West Offaly Lions News

Leinster Rugby Open training sessions:Training session in Mullingar RFC is on Bank Holiday Monday 2nd August at 5pm.This training session is open to everyone and we would like to remind all rugby clubs that they are welcome.contact Brian for further information

Lotto results 14th july 2010: Winning numbers bonus: 37  bonus +1: 20 No winner
Lucky dip winner Fionn campbell next weeks jackpot 625 euro. Please support

West Offaly Lions Golf Classic, Birr Golf Course Friday 20th August. Contact: Brian, Jude, Anthony, Padraig or any members for more information your support is greatly appreciated.

Sorry for lack of up to date info on the web site we are currently updating the whole website and hope to have it up and running soon. Sorry for any inconvience caused.

West Offaly Lions Summer camps running from monday the 19th of july until friday the 24th in the school field ferbane. 35 euro per child... All welcome contact Conor Galvin for further details.

West offaly Lions lotto results 23/06/2010 winning numbers 7 and 26 no winner lucky dip winner pat coyne next jackpot 500 euro please support

Hey everyone,

As many of you are aware Facebook is the latest, most popular social networking tool. It the easiest way to reach the entire local community. As a result, Facebook's newest 'Like' button has been added to the West Offaly Lions website. You'll find it located at the top of every article.

If your on Facebook, don't forget to 'Like' what you've read  to help spread the clubs news to the entire community.

 Alan

Ireland and Munster player Denis Leamy made the trip to Ferbane last friday to present the U13 squad with their Connacht Cup medals, Denis is a cousin of Marion Gilligan our club secretary and he made the trip from Cashel Co. Tipp where he had just finished training to present the medals to the lads, it was a very enjoyable evening. A very big thank you has to be said to Gallen Community School for allowing the hosting of the event to Mr John Irwin and Mr Bernard Quigley, and also to every one else involved who helped organise the ocasion and made food and refreshments on the night it was greatly appreciated.

 

 

Denis then made his way to Gleeson's where he also presented the Junior squad with their J1B league medals, the haggard was full to the rafters and a great night was had by everyone involved, and another big thank you to everyone involved in the organising of the event and to Danny Gleeson for hosting the event.

Pictured here is captain Colin Kenny with his parents after recieving the Cup.

The West Offaly Lions U13's created more history as the overcame a strong Sligo side to win there first and probably only Connacht Cup

Sunday the 11th of April saw West Offaly Lions Under 13s travel to a sun drenched Ballyhaunis RFC for the final of the Connacht Cup. Beautifully prepared surroundings and arguably the best weather of the year was the perfect backdrop for what proved to be an incredible game of rugby.
 
West Offaly had beaten Ballina, Castlebar and Ballinasloe on their way to the final and awaiting them was a much fancied Sligo team who had been very impressive on their march to the final. As the game kicked off Sligo established early dominance and set up camp in the young Lions 22. The first few minutes saw the Ferbane based outfit struggling for a foothold in the game but Sligo at this stage were into their stride with many of the West Offaly team coming up short in the early exchanges. West Offaly were relying on some last ditch tackles to keep the scores level and did so in the early minutes thanks to Ronan Butler and Tom Corcoran in particular who tackled with great bravery, however an early Sligo score looked inevitable and minutes later the pressure told forcing a mistake from West Offaly who were now 5-0 down after five minutes. Worse was to follow however as almost straight from the kick off Sligo again attacked and after some more mistakes by the Lions and some incisive attacking play Sligo had made it 10-0. The only positives for the Lions being that both conversions had been narrowly missed. The alarm bells were ringing loudly in the ears of the players now.
 
West Offaly at this stage were down but definitely not out and the belief that had grown in earlier rounds now started to shine through. Led by inspirational captain Colin Kenny the Lions started to carry ball back at Sligo and a mixture of great off loading and passing led to numerous line breaks. The incredible work of Dean Guinan, William Phair and Conor Kelly in the front row meant that West Offaly started to edge the physical battle and provide good ball for the accurate passing of the ever dangerous Joseph Daly Lowry. Midway through the second half a flowing move involving forward and backs saw Colin Kenny slice through the Sligo defence for a great try which he converted himself. 10-7 Game on.
 

