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Future looks bright for Kilkenny rugby
LOOKING to the future with renewed optimism was the key point for Kilkenny rugby.
Speakers at the club's annual meeting, which was held recently, pointed to some positive signs which had emerged during the las campaign. As a result of these, a senior club member stated that the season ahead was most important, and that all energies should be pushed in that direction.
The new management team, led by Pat McDonald, is in place and has begun pre-season training. Pat will be supported by Patrick Henebry, along with a team of advisers, and they are looking forward to the task ahead with confidence.
Like all seasons new players will prove beneficial and they will be announced shortly. The last game of the season just passed saw a great battle between Kilkenny and James Stephens Barracks. It is expected a number of those players will be joining the club. That game was arranged by outgoing President Lar Foley who handed over to Quentin Hearne on the night.
The former Army officer was proud and honoured to have served the club as President and will look back with fond memories on his role. Mr Foley set out a three-prong plan to create a strong and vibrant club and, as an ex officio, he will continue to see it through.
Mr Foley called on members to support those who take on responsibilities in the club and to make sure they have the tools to carry out tasks.The spirit and morale of the club remains high but, he added, it should never be taken for granted.
Club No 8 John Phelan was congratulated for leading the Leinster Juniors in their inter-provincial campaign. The new captain is Philip Ryan, a towering second row who is a born leader and a popular choice. His deputy captain will be James Cody, who always adds steel to a team.
Officers elected were: president Quentin Hearne, vice-president Tim Kiely, secretary Tim Kiely, treasurer Siobhan Lawlor, chairman Eugene Finlay, finance Mick O'Donovan, youths' rep Gary Graham and Kieran Conway, grounds rep Jimmy McGarry, house Stuart Knaggs, social Gary Brickell, fixtures John Kenna, players' rep James Blanchfield, PRO Paul Howe, auditor Noel Ryan, chairman of rugby Niall O'Gorman, South East reps Ger McDonald, John Kenna.
As with all years the past season brought its share of sadness, with the passing of former members Philip O;Mahony, Joe Ayres and Joan Smithwick. The club offered their sincere condolences to the families.
Training
The club will hold training for seniors and under-19s on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the foreseeable future. All are welcome including newcomers, as the new coaching regime has a large number of volunteer coaches who will work with all players and levels.
The ladies team will train on Wednesday nights. Newcomers are encouraged to attend.
Under-17 training starts on the second Thursday in August. Regular under-17 backs coach Barry Daly has been promoted to backs coach with the first team for this season, but will continue to assist the under-17s. He will be joined by former first team coach and captain Simon Manuel. Simon and Barry will run the back line while head coach Mick McGrath will be assisted by a number of specialist forward coaches including former club coach Ger McDonald and Lee Selmon.
After a weather delay the annual Teen Tag tournament is now in full swing. Run by the under-19s and supported by club members, this tournament is open to any teenager (male or female) from 15 to 19 years of age. All are invited to the club at 7pm on Wednesdays, where teams will be picked on the night. Cost is €2 per night, with all monies going back into a prize-giving ceremony and barbecue for players at the end of the tournament.
Summer Camp
Leinster Branch will hold their rugby Summer Camp in Kilkenny in August. A great week's rugby is assured for boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 12 years, with top class coaches teaching rugby through fun methods.
For existing players the ball contact time over the week equates to 14 weeks of regular training, while for newcomers the camp provides the chance to learn the vital skills in a fun environment. Further information is available from Mick McGrath, tel 086-8242735 or www.leinster rugby.com.
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Weather for Kilkenny
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South
