St Stephen's Day 2014 Charity Match

Social & Official - Social Rugby

St. Stephen's Day 2014 Charity Match

Traditionally a day for rest and relaxation after the overindulgences of Christmas day but not so for the brave souls Skibbereen RFC - past and present – players that is, who braved the elements on St. Stephens day to take part in what proved to be a very entertaining game in the Showgrounds with the proceeds going to local charities. The current Junior players responded well to the challenge meted out some weeks ago by ‘The Sharks’ - a loosely applied term in this case - to represent players of relatively recent vintage – and whilst it may have been awhile since some donned the red and white of Skibbereen, one could be mistaken for thinking, some at least were still actively involved, such was the commitment shown. Resplendently turned out in their ‘Racing Metro ‘blue and white striped outfits – Metro’s current outhalf Johnny Sexton would have been proud of them - they went the extra mile and donned pink dickey-bow ties for the occasion. Credit must go to the organisers of the event generally but a special mention also to the organisers of the Sharks team Eoin Leonard and William Walsh for their colourful and innovative approach with outfits that certainly added the extra bit of colour to the day. Eoin Leonard was representing the i3PT Certification Association and William Walsh represented Walsh’s Victualler’s Bridge St. Skibbereen, both were also the main sponsors of the Shark’s Jersey’s. On the day they were undoubtedly the better turned out team but the ‘gear’ was not the only thing that impressed ,as the Shark’s rugby skills were well up there too, and in fact came close to causing an upset or two along the way.

From the first blast of the whistle local referee Gearóid Calnan – himself a player of note some years ago – stuck rigidly by the rules and from the off both teams entered into battle in the only way they knew how, and like the old saying - no quarter was asked or given for the duration. While undoubtedly many of the Sharks would end up requesting the odd Radox bath and maybe the odd bit of physio, there were no broken bones or serious injuries to report, and all were pleasantly exhausted and happy with the day’s workout. In truth very little separated the teams at the end with the current Junior selection just shading it by two tries to one. The try scorers for the juniors were Rory Hone in the first half and Kieran Shannon in the second half, while Hemi Taukiri scored in the second half for the Shark’s.

In the pavilion afterwards there was hot soup and sandwiches followed by a few seasonal beverages to help ease the pain, strike up conversations, and renew acquaintances with former teammates and friends who hadn’t met in a while. Many voiced an interest in repeating the event in 2015 and of course why not – it was e thoroughly enjoyable afternoon’s entertainment for all concerned and the local charities also benefitted.

Taking part for the ‘Sharks’ were :

Maurice O’Keeffe; David O’Keeffe; Domhnall O’Sullivan; John O’Sullivan; Barry Dodd Capt.; Cathal Dodd; Sean O’Neill; Barry Galvin; Conor McCarthy; Richard Hazel; Christopher Blick; Neil O’Driscoll; Hemi Taukiri; Brendan ‘Bod’ O’Donovan; Philip O’Connor; Darragh O’Mahony; Mike Dawson

Skibbereen Juniors: Team: Mike Calnan Capt.; David Jennings; William Ryan: Gerard McCarthy; Ian Hurley ; Lorcan Carey: Kevin Coombes: Greg O’Mahony; Richie Byrne ; Mike Limrick; Sana Govender; Alex Maseesee; Rory Hone; Mike O’Donovan; Gavin Coombes;

Replacements: Daniel Lynch; Alan O’Mahony;