Pictured here is Ronan Butler holding the cup with his parents and younger brother Conor

West Offaly now began to move through the gears and the remainder of the first half saw the game flow from end to end, Jack Clancy who had switched to full back was a calming influence and dealt confidently with the probing kicks of the Sligo half backs as well as attacking with great flair and imagination himself. With half time moments away West offaly mustered another attack, this time the ball fell to Ryan Heavin from a Colin Kenny offload. Moving with great speed Heavin sprinted toward the corner evading tackle after tackle before scoring in the corner. 12-10 to West Offaly. Half time brought a welcome break from the increasing heat but also a warning that a Sligo backlash was on its way.
 
Sligo started the second half like men possessed and this well drilled and talented outfit led by their number 8, out half and right wing  started to dominate possession. Their tactic was clearly to move the ball wide and attack!! Enter Oisin Kelly and Anthony Seery  who provided a display of aggressive tackling and control in midfield that symbolised the teams work rate never letting the Sligo attack through. In fact both players looked sure to be out of the game through injury but battled on bravely and led by example to those around them.
 
Sligo were eventually rewarded for their efforts and a penalty saw them retake the lead 13-12. The Lions refused to give up and marched down the field once more, accurate throwing in the lineout from the impressive Kevin Kelly gave a great platform to attack and a combination of pace in attack and great defence from wings Brian McEvoy and Diarmuid Guinan meant that West Offaly slowly started to pin Sligo back. Darren "The Bull" Buckley replaced the hardworking Jack Quinn  added dome freshness to a now jaded pack. West Offaly badly needed a score and their prayers were answered with 12 mins to go with an almost identical try to their second. Kenny sidestepped through the Sligo defence before being tackled, quick ball was supplied to Heavin who set off on an arcing run towards the corner in a foot race with the sligo defence, Heavin had to deal with an approaching side line and multiple tacklers but pushed on by great cheers from the West Offaly supporters and at full stretch managed to grab a vital score in the corner. Even though the conversion was missed The Lions still led 17-13. For the last ten minutes West Offaly attacked with great purpose this was highlighted by the runs of Tom Corcoran who was not only  playing for himself but also his injured brother John who had delivered man of the match displays in earlier rounds. West Offaly narrowly missed two kickable penalties to widen the gap and were almost made to pay for it when Sligo made a last brave charge for victory but tackles from Seery, Clancy, Kenny and most noticeably continuous tackles from flankers Butler and Corcoran ( both of whom had tackled hard from the first minute)  kept the attacks at bay. With the young Lions almost out on their feet they were greeted with the sweet sound of the final whistle. Cue great celebrations and joy as fans mentors and parents celebrated with the players on what was great achievement for all involved. Captain Kenny thanked Sligo for a great game as well as thanking all the members of the panel who had worked so hard to get the team to the final as well as all the support from parents and sponsors Sean Corcoran and a special thanks to Gallen CS for the use of their grounds throughout the year and all their support. The last job was to lift the cup for the large crowd which was greeted with the loudest cheer of the day and return to Ferbane as Champions.

Below we have the team after their hard earned victory.
 
Panel W Phair C Kelly K Kelly J Quinn R Butler T Corcoran Dean Guinan R Heavin J DalyLowry C Kenny A Seery O Kelly Diarmuid Guinan B McEvoy J Clancy M O'Shea D Buckley J Corcoran J Gannon D Ryan R Davis S Fleming

Congradulations to the West Offaly Lions U13 Squad who had a fantastic victory today in Ballyhaunis over Sligo  in what was a very tit for tat game with both sides giving it there all. Photos and full report soon.

Best of luck to the West Offaly Lions U13 side who face a stronge Sligo side this week end in the Connacht cup final. The lads have been going strong in training and there hard work is paying off on the field and under the excellent guidance of Conor Galvin Padraig Clancy and the other people involved lets hope they bring more silverware back to the club this season. The match is on in Ballyhaunis R.F.C. at 3pm Sunday so your support would b greatly appreciated.

A late try deep into the second half gave West Offaly Lions the Connacht J1B title for 2010 in what was a game of games.

