Men narrowly lose out to Wicklow, Ladies lose to league leaders...

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

Men’s XV News 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

04/12/22 Longford 10-07 Cill Dara

15/01/23 Wicklow 14-13 Longford

 Upcoming Fixtures

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.

15/01/2023 Leinster League Division 1B Wicklow 14 Longford 13

Longford are pipped at the post by league leaders Wicklow RFC in away thriller

Match report by Mark Quinn at Ashtown Lane, Wicklow

After 2 successive wins to close out 2022, Longford RFC made their way to league leaders Wicklow RFC on Sunday past with serious intent to get 2023 started in similar fashion. Wicklow beat Longford in the earlier home fixture this season by a single score and the squad had an appetite for revenge in the away fixture. Sunday’s proceedings did not disappoint those in attendance.

In fresh conditions, the game started and both sides set down markers for the events to follow. Longford carried hard at the imposing Wicklow defensive line and the hits were not for the faint hearted. Longford’s shape was much better than earlier in the season – there was a very clear plan with the system beginning to really click. Possession exchanged between both sides and as a contest Wicklow were under no illusions that they were very much in for a tough day at the office.

Both sides cancelled each other out until the 20^th minute when a period of sustained Longford pressure was rewarded with a penalty on the Wicklow 10 metre line. Ryan McHugh stepped up to calmy slot home the opening 3 points to give Longford a deserved lead midway through the first half. Unsurprisingly, Wicklow reacted and launched several waves a hard-running rugby that took all of Longford’s effort to keep at bay. Worryingly however, penalties started to pile up against the visitors which took all the earlier positive momentum away. Longford were defending for their lives as Wicklow launched multiple attacks deep into the Longford half.

On one break away, the Wicklow attack surged towards the line under the Longford posts. The initial drive was just held up, only for the second phase to be halted by what the referee adjudged to have been a tackle off the ball by the covering Kieran O’Gorman. Another penalty was awarded under the Longford posts with O’Gorman shown little mercy by the referee who displayed the yellow against Longford’s talisman. From the resulting penalty Wicklow got in for the opening try of the match which was converted. Score 7-3 to Wicklow.

Longford defended valiantly for the next 10 minutes as half time approached. Despite the 1-man disadvantage, the Men in Black competed ferociously with Benny McManus, Ali McCormack and Tom Gilheany in particular laying their bodies on the line to dispel the Wicklow onslaught. With only a minute left in the half, Wicklow showed why they are top of the league with a clinical move wide that seen their winger get in at the corner for another try. This was superbly converted to give Wicklow a 14-3 lead at the break – perhaps an unfair reflection on what was in truth a much closer 1^st half.

Longford were restored to their full compliment as the 2^nd half got underway and it was the away team who got out of the traps much faster. Mark McHugh at hooker made a superb line break from just inside his own half and carried for 25 metres before being caught by the retreating Wicklow defence. Longford were quick in support and managed to retain possession before launching another series of incisive phases. George McDermott spotted Daithí Connolly free on the right wing on 47 minutes and swung a long, precision pass that Connolly collected to slide in at the corner. The difficult touchline conversion was missed, but the scoreboard was corrected somewhat to 14-8 – its was now very much game on.

David Geelan had a superb game in Second Row – and is seen here rising highest as Longford laid siege to the Wicklow line

Longford could now smell an upset and went for the jugular. Every Wicklow attack was contained with fierce determination, resulting in several, crucial, hard worked turnovers. Player/Coach Henry Bryce was introduced and began to make his mark via several signature carries in the Centre that kept manners on Wicklow and as importantly kept them guessing. Longford varied their play with Colm Glynn pulling the strings from Outhalf, supported by intricate back play through Danny McHugh and Daithí Connolly in particular. Finbarr McGowan was at all times on the front foot and his passing from the base was laser like every time in getting an ever-confident Longford backline moving.  

