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Grand Slam for Shane Mallon and the Ireland U20s.

Ireland U20s completed the remarkable feat of completing the Grand Slam with a comprehensive win v Scotland 59-05 on Sunday.  It was even more remarkable in that they had to beat France and England away from home along the way.  Obviously it means a lot to everyone in Longford RFC and Bornacoola, as our own Shane Mallon started the first two match against Wales and France.  Unfortunately, Shane did not get a run in the remaining three games but played really well in the first two games and was a very important part in the Grand Slam.  Well done to Shane and the Ireland U20s.

Senior Men

Longford Senior Men kick off their Provinical Towns Plate campaign this Friday night under lights at 8PM versus against fellow Midlanders, Edenderry.  Weekend games under lights are always a good occasion and it would be great to see some good support in CPL Park.  Boyne await the winners of the match in the next round.  The Senior Men’s 2^nd XV travel to Cill Dara on Saturday to take on the Kildare team in the second round of the Provincial 2nds Cup.  Travelling support would also be appreciated.

Senior Women

Longford Senior Women took on Portlaoise in the first round of the Paul Cusack cup in CPL Park on Sunday. Longford had a full Squad out looking to push on and add the cup to the plate they won at the start of the season.

Longford started strongly, trying to move Portlaoise around the pitch. It was a tight opening 20mins with both teams giving it all. But it was Longford who scored first with a great try scored by Leanne Keegan.

Longford then had to soak up a bit of pressure after the kick off but they were working very hard in defence to keep out Portlaoise with Maria Kelleher and Rebecca O'Hara stealing a lot of ball on the ground. This put Longford on the attack again but they just couldn't get through the strong Portlaoise defence. The away team were next to score with a penalty putting the score at 5 to 3. Just before half time Longford were down to 14 with a yellow card for a high tackle but they still managed to keep Portlaoise from scoring.

Longford were much better in the second half with the forwards taking on a lot more ball around the rucks a creating space for the backline which lead to Maria Kelleher scoring under the posts with Emma Dardis adding the 2 points. Portlaoise were struggling to cope with the pace of Longfords play and its wasn't long before the home team scored with a fantastic team try with the forwards starting the move and the ball was passed out the backs for Leona Hoare to use her footwork to get in for the 3rd try. Longford managed to finish off the game in control and won 17 to 8 . They now have a weekend off before taking on Wicklow J1 on 3rd of April at home.

Longford St. Patricks Day Parade

Well done to all the Players, Parents and Coaches who braved the elements in the Longford St. Patricks Day parade putting on a great display and winning the best sports club award.

Six Nations

Ireland signed off this year’s Six Nations Campaign with a hard fought 26-05 win versus Scotland.  Although, France went on to claim the Grand Slam courtesy of a win versus England, Ireland had the consolation of securing the Triple Crown.  It is the first time they have won silverware at home since 2004.  It again was not a perfect performance but the good thing is that there is lots of areas that can be improved and there feels like there still is plenty of room for growth for this side.  Andy Farrell is apparently going to bring up to 42 players with him to New Zealand for a three test tour this Summer.  It is likely that there will be two extra matches versus the New Zealand Māori.  This tour will tell a lot about where they Irish team are at and also should allow the building of more squad depth.

Sin Bin

The Sin Bin is back open this week from Wednesday January 20^th,  as per Government Guidelines.  Superb food and drink are available across the weekend (Friday to Sunday) and lunch on Wednesday/Thursday. 

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/