It was just rewards for the Lions who in fairness dominated the game from start to finish but it was by no means an easy task and creggs showed why they were top of the table throughout the season and why the two best teams had to play out such a fixture to separate them on this final day.

Creggs went into the game needing just a win to see them through where West Offaly had a much more daunting task of not only needing the win but also the bonus point try to seal the league, and the fact that Creggs had only conceded 4 tries all season long the task look almost unachievable but it was shaping up to be a mouth watering game. The game kicked off at 3pm and it was evident to see that the nerves were there with the Creggs kicker failing to make the 10 meters from the kick off so we had our first scrum and this scrum like the rest through out the game set the tone, neither side was going to give an inch and any ground made was going to be hard made. The two teams tore into each other with big hits been dealt from both sides, and to the first real chance of the game the West Offaly defence strayed offside at a ruck to give Creggs their first pop at the West Offaly posts but luckily for the Lions the kick went narrowly wide. As the half progressed West Offaly started to get into the flow of things and pressuring the Creggs defence which held up strong but with constant pressure they too strayed offside giving the Lions there first real opportunity but Out half Donal Corbett snatched at the chance and it too went wide of the posts but you could sense that the game was about to change and the side to make the first break would find form and luckily for the lions it was them with Donal Corbett weighting a perfect kick into the corner for Jeffery Cuskley to touch down and Corbett made no mistake from the sideline splitting the posts, 7-0 to the Lions. With the first half coming to a close Creggs took the opportunity to put three points on the board with a penalty kick. West Offaly Lions lost their very influential second row player Anthony Quinn who was sin binned for what appeared to be a very harsh decision for excessive rucking. This brought the half time score to 7-3 in favour of the Lions.

From the restart the fourteen man Lions team were under pressure as Creggs upped the pace of their game but this young lions team held firm. With Anthony Quinn returning to the field, the Lions proceeded to put Creggs under immense pressure ending with a great try by man of the match George Mooney and converted by Donal Corbett.

The Lions struck again for their third converted try by Donal Corbett after some brilliant passes from Paul Deely and Brian Gleeson. Two substitutions were to follow for the Lions, Conor Galvin for Colm Malone and Stephen Cornally for Richie Clancy. Most of the remaining fifteen minutes of the game was played on the Lions line, but for some ferocious defending by the Lions Creggs seemed destined to score on several occasions. This was not to be Creggs day. Once again the Lions were unfortunate to loose prop Tomas Bennett who was sinned binned with 4 minutes left.

In one final effort, centre Tom Gilligan ripped the ball from a Creggs player. He then passed to Corbett who kicked the ball forward ending in a maul ten metres from the Creggs posts. Anthony Quinn with the ball in his hands made a powerful drive to the line to score West Offaly Lions bonus point try to crown them league champions. Corbett drop kicked the conversion on the final whistle leaving the score 28-3. This was the Lions best team performance throughout this league campaign. The J1B Cup was presented to an inspiring captain of two years Ronan Guinan by Connaught competitions secretary Robert Laeff.

West Offaly Lions wish to thank all our sponsors in particular our food sponsor Supermacs of Ferbane.

Sincere thanks to all our local media for all your coverage of our games throughout the year.

 

  U13's

Best of luck to the U13 squad this Sunday who will make a long trip to Ballina too take on Ballina in the Connacht Cup, the side have been playing well under the excellent guidance of Conor Galvin and have preformed well in their recent outings against Buccaneer's and Ballinasloe, lets hope this good run of form carries through to Sundays game and their run in the Connacht cup is extended.