Longford had a great opportunity shorty after to score central to the Wicklow posts which would have resulted in a more straight forward conversion. Longford launched multiple phases at the Wicklow line and were inches short on several occasions. Alas, the Wicklow defence held firm and, in the end, won a frustrating turnover from Longford’s perspective to give Wicklow an exit that they were lucky to earn. Longford needed to remain calm and go again. Time was starting to wind down against the visitors.

But this team is resilient and back they came – all the way into the Wicklow 22 via a penalty to touch. It was a Longford lineout, 10 metres out with only minutes to go. David Geelan rose highest to secure possession and Longford set an aggressive rolling maul at a beleaguered Wicklow pack. Wicklow collapsed the Longford maul with the offending player shown a yellow card. Longford had 2 minutes and a man advantage to now seal the deal. David Geelan repeated the previous feat and again Longford mauled hard at the Wicklow line. This time the maul kept it shape and momentum for Mark McHugh to crash over, 5 metres infield, on 78 minutes. The difficult conversion was however missed and so we entered the final play of the game 14-13 behind.

Alas, it was not to be on this occasion. The game ended shortly after and a very relieved Wicklow sunk to their knees in exhaustion having bravely fended off a superb overall Longford effort. For Longford, it was a case of what could have been. The team played with real heart and commitment within a very smart game plan that so nearly delivered what would have easily been the shock of the season to the other teams in the division. But this would have been no shock to Longford – they believed from the outset and fronted up. This level of performance must become the new normal as it will translate into crucial victories as the season enters the final crucial months.

“To dare is to do” – this Longford side have surprises up their sleeves yet. Onwards to Mullingar at home next Sunday in a crucial local derby, the result of which will be pivotal to the League comeback that is still very much on the cards.

Your support at the Rugby Club next weekend would be greatly appreciated by all involved at LRFC. A superb contest is in store for those who come to roar on the Men in Black.

1 P Farrell 2 M McHugh 3 L Brady 4 D Geelan 5 B McManus 6 A McCormack 7 K O’Gorman 8 T Gilheany 9 F McGowan 10 R McHugh 11 D McHugh 12 C Glynn 13 G McDermott 14 D Connolly 15 C Casey 16 R Collum 17 J Murray 18 J Geelan 19 H Bryce 20 D Masterson

Wicklow 2XV V Longford 2XV

Longford Seconds travelled to Wicklow for the first game after the long Christmas break but didn’t realise the holidays were over for the first 20 minutes, by which time the hosts had racked up a 17-point lead. The visitors put away the decorations and decided to get back to work and should have crossed the whitewash but were held up.  The half time break brought some clarity to the structures and and Longford put together some lovely phases of play before Matt Gray crashed over with Robbie Shaw adding the two. The Longford men doubled their try tally with move good play with Lolu Adejimini powering over.  The Wicklow men broke up the right before switching back to the left catching Longford short of numbers.  Rioch Farrell worked really hard to stop the attack, but the hosts scored too easily off the ensuing scrum.

A great kick chase by Jamie Preece saw Longford awarded a penalty deep in opposition territory with quick thinking by Jimmy Mimnagh leading to a try by the Dromard man.

Unfortunately, Longford coughed up the ball while in attack and Wicklow took full advantage to add another 7 points on the final whistle. Wicklow deserved the victory, but we made it too easy with the poor start. This is something that will be rectified.

There were some fine performances with Brian Hanley, Ivor McCormack and Kevin Rodgers showing up in the pack while Jack Finnegan and debutant Daire McManus were the pick of the backs.

Match Balls presentation

Longford Rugby mens teams were delighted to accept a generous contribution from Seamus Butler, Managing Director of Butler Mamufacturing Services Limited.  Seamus kindly presented 10 match balls for the senior mens 1st and 2nds teams to Captain Danny McHugh, Director or Rugby Colm Glynn and Head Coach Henry Bryce.  The donation is much appreciated.

