Senior Men make it 2 in a row, Ladies lose out narrowly, Derick Turner Hall of Fame....

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 Leinster League 1B Longford 10-07 Cill Dara

By Mark Quinn at Longford Rugby Club

Longford, having got the crucial first win of the season last week against Dundalk, followed up with a narrow win in a very tightly contested tussle against a tough Cill Dara side on Sunday. This win was so desperately needed to continue momentum after last week’s win.  Unfortunately for Longford, the nearest rivals on the league table also won this weekend, so the result just ensured we maintained our position rather than gain or close the gap!

The boys have a break now until mid January when they visit table toppers Wicklow for another must win encounter.  Every game is now important given the position on the league table and the need to add more league points is as critical as ever.

Longford's Mascots on Sunday pictured with match day captain, Benny McManus, were Tiernan, Odhran and Donnacha Murphy from Newtownforbes, who play for the Mini's U6, U7 and U10 teams. 

Muhamad Ali famously beat George Foreman in the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle”. The bigger and more dominant fighter pounded Ali for the majority of their encounter, with Ali soaking up blow after blow until he smelt his moment to strike. The “Rope a Dope” strategy made so famous that night proved decisive as Ali delivered a late rally to catch his favoured adversary off guard and land the counter attack punches that delivered one of his most famous victories. And so it proved at Longford Rugby Club on Sunday, as Longford delivered their very own “Rope a Dope” strategy to stun a frustrated Cill Dara.

For context, Longford lost their opening league fixture of the season 18-12 away to Cill Dara in September. In what was ultimately also a single score game, both sides are in truth equally matched across the park. This Round 8 fixture was always going to be tight and so it proved. The match day squad was again tested via injuries from last week with several changes enforced. Most notable perhaps was the return of the timeless Colm Glynn back to Outhalf after his most recent retirement.

Longfords Alister McCormack rises highest to claim the lineout.

The first half was a drab affair with both sides essentially cancelling each other out for large periods. It was a classic slugfest with Cill Dara edging both territory and possession. After 13 minutes, Longford finally got their hands on the ball and managed to build a march out of their own 22 and into the Cill Dara half. Some smart phase play edged Longford to the outside of their opponents 22 when they were awarded a penalty central to the posts. Ryan McHugh calmly slotted the opening points to give Longford a 3-0 lead against the run of play.

Cill Dara piled on the pressure again and Longford spent much of the next period defending their line. After 10 minutes of determined aggression in the tackle, the referee pinged his whistle to award Cill Dara a penalty in front of the Longford posts. This was compounded by a yellow card that seen Longford reduced to 14 men. Discipline again was Longford’s enemy and unnecessary added pressure was gifted to a determined Cill Dara. It was the 28th minute and they decided to opt for a scrum, with their No. 8 carrying aggressively from the base. Although the first wave was thwarted, the second “pick & go” proved too much for Longford to keep out and Cill Dara were on the board. A successful conversion made it 3-7 to Cill Dara.

Longford really had to hang in given their 1-man disadvantage and did so admirably for the following 10 minutes before being returned to their full compliment. The effect was immediate, as the team finally started to get some possession and work their way into the seldom visited Cill Dara half. Some very tidy rugby through the backs saw Joe McGowan released on 39 minutes from just inside the Cill Dara half. After a brilliant angled sprint to the corner, it looked for all the world that he had made it only to be foiled by a superb last-ditch cover tackle by Cill Dara. This was the last act of an overall frustrating first half, but perhaps a late reminder that there is rugby in the team if they get the ball wide.

The second half began in similar fashion to the first with Cill Dara dominating possession and territory. The game had the feeling of one of those that just wouldn’t come Longford’s way. Penalties were starting to pile up against the home side and this was crystallised on 65 minutes when Longford received their second yellow card of the match. This was another very avoidable, self-inflicted handicap that should have proved decisive in favour of the more dominant Cill Dara effort to this point. But as can happen in sport, in adversity true character can come shining through and so was the case. The “Rope a Dope” phase of the match was coming to an end, and Longford were about to come out swinging for the remainder of the game.

Despite their numeric disadvantage, Longford began to really cut into Cill Dara. Up front Podge Farrell, Liam Brady, Benny McManus and John Geelan were more aggressive, and holes started appearing in the Cill Dara defensive line. Dermot Masterson was introduced on the right wing and immediately had an effect – carrying superbly up the line before putting in a very clever grubber kick to pin Cill Dara into their own corner. Longford secured possession and began a number of rumbles towards the Cill Dara line. After multiple efforts that came up just shy, the ever-dependable Kieran O’Gorman took matters into his own hands to burst through and score under the posts on 70 minutes. The try was converted by Ryan McHugh to swing the scoreboard 10-7 in favour of Longford.

John Geelan carries into contact.

The remainder of the game was played at great intensity by both sides, with Mark McHugh and Tom Gilheany in particular competing ferociously at every breakdown up front. George McDermott and Cormac Casey in the backs were also influential both with and without the ball. Longford remarkably grew stronger as the final minutes wound down and held their shape and discipline to see out the clock. What seemed like a most improbable win was secured – one that should give this team the belief that the league comeback is on this season. This wasn’t a pretty performance, but one that secured a win when in truth the team were off their optimum. That is in itself encouraging – better discipline, a fuller performance and execution will deliver better league days in the new year.

Special mention again in closing to Colm Glynn. On Sunday’s evidence, there is certainly life in the old dog yet!

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

Longford's Kieran O'Gorman and Colm Glynn celebrate after the hard fought win

Upcoming Fixtures

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 2^nd XV had a game to forget against Cill Dara as Longford never really got out to the changing rooms to crash to a 05 24 loss.  A big effort is needed in training before the visit to Wicklow in the New Year, when hopefully the team will be reinforced by a string of injured players coming back into contention.

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

Longford Leader Sports Star 2022 Hall of Fame Award

Derick Turner with Club President Donagh McDonnell after receiving his Hall of Fame award

Longford RFC’s Derick Turner collected his award on Friday night at the Longford Arms.  Derick accepted his award and in the interview with host, Tony Ghee, following the presentation, Derick gave an excellent outline of the progression of the club over the last 50 years.  The facilities we have today are a far cry from what they had (or didn’t actually have!) back in the early years and the current club members are lucky to have the benefit of all the hard work that Derick and his generation ploughed into the club.  It was interesting to note the list of firsts achieved by the club in the course of its development, from Prunty pitches, first international floodlit match in Ireland, first clubhouse in the county among others.  Many of which most of us take for granted nowadays!

Congrats to Derick and here’s to many more years of driving it on at Longford Rugby 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

4/12/22 Athy 31-27 Longford

Longford ladies suffered a tightly contested league defeat in Athy on Sunday. Longford were sitting joint mid-table, level on points with Athy, the girls had an opportunity to move to the top half of the table.  It wasn’t to be on the day unfortunately, however the ladies have another opportunity next weekend as they take on Arklow away.  The Longford girls had a good home win against Arklow in the season opener and if they can produce the same form once again, they should have a great chance on the day.

Ladies upcoming fixtures

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 ended last week, and the draw was held at the weekend.  Longford sold over 500 of the 1000 tickets available and while it represents a shortfall in the total possible amount, we could have achieved we are very much thankful for what has been  raised and wish to thank everyone who bought tickets and supported the club.

Youth News

Match Results

U16 Girls New Ross 29-25 Longford

U17 Longford 28-26 Edenderry

U16 Wilsons 27-12 Longford (Wednesday night)

U16 Portarlington 29-00 Longford

U17 Longford 28 Edenderry 26

Longford hosted Edenderry for their penultimate game in this section of the Leinster League. Having played against each other twice already this season, it was always going to be a close game against their Midland rivals.

The game started well with Longford being on the front foot right from the start. This was rewarded in the 4^th minute when they were awarded a penalty on the Edenderry 22 which Conor duly slotted over. However, some restructuring of the team had to happen after Longford were reduced to 14 men in the 10^th minute. While the lads settled in to their new positions, they unfortunately let Edenderry in for 3 tries which they converted two. When it was looking like the opposition were going to run riot, playing with the extra man, the Longford lads showed true grit (great movie!) and determination to fight back, and Conor got in for a try of their own just before half time and with the conversion added that left the game 19-10 to the visitor at half time.

Whatever was said, or in the magic bottle, at half time, the Longfordians came out like a new team in the second half. Their started to pierce holes in the Edenderry defence with the forwards driving arrows into the Edenderry defence, being spearheaded by Stephen, Yaw, Cathal and Sean. During this purple period of the game the young Longford men scored 3 unanswered tries scored by Stephen and Oran, and with Diarmuid making a huge break from inside his own half to sprint to score under the sticks. This put Longford back in front with 10 minutes left on the clock. Edenderry regrouped and, with their never say die attitude, they battled back up the pitch and crossed over the whitewash for another try and with the conversion added put them back in the lead by one point. Unlike other games, Longford stuck to the task right up to the end and once again we were rewarded with a penalty and after a discussion by the caption the decision was made to kick for the sticks. In what turned out to be the last kick of the game, Conor Mulligan slotted it over to leave the fulltime score being a win for Longford 28-26.

The victory, on the back of last week’s win, shows that the hard work on the training ground is starting to pay off. From the great line out jumping by Olan and Cian, to the attacking calls being made by Rian, the defensive work being done by backs like Oran, Caelum and Chris and the kick chase game commanded by Jack Reilly at full back, the commitment by the whole team was immense. Next up is a game away to Boyne in the Leinster League. Training as usual Tuesday 7 to 9:30pm and Thursday 7:30 to 9pm.

Longford Team; Cathal Byrne, Ciaran Heffernan, James Grehan, Cathal Ghee, Sean Molihan, Cian Gavin, Stephen Oates, Olan Bracken, Yaw Appiah, Connor Mulligan, Rian Brown Christopher Trautt, Diarmuid Glennon, Oran Lyons, Caelum McGee, Jack Reilly. 

Thanks once again to all who helped out and fed the troops yesterday, even if they did not leave me some of Geraldine’s lasagne. Freddie!!

U16 Portarlington 29-00 Longford 

Longford U16 played two games in 3 days this week starting with a return fixture against Wilson’s Hospital. Wilson’s, led by the Longford lad’s club teammate, Shane McGuigan, took the win as McGuigan tormented his club team, scoring 4 tries in the process. This form backs his credentials as one to watch in the Area development programme, with the Midlands development squad.

On Saturday, we traveled to Portarlington with a depleted squad as a number of lads fell ill during the week.  Portarlington took an early lead before Longford piled on the pressure and played the most of the first half in opposition territory, however we were unable to convert possession and pressure into points.  Talisman McGuigan went down injured mid way through the half and in the second half we lost Derek Belton also. Now down to 12 players we were always going to struggle. While the end result didn’t reflect the effort on the day, we know we had enough possibilities to score and even win the fixture, but on the day, it wasn’t to be.  We had excellent performances from George Burns, Jamie Donohue and in particular, relatively new player, Jack Brogan.  Tadgh McCauley continued his good form with strong carries and Harry Byrne continues to shine in the back row.

Next week against Arklow at home is our last grading game before we start the league proper in January and our final game before Xmas will be a Midlands league game at home to Edenderry on the 17^th of December.

Longford; Tadgh McCauley, James Cosgrove, Ryan Spollen, Conor O’Grady, Harry Byrne, Joe Davidson, Shane McGuigan, Donnacha Golden, Senan Murphy, Jack Brogan, George Burns, Jamie Donohue, Mel Mulligan.

U16 Girls New Ross 29-25 Longford

Longford U16 Girls travelled the long road to New Ross in the Leinster League.

In a real arm wrestle between the teams, it was New Ross coming away with a narrow win over Longford .

It was an exciting game with super tackling on both sides and some excellent carries by Ava Horkan,  Shauna Hannon and Amber McGrath resulting in their teammates, Isabella Larkin, and Mia Rowan scoring.

Maria Ricon had alot of work to do in the dying minutes in scoring a final try.

We welcomed Olivia Hadzislawus to the team as new recruit.

New players ALWAYS  welcome.  Call or txt Eugene 0866015325

U13 Boys Carlow 14-20 Longford
Longford travelled to Carlow on Saturday morning in their second game of the Leinster League.
The first try of the game was scored by Longford. The try came after a great passage of play from the Longford backs with Brynn Broshoff and Donnacha O'Reilly running some great lines and creating space out wide for the forwards, by taking the ball hard into contact and securing it, the forwards worked the ball very well keeping it in hand.  It was definitely a forwards try with Jack Smyth scoring.
Cillian Ryan followed that up and scored another good forward try for Longford.

Score at half time was Carlow 10-07 Longford.
Carlow kicked into Longford to start the second half. The Longford lads were on the attack once again.  Longford were held up on the line but determined forward Sean Lavin picked and scored Longfords third try of the game.
Carlow were back on the attack and determined.  Odhran Crossan, Gerry Connaughton and Aiden Quinn putting some great pressure on the attacking line.  Longfords defensive line were fired up and it was a toe to toe in the middle of the pitch. Liam Orohough and Alex Kilrane were putting in try saving tackles. Carlow were determined and scored under the posts. 12 mins to go at 14-15, Longford just had their nose in front.
Longford had ball back in hand, working it well with Tomek Madej, Leon Clarke, Aaron Smyth, and Leo Galvin (match forwards captain) taking on and securing back every ball taken on. Scrum half replacement Cian Mc Guire moving the ball quickly from the back of scrum and rucks out to the back line and Alex Kilrane scored Longford’s fourth try.
The ball was back in Longford hands with 2 minutes to go. The Longford back Sam Quintiliani, James Colreavy, and Gerry Connaughton making ground, Longford awarded a scrum in the last few seconds, secured by Longfords pack, and kicked to touch by Odhran Crossan. Final score Carlow 14-20 Longford.

Youths Fixtures 10/12/22

U17 Boyne v Longford

U16 Longford v Arklow

U16 Girls Longford v Clontarf

U13 Roscrea 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 

It was all go this weekend for the Mini.  The U11’s were in Mullingar and the U12’s in Edenderry on Saturday for Midlands Blitz.  It was Longford’s turn to Host the U9 /U10’s Midlands Blitz on Sunday morning with a total of 16 teams from Longford, Birr, Edenderry, Ferbane, Mullingar and Tullamore.  We had a fantastic morning’s sport with each team playing 3 matches each, results too close to call in all games!!!

Well done to everyone and thanks to the coaches for all your efforts.

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