Longford RFC secure Division 1B Status, Schools Cup, Simon Sleep Out...

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

Leinster League Division 1B 

Longford “Seal the Deal” to secure Division 1B status for next season

By Mark Quinn at North Kildare

02/04/2022 Leinster League Division 1B/2A Promotion/Relegation Playoff

Longford RFC 27 – Clondalkin RFC 16

“Fortune favours the brave” – and this has never been truer than Longford RFC’s Senior Men’s journey this season as they defied all logical odds to retain their status among Leinster Division 1B. For context, after 6 rounds of the 14 round competition format, the team sat shell shocked at the bottom of the table with no wins on the board. With 8 rounds remaining, the team had to plot a course to survival that would require a minimum of 5 wins as well as a mix of bonus points to pull off the comeback of comebacks. Last Sunday’s events in Dundalk completed the above “Houdini act”, with Longford moving off the foot of the table for the first time all season in the 3^rd minute of injury time on the final day of the regular season. However, the reward was not automatic safety but a place in a once off Play Off v the 2^nd placed team in Division 2A – Clondalkin RFC. This was now essentially a Winner Takes All Final.

The Longford Squad ahead of their Play Off Final v Clondalkin (Photo – Gerry Carthy)

BR – R Farrell, P Farrell, L Brady, K O’Gorman, D Geelan, R Shaw, P Kiernan, S McKeown, B McManus, B Harte, D McHugh, R Davis (Manager), R Shaw (Manager)

FR – C Glynn, G McDermott, R McHugh, C Casey, M McHugh, T Gilheany, P Molloy, A McCormack, B Hanley, D Masterson, H Bryce (Head Coach)

On Sunday past, the final episode of what has been an epic script played out. The team arrived at the neutral North Kildare venue focused and determined to deliver the win required to retain their place among the highly competitive Division 1B. A large crowd was in attendance and the scene was set. In balmy Spring conditions, the match got underway to a ferocious early intensity. Both sides showed clear early intent that this was going to be a hard-won match and whoever was to take the spoils would need to earn it. It was Longford who landed the first blow on 4 minutes after a superb break from Kieran O’Gorman was initially continued by his back-row partner in crime Tom Gilheany to launch Longford deep into the Clondalkin 22. The referee signalled a penalty to Longford from the ensuing breakdown which Ryan McHugh sent straight between the posts. 3-0 to Longford and an ideal start. However, Clondalkin showed immediately from the restart that they intended to take the game back to Longford and displayed some silky phases to keep the men in black honest. Indeed, it was Clondalkin who’s efforts were next rewarded via converted penalties on the 8^th and 14^th minutes to swing the scoreboard 3-6 in their favour. Longford knew they were in for a battle.

To their credit, Longford immediately upped the tempo and delivered some excellent rugby in equal measure through both the Forwards and Backs. On 18 minutes it was Longford Centre, George McDermott, who took matters into his own hands to cross the Clondalkin whitewash for a crucial opening try under the posts. Ryan McHugh converted to return the scoreboard 10-6 in Longford’s favour.

George McDermott bags Longford opening try v Clondalkin (Photo – Gerry Carthy)

Longford had to defend bravely for the following 20 minutes as Clondalkin launched wave after wave of attack in their effort to get back into the game. Rioch Farrell and Diarmuid Masterson both landed thundering hits in this period to negate the Clondalkin momentum. Both sides displayed a ferocious commitment at the point of contact, with the ball swinging from one side of the pitch to the other in a terrific high tempo. Up front it was Podge Farrell, Mark McHugh & Liam Brady who set the foundation in the set piece with David Geelan & Benny McManus leading the Longford effort in close contact open play. Packie Molloy pulled the strings at No.8 as the forwards began to dominate their opponents.

