Cobh Pirates – The future is bright under lights

Cobh Pirates had a busy week just gone, with no less than 4 games availing on the newly constructed lighting system on the main pitch.

The u14s season got off to a busy and successful start this week with 2 fixtures. They played Sundays Well at home under the newly Lights on Wednesday evening and Ballincollig RFC Saturday in Tanner Park, Ballincollig. Both games went the way of the Pirates with every player making a great contribution and with the weather conditions being perfect for exciting running rugby, the young Pirates did not disappoint. They scored some fine individual and team tries during both games and it bodes well for an enjoyable season ahead. Well done to all !

Pirates u14 squad ; Cian Cotter, Jamie Manley, James Cahill, Killian O’Connell, Liam O’Connell, Scott Keating, Jack O’Donnell, Ben Collins, Conor Mc Namara, Jay McCrossan-Donnachie, Saul Kahn, Rory Pierce, Jake Kennedy, Michael White, Diarmuid McCarthy, Chris Ruxton, Max Kelly, Conor Kidney, Cillian Mac Coitir, Bailey Frahill-Jones, George Rasmussen, Ben Kennedy, Jack Dennis, Sam Kennedy, Josh Cole, Liam O’Flaherty, Daniel O’Sullivan, Oisin O’Donovan, Brian O’Dwyer, Dion Griffin

Cobh Pirates under 14s in Tanner Park

Meanwhile the 13s headed for Old Christians on Saturday morning as they commenced their first season in juvenile rugby. This group took the leap from the mini grade moving to playing full pitch, and the encompassing rules. They could not have asked for a better start with the first win of the season.

Cobh Pirates RFC u13s

The minis had a full training program on Saturday morning in the sun, where there was 100’s of children from age 5 to 12 enjoying the facilities in the Paddocks. Registration is still ongoing and all new players are welcome, along with any parents who would like to give a hand on Saturday mornings.

The first game on Friday evening saw Cobh Pirates host Douglas/Carrigaline in an under 18s friendly. Pirates were set on a quick paced game, moving the ball with some good strike running from the loose forwards and centers. Pirates notched up 25 points in the encounter, to the oppositions 12, getting the season of to a positive start
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This game was followed by the under 16 side host Kinsale in a very entertaining encounter. Pirates followed suit with the open brand of rugby taking the spoils 20 17.

On Saturday night the Junior 1s hosted Muskerry RFC, a fellow Munster Junior League division 1 side for an important friendly in the lead in to the league campaign which starts next week.

Again, under lights, the playing conditions were ideal for a fast flowing game.

The young side started the night with great pace and direct running from the backline, Ian O’Donovan causing his opposite number problems from the off. The pack were made to work hard but with hard work from Dave Chandler, Dave Griffin and Tom Kevaney and the introduced Alan Fitzgerald and TJ McSweeney, they were able to gain parity with the larger Muskerry unit.

The whitewash was crossed by Alan Langford, Ian “Buzz” O’Donovan and Denis Kinevane.

Next Sunday see’s the commencement of the anticipated League, with the first game on the road versus Limerick side Galbally RFC.

Cobh Pirate Eimear Perryman made her debut this week with Munster under 18s ladies with a fantastic performance and a win against Connacht, played in Tanner Park in Ballincollig RFC

A variety of teams across the province are represented and over the summer the squad of 35 players have put in a huge amount of preparation.

Munster U18 Girls Team
15. Aisling Brosnan (Tralee RFC)
14. Aoife O’Shaughnessy (Rockwell College)
13. Dorothy Wall (Fethard RFC)
12. Enya Breen (Bantry Bay RFC)
11. Stephanie Nunan (St Mary’s RFC)
10. Emily Lane (Mallow RFC)
9. Muirne Wall (Listowel RFC)
1. Hayley Betts (Listowel RFC)
2. Erica O’Connor (Shannon RFC)
3. Ellen Farrell (Shannon RFC)
4. Eimear Perryman (Cobh Pirates RFC)
5. Dearbhla Canty (Listowel RFC)
6. Katlyn Fleming (Cashel RFC)
7. Mary Hilda Hurley (Bantry Bay RFC)
8. Caolainn Healy (Listowel RFC)

Replacements:
16. Melanie McKnight (St Mary’s RFC)
17. Caroline Downey (Bantry Bay RFC)
18. Ciara Shine (Listowel RFC)
19. Grace Crowley (Bantry Bay RFC)
20. Andrea Stock (Bantry Bay RFC)
21. Holly O’Dwyer (Thurles RFC)
22. Tracy Collopy (Shannon RFC)
23. Laura Cato (Bantry Bay RFC)