Don't stop believing
Tallaght RFC had a special visitor last Sunday morning. Ireland skills & kicking coach Richie Murphy led a kicking session and there was representatives from the Tallaght Men’s, women’s and youths sides.
Richie arrived early and stayed late and gave player his time and expertise. Tallaght RFC wishes to express their immense gratitude to Richie for giving up his Sunday morning to help out the club. Also big thanks to Tallaght men’s coach Gary Brennan for helping to organise the session.
Tallaght 1sts: 10
Try: Andy Rudd
Con: Rob Hudson
Pen: Rob Hudson
Terenure 8
Metro League Division 6
Tymon Park
18/01/2020
The Tallaght men’s first team took on local rivals Terenure in Metro League Division 6. Tallaght had taken top spot in the table last week from Terenure by beating Seapoint and they were looking to keep it. Terenure had the best of the first twenty minutes though as Tallaght gave away several penalties. Eventually Terenure took advantage when they kicked a penalty to take a 3-0 lead.
Tallaght’s lineout was struggling and Terenure were competing smartly at the breakdown. It meant Tallaght couldn’t get any platform to launch their dangerous backline. The likes of Denny McCarthy and Adam Nolan made some good individual runs but ultimately they didn’t lead to scores. Eventually Tallaght did score off a great individual moment. After a good run by Kevin Quinn put Tallaght close to the Terenure twenty two line, scrum-half Andy Rudd made a great break from the ruck. He broke one tackle and then wriggled his way out of a second one before stepping the full back to score a great try under the posts. Rob Hudson converted to make it 7-3 to Tallaght.
The try gave Tallaght some confidence and now Terenure were the ones giving away penalties. Twice Terenure gave away kickable penalties but Tallaght decided against going for the posts and instead kicked for a lineout. However on both occasions the lineout was botched and the half-time score remained at 7-3 even with Terenure down a man through a yellow card. In the second half Tallaght kept putting themselves in good territory through the excellent tactical kicking of Denny McCarthy. However they couldn’t translate that territory into a score to ease the nerves.
They weren’t helped when centre Padhraig Jones was show a yellow card for reacting off the ball. The Tallaght defence managed to see out the ten minutes Jones was gone however and the centre made amends with a smashing tackle to put a Terenure player out of touch to stop an attack. Terenure weren’t giving up however and from a lineout maul they managed to run forty metres up the field as the Tallaght pack were in disarray. Tallaght eventually collapsed the maul to concede a penalty that Terenure unwisely quick-tapped allowing Tallaght to tackle them out of touch. However Tallaght’s lineout malfunctioned again and Terenure were able to regain possession and force their way over for a try to make it 8-7 to the visitors with only a couple of minutes of added on time remaining.
However Tallaght didn’t panic and kicked their way into the Terenure half through McCarthy. They eventually won a scrum near the Terenure twenty two and when the ball went wide to the wing Terenure conceded a penalty. It was a tough kick wide on the right but Hudson nailed it to win Tallaght the game with a final score of 10-8.
Tallaght coach Tom Leigh was pleased to win but wasn’t happy with the performance. “First, I want to commend the character of the side. After conceding the try we challenged the team to get back up the pitch for winning score and Rob Hudson showed real bottle to convert the kick. But the players know the performance was way off our normal standard and were honest enough to admit that afterwards. We now have a huge game next week against Coolmine who have won their last three games to move up to second place in the table. We have a massive week ahead in training to put the issues we identified today right.”
Man of the match: Denny McCarthy
Tallaght RFC
1. Tony McManus
2. Ken McGovern
3. Andy Grace
4. Alan Moore
5. Alan Sower
6. Jack Russell
7. Kevin Quinn
8. Adam Nolan (Captain)
9. Andrew Rudd
10. David Clarke
11. Karl Segrave
12. Denny McCarthy
13. Padhraig Jones
14. Rob Hudson
15. Ciaran Rudd
16. Andy Caswell
17. James Carr
18. Scott Hyland
19. Pádraig Ó Ciardha
20. Nick McGuinness
21. Daryl Keogh
22. Aaron Shanahan
Report: Jim O’Connor
Photos: Ava Tyrrell
It’s another packed weekend of rugby ahead.