The Longford forwards rumble forward v Clondalkin (Photo – Gerry Carthy)

As half time approached, Colm Glynn earned a penalty for Longford after a brilliant jackal at the breakdown. Ryan McHugh converted the resulting penalty to further increase the Longford lead to 13-6. A minute later in first half injury time the Longford lead was further enhanced after a superb finish from flying winger Rioch Farrell who was put through after some blistering play from his teammates. Ryan McHugh converted to give Longford an 18-6 lead at the break.

Rioch Farrell touches down for Longford 2^nd try after being put through.  Courtesy of a superb pass from Mark McHugh (Photo – Gerry Carthy)

The 2^nd half opened to an erratic pattern for Longford as despite their healthy and deserved lead, the ball was not sticking with several unforced errors leading to frustration among the Men in Black. This gave Clondalkin renewed belief that they could get back into the game and to their credit they never stopped in their efforts to erode the gap built up by Longford. However, after a sustained period of pressure it was Longford who dealt the next blow on 57 minutes as they surged up field to attack the Clondalkin line. After a number of intensive phases by the forwards, it was Robbie Shaw who launched the crucial and ultimately game winning attack as the ball was swung wide through the backs. The hugely talented Bran Harte smartly fixed the last covering Clondalkin defenders before releasing Player of the Match, Rioch Farrell clear on the wing for his 2^nd try of the afternoon. Ryan McHugh landed a superb conversion from the touchline to further enhance Longford lead to 27-6.

Longford had to absorb a difficult last 23 minutes from Clondalkin who threw everything they had at Longford with nothing to lose. Matters were not helped during this period by 2 yellow cards that stretched the Longford line when really the game should have been seen out. To their full credit, Clondalkin landed 2 late tries of their own to improve the score line to 27-16. Indeed, this is how it finished as the referee finally blew his whistle to the relief of all in attendance.

And so the “Great Escape” was completed. The Players, Coaches and Management deserve huge credit for their dedication and commitment to the cause this season. They never gave up and have proven many wrong this season. After a hugely character-building campaign, this squad will ultimately benefit from this journey. New players have been blooded, the overall game plan has been developed and ultimately a very unique bond has been created among this group.

Roll on next September when they will do it all again – proudly in Leinster Division 1B.

1 – L Brady 2 – M McHugh 3 –  P Farrell 4 – D Geelan 5 – B McManus 6 – K O’Gorman 7 – T Gilheany 8 – P Molloy 9 – R Shaw 10 – R McHugh 11 – D Masterson 12 – C Glynn 13 – G McDermott 14 – R Farrell 15 – B Harte 16 – B Hanley 17 – S McKeown 19 – A McCormack 20 – H Bryce 21 – C Casey

Result

Leinster League Div 1B promotion/relegation playoff

Longford 27-16 Clondalkin

Ladies’ rugby

For Longford Ladies, the season ended in Mullingar on Friday, losing out 24 -26 to Tullamore. The ladies will remain in Div 3 going forward.

The end of the season brings with it the end of an era for Head Coach Nuala McGoey, who, after 20 odd years both playing and coaching, has decided to hang up her boots.  We wish her well and look forward to seeing her on the sidelines enjoying the game from a different perspective.

Official Opening & Dedication of Longford Rugby Club 4G

The official opening took place on Friday afternoon last with Cathaoirleach Turlough McGovern cutting the tape in front of a crowd of club members, family, and friends. The weather did not dampen the spirits and the guests enjoyed a number of speeches over lunch afterwards.  See pictures in this week’s issue.

The ceremony was preceded by the inaugural school’s tournament which is hoped to be held every year to round of the rugby activities of local schools.

Paddy Quinn, Robert Belton, Pat Fitzgerald, Ann Diffley (rep. of Mel diffley), and Warren Turner, at the official opening of the 4G pitch on Friday.  The pitch is dedicated to the five individuals, whom together have a combined 260 years committed service to Longford Rugby Club.

Longford Rugby Charity Sleep out

Join local personalities and take part in this year's Midlands Simon Community SLEEP OUT in Longford Rugby Club on Friday night.

