LRFC Business Lunch, Senior Men lose out to Carlow, Senior Women v New Ross, Mini/Youth Match Reports…

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

Longford Business Lunch

It was a full house as Longford’s business people and rugby fans gathered at Longford Rugby Club on Friday for two of the country’s leading CEOs, Ballinalee’s Anne Heraty (retired CEO/CPL) and Mick Dawson (Outgoing CEO of Leinster Rugby) joined former RTE man, Ciaran Mullooly on stage to impart some thoughts and anecdotes on a variety of topics and questions.

Pictured at the business lunch, Karen Lennon, Club Vice President, Pat Fitzgerald, former president IRFU, Mick Dawson, outgoing CEO Leinster Rugby, Anne Hearty, founder and former CEO CPL Resources, Derick Turner, board member and Donagh McDonnell, Club President.

MC Karen Lennon introduced the guests after a welcome address by Club President, Donagh McDonnell.  Pat Quinn was on hand afterwards to auction two signed jerseys and other items sponsored on the day and the guests were treated to a very entertaining comedy performance to bring proceedings to a close.

Organiser Derick Turner said. “The Business Lunch will hopefully become a regular fixture in the Rugby Club calendar, and we are especially delighted that the inaugural lunch is being supported by such stalwarts of the rugby, business and community sectors. Longford Rugby Club wish to thank everyone who supported the event, our special guests, Anne Hearty and Mick Dawson and Ciaran Mullooly and a special word of thanks to the organising committee.  We look forward to the next event in the not-too-distant future.

Enjoying the Longford Business lunch are L-R, Derick Turner, Ger Murray, Tommy Butler and Warren Turner

Men’s XV News

06/11/2022 Leinster League Division 1B Tullow 28-10 Longford

Frustration continues for Longford 1st XV away to Tullow

Mark Quinn at the Black Gates grounds, Tullow, Co. Carlow.

Frustration was again the word of the day after another tough match for the Longford 1st XV away to Tullow on Sunday. Tullow away can traditionally be one of the least rewarding fixtures of the season and they were in no mood to part with points easily on this occasion either.

In what was a perfect day for rugby, the match got off to the high tempo start anticipated. Tullow are renowned for their direct and hugely physical style of play and this was evident from the outset. As both sides tested each other in the early phases, it was clear to see that the intensity of the match was going to be brutal with a number of big hits being landed by both sides.

Not long into the half Longford were punished by a smart opening try move from Tullow which was converted. This was disappointing as it was conceded at a stage of the match when Longford were setting down their own marker and trying to build phases and get into the match. As can happen however the home side took the momentum from this and bagged another shortly after which was again converted to leave the score 14-0 against Longford midway through the first half. Shortly after Alistair McCormack was unfortunate to come off the wrong end of a heavy collision and was replaced by John Geelan at flanker. It was time for cool heads and composure – however frustration was creeping in and Tullow weren’t for easing off. They bagged a third converted try as half time approached and again converted. It was 21-0 before Longford knew it. Tullow however gave Longford a ray of light with 2 yellow cards in quick succession as the half time whistle blew. They would be down to 13 men for the next 10 minutes.

The second half took off to another frantic start with big hits going in across the field. Kieran O’Gorman at No.8 was relentless in his carrying and fought like a lion against a very physical defensive set. Indeed, his contribution without the ball was equally as aggressive with tackle after tackle being made to stem the Tullow momentum. The team began to respond and get into the game. However, frustratingly Longford were then cleverly picked apart out wide for Tullow to slide in for a fourth try which was again impressively converted. 28-0 down early in the second half and things were simply not going to plan.

Longford’s issues were largely created by a misfiring lineout and the lack of return from this crucial aspect of the game resulted in little possession from which to launch our gameplan. There is no issue with our bravery, commitment or aggression on the pitch. It is this technical part of rugby that is giving our opponents huge advantages this season and is largely responsible for where we find ourselves.

It was important now with 30 minutes left in the contest to front up and thankfully that is how the game ended. The introduction of Player/Coach Henry Bryce at centre in the 2nd half provided Longford with a second point of high intensity attack and he made several carries that reminded Tullow they were still in a match despite their lead. One of these phases resulted in the Longford backs finally getting their hands on the ball and spinning it wide for Daithí Connelly to slide in at the right corner for Longford’s opening try to tweak to scoreboard to 28-5.

Longford began to really dent the Tullow lines and indeed dominate possession and territory. The lineout started to finally produce some returns and the team clicked into gear. There were further big carries from Podge O’Brien, Benny McManus and the Geelan brothers up front with the backs starting to get into their rhythm through Ryan McHugh, George McDermott and Danny McHugh. This resulted in another backs try through Brian Harte as the game closed down to bring the score to 28-10 – a fairer reflection on the match and some reward in particular for Longford’s late endeavours.

Longford: 1 P O’Brien 2 R Colum 3 S McKeown 4 D Geelan 5 B McManus 6 A McCormack 7 M McHugh 8 K O’Gorman 9 F McGowan 10 R McHugh 11 J McGowan 12 G McDermott 13 B Harte 14 D Connolly 15 D McHugh 16 B Hanley 17 E Reilly 18 J Geelan 19 C Casey 20 H Bryce

Longford 2nd XV Tullow 05-13 Longford 

Longford 2nd XV find their mojo in impressive Tullow win

Mark Quinn at the Black Gates grounds, Tullow, Co. Carlow.

The Longford 2nd XV put in a fine performance away to Tullow on Sunday past. In the curtain opener ahead of the main fixture, this was a keenly fought contest with both teams fronting up from the off in what was a preview of the physicality to come in the later game.

The match remarkably stayed at 0-0 for the first half as both sides cancelled each other out. Longford had several opportunities to capitalise on both their possession and territory but a mixture of poor final phase execution and indeed highly questionable decisions by the referee continually stemmed the positive momentum being generated.

This was tested early in the second half when Tullow scored an unconverted try against the run of play. Longford were 5-0 down with still the majority of the 2nd half to come. The team needed to really front up and go for the win. This target was progressed against soon after with Ríoch Farrell cleverly working the touchline to slide in for a classic wingers try to bring the score to 5-5. The forwards were starting to dominate again with Brian Hanley, Philip Prunty, Conor McGovern and Ivor McCormack making their presence felt with their opposing numbers. However, it was Tom Gilheany at No.8 who was perhaps most influential in the forwards with several decisive tackles and brave carries that gave real impetus to the fight up front.

But it was the eventual Man of the Match that fittingly had the decisive last word on this match.  Jack Magan at scrum half was majestic all day. His decision making, running, kicking and passing were outstanding in equal measure all game and there was no one more worthy to clinch the fixture with a fine break away try to turn the score board on its head. Diarmuid Masterson converted to bring the score to 12-5 in favour of Longford 2nd XV and this is how it finished.

Longford: 1 J Murray 2 B Hanley 3 P Prunty 4 P Kenny 5 C McGovern 6 I McCormack 7 D Harkin 8 T Gilheany 9 J Magan 10 P Boyle 11 R Farrell 12 D Masterson 13 J Mimnagh 14 C Casey 15 J Finnegan 16 M McCallum 17 P Kiernan 18 M Gray 19 C Gorman 20 J Finn 21 W McDermott 22 S Harrison 23 B O’Ferrall

Results & Fixtures 2022/23

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

Upcoming Fixtures

13/11/22 Athy v Longford

27/11/22 Longford v Dundalk

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

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

Ladies’ 2022/23 Season. 

Longford 15-19 Wicklow J1 

Longford took on Wicklow on home on Sunday. The back line showed some fantastic passing skill between Leanne Keegan and Rachel Farrell providing Laura Gallagher with the ball who touched it down for the first try of the game. Wicklow replied with immense pressure and defence allowing them to gain possession. Amanda Sheridan and Leanne Keegan were immense to prevent Wicklow from gaining ground. Leanne managed to steal the ball from a ruck and broke several tackles to sprint clear, however a small kick went over the try line, but the girls were unable to touch it down. Longford and Wicklow then played through several scrums and lineouts without making any ground. Tegan Evens then brought Longford inside the 22 and from a maul Megan Banahan on the ball spotted a gap and sprinted for the line. A deliberate knock on from Wicklow earned a yellow card and from the penalty,  Megan ran in the second try.

