Rugby
Rugby 2009 - 2010
**CLICK HERE TO VIEW KILKENNY COLLEGE SPORTSWEAR BY O'B **
Wednesday 30th September: Senior Cup Team played Templeogue College away. JCTs played St Gerard’s away in their first League match. U14 A & B teams played Cistercian College, Roscrea at home.
Form 1 team played in a Mini Blitz at Cistercian College, Roscrea.
Peter Lydon played for Leinster Schools today against Ulster Schools at Ravenhill.
On Wedensday 7th October the following matches were played: Senior XV v C.U.S. at home;
U15 A & B v Wesley College away; U14 A, B & C v St. Mary’s College away; Senior 1,2,3 & 4 and Junior 1 & 2 v C.U.S at home.
Congratulations to Danny Ruddock and Peter Lydon who played for Leinster Schools U18 against Munster Schools at Donnybrook.
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2008 - 2009
THE HEINEKIN CUP COMES TO KCK!! - THE JUNIOR CERTS GET THEIR HANDS ON FAME !!
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CANADIAN TOUR - SPECIAL REPORTS:
PHOTO GALLERY - THE VANCOUVER EXPERIENCE
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FIFTH REPORT:
Kilkenny College 79
Handsworth Secondary School 0
After a overnight being hosted by our opponents Handsworth Secondary School, we took the Skyride to the ski slopes of Grouse Mountain which afforded stunningly clear views of Vancouver.
The match was played in the spectacular setting of Capilano Bay Rugby Club overlooking the bay and being overlooked by the mountains. Handsworth were strong and big opponents. Unfortunately, the benefits of this development were beginning to show and a thirteen try victory was testament to the college's self-belief and confidence. Vinnie Byrne, returning from a pre-tour injury marked his debut with a hat-trick of tries. Other tries scores included Foster Horan(2), Jonathan Jacob, Colin Deacon(2), Trevor Watchorn, Patrick Boeye, John Clare and Mark Elmes.
The post-match hospitality, once again, was overwhelming in its generosity and warmth of welcome. Handsworth head coach John Rutherford, assistant coaches John Tyler, Marcus Hansen and Curry Hitchbourne and Capilano Bay Rugby club pulled out all the stops to make us to make us feel at home and the most important guest that they have ever hosted.
We now look forward to returning home in the knowledge that the tour was an unqualified success: rugby targets achieved and an experience off the pitch that will live forever in the memory.
FOURTH REPORT:
James Morrow, Tour manager reports:
Kilkeny College 82
West Vancouver Secondary School 0
Having crossed Swartz Bay on the ferry from Tsawwassen, we checked in to the elegant Fairmont Empresss Hotel in downtown Victoria on Vancouver Island. On Sunday morning we visited the the impressive British Colombia museum. On Monday, our coach travelled north for another ferry crossing through the spectacular Horseshoe Bay to mainland Vancouver.
West Vancouver Secondary School were physical and athletic opponents playing good organised rugby but could not live with the pace and skill of the college as some of Jeff Carter's tour targets were beginning to be realised: new players emerging to challenge for a 1st XV place next season and a high tempo, off-loading wide game being developed. Two tries each from Philip Haslam and Trevor Watchorn, a try from John McGuinness, and 5 successful conversion from out-half, Peter Lydon left a half time score of 35 - 0. Further tries from Clive Grehan, emerging talent Gavin Ridgeway, Mark Elmes, John Clare, two further tries from the increasingly impressive Trevor Watchorn and successful conversions from Peter Lydon and Patrick O'Driscoll left the final score at 82 - 0.
Once again the post-match hospitality from our host was generous and genuine. School Principal, Steve Raugh, Deputy Principal, Chris Sandor in their speeches stressed the value of international exchanges,touring being a valuable vechicle for increasing international understanding and mutual respect. West Van head coach and assistant coach, Spencer Baker, made presentations to the college. James Morrow and Jeff Carter responded for the college.
THIRD REPORT:
Kilkenny College 66
Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club 12
James Morrow, tour manager reports.
Our visit to Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club, Bellingham, Washington USA is what touring is all about good rugby, unbelievable hosting and shopping for Abercrombie & Fitch!
Kilkenny College may have won the match by ten tries to two but our hosts were the real victors such was their welcome. Neil and Claudia Gardner and their team of host families embarrassed us with their generosity and their hospitality: a sight-seeing tour of the Bay, including the spectacular Deception Point, lunch and a sumptuous post-match reception.