Midlands Simon Community provides three services in Longford.

Regional Support Service (Homelessness) supports people to move out of homelessness and source a home of their own and once a person moves into their new home to settle successfully there. This service works with over thirty people in Longford at any one time.

Housing with Support Service provides ten homes to people in Longford that have experienced homelessness. The service has attained outcomes above the national average, and this is evidence that with support people can progress out of homelessness.

Out of Hours Service is available every night of the year to respond to people who become homeless and are in crisis.  In 2022 the Out of Hours service had forty-two separate contacts with people that needed its support in Longford.

Longford RFC has been involved with various charities over the years and looks forward to joining up with Midlands Simon Community.

You can support this year's sleep out via the go fund page on this link:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/hrx6yf-midland-simon-community-sleep-out-2023 

Youth Rugby, sponsored by MLC, Midlands Language Centre. 

Leinster league roundup 

U18 Longford vs Carlow

Longford under 18s took on Carlow in the under 18s plate semi final in Wilson’s Hospital last Wednesday night. The side met both home and away in the league with Carlow winning convincingly on both occasions. Longford have had a tough season and have taken some beatings along the way and have relied on the generosity of the under 17’s to help bolster the squad who were unfortunately cup tied for this competition. In the previous round Longford put in a workman like performance against a Raven’s team 30-5.

The much-fancied Carlow team started the game off with intent kicking the ball into the right corner pinning Longford back by winning a penalty and electing to kick to the corner instead of the taking the three points. Longford defended the lineout and maul well but struggled to exit their twenty-two and conceded an early try as the heavens opened.

Carlow continued to pile on the pressure to Longford as Carlow won an excellent 50/22 and from the proceeding lineout managed to score a try as Longford once again failed to get out of their 22 leaving the scores 12-0

Carlow’s back was up, and the wind was at their back and were getting all the breaks. They scored a third try after a knock on was missed by the official leaving 19-0. At this point the outlook was grim for the Longford side but even as results have not gone their way, they have always showed heart and great resilience throughout the season.

Longford finally got possession in the Carlow half. They started playing through some phases and won a penalty just outside the Carlow 22 and elected for a midfield scum. Longford won clean ball and Padraig Boyle passed to the mercurial Kevin Byrne who not for the first this season produced a big play and took his man on the outside and crashed over the line. Boyle made the conversion. 19-7

This Carlow side who are in the semi-finals of the premier division showed their worth and scored a fourth try to make it 24-7 to put the game out of Longford’s reach.

Longford restarted and managed to gain a lineout on Carlow’s 10-meter line. Jack Patton who had a fine game threw the ball to captain Murtagh who won clean ball and played it off the top to Sam O’rourke who then gave it to Boyle who hit the pod of Joel Gillanders and David Bannon in the centre of the park. Gillanders made a huge line break of thirty meters and gave the pass to Bannon who finished of the move excellently for the scored of the night. Boyle added the conversion to make it 24-14 at half time.

Longford started off the second half as they finished the first. Bannon, Byrne, and David Sullivan put in some big shots to put Carlow under pressure. Longford won a scrum and Murtagh picked from the base making good yardage. After some pick and goes the powerful Lolu Adejinmi crashed over the line. Boyle added the extras to make it 24-21.

The game between became a nervy one as both teams sought to find field position with Boyle and full-back Dan Egan getting the rub of the green with their kicks. Unfortunately,flanker Bannon got the bin for a high tackle, but Longford managed the card well and kept Carlow scoreless throughoutthis period.

With the game in the balance Longford played some of the best rugby they have played all year and started it throwing offloads that the Baa-baas would be proud of.

Once Longford returned to the Carlow 22 the forwards came to life going through the phases with substitute RokasMacevicius crashing over the line in his second game for the club with Boyle making it 4/4 to make it 24-28.

