BOD, My Tribute

Brian O Driscoll , was hasn’t been said about the great man since his 2^nd Six Nations win. His 2^nd win in Paris 14 years after the 1^st.It all began for him back in 1999 in an Ireland shirt before he wore a Leinster shirt in a senior game. He won a World Cup at under 19 level under Declan Kidney back in 1998, ironic that the same man was in charge 11 years later to deliver a first grand slam since 1948.

Brian O Driscoll is a special player, a once in a lifetime type of player, one does wonder will we see his like again. I really do hope so given that we have quality centre’s coming through all the time. Brendan Maken  is one player that really does have a bright future for both Leinster and Ireland.

Back to BOD , he announced his arrival on the world stage as a baby faced 21 year old with that magnificent hat trick on that day he had a great help from his partner that day Rob Henderson , who as we know was his partner in crime against Australia for The Lions in 2001.

Down the years he had done some wonderful things in the blue of Leinster or the green of Ireland. His main centre partner was Gordan D’arcy , they played together 57 times in the centre , it was a world record only surpassed by All Blacks Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith.

His stats don’t lie, 46 tries for Ireland , 26 in the Six Nations and the rest in other test matches including one cracker against Australia at the 03 World Cup. We can mention so many great moments for him.

Somebody told me something very interesting about Brian, for those of us that are in out early 20s or late teens we know nobody else in the 13 shirt for either Ireland or Leinster. That will be a strange moment next season when we look to an xv without his name in it. But that can wait until next season. So for now sit back a savour the great man while you can!!

By

Cian Mc Gibney

18/03/2014.

My Six Nations Team of the Championship

15 R.Kearney.

14  Y.Huget.

13  L.Burrell

12  M.Campenaro

11 G.North

10 J.Sexton

9 D.Care

8 B.Vunipola

7 C.Robshaw

6 P.O Mahony

5 C.Lawes

4 D.Toner

3 M.Ross

2 R.Best

1 C.Healy

Replacements

16 S.Cronin

17 J.Marler

18 M.Moore

19 S.Warburton

20 J.Launchbury

21 C.Murray

22 O.Farrell

23 M.Brown.

Ireland Women’s Historic Moment

Saturday march 8^th will live long in the memory of all Irish rugby fans because it was the day that the Irish women made their debut at the home of Irish rugby with a game against Italy. After winning the Grand Slam back in March 2013, they are now getting their due reward for all the hard work and long hours that so many people have put in over the last few years.

Let’s hope that we get more nights like we did last Saturday night. A decent crowd stuck around to see the historic moment. And the performance didn’t disappoint. Clare Molloy scored the first try of the evening after Niamh Briggs had put them 3-0 up. They led 20-0 at half time and were in total control from start to finish and they deserved the win that sets them up for a tilt at the title next Friday against France in Pau.

This historic moment was very important for the development of the women’s game in Ireland and I hope that it is the start of something special for women’s sport in this country. Back to the game itself, the brand of rugby that Ireland play is fast and free flowing and they love to offload at any opportunity which is great to see.

Having been in close contact with some members of this squad over the last year, I felt a real sense of pride on Saturday evening and also I felt very nervous for them but once the game kicked off they settled very quickly and the crowd got in behind them and that seemed to drive them on and the performance that they delivered while not perfect was very strong and bodes well for not only France next week but the World Cup also in France in August.

From a personal point of view I would like to thank Niamh Briggs , Fiona Coghlan , Marie Louise Reilly and Siobhan Fleming for their time over the last 12 months , I really appreciate all that you have done for me and I owe you all so much , simply Thank You ALL. Also a big thank you to Gemma Crowley Team Manager for all your help aswell, I know at times I broke your heart but sincerely Thank You.

By

Cian Mc Gibney

10-03-2014.

I have been thinking of writing this article for the last 12 to 18 months. To honour a certain player that has been through a lot in that time. He has changed as a person and as a player in that time. He is a wonderful rugby player that has gone from a club player to a schools player in a short space of time and is now one step away from a Schools Cup final. Not a bad turn of events given the fact that this time last year things were not so rosy and he had a long road to recovery.

That person is my younger brother Fionn, who has turned his rugby around through hard work and no less determination. His move to Crescent has turned out to be a good move for all parties. After his early years at Listowel to his move to Garryowen and now his time at Crescent it has been one hell of a journey, From the Cows Lawn, to Dooradoyle all the way to Thomand Park.

The people who have been the biggest part of that journey are his Mam Anne, Dad Rory and Uncle Raymond, who have done a lot of driving to and from training in the last 7 or so years. His achievements have been made possible by these people’s dedication. There have been other people involved in his journey in that time also and Knowing Fionn he is eternally grateful to all of these people, they know who they are.

From this author point of view, what he has achieved is remarkable and he can achieve even greater things in the next few years in college and on the rugby pitch. For now it is Castletroy in the Cup semi final and after that who knows, the sky’s the limit !!!

By

Cian Mc Gibney

School’s Rugby, What’s it all about??

Well I must admit after many years my notion of schools rugby being the enemy has changed, Having been to three games so far this year a game in the 1^st round, a quarter final and also a replay. I must admit that Schools rugby isn’t all that bad, I would still be a huge critic of the idea of tying over 30 players to commit to a year of training and matches given the fact that between 7 and 10 players may not see game time throughout the season but in turn are not able to turn out for their club at the weekend’s which to my mind will be to the detriment of the clubs in the long term.

Back to the Munster Schools Cup, having seen what the competition means to all the schools involved from players to coaches to the supporters and anyone else connected with each team, it has given me a better idea of how big and prestigious it actually is. The Leinster Schools Cup has long been acknowledged as the king but talk to anyone in Munster and they will tell you how competitive it can get. In Munster all the teams have a real chance of victory unlike Leinster where barring a major surprise one of the established schools will come out on top.

With four limerick schools left in this year’s competition, it will be interesting to see who will come out on top, will it be Castletroy College, St Munchins , Ard Scoil Ris or defending champions Crescent Comprehensive . The Semi  finals take place this week with St Munchins vs Ard Scoil Ris on Wednesday and Crescent Comprehensive vs Castletroy College on Friday both take place in Limerick.

So to sum up Schools rugby looks to be in rude health at least in Limerick. Roll on the Semi Finals later this week to see who makes the Cup final on March 17^th.

By

Cian Mc Gibney.