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

4/12/22 Athy 31-27 Longford

11/12/22 Arklow v Longford Postponed

8/01/23 Greystones 14-23 Longford

15/01/23 Longford 12-17 New Ross

Longford v New Ross

Longford came up against table toppers and unbeaten New Ross in what turned out to be a cracking game of rugby on Sunday last.  Longford started well with some very well worked moves between forwards and backs which lead to Tegan crossing the line early with Emma Dardis converting to give a 7-point lead. Longford spent the latter part of the second half defending their 22.

Great tackling and calm heads saw Longford clear their lines on numerous occasions’, only for New Ross to attack again and again. Ross eventually broke the defence after a good scrum to see them cross the line on 30 mins to leave the score 7 points each.

A line out past the half hour mark saw Longford  attack but for New Ross defence put pressure on the Longford passing. The scrum clearance saw the visitors move back into the Longford half and solid defending was required to close out the first half.

The restart saw the play stay between the 22’s.  An infringement in the scrum gave the advantage to Longford.  They chose to tap and gained some ground.  Another Ross infringement gave Longford another penalty.  Longford seemed more determined in their carries. The hard work was undone on the Ross 10m line with a penalty for the visitors to clear the danger. With 2 evenly matched teams the game stayed between the 22s.  On 20 minutes, New Ross won a scrum against the head to put them back inside the Longford 22. Again, Longford defended well and forced a knock on. The efforts were undone by a ruck infringement and New Ross scored the resulting penalty kick to leave score 07-10 to the visitors.  Longford were awarded a penalty on half way after a New Ross scrum infringement.  Longford tapped quickly and again won a second penalty, chosing to kick this time, and the lineout was on the 22. 

Longford were unable to capitalise on their possession and once again saw them defending in their 22.  A Longford infringement saw New Ross kick for the corner. A well organised maul from the lineput saw them cross the line to go 10-17 ahead.

With time running out Longford now had to make something happen. From a penalty, some hard running saw Leanne Keegan cross in the corner but unfortunately the try wasn't converted.  With that time was up.

Final score Longford 12-17 New Ross.

With a losing bonus point secured, it puts Longford 4th in the table with 3rd placed Wicklow up next away, this was a very spirted performance and will give them confidence going forward they now have a weekend off before 2 very tough matches against second and third placed teams.

Longford: Jessica Stewart, Tara Gilna, Katie Lee, Dora Ledwith, Rebeka Stavuse, Marie Kellaher, Amanda Sheridan,  Megan Banahan, Emma Dardis,  Tegan Evans,  Leanne Keegan,  Leona Hoare, Rachel O Farrell, Michelle Mulvey, Rebecca O Hara,  Mary Sheridan, Amy Molloy, Roisin Shaw, Mandy Ryan, Samantha Mchale, Jasmine Smyth, Judy Starzynska.

Ladies upcoming fixtures

29/01/23 Wicklow J1 v Longford

5/02/23Longford v Clontarf

12/02/23 Gorey v Longford

26/02/23 Longford v Athy

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. 

Youth Rugby, sponsored by MLC, Midlands Language Centre. 

 Weekend Results 14/01/23

U18 Longford 32-31 Panthers

U17 Longford 00-60 Athy Div 1

U16 E’Derry conceded v Longford Div 2

U16G Longford 20-26 Los Leona’s Div 3 Ph1

U15 Mullingar v Longford Div 2

U14 Longford v Midlands Warriors Div 2

U14G Ravens v Longford ML

Upcoming fixtures 21/01/23 

U18 Naas v Longford Div 1A

U18G Greystones v Longford Div 4

U17 Portlaoise v Longford Div 1

U16 Longford v Clondalkin Div 2

U15 Longford v Edenderry Div 2

U14G Newbridge v Longford L2 North

Youth Match reports 

U18G Longford v Panthers

The U18 girls played Panthers from Dublin at the weekend.  The Longford girls put in a big effort and came out the right side with a 1-point win.  3 tries from Keelin Byrne, 1 from Aisling Toher and 1 from Kaela Walsh.  New girl Leah Quinn had her first game and played a brilliant game.  Final score: Longford 32-31 Panther’s.