Seniors

The seniors took on a strong Connemara side last Sunday and the lads from the west showed no signs of fatigue as they tore into the Lions from the off, it was a tit for tat affair in the first half with West Offaly forcing the game and making a lot of errors and mistakes which lead to a very stop start first period, Tom Gilligan did cross the line in the first half and what seemed to everyone else a perfect try the referee deemed it had been held up and the score was not allowed but the Lions did start to play and begin to put in the phases and it was shaping up to be an interesting second half. The lions hit the ground running in the second half and start to build on the last few minutes effort in the first half but the strong Connemara defence didn't relent posing a strong wall to break down but as the half wore on it looked only a matter of time before the deadlock was going to be broken and it eventually was some strong work by the forwards got the lions inside the Connemara 22 and with some neat hands released Ronnie Guinan through for the games first try, a few minutes later Gramps put a nice chip through for Jeff Cuskley to touch down in the corner and in the dying minutes of the match Jason Clancy went through as well to finish the day off on a high, the Lions finished up the day 20 - 0 but were made work for every point, it will have to be a much better performance against UCG who proved to be the Lions stumbling block last season especially with the promotion battle heating up as the season draws to an end, the top 4 teams are all still in contention for promotion with Creggs top on 39 West Offaly on 38 and Loughrea snapping on West Offaly's heals in third its all a little to close for comfort and looks as though it will go right down to the final game. The Lions so far have the strongest defence this season in the league with the least amount points against and this is testament to the huge effort been put in by coaches and players and it would be a shame to see all that effort go to waste so starting this Sunday with the students West Offaly will be doing everything in their power to ensure a strong performance and a mouth watering finale Sunday 3 weeks in Creggs.

Development team

The development team travelled to Monivea last Sunday to take on the team top of the table and the home side showed exactly why they are top with a clinical performance beating the Lions 43 - 7 in a tough hard battle as these games always prove to be, the Lions never gave up and with some players missing due to injury and been called up to the first team to fill the voids the Lads acquitted them selves well and it was good to see some old faces back in the side and hopefully we will see them for the remainder of the season.

With the season of 09 ending, times were hard for the west offaly lions and indeed the majority of clubs with matches few and far between due to the rain at first making pitches to wet to play on, to a total change when due to frost they were to hard to play on, hopefully the new year will bring better conditions and see some match fixtures played off.

 The U13's had there first outing under the excellent guidance of Conor Galvin and had a good win against local rivals Buccaneers it was played under lights at the wonderfull facilities of dubarry park athlone and was a great experience for these young players thanks to everyone involved

 The West Offaly Lions lotto is now in full swing with the draws taking place at different locations throughout the area, we greatly appreciate your support in making the lotto and the club a sucess thank you

Everyone at West Offaly Lions wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Ballinasloe V  West Offaly Lions

The season so far has got of to a good start for the West Offaly Lions picking up where we left off last yerar with some impressive rugby and with 4 wins out of 4. On october 24th the lions travelled to Ballinasloe and in what was a hard night and the rugby was just as tough as well with the lions under pressure from the off but to there credit the composed themselves well and began to break down the stronge Ballinasloe defence and began to find the space which eventually lead to the first try of the night which was scored by Ritchie Clancy. The lions crossed over for another try in the first half and two more in the second in what was their best display of rugby this season with the players running good lines and off loading well and working the phases. Although it was a good win for the lions they will be disappointed that they took so long to really close the game off going most of the second half without scoring and defending the gain line but this was credit to the never say die attitude of a Ballinasloe team who were looking to score the first try this year against the lions but it wasn't to be and the lions held out for a 30- 0 win.

Westport   V   W.O.L.

The Lions made the long trip west last sunday to Westport to play a much fancied Westport Bulls side and the Lions weren't disappointed. The lions have never beaten the Bulls at home and we knew going there it was going to be a huge task but one which they would not shy away from.  The game started at a very fast pace with both sides not willing to give an inch in the rucks and mauls and this proved to be the story for the day, but when the lions did get it to the backs thats when they started to carve the holes and the off loading game started to take shape with Donal Corbett making a great break and going over for the first try af the game, Tomas Bennett then crossed over soon enough for the second try when given a great off load by Ciaran Coughlan and a miss match with scrum half and prop to touch down under the posts, the lions got flowing and looked very fluent when moving and should have had more points to the score board but it wasnt until the second half until the lions crossed again with a brilliant try, under serious pressure in there own 22 Ciaran Coughlan robbed the ball poped to Rory Walshe who sped away he then off loaded to Niall Flaherty just inside his own half way line who in turn used his pace to out run 3 Westport players only to be caught by the full back under the posts but he had the awareness to pop the ball to the ever supporting Tom Gilligan who touched down under the post and scored the follow up conversion. This did not how ever stop Westport and they went looking for blood and were with 13 men camped inside the West Offaly 22 for the remainder of the half but the stronge Lions defence proved why they haven't conceeded a try this season by meeting every attack head on and holding onto their nil scoreline which is a huge achievment especially to a stronge Westport team. The game ended 24 - 0 to a tough day on the field and to a welcome break.