Wicklow then put Longford under serious pressure, but Longford dug deep to keep the score 10-0 at half time.

Wicklow started the second half with determination to get some points on the board.  Wicklow spotted a gap on the wing and ran in for their first try. Not converted.

Some very hard-hitting tackles from Tegan and Dora Ledwith allowed the forwards make some ground. A quick pick from the back of a ruck from Maria allowed Longford score, bringing the score to 15 – 5. Wicklow spotted another gap on the wing to score their second try bringing the score to 15 – 12. Despite Longford playing through several phases, Wicklow intercepted a pass and scored under post which was also converted.

Final score Wicklow 19-15 Longford.

Longford: Amy Molloy, Mary Sheridan, Tara Gilna, Amanda Sheridan, Rebeccas Stavuse, Maria Kelleher, Judy Starzyndka, Dora Ledwith, Emma Dardis, Tegan Evans, Leona Hoare, Megan Banahan, Leanne Keegan, Laura Gallagher, Rachel Farrell, Mandy Ryan and Katie Lee.

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

Upcoming Fixtures

13/11/22 Clontarf v Longford

20/11/22 Longford v Gorey

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

5/02/23 Longford 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.  You can enter at the following link; https://app.galabid.com/ycyc22longfordrfc

Youth News

Match Results

Shane Horgan Cup; Midlands 29-29 Metro

U16 Longford 19-19 Kilkenny

U16 Girls Ashbourne/Balbriggan 54-30 Longford

U14 Girls Naas 56-26 Longford

U16 Boys

Longford 19-19 Kilkenny

Longford conceded first after 5 minutes of play as both teams tested each other on the fringes.  Longford contested and took possession after the restart and were putting together good phases in the opposing half of the pitch. The attacking intent continued and on 13 minutes Shane McGuigan crossed for Longfords first score.

The pressure game through the pack worked well but Longford were forcing some 50/50 passes when the better option would have been to take the ball into contact.  Kilkenny for their part we’re very quick off the defensive line which yielded turnover possession on numerous occasions.  Fortunately, they were unable to add to their tally. Longford continued to press up the park and on 25 minutes Conor O’Grady dotted down for our second try.  Senan Murphy managed the tricky conversion into the breeze, his second of the day, giving Longford a 14-05 lead.

Kilkenny followed up with their own score before the break narrowing the gap to 2points at 14-12 at halftime.

After the break Jilkenny struck once again to retake the lead at 14-19. Longford kept it tight for most of the remaining time until Jamie Donohue managed to claim a clearance kick and force his way through to level the score. On this occasion the conversion was missed to leave the final score at 19-19.  Best for Longford we’re Ghana McGuigan, Conor O’Grady, Tadgh McCauley, and Harry Byrne in the pack. The back line didn’t get much  in terms of attacking intent and on another day would have been worth a score or two.  We take on Kilkenny away in two weeks so hopefully we see an improvement then on today’s performance.

Scorers: Tries- Shane McGuigan, Conor O’Grady, and Jamie Donohue.  Cons- Senan Murphy x2.

Longford: Tadgh McCauley, James Cosgrove, Joseph Davidson, Conor O’Grady, Danny Kelly, Harry Byrne, Daniel Corr, Shane McGuigan, Mel Mulligan, Senan Murphy, Dan Donohue, Tom Murray, Jamie Donoghue George Burns, Darragh Walsh, Donnacha Golden, Ryan Spollen, Vianney Durand, Jonathan Groenewald

U14 Girls Naas 56-26 Longford

Longford  U14 girls were away to Naas for their 1st round in the Leinster League.

Following a blitz last Saturday with Mullingar and Sligo, this Longford  U14 team were finding their feet with new players gaining their confidence. This u14 team are continuing  to develop and it great to see how old and new players work together.

Longford were slow to start, and Naas were soon leading by 12- 0.