Longford's U18’s players Dervla and Kaela Walsh, with Dad, Liam Walsh, who happened to be match day referee for their game.  A happy Liam commented after, ‘for once they had to do what they were told’. 

U16G

Longford v Las Leonas

Longford hosted a strong amalgamation of Coolmine & Seapont Rugby clubs in the Leinster League.

Both teams put on a great display of rugby.  Las Leonas opened the scoreboard early on.  Ava Horkan returned fire for Longford, scoring off the back of the scrum. 

Las Leona’s held a 12-05 lead at half time.

The pressure was on the homeside when the visitors opened the second half with another try.  Longford dug deep and fought back with both sides exchanging tries.

In the last few minutes Mia Rowan ran in from within the Longford half to reduce the deficit but alas, the visitors held out for the win.

Final score, Longford 20-26 Las Leonas.

Tries : Ava Horkan (2)Mia Rowan(2)

Players of the match; Team Captain, Isabella Larkin, and Amber McGrath.

The team were delighted to welcome back Jasmine Duignan to the squad.

Longford welcome new players any Monday or Wednesday evening at 7pm

U15 boys

Mullingar v Longford

Longford U15s hosted Mullingar on Saturday, coming out on the wrong side with a 12-19 loss. The match started with a fired-up Longford taking an early lead through a try from Conor Clarke.

Longford dominated early play and after prolonged pressure on the Mullingar try line, the ball was moved out quickly to Tadhg Rodgers who touched down through the Mullingar defence, putting Longford 12-00 ahead.  Mullingar responded well and got into the game more as the half progressed and just before the break, scored to go in Longford leading 12-07 at half time.

After the break, Longford found it hard to regain the early domination.  Both sides conceded penalties, and Mullingar capitalised for a try in the corner, to level at 12-12.

From the restart the penalty count from both sides stifled the flow of the game.  Longford regained their early dominant form and David Osinbucho made a bursting run through the visitor’s line but unfortunately spilled the ball.  From the scrum, Mullingar ran the length of the pitch to score and leading for the first time in the game with minutes to play.  Longford pressured for a quick response but with the final whistle sounding, Longford had to settle for second best on the day.

Final score, Longford 12-19 Mullingar.

14 Boys 

Longford v Midlands Warriors 

The team continue to build and progress with a great home victory over Midland Warriors.  Making use of LRFC’s great facilities they stayed out of the mud on a wet day on the pristine 4G pitch. They showed great character improving immeasurably from the trip to Carlow only a week earlier, especially in their defence and  breakdowns.

This great team performance from Longford saw a plethora of tries, to cap a 32-0 victory. Openside Brody Corcoran scored the opener, followed by a second from Conor Quinn Kelly whose running was a constant thorn in the side of the warrior’s defence. The 3rd try was scored by Scrum Half Ethan Neary, the 1st of his hatrick. Sam Elliot from No. 8 made big runs all match showing his prowess with ball in hand and got a deserved try as a result. 

A total of 6 tries was only possible from the fantastic performances of ALL players from 1-22 even those returning and making their debuts for the club.

Final score Longford 32-00 Midlands Warriors.

Longford squad 1, Jake Kelly 2, Evan Bohan 3, Cormac McCauley 4, Tadhg Fagan 5, Jay Reynolds 6 William Nolan 7, Brody Corcoran 8 Sam Elliot 9, Ethan Neary 10, Adam Cronogue Flood 11, Naoise Golden 12, Conor Quinn Kelly 13, Pietro Gino 14, Finn Larkin 15, Cillian Fagan. 15, Luke Duncan 17, Jack Neary 18, John Burke 19, Conor Mahon 20, Brandon Cronogue 21, Brayden Francis 22, Robert Rowan.

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 

Longford Rugby Club was the venue last Sunday for a Great morning’s rugby for the minis.  Carrick on Shannon were the visitors with all age groups.  Our U6 to U11 teams all played their counterparts.  Despite the cold and wind, the rain even played ball for the morning, staying away until it was time for the tea and biscuits!

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