West Offaly Lions R.F.C had a fantastic win over Gort in the Connaught J1B League in Ferbane on Sunday 18^th October 2009.

From the kick off, West Offaly Lions had Gort under pressure with a huge charge forward by team captain Ronan Guinan who led from the front throughout the entire game.

West Offaly Lions first score came from a great pass from Jason Clancy who put Tom Gilligan through for the home teams' first try, which unfortunately was not converted. After 30 minutes of play Gort had 2 missed penalty kicks. West Offaly Lions place kicker Donal Corbett found his kicking boots with two successful penalty kicks. Gorts' only score of the day was a penalty kick leaving the score line 11-3 at half time in favour of West Offaly Lions.

While not playing well in the first half West Offaly Lions found their rhythm in the second half and began to take control of the game. Scores came from a try by Thomas Bennett and converted by Donal Corbett. Soon after, Tom Gilligan stormed over the line for his second try again converted by Donal Corbett to put the game out of Gorts reach. In the last few minutes after the best move of the day by Richie Clancy and Ciaran Coughlan, Rory Walsh crossed the line for West Offaly Lions fourth try converted by Donal Corbett to leave a finishing score line of West Offaly Lions 32, Gort 3.

Development Team

West Offaly Lions Development team played the Galwegians in the Connaught J2 South League also in Ferbane with an early kick off at 1pm, it was a very evenly fought contest with both sets of forwards unwilling to give an inch and it proved to be this way for much of the day, the lions how ever with a smaller pack got wore down from added pressure and got sucked into the rucks this gave the Galwegians side the opportunity they needed and they crossed the line. The lions did fight back and were very unlucky not to have gone into the second half in front when they were stopped short of the Wegians line on two occasions late in the first half. The second half proved to be much like the first a battle of the forwards The Galwegians forwards were that bit stronger on the day and wore the pack down again and were clinical in there finishing converting the only two chances they got which proved the turning point on the day. The lions can take a lot from this game they battled hard and with just a little more composure in front of the line the team will turn these results around. The final score of the day was 18-5.

Thanks to our food sponsors Supermacs' Ferbane, and also to Danny Gleeson (Gleeson's Bar & Lounge)

MINI Rugby will be taking a break on Sunday 25^th November 2009 due to the Bank Holiday week end. It will continue on 1^st November 2009 at 11.30am in the Ferbane Vocational Field.

  West Offaly Lions News

West Offaly Lions R.F.C had a fantastic win over Gort in the Connaught J1B League in Ferbane on Sunday 18^th October 2009.

From the kick off, West Offaly Lions had Gort under pressure with a huge charge forward by team captain Ronan Guinan who led from the front throughout the entire game.

West Offaly Lions first score came from a great pass from Jason Clancy who put Tom Gilligan through for the home teams' first try, which unfortunately was not converted. After 30 minutes of play Gort had 2 missed penalty kicks. West Offaly Lions place kicker Donal Corbett found his kicking boots with two successful penalty kicks. Gorts' only score of the day was a penalty kick leaving the score line 11-3 at half time in favour of West Offaly Lions.

While not playing well in the first half West Offaly Lions found their rhythm in the second half and began to take control of the game. Scores came from a try by Thomas Bennett and converted by Donal Corbett. Soon after, Tom Gilligan stormed over the line for his second try again converted by Donal Corbett to put the game out of Gorts reach. In the last few minutes after the best move of the day by Richie Clancy and Ciaran Coughlan, Rory Walsh crossed the line for West Offaly Lions fourth try converted by Donal Corbett to leave a finishing score line of West Offaly Lions 32, Gort 3.