Longford fought back with a great try in the corner from Orla McGann.  The Longford girls played narrow, and Nass spotted the space.  A brilliant run by Naas almost came off only to be held up by Longford’s Aoibheann O’Brien.

Longford forwards were working hard, making big tackles, particularly by Avril Murtagh & Suzanne Moolick. 

New players, Lillie Dowd & Doireann Nì Thuathail broke through a strong Naas defence, yielding 2 tries for the Longford girls.

Naas matched Longford try for try with first half ending 26- 26.

In the second half, longford were tired.  Naas hit the ground running.  Emma Darby made a great tackle but was unable to stop strong Naas scoring.

Longford continued to fight, a quick ball from scrum half Holly McKenna to Doireann Nì Thuathail, taking a big hit from the Naas side,  just stopping her short of try line.  Naas turned over the ball and they then made it to the try line only to be held up by Longford!

Without substitutes Longford were struggling while Naas had the fresh players to see out the game.

Final score Naas 56-26 Longford

Longford team: Suzanne Moolick, Emma Darby, Deirine Farrar, Avril Murtagh, Aoibheann O’Brien, Orla McGann, Bailee De Nysschen, Doireann NÌ Thuathail, Lillie Dowd, Holly McKenna, Rowan Hall

U16 Girls Ashbourne/Balbriggan 54-30 Longford

Longford U16 Girls travelled to Balbriggan in the Leinster Cup Quarter Final and took on a very strong amalgamation of Ashbourne and Balbriggan. 

Longford opened the scoring with a try in the corner by Pilar Heck.

The response by Ash/Balbriggan was immediate and so it went try for try by both teams leaving Longford just ahead at Halftime by 19-22

Niamh Brady opened the scoring in the 2nd half with an intercept try.  Further tries were scored by Mia Rowan, Amber McGrath, and Andrea Nolan.  Unfortunately, Longford were out run by fresh legs in the 2nd half however the Longford girls never gave up.

Final score Ashbourne/Balbriggan 54-30 Longford.

Longford Team: Ava Horkan, Shauna Hannon, Maria Rincon, Anna O Connor, Ava O Loughlin, Lucy O Connor,  Niamh Brady, Amber McGrath, Mia Rowan, Andrea Nolan, Rachel O Loughlin, Pilar Heck, Aoife McVeigh, Clara Forbes.

Next match Saturday 12th Nov, at home v Skerries time to be confirmed

Representative rugby

The second round of the Shane Horgan Cup took please during mid term at Longford Rugby Club.  Longford were represented by Shane McGuigan, starting in the second row and Darragh Walsh in the match day 23.

Metro were strong from the off and took an early lead however Midlands kept in touch.  In a stirring second half comeback, Midlands pulled the lead back, with a huge performance from Longford man, McGuigan, scoring 2 tries in the process to earn the Midland team a well-deserved draw.

Youths Fixtures 12/11/22

U18 Cill Dara v Longford

U18 Girls Panthers v Longford

U17 Longford v Boyne

U16 Tullamore v Longford

U15 Longford v Co. Carlow

U16 Girls Longford v Wolves

U14 Girls Naas 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 a busy weekend for the Minis.  The U11’s were hosts of this weeks Midlands Blitz on Saturday while the U12’s headed for Mullingar.  Each blitz had teams, from Birr, Edenderry, Mullingar, and Tullamore. Sunday was the U9’s and U10’s turn as they headed to Birr for a Midlands Blitz against teams from Birr, Mullingar, Tullamore, and Roscrea.

The U6/7/8’s and U12’s Girls had training.

Next Sunday sees neighbours Carrick-on-Shannon visiting us for all ages blitz with KO at 10.30am

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.

International Comment

The Autumn international series got under way in earnest on Saturday.

SA presented the biggest and most physical challenge for Andy Farrells Ireland team as they prepare for next years world cup.  It was current world champions take versus the current world number 1 ranked team.  It was a physical, attritional, arm wrestle until the game opened up with tries from Josh Van der Flier and Mack Hansen.  SA hit back but it was too little too late as Ireland backed up the summer series performances.

Next up is Fiji which should see some fringe players offered the opportunity to claim squad places ahead of next year’s world cup.

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