the Longford scrum, and also our lineout, particularly by John Sheridan and his colleagues who were masterful in their performance.

Longford: Cathal Byrne Ciiaran Heffernan Ctahal Ghee Jack Cooke O Hara Seán Molihan  Stephen Oates John Sheridan  James Graha Connor Mulligan Rian Browne Jack Reilly Diarmuid Glennon Yaw Appiah Órán Lyons Caelum Magee

U14

Midlands Warriors 23-54 Longford 

Longford u14's travelled to Moate on Sunday to take on a physical Westmeath side.

The game started poor for Longford conceding in the first 5 minutes.  Longford were missing a few players due to illness, and this was evident until the introduction of young Finn Larkin.  The Killoe lad ensured Longford clean ball at the breakdown and was instrumental in Longford earning their first try with Connor Quinn Kelly going over.

Longford pushed on from there with tries from Sam Elliott, Jay Reynolds, Brody Corcoran and Ethan Neary.

At half time things looked good for Longford but now, playing against the slight hill Longford had to dig deep against a powerful pack.

Midland Warriors recorded two tries in the second half, but Longford's full back and man of the match Conor Quinn Kelly quickly cancelled them out.

Special mentions to Cillian Fagan, our new recruit from Mullinalaghta, who played a blinder as did William Nolan.  This side overall has shown great commitment and loyalty to each other.  Final score Longford 54 - 22 over Midland Warriors.

Longford team:  Jay Reynolds, Jack Neary, Eli Mulligan, Brody Corcoran, Adam Cronogue Flood, Sam Elliott (Captain), Conor Quinn Kelly, Luke Duncan, Tadhg Fagan, Ethan Neary, William Nolan, Pietro Gino, Finn Larkin, Naoise Golden, Cillian Fagan, Brandon Cronogue.

Youths Fixtures 03/12/22

U18  Longford v Enniscorthy

U18 Girls CDS v Longford

U17 Longford v Edenderry

U16 Wilsons v Longford (Wednesday night)

U16 Portarlington v Longford (Saturday)

U16 Girls New Ross v Longford

New Kit

Longford youth’s section are kindly sponsored by Midland’s Language School (MLC), and we were delighted to receive additional kit, to complement the existing youth’s teams matchday teamwear, including a full set of alternative jerseys.  We think the colour scheme is fantastic.  Our thanks to Aiden and Angela Brady, of MLC, for their much-appreciated continued support.

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 

U12 Away Blitz- Birr Rugby Club 

Longford U12 team played a blitz at West Offaly Rugby Club Sunday morning. They played two very competitive games of rugby with some outstanding performances from a very young team.  It was free flowing rugby at its best! Longford had 18 players which was an outstanding turnout.  Longford played 12 aside and they acquitted themselves very well.  They are learning their trade ever week and and a very high standard is being achieved.  We hope to get a training session in during the week so please watch this space for updates.  We would like to thank all at West offaly for their friendly and welcome and for all the goodies afterwards, it was much appreciated on a cold Sunday morning.  BD

U8 Away Blitz -  Tullamore Rugby Club 

On a blustery and murky day, Longford’s U8’s made the journey to Tullamore for a round of games against Offaly opposition.

First up was Birr, a club renowned for producing skilful and strong players, and today was no exception. However, Longford were up to the task and dominated the early exchanges, skilfully retaining a lot of possession. Longford were excellent in their high tempo off load game; Micheál and Joey pulling the opposition one way, then the other. Michael marshalled the defence, snuffing out the Birr counterattack, while Jack’s tigerish tackling stemmed the Birr offensive. Anthony showed his silky skills, weaving in and out of a sturdy defence to keep Birr on their toes. Scott’s line breaks gave Longford momentum, making Birr having to second guess what he was going to do next. A high-scoring game with tries scored by all the Longford warriors; the tempo never relented as Birr gave as good as they got.

Next up was two back-to-back games against the powerhouse that is Tullamore. Great hosts off the pitch, they were intent on spoiling the party on the pitch, but Longford again were up to the task, despite the bruising encounter with Birr.  Jack hit a tackle count that Josh van de Flier would have been proud of and was rewarded with both a turnover and scoring an excellent try in the corner. Scott again with ball in hand broke the gain-line constantly, the stats showing 172 meters made, and a couple of tries to boot. Anthony was fleet of foot, leaving the red and black of Tullamore in his wake to touch down. Joey’s snipe break paid off in the right-hand corner to score brilliantly, despite the attention of four defenders. Michael transformed into Tadgh Beirne, as he menaced the Tullamore defence, hitting ruck after ruck and forcing six turnovers in the red zone, and a brace of tries to add to his tally. Micheál is our Gibson-Park, quick ball to his teammates, constantly aware of the threat and a number of opportunists tries to leave the crowd ecstatic.

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.

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