Development Team

West Offaly Lions Development team played the Galwegians in the Connaught J2 South League also in Ferbane with an early kick off at 1pm, it was a very evenly fought contest with both sets of forwards unwilling to give an inch and it proved to be this way for much of the day, the lions how ever with a smaller pack got wore down from added pressure and got sucked into the rucks this gave the Galwegians side the opportunity they needed and they crossed the line. The lions did fight back and were very unlucky not to have gone into the second half in front when they were stopped short of the Wegians line on two occasions late in the first half. The second half proved to be much like the first a battle of the forwards The Galwegians forwards were that bit stronger on the day and wore the pack down again and were clinical in there finishing converting the only two chances they got which proved the turning point on the day. The lions can take a lot from this game they battled hard and with just a little more composure in front of the line the team will turn these results around. The final score of the day was 18-5.

Thanks to our food sponsors Supermacs' Ferbane, and also to Danny Gleeson (Gleeson's Bar & Lounge)

  WEST OFFALY LIONS R.F.C

 

 

West Offaly Lions Development Team had a superb win over the Buccaneers Thirds Team at Dubarry Park Athlone last Sunday 11^th October 2009, in the Connaught J2 league.

The first half saw a lot of hard hits and tackles from both sides but it was West Offaly Lions who scored first with a penalty kick by Donal Corbett. During the game there was three fantastic try's from Padge Malone, Stephen Cornally and Adrian Coughlan; one conversion and a drop goal from Donal Corbett brought West Offaly Lions tally to 23 points. The Buccaneers only score of the game came from a try by Niger So, who also converted the try to leave the Buccaneers at 7 points for the day.

West Offaly Lions wish a speedy recovery to two of the Buccaneers players, Gerry Glynn and Dave Shaughnessy after injuries early in the second half.

The final score of the match was West Offaly Lions 23, Buccaneers 7.

 

The West Offaly Lions commenced their playing season in the Connaught J1B League with a winning score line of 28 - 3 over a fine Ballyhaunis team on Sunday 4^th October 2009 in Ferbane.

After a lot of West offaly pressure the first score of the match came from a penalty kick by scrumhalf Paul Deely, who went on to score a further 2 penalties during the game.the Lions had the Ballyhaunis team under a lot of pressure but in fairness there defence stood strong and it wasnt until late in the first half that Colin Malone crossed for the first try and Anthony Quinn crossed half way through the second half for the second try which the conversions were kicked by Paul Deely who's place kicking was excellent all day. Donal Corbett came on in place of the injured Richie Clancy, this being the only substitution of the day for the home team and West offaly started to carve holes and gaps in the Ballyhaunis defence but only for silly mistakes and handling errors the Lions cold not increase there score. Ballyhaunis did force the Lions into defence for a lot of the second half in search of a score but Ballyhaunis's only score of the day was from a penalty kick taken by Martin Finnegan in the second half of the game, which pays tribuite to the hard work done in defence by the West Offaly Lions.The final score came from a try by team captain Ronan Guinan. However, on this occasion the West Offaly Lions failed to make the conversion with a near miss by Paul Deely. It was a good start to what promises  to be an interesting season for the West Offaly Lions and hopefully the wins continue.

Many thanks to Danny Gleeson (Gleesons Bar & Lounge, Ferbane) for the use of his premises after the match. Also thanks to the management and staff of Supermacs in Ferbane as sponsors of the food for the season.

 

MINI Rugby continues next Sunday 11^th October 2009, at the Technical Field in Ferbane at 11.30am. All welcome.

So the new season is just around the corner and preperations are already well under way to insure the lions get off to as good a start as last season and hopefully go one step further and gain promotion. Training has been back in full swing now for the last couple of weeks under the new guidance of manager Geoff Kenny and the sessions have been tough but enjoyable numbers are reasonably good but are set to improve once the remaining fixtures in the GAA calender are played out with players from all the surrounding clubs still involved in the business end of fixtures, the awards night took place a few weeks ago in the Haggart in Gleesons Bar Ferbane and a very enjoyable night was had by every one there with Tomas Bennett, Danny Gleeson, Jeffery Cuskley and Ronan Guinan all recieving awards for their efforts throughout the year. There are a number of games fixed for the lions before the season starts and with every man fighting for his place it promises to be a tough and keenly contested season for the lions.