With 15 minutes left in the game Longford continued the attacked and Lolu was held up on the Carlow line to almost put the game out of reach. Carlow came up the pitch for one last dash at the Longford line, but the Longford defence held out with some phenomenal maul defence.

The referee blew the final whistle to the elation of the Longford supporters and management on the side lines for an upset for the ages.

Special mention to Ryan Brittion, Ciaran Mcnally and Sheamus Hanley who put in serious graft thought the game in the pack and Jude O’Rourke, Sam O’Rourke and Adam Glennon who tackled like their lives depended on it during the game.

Longford await ether Naas or Tullow in the final with the venue and date to be decided.

Longford Team

1 Lolu Adejinmi 2 Jack Patton 3 Ryan Britton 4 Ciaran McNally 5 Seamus Hanley 6 Joel Gillanders 7 David Bannon 8 Eoin Murtagh 9 Sam O’Rourke 10 Padraig Boyle 11 Adam Glennon 12 Jude O’Rourke 13 Kevin Byrne 14 David Sullivan 15 Daniel Egan 16 Rokas Macevicius

Unavailable For Selection

Sam Mills, Ryan D’arcy, Dan Devlin, Martin Bisset

U17 Longford 17 - New Ross 7

The Longford U17’s have had a busy few weeks.  After a heroic display against Athy in the Leinster League Final, they had a Leinster Plate Quarter Final victory the following Saturday against an improving Midland Warriors side, to play against New Ross in the plate semi-final being hosted by Portarlington last Saturday. Victory in this game would result in a plate final against local rivals Mullingar.

The Longford lads played against the wind in the first half and the rain had just held off as the game commenced.  The men in black had fire in the belly and went straight at the New Ross defence.  Although Longford had narrowly beaten this south east team last season, the men from Tadhg Furlong’s home club had been victorious in their previous two encounters, so this was going to be a tight game. Longford kept driving forward and after 7 minutes Stephen Oates broke through a gap to score under the posts and Conor Mulligan, despite the wind, converted to put the Longford men into the lead.  Instead of inspiring then to on, the Longford team started to sit back, with some silly errors letting the New Ross lads get back into the game.

As a result of one of their attacks, Diarmuid Rawle was cogged in a very delicate place.  He came off to get some private medical attention but was unable to stop the bleeding and he was unable to apply a band aid to the area of the rupture.  He had to be replaced but hopefully he will be up to it in the next game.  Due to the lack of backs cover on the replacements, as Ronan’s mantra was “we had to adapt.”  So, Cian Gavin came on and Olan Bracken placed out on the wing. New Ross kept the pressure on and as they drove for the line they went over for their try, and they converted.  Now on the front foot, they kept pressing, they kicked over the top for James Grehan to gain procession and in the resulting ruck, as he was positioning himself on the ground and New Ross player fell on his knee and James’s day on the pitch was over.  Cathal Ghee came in to slot in, in the front row.  The lads held out through some great defensive work to finish the half with the score drawn 7-7.

After a brief half time talk where we emphasised that a loss today would mean the end of the season, the lads came out more focused, and as one supportive parent put it “they seem to have gotten their mo-jo back.”  After some great backs play called by our General Rian Browne at out half, the ball was passed by him to Diarmuid Glennon to Alex Forde, with Diarmuid on the loop causing an overlap on the wing and now with winger Christopher Trautt on the ball spinting for the line, however, the pacey New Ross full back, tackled Chris just as he was getting into his stride.  He took a hard knock when coming to the ground, so he had to be replaced by Cathal Byrne, with him coming into the front row.  But for the next 20 minutes it was a battle between two evenly matched teams. Prop Yaw Appiah switched into the backs as second centre and Alex going out onto the wing.  Longford were now camped in the New Ross 22 and with Yaw now making some great runs at their defence in his new role, the gaps started to appear.  Jack O’Hara was quick to exploit one of these gaps and as he received the ball on their twenty-two, he sprinted through one of the gaps to score.