The match was played in an idyllic rural setting with a backdrop of forests and mountains. Chuckanut were strong, organised, technically proficient athletic and skillful, the difference being Kilkenny College's greater cohesion and tempo.
Tries from Ross Elmes, Clive Grehan, Philip Haslam, Foster Horan, John Clare, John McGuinness and five conversion from Peter Lydon left the half-score at 40 - 0.
Chuckanut started the second half impressively scoring two well-worked tries. However, further tries from Horan, Danny Ruddock, Clare, Lydon and three successful conversions from Lydon restored the college's dominance
Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club will forever be etched on the memories of those privileged to have experienced a hospitality that makes this rugby club and these people exemplary ambassadors for their country.
SECOND REPORT:
Kilkenny College 38
Carson Graham School 7
James Morrow, tour manager, reports.
This comfortable win of the British Colombia Schools' champions has given the tour the best possible start.
The scoreline may suggest a facile victory but in a game played on a soft surface and in unrelenting rain, Kilkenny College was made to work hard by big, physical, highly organised and accomplished opponents.
The first touch-down after ten minutes by hat-trick hero, Foster Horan, reflected the college's approach: high tempo continuity, accurate passing, intelligent running, controlled off-loading and decisive finishing. Peter Lydon failed with this conversion but coolly slotted the conversion for Horan's second try. He also converted Patrick O'Driscoll's try after fine interplay between the backs. The try of the match was scored by Trevor Watchorn. Peter Lydon started the move inside his own twenty two and after multi phases, captain Danny Ruddock's sublime line break and beautifully timed pass, Trevor aqua-planed for the spectacular touchdown. This left the half-time score 26 - 0.
Foster Horan and Max Bernard Day scored two further tries in the second half. Peter Lydon converted Bernard-Day's try. Coach, Jeff Carter was able to give each tourist valuable game time
The touring party now moves on the Bellingham in the US to play Chuckanut Rugby Club in confident mood.
FIRST REPORT – from James Morrow in Vancouver – Wednesday 1st April
After a long journey from Kilkenny, via Dublin airport, Heathrow, Windsor and Watford, a tired but expectant touring part finally arrived in Vancouver on Monday afternoon.
The highlight of our stop-over in London was the visit to Watford as guests of Saracens CEO, Edward Griffiths, a friend of Alan Ruddock, to the premiership match against local rivals, Wasps. This was a tense and exciting match but not exciting enough to keep some of our jet-lagged party awake!
The rugby tour really started in earnest on Tuesday morning with a strenuous training session at Handsworth Secondary School in North Vancouver in preparation for the first of four tour matches, against the Blackrock College of British Columbia, Carson Graham Secondary School on Wednesday. The afternoon was spent with a ferry trip out to Granville Island and some shopping in downtown Vancouver.
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RUGBY GOLF CLASSIC FUND-RAISER
The Golf classic, run as part of the fund-raising for the KCK development tour to Canada 2009 was held on Thursday 26th March in Mount Wolseley, Tullow , Co Carlow. Twenty five teams from far and wide convened on a very stormy but beautifully manicured golf course, with a shotgun start at one o'clock.
Henry Yates and Melvin Elmes were the organizers of the event, however everyone on the Tour committee rowed in superbly to make it all run smoothly. Mary , Margo and Sharon took entries on the day, while Josepha and Chloe made sure the ticket sales and the Car draw went smoothly. Alan and Tim were on hand to promote their highly praised Tour programme, which is still on sale from various outlets including the school .
Following a demanding 18 holes, the winners were as follows.
1st. Brian Tector's team
2nd Conway Concrete
3rd Dermot Allen's team
4th Team 2 entered by Des Cole.
Nearest the pin was won by Paul Carroll on the Yates Construction team
Longest Drive was won by Dermot Allen
All the prizes were presented by Acting Headmaster , Aubrey O'Keeffe
Acting as MC for the night, Melvin kept things moving along, thanking everyone involved, particularly, the long list of sponsors and the Morrissey family of Mount Wolseley.
The 27 team members who are travelling to Canada on 29th March made a guest appearance and joined the assembled gathering of parents and friends.
Melvin also introduced our guest speakers. First to speak was Mr. Des Kavanagh who is President of the Leinster Branch and who brought the Magners League cup with him on the night. The second speaker, former British and Irish Lions, Ireland and Munster player , Mick Galwey captivated the audience with humorous and interesting stories drawn from his experiences on home and touring teams.
Mick Galwey was also asked to draw the winning ticket from the drum for the Mazda car. It was won by Sam Horan from Wexford.
Alan Ruddock presented Tour manager James Morrow and Tour Coach Jeff Carter with souvenir framed posters.
In response, James Morrow , on behalf of the school made presentations to all of the committee, thanking them for their hard work.
Concluding the evening, a presentation was made to Melvin Elmes on behalf of the committee to thank him for his inspiration and leadership throughout the fund raising campaign.
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BRENNAN’S MEN CLAIM FIRST CUP VICTORY FOR KILKENNY COLLEGE
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY OF THE MATCH & CELEBRATIONS
Not even the odd wisp of fog in the otherwise warm Spring evening in Donnybrook yesterday could deny the clear vision of Peter Lydon as he kicked his school into the history books to take their first ever cup victory at senior level.
It was to be a dramatic claim late in the game and into stoppage time when the final act was played out.
It looked as if opponents Wesley College who had the upper hand for the latter part of the second half were going to clinch the match when Lydon was given the opportunity of the ‘big ask’ – a 40 metre penalty. He stepped up and duly complied.
The College then copper-fastened their advantage with a try from Foster Horan and conversion to the delight of the hitherto subdued Kilkenny supporters.
No amount of restraint as they poured on to the pitch to embrace their heroes.
The first half had been of even exchange with Wesley opening the account with an unconverted try. Kilkenny responded with a try from Scott Caldbeck , conversion and drop goal both from Peter Lydon. Wesley scored again and the sides were level at 10 all at the break.
The College started brightly in the second half with Horan again over for a try with conversion and KCK led 17 -10.
However the Dublin side pressed hard and were encamped for considerable time on the Kilkenny line. Eventually the break came and they were over to level the score with the conversion. Locked at 17 all, Wesley seemed to have the initiative.
But the final act was in the hands of the resolute Kilkenny side who took their last minute opportunities to clinch the trophy and bring rugby silverware home for the first time in the school’s history.
As Skipper Stephen Brennan lifted the Cup, he dedicated it to their Headmaster who is continuing to recover from his serious accident.
As for the team….. next stop Vancouver!
Team: M. Connolly, D. Ruddock, F. Horan, S. D’Alton, S. Brennan (Capt.), P. Lydon, P. O’Driscoll, S. Caldbeck, A. Talbot, R. Elmes, W. Shirley, N. Condell, A. Meredith, L. Cummins, J. McGuinness.
Replacements: L. Wilson for Cummins, H. Lalor for Talbot, H. Burrows for Meredith. P. Haslam for Condell. C. Lynn for Connolly. Coach: J. Carter.
SENIORS INTO FINAL
The senior team eased their way in to the Final of the Vinnie Murray Cup on Wednesday 4th March in Carlow when they beat CUS in the semi-final. Despite an early score from CUS, Kilkenny went ahead with winger Danny Ruddock over for an unconverted try. Two fruther tries from Foster Horan and a try, conversion, penalty and drop goal from Peter Lydon made the College emphatic winners.
Squad: Michael Connolly, Foster Horan, Danny Ruddock, Shane D’Alton, Stephen Brennan (Captain), Peter Lydon, Patrick O’Driscoll, Scott Caldbeck, Alan Talbot, Ross Elmes, Ben Dyer, Wesley Shirley, Philip Haslam, John McGuinness, Alan Meredith, Luke Cummins.
Replacements: Harry Lalor for Talbot, Nigel Condell for Elmes, Lee Wilson for Cummins, Henry Burrows for Haslam, Bobby Henderson for Ruddock, R. Holmes for D'Alton. Coach: Jeff Carter.
JCT BOW OUT
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Kilkenny College JCT run in the Leinster Junior Cup came to an end on Wednesday 4th March when they lost to Terenure College 26-7 in Donnybrook. The Dublin side were 8 points up before Kilkenny came to grips with their opposition. And when Richard Nicholls went over for a try and conversion from Jeremy Duncan, Terenure responded with further attack giving them the match with a comfortable margin.
Team: R. Nicholls, J. Duncan, J. Raeburn, J. McