This weekend signaled the end of the AIL League for the Firsts who travelled to Ballymena. While we were more or less secure in the table, the nature of AIL means you can never say never so it was essential that we gained at least a losing bonus from the encounter. We travelled with a strong squad on the day and it was also good to see some of our injured players make the trip and support from the sideline! It was a lovely spring day in Ballymena but in typically Spring fashion, there was a cold breeze that gained momentum as the afternoon passed by. An early Ballymena try set the momentum of the game and we were chasing a 7-point deficit after 3 minutes. Ballymena again extended the lead when they landed a penalty a few minutes later. We settled into the match and some solid turnovers and good kicking from hand saw us work down the pitch for Ronan McKenna to get our first points with a well struck penalty. A battle ensued with neither side backing down, there were some great displays including ferocious tackles as well as dynamic attacking from both sides. The half time score remained 10-3. The play continued in a similar manner for the next 20 minutes until Ballymena received a yellow card and Shannon took the advantage well. Quick ball from Jack Stafford saw us carry well and work the ball down the pitch. On the stroke of 70 minutes Stephen Fitzgerald kicked us to the Ballymena 22 for a lineout. We set up a strong maul and began to slowly trundle towards the Ballymena try line, the maul was pulled down and we gained a penalty try. Ronan McKenna was on hand to slot it over and we levelled the score 10-10. A knock on from kick off saw Ballymena in possession of a scrum and they kicked to our backs. We took the ball back up but were turned over, a penalty at the breakdown allowed Ballymena again take the lead 13-10. The final ten minutes saw both sides continue to battle on, the intensity of the game began to take its tole and knock-ons began to plague both sides. As the seconds ticked away Ballymena gained possession and kicked the ball out bringing about the end of the game. The full-time score read 13-10 to Ballymena but we gained the all-important losing bonus point. It came down to the wire but our place in 1B is secure for next season. Here is a breakdown of the standings as well as the promotion/relegation matches that will take place across all leagues.

Our Thirds lined out in Coonagh on Saturday against Old Crescent in the Webb Cup Semi-Final. We were missing some of our regular starters through injury but there is a great depth to the squad and the team that took to the pitch on the day were as strong as any. The Thirds took control of the match from early on and what followed was a great team performance. The lads dug deep and produced some fantastic scores and maintained a high intensity throughout the match. The final score read 29-10 to Shannon and we now progress to the Webb Cup final versus Garryowen.

Our Ladies have advanced to the Munster Cup final and will meet Thurles in Nenagh this Sunday at 2.00pm. The ladies have wone one and lost one to Thurles this season so it promises to be a cracking game. All support is welcome so please come out and cheer on the ladies!!

Our u18s Shannon/Saints put in a fantastic slog for the Closed Cup Quarter Final that was played away to Newcastlewest. In what was a fantastic team performance the lads dominated the game and showed brilliant skill to come away with a 47-14 win. They go on to the semifinal this Sunday versus Garryowen in Dooradoyle. They will also compete in the Open Cup Quarter final away to Ennis on the 19/04/17.

It was a tough match for our Shannon/St. Senans u15s team who lost out to UL Bohs. Also to our u13s who lost to Old Crescent in Coonagh. Our u16s pulled off a great win from the jaws of defeat against Richmond in Coonagh. A mixed bag of results but win, lose or draw, well done to all on a great season.

Once again, we had a super turn out for this year’s Good Friday Festival of Rugby. Over 35 teams travelled with over 700 children competing! Keep your eye on the newsletter for a more detailed write up. Massive thanks must go to the organising committee especially Aidan Duggan and Mike McInerney for the huge preparation and coordination that went in to make the day such a fantastic success.

The lotto for the last week showed no winners.

For the 13th of April, the numbers drawn were; 06, 17, 27, 28 and consolation prizes of €50 went to:

Conor Lambe c/o Paddy Tobin
Pamela Dundon c/o Joe Cleary
Gabriel Shanahan c/o Joe Cleary

Next week’s draw is for €6,400 and will be held in The Woodfield House on the 20th April.

We are looking forward to seeing you all in O’Driscoll’s tomorrow night for our Race night. The first race starts at 7.30pm sharp. There are some really good prizes on offer as well as the usual god entertainment that goes along with the night. It was a great success last year, let’s make it even better this year!

Summer is just around the corner. Registration is now open for our Shannon RFC Summer Camp for boys and girls age 5 to 13. You can register in the cabin from Good Friday until the end of the season email summercamp@shannonrfc.com, PM the Shannon Underage Facebook page or text Mike McInerney at 086 – 8064179.