On Saturday there’s a top of the table clash in Division 6 for the men’s first team. First-placed Tallaght take on third placed Terenure. Kick-off is 2.30 in Tymon Park. The men’s second team’s scheduled match in Division 11 has been conceded by Stillorgan-Rathfarnham.
Then on Sunday the Tallaght women’s team take on MU Barnhall in Division 4B of the women’s league. Kick-off is at 1.00 PM on Pitch 100.
In the youths the Under 18s Bistos take on Greystones on Saturday with a slightly early 11AM kick-off in Dr. Hickey Park. The Under 14s girls are at home to Longford on Saturday at 12pm on pitch 100. On Sunday the under 12’s have a match in Terenure time tbc. The rest of the teams all have training as usual.
Please make every effort to support all our teams.
Tallaght 2nds 0
Clondalkin 14
Metro League Division 11
Tymon Park
11/01/2020
It was first versus second in Division 11 as leaders Tallaght took on Clondalkin at Tymon Park. The weather was a huge factor with plenty of surface water from the continuous driving rain. Clondalkin started off strongest although both teams struggled with the conditions. Clondalkin played most of the first half in Tallaght’s half but between Tallaght’s defence and conditions forcing knock-ons there was no score for 20 mins. Clondalkin through persistence eventually went over between the sticks for a try which was converted to make it 7-0.
The second half was more of the same and Tallaght were still playing very well but just couldn’t convert it into scores. Injuries took their toll on both teams but Tallaght reorganised as best they could. Before going off injured in the first half Aaron Morgan had some good carries and Mark Keogh had a great game at number eight making several great carries and tackles. The whole team played extremely well under difficult conditions against a team that racked up 77 points on them in the last meeting.
Clondalkin scored a second try, again plugging it up with the forwards before eventually breaking over the line with about 15 mins left on the clock. Tallaght kept fighting but the game finished 14-0.
Tallaght coach Simon Gaskell was proud of his team’s performance. “The last time we played this Clondalkin they went through us for a shortcut. This time we made them work hard for their two scores and the improvement in our defence was huge. The next step is to improve our attack to the same level but that will come if we keep working hard. I’m very proud of all the boys who really put in a great effort today. We’ll learn from this and we’ll regroup but I don’t think this is the last time we’ll play this Clondalkin side this season. I also want to thank the sponsors of the men’s second team, the Maldron Hotel in Tallaght. We were playing in the new strip that they payed for today and we’re very grateful for their support.”
Man of the match: Mark Keogh
Tallaght
1. Cameron Byrne
2. James Carr
3. Shane Mooney
4. Padraig O’Ciadha
5. Joe Ivers
6. Sean Judd
7. Colin McKeown
8. Mark Keogh
9. Stephen Tighe
10. Ciaran Stewart
11. Brandon Wilson
12. Gavin McKeon
13. Jordan Corrigan
14. Michael Corrigan
15. Wayne Stewart
16. Simon Gaskell
17. Dave Kelly
18. Patrik Toth
19. Aaron Morgan
20. Tony O’Loughlin
21. Shane Maguire
22. Gary Kinsella
23. Adam Clarke
Report: Luke Tyrrell
Photo: Luke Tyrrell
Seapoint R.F.C. 12
Tallaght 1sts: 17
Try: Adam Nolan, David Clarke
Con: Rob Hudson 2
Pen: Rob Hudson
Metro League Division 6
Kilbogget Park
11/01/2020
The Tallaght men’s first team resumed their Metro League Division 6 campaign after the Christmas break with a trip to take on Seapoint. With leaders Terenure not playing this week, Tallaght would go top with a win. However both teams initially struggled to cope with the wind and constant driving rain. Tallaght did make a great break through flanker Niall Mahon that got them close to the Seapoint line but when the ball went wide it was knocked on.
It was a consistent trend for Tallaght with the likes of Denny McCarthy and Dave Clarke also making good breaks only for the ball to be knocked on afterwards in the wet conditions. Tallaght’s cause wasn’t helped when Niall Mahon had to go off with a serious ankle injury. Tallaght did take a 3-0 lead from a Rob Hudson penalty on 22 minutes. Then Seapoint were shown a yellow card for a cynical foul at the ruck and Tallaght had an easy kick at goal to double their lead. However Tallaght chose to go for a scrum instead but the planned move was botched and Seapoint were able to clear their lines. Tallaght couldn’t take advantage of having the extra man and the half-time score remained 3-0.
In the second half both teams kept struggling to hold onto the ball. Then on the 50 minute mark Tallaght prop Tony McManus was shown a yellow card for taking a man out off the ball. Strangely, having struggled when a man up in the first half, being a man down actually sparked Tallaght into life. Strong carries from Jack Russell and Ken McGovern got Tallaght into position and then skipper Adam Nolan scored a try in the corner. Rob Hudson kicked a magnificent touchline conversion to make it 10-0 to Tallaght. Four minutes later Tallaght were on the scoresheet again. Replacement scrum-half Nick McGuinness made a fine break and then popped the ball to David Clarke to go over for the try which Hudson converted to make it 17-0 with twenty minutes left.
Tallaght were probably guilty of thinking the game was over too early and they let Seapoint back into the match in the last ten minutes. Seapoint scored tries on the 75 and 79 minute mark and converted one of them to make it 17-12. It made for a bit of nervy finish but Tallaght were able to regain the ball and kick it out to win the match and Seapoint got a losing bonus point for their troubles.
Tallaght coach Tom Leigh was pleased with his win. “Seapoint is always a hard place to come to and win so we’re delighted. The conditions were brutal and we were probably guilty of trying to play too much rugby in the first half. We hung in there and got the crucial scores to win the game when down a man. Fair play to Seapoint, they kept going and got a losing bonus point but we’re content to get the win to put us top of the table. We’ve now got Terenure and Coolmine at home in the next two weeks. It’s going to be a massive challenge but if we can win both those games it will put us in prime position for a home play-off final. I also want to thank the sponsors of the men’s first team, the Old Mill bar and restaurant in Firhouse. We were playing in the new strip that they payed for today and though it was a very dark day to get a good picture, we’re very grateful for their continued support.”
Man of the match: David Clarke
Tallaght RFC
1. Tony McManus
2. Ken McGovern
3. Andy Grace
4. Alan Moore
5. Alan Sower
6. Jack Russell
7. Niall Mahon
8. Adam Nolan (Captain)
9. Andrew Rudd
10. David Clarke
11. Karl Segrave
12. Denny McCarthy
13. Padraig Jones
14. Rob Hudson
15. Ciaran Rudd
16. Andy Caswell
17. Colin Morrison
18. Kevin Quinn
19. Scott Hyland
20. Nick McGuinness
Report: Jim O’Connor
Photos: Ciaran Keane (Blame him so!!)
Happy New Year!
However nobody at Tallaght RFC gets to ease their way into the new year as it’s a packed weekend of rugby ahead.
On Saturday the men’s first team are looking to regain top spot in Metro Division 6. They take on Seapoint who are fifth in the table but only seven points off the top of a highly competitive league. With leaders Terenure not playing this week, Tallaght will go top with a win and kick-off is 2.30 in Kilbogget Park.
At the same time, there’s another top of the table clash in Division 11 as the first-placed Tallaght seconds team take on second placed Clondalkin. Kick-off is 2.30 in Tymon Park. Then on Sunday the Tallaght women’s team travel to Kildare to take on Athy in Division 4. Kick-off is at 1.00 PM in The Showgrounds.