 

West Offaly Lions - Summer Camps

 

The West Offaly Lions R.F.C will be running summer camps for all young rugby enthusiasts. The camps are open to boys and girls aged between 7-12 years of age. The camps run from 9.30am - 2.00pm from Monday 29^th June until Friday 3^rd July 2009, and camp fees of €40 will apply for the week. Your children will have a week filled full of fun, making new friends and learning new skills in a safe environment with fully accredited IRFU coaches.

 

West Offaly Lions - Outings

 

West Offaly Lions players and officials had an enjoyable evening at Martins of Doon, viewing the televised rugby match between the British & Irish Lions and South Africa.  Many thanks to those who organised this and the next outing will be in Killeens in Shannonbridge on 27^th June 2009 at 1pm for the second test of the Lions tour. Anyone who wishes to attend is welcome.

 

Pictured at W.O.L AGM is Danny Gleeson (Centre) presenting a cheque to President Peter Mooney (left) for sponsorship for medical kit for the W.O.L Development Team. Also pictured is Charlie Couper (right) head coach.

West Offaly Lions RFC - AGM Report 2008-09 Season
 
A very well attended AGM of the West Offaly Lions RFC took place in Ferbane Community College on Thursday 21st May 2009.
 
Bernard Quigley, Hon Chairman, reported on a very successful season for the club at junior and under age levels. He paid tribute to Charlie Couper and all coaches and managers for their hard work throughout the season. He especially congratulated Marion Gilligian on receiving the Connaught Volunteer Recognition Award.
 
Hon Secretary, Marion Gilligan also summarised the season gone by and thanked everyone for their involvement with the club during the season.
 
In his financial report, Hon Treasurer Martin Kelly, gave a detailed overview of the club accounts which are in a very healthy position going into the new season.
 
In his President's address, President Peter Mooney thanked everyone involved in the club for all their efforts over the previous year both on and off the pitch. He also thanked all the club's sponsors. He especially congratulated all the players for their dedication and spirited performances during the season.
 
The following officers were elected to serve on the committee for the 2009-2010 season
 
President, Peter Mooney.  Chairman, Bernard Quigley.  Vice Chairman, Brian O' Carroll.  Secretary, Marion Gilligan. Asst Secretary, Jane Mooney.  Treasurer, Martin Kelly.  Asst Treasurer, Seamas Guinan.  Fixtures Secretary, Ray Walshe.  Asst Fixtures Secretary, Roy Fletcher.  P.R.O, Audrey Guinan.  Child Welfare Officer, Adele Kenny.  Connaught Branch Reps, Bernard Quigley, Jude Feehan.  Medical Officer, Dr. Gabrielle Murphy.
 
Congratulations to Donal Corbett who was voted Connaught Young Player of the year in our division and to Callum Boland who has starred in Ireland games in the FIRA u18 championships in France.
A special congratulations to Shane Lowry on his achievement of winning the 3 Irish Open. Wishing him every success in his future golfing career.
 
We wish all our players well for their other sporting quests during the summer months and we look forward to seeing one and all for the 2009-2010 season.  All new members wishing to play will be warmly welcomed at the club.

West Offaly Lions Host first ever touring team Rockfort R.F.C. Buffalo N.Y.

WOL Seniors finished their season with a game against Lockport RFC from Buffalo New York on Sunday. A new Lions team took to their task with zeal against their physically superior opponents. George Moony opened
the scoring but slack tackling by the Wol midfield allowed the American centre in for an equalising score. Wol started their continuity game to which the visitors had no answer. A second half revival ensured a better contest after the break but the result was not important as both teams took leave to express themselves on this fine easter afternoon.

Players and members of the West Offaly Lions R.F.C. and the Lockfort R.F.C. after there game.

 

Padraig Flaherty organised a Blitz to finish off the u.14 season last saturday in Ferbane. All teams had an enjoyable day and  at the end of a long day Buccaneers were presented with the cup by Marion Gilligan Secretary of West Offaly Lions. Hopefully this will become an annual event on the calender and many thanks to the Flaherty family for providing the soup and sandwiches for both the players  and mentors.
MINIS The mini season concludes with the annual fun day at 11.30 next sunday in the school field. Peter Auret and Charlie Couper have organised a better than ever event which has proved so enjoyable in the past. Parents be ready to pit your wits against the u12s in a tag game. So all adult u14 mini players and parents are welcome.
Congratulations to Callum Boland who has starred in Irelands games in the FIRA u18 championships in France and to all those who have contributed to his being there

The first ever West Offaly lions u14 blitz took place in ferbane last saturday under wonderfull conditions. It was a great day with the sides involved displaying excellent rugby skills. All the matches very keenly competed with each side attacking well and defending just as good and when matters came to a close it was Buccaeers who were victorious beating Monivae in a very competitive final.

 

Monivae vs West Offaly Lions               Monivae vs Buccaneers

West Offaly Lions Secretary Marion Gilligan presenting Buccaneers U14 captain Stefan Kilroy with the cup.

 

So the curtain closes on the West Offaly Lions second competitive season in junior rugby in what was all in all a successful season for the club. The first team came agonisingly close to promotion into the J1A division only to be piped at end line in a promotion playoff by local rivals Buccaneers in Ballinasloe, it was a step up for the lions and although they competed well and never shied away a few lessons were learned in what it takes to compete at a higher level, but it all bodes well for next season and the hunger is there from all involved to bring this club on further, the second team played well in some games and not so well in the others but it was a huge success for the club to be able to field two teams in there competitive leagues, the main problem with the second team was lack of practice together but as with the first team these are all lessons learned and to be taken forward to next year.

An outstanding performance in their last league game leaves West Offaly Lions on top of the pile which is a tremendous achievment in their first season in this division.The adult team who were promoted last year in their inaugural season will now have a play off most likely against Buccaneers to enter into the A.I.L Qualifying league. Carrick did not lie down but this WOL outfit were determined to finish the campaign with a bonus point win and all the nerves were placated when a Keenaghan special was followed by three more tries
before half time. The West Offaly Lions faithful fans were treated to 3 more tries in the second half when mistakes as well as resolute defence prevented wol from opening the floodgates. Again it is hard to pick out individuals in what was a superb collective effort but Jason Clancy and Julian Walshe brought a fresh impetous to the pack and Tom Gilligan and Brian Gleeson were prominent in an improving backline.

MINIS
The under 12s played outstanding rugby in theConnacht Blitz in tuam winning 4 of their 5 games many thanks to Donie Kenny and Connor Galvin for looking after the lads.The same day the u8s and 10s were in ballinasloe and they aquitted themselves admirably under the tutelage of Brian O Carroll Ray Carrroll and Roy Fletcher.
Many thanks to all the parents who travelled.Buccaneers bring over their whole mini section next SUNDAY .So its all hands on deck for an 11.15 start.
U14s coach Padraig Flaherty spent a few days in hospital last week but we hope to see him up and about for this weeks 12 oclock session on saturday

An inept first half performance by West offaly lions led to their first league defeat out of nine starts in the league.
The lions will now need to collect a bonus point in their last outing against Carrick on Sunday.But they havent done this all season so the chances of scoring 4 tries are remote even with a home venue unless the lions can have an inspired performance. Discipline as usual was the lions greatest opponent and unless players grow up and do what their asked then the hopes of promotion will be thrown away. NUIG had a very basic game plan, kick the ball behind the lions defence and wait for a mistake. Eventually it came with an intercept try and a mix up in defence just before half time and then a soft score after the break. Cue W.O.L. response as they realised too late that if you kick the ball against the wind its going to be returned with interest and they kept the ball in hand and scored a try, touched down by Anthony Quinn but unfortunatly it was not converted, the lions continued to storm the nuig line gaining penalties in front of the posts until a knock on brought the final whistle. It was a valuable lesson for the lions, but hopefully come next Saturday the lions will be victorious along with a bonus point.

Monivea did the double against a weakened development team despite a Myers try and Flaherty penalty the lions had countless opportunities to win the game but lack of training together left them wanting. It was a much improved performance on there last outing but performing isn't enough all to often the development team have performed well but its the result that really matters and this can only really be addressed with work on the training field and with two league game's left lets hope their on the right side of the results.

U14 match tbc next saturday

Mini training next sunday at 11.30 in the school field.