16.04.2011 J2 XV v Clontarf (A)
| 16/04/2011 | 3:00pm | Cup | Clontarf | 20 – 17 | St. Marys J2 XV | Away |
Clontarf J2 20 St. Mary’s J2 17
The J2’s were knocked out of the Cup with the last kick of the game in Castle Avenue on Saturday. It was a game we had chances to win and is one that we will look back on with regret having crossed their line on two occasions with the referee failing to see the grounding. Early on we led 11 nil after a sweeping move from our own half saw Barry Cahill run in to score a great team try. Clontarf came back into the game very well and it was 17 all with time up on the clock and extra time looming. A last gasp penalty gave Clontarf victory which was hard to begrudge them after they competed so fiercely all year in our successful league campaign. It was amazing to see so many supporters including President Ronnie O’Brien out in Clontarf.
Another great year under captain Mikey Houlihan comes to a close. Under his inspirational leadership we have won two trophies in successive seasons with the team in total winning two leagues and two cups in three seasons. Without a doubt this team has more victorious campaigns ahead and already plans are afoot for next season. Great credit is due to managers Derek Gately and Mick O’Connor, coaches Colm Barry and Alan Shirley, skipper Mikey and most of all to the players who have all worked so hard all year. We will be filling up the league trophy one more time at the Captain’s dinner on May 7th!
Junior rugby in St. Mary’s is so successful and vibrant because of the co-operation and support that all teams give each other. Rugby Council deserve great credit for creating this environment. Thanks to Pat Crawford & Steve Hennessy of the J1’s, Ruaidhri Moran of the J3’s, Hugh Hogan and all his great players from the Under 20’s for all the help this year.
Stephen Shirley.
15. N Cowhey 14. J Buggy 13. A Shirley 12. J Verdon 11. B Cahill 10. J Connolly 9. E Mucker 1. M Houlihan (C) 2. P Barrett 3. R Goode 4. G Prunty 5. P Foran 6. R Ryan 8. M Aboud 7. L Burke.
Subs: I Kelly, B O’Flanagan, B Brophy, M McKay & G Crawford.