This score was especially important, as it now meant that New Ross had to chase the game, as a draw was not good enough for them. With the “result on the day” rule meaning that, as a result of Longford scoring the first try, the game would be awarded to the Longford side if it were drawn at full time.  For the last 10 minutes, New Ross tried to get out of their half. It was difficult as Cathal Byrne, like a man processed, made some great carries, as a result of one drive New Ross got the ball and kicked for the touch, it was short, Olan Bracken retrieved the ball, ran around his defender, and went to score his try in the corner.  The ref blew the final whistle few minutes later to leave the final score at 17-7 and another final for the young Longfordians.

It was not the prettiest of games, with some basic errors being still made, our structured play still needs some work, and some “walking” at times during the game.  The forwards played well, Oran has adapted to his position as hooker, winning the scrums and throwing well in the lineout.  Yaw played his best game in the black jersey and excelled in the space when he went into the backs.  Jack and Sean Molihan were the engine house in the scrum and lifted brilliantly in the line, defensively they tackled away and carried the ball well.  John Sheridan was fantastic in the line out, being strong to say, “put me up,” on the New Ross throw in, “and I’ll take their ball” and he did.  Stephen Oates was definitely up for man of the match.  In attack, he drove straight at the opposition defence, crossing the gain line every time, and in defence, he rarely missed a tackle.  They controlled the game and showed how quick ball by Conor out to the backs can create spaces out on the wings, with Diarmuid, Rian and Alex deceiving the opposition (and some of our forwards) with their loop moves.  However, if Stephen Oates was not man of the match, then second for that accolade would be Caelum Mc Gee.  He made some brilliant cover tackles to prevent New Ross from scoring and came into the line to create overlaps, with also him covering the back field when New Ross tried to kick. The last shout out is for our three replacements, the two Cathals and Rian.  They are played brilliant when they came on and were an enormous impact on the game and showed how vital they are to have in any game.

We now are in the plate final to be played on the 22nd of April and a venue yet to be decided, in a derby against local rivals Mullingar.  It has been a good season for us, and it would be great to top it off with some Leinster silverware.  We wish our U18’s the best of luck as they made it to the plate final after a heroic victory against a fancied Carlow team, coming back for 7-24 and half time to win 28-24.  Their win, and comeback, was also an inspiration to our U17’s lads.  The U16’s are so vying in the plate with a semi-final to be played.  It is great to see so many youth teams still playing in Leinster competitions at this stage of the season.

Longford Schools Tournament- Hugh Connolly Perpetual Cup

Club Vice President presented the winning girls team from Wilsons Hospital, Multifarnham at the Longford and District Schools tournament 

The inaugural Longford and District Schools Tournament saw six boy’s junior teams and two girl’s teams representing St. Mel’s College, Longford, Wilsons Hospital, Cnoc Mhuire Granard, Ard Scoil Phadraig, Granard, Mean Scoil Mhuire Longford and Moyne Community School participating at the club on Friday last.

Under direction from our Club secondary schools coach, Daniel McHugh, the action kicked off with the boy’s teams seeking to claim the Hugh Connolly Perpetual Cup. 

In the girl’s tournament, teams were competing for the ‘Karen Lennon Perpetual Trophy.’

Some fantastic rugby from all schools was on display and all games were narrowly won.

Picture of all the participating players at the Longford and District Schools tournament at Longford Rugby Club. 

Wilson’s Hospital we are the winners of both boys and girl’s competitions.

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/

David Connolly presents the Hugh Connolly Perperual Cup to Mark Glynn, Captain of Wilsons Hospital winning team at the Longford and District Schools tournament. 

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 – Eugene Larkin 086 6015325

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

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 & 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

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 does not 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.

For all Longford RFC club correspondence please contact 

Ph: 087 6063587Email:  lrfconnects@gmail.com