In the youths the Under 14s girls are away to North Meath on Saturday at 12pm. The Under 18s Bisto’s girls take on Birr on Saturday also at 12pm in CYM. On Sunday the under 8’s and 9’s have a blitz in Stillorgan RFC at Three Rock Rovers ground. Starting at 9am and meeting at 8.30 in Firhouse. The boys under-16s take on Clane in the league on Sunday at the earlier kick off time of 10.30am on Pitch 100.
The rest of the teams all have training as usual.
The St. Stephen’s day game took place again in Firhouse and despite the morning rain there was a strong turnout for it. There were players from the women’s, men’s and youth’s teams plus a few special guests.
Thanks to all the players and the family and friends who turned up to support on the sideline. Thanks also to our resident photographer Ann “Kavo” Kavanagh, who got some brilliant photos, a selection of which is below.
The Tallaght R.F.C. St. Stephen’s day game has been a tradition for a number of years now and for the fourth year running, Tallaght RFC will be host the match on pitch 100, opposite Firhouse Community School.
The game is always played in a fun, festive spirit and is open to all – past and present members, young and old, male and female players. Any kids that come along are welcome to have a run-out too if they fancy it. So pull out those old boots and if you want to wear a onesie or a silly costume, you’re more than welcome to! Please let Mark Keogh or Joe Ivers know if you can play.
We’re going to meet at 10.30 for a 11.00 kick-off and we’ll make up the teams on the day. Feel free to bring a few beers down to the sideline if you fancy it and afterwards we’ll go back to the Old Mill just up the road.
Here are some pictures of last year’s game!!!
Bisto’s 33
Athy 5
Tries: Laoise Devlin, Lily Marron 2, Benedetta Belini, Penalty Try
Conversion: Abbie Keeley 3
Leinster under-18’s Shield Final
Teompleville Road
14/12/2019
The Bisto’s team are made up of Tallaght, St. Marys, Old Belvedere and Blackrock players and are named after their late great coach Philip “Bisto” Preston. They took on Athy RFC in the Leinster under-18’s shield final on the main pitch in St. Mary’s ground on Templeville Road. One a bitterly cold, windy day both teams struggled in the first half to cope with the conditions.
The Bisto’s scored the only try of the first half after five minutes when centre Laoise Devlin broke clear to touch down in the corner. It gave the Bisto’s a 5-0 lead that they would take to half-time. In the second half Athy started strongly and broke away for an excellent try to level the game up at 5-5. However the game wasn’t level for long. Centre Lily Marron made a brilliant run up the middle breaking several tackles and then showed great power to get the ball over the line for an outstanding individual try. Out-half Abbie Keeley kicked the conversion to make it 12-5 to the Bisto’s.
That score gave the Bisto’s confidence and they began to get their passing game going. A superb offload from Keely to Marron nearly created another try but the ball went forward near the line. It was only a brief respite for Athy though. After strong carries from skipper Emma Irvin and number eight Aimee Brennan, the ball was worked out wide. It reached Benedetta Belini on the left wing and she took off down the line, beat the last Athy defender and touched the ball down under the posts. Keely added the extras to give the Bisto’s a 19-5 lead.
To their credit Athy kept fighting and they had the Bisto’s under pressure on their line. But led by the likes of Linn Staunton and Keva Condren O’Brien, the Bisto’s defence held firm and eventually they won a penalty to relieve the pressure. The Bisto’s then got back up the pitch and Lily Marron was through again but was stopped from scoring a certain try by a high tackle. The referee correctly awarded a penalty try to make the score 26-5 to the Bisto’s. Marron eventually get a second try in the last play of the game. Abbie Keeley kicked the conversion to the seal a 33-5 win and spark scenes of wild celebrations from the players, coaches, parents and supporters.
The Bisto’s impressive handling skills and strong mentality are a testament to the work of coaches Aileen McGovern from Tallaght RFC, Sarah Brennan and Barry Marron from St Marys, Nick Hodges from Blackrock RFC and Moia Flannery from Wexford RFC.
One of the victorious coaches Aileen McGovern was delighted with their team. “It was a brilliant performance from the whole Bisto squad. All the coaches are proud of their teamwork, skill and determination. It’s a credit to the hard work they have put in over the last few years. On behalf of the coaches and the team I would also like to thank the huge numbers of support from Tallaght Rugby Club and all the other local clubs who had players out there. The coaches couldn’t pick out a single player as everyone did their job so well so the player of the match goes to the entire squad. The future is bright!”
Player of the match: The entire squad
Bisto’s
1. Deirdre Turner
2. Sinead Brennan
3. Emma Irvin
4. Katie Carr
5. Keva Condren O’Brien
6. Linn Staunton
7. Hannah Hodges
8. Aimee Brennan
9. Nicole Fanning
10. Abbie Keeley
11. Benedetta Belini
12. Lily Marron
13. Laoise Devlin
14. Natalia Piriz Saldanna
15. Helen McGrath
16. Anna Brennock
Report: Jim O’Connor
Photos: Anne Kavanagh
CYM 24
Tallaght 2nds 41
Tries: Niall Mahon 2, Karl Segrave, Tony O’Loughlin 2, Jordan Corrigan, Daryl Keogh
Conversion: Brandon Wilson 3
Metro League Division 11
Terenure Road North
14/12/2019
It was first versus second in Division 11 and leaders Tallaght took on CYM. The re-arranged fixture was switched to Terenure because Tymon Park was unplayable. Tallaght took a 5-0 lead when Niall Mahon stole a lineout near the CYM line and touched the ball down for a try. CYM hit back with a try from a quick tap near the Tallaght line and they kicked the conversion to make it 7-5.
Tallaght hit back quickly to retake the lead. After strong carries from Andy Caswell and Colin Morrison, scrum-half Karl Segrave spotted a gap and raced through to score a try. Brandon Wilson converted to make it 12-7 to Tallaght. Tony O’Loughlin was impressing again in the pack and he showed his power to score from close range to make it 17-7 to Tallaght. CYM reduced the gap with a try to make it 17-12. But Tallaght responded well again when Ciaran Stewart showed good awareness to put centre Jordan Corrigan in for a try to make the half-time score 22-12 to Tallaght.
Tallaght started the second half positively when Niall Mahon intercepted a pass in his own half to race away for a try which Wilson converted to make it 29-12. Daryl Keogh then went over for a fine try which Wilson converted to make it 36-12. CYM kept fighting and they scored two more tries either side of Tony O’Loughlin’s second try for Tallaght to make the final score 41-24.
Tallaght player-coach Simon Gaskell was delighted with the win and the performance. “It’s a big ask to get people out to play on the second last Saturday before Christmas. So I really want to thank all the sixteen players who turned up today. After a stop-start beginning to the season we’ve now have a run of three consecutive games and we’ve won all three. It’s great to see the understanding building between players and that’s showing in the performances. It’s nice to be four points clear at the top of the table for the Christmas break but we know we’ve got a massive game against Clondalkin when we come back in January so that will be our focus now. I couldn’t pick an individual player out so the whole squad gets the man of the match award.”
Man of the match: The entire squad
Tallaght
1. Shane Mooney
2. Gary Kinsella
3. Andrew Caswell
4. Padraig O’Ciadha
5. Patrik Toth
6. Tony O’Loughlin
7. Colin Morrison
8. Niall Mahon
9. Karl Segrave
10. Ciaran Stewart
11. Michael Corrigan
12. Daryl Keogh
13. Jordan Corrigan
14. Brandon Wilson
15. Wayne Stewart
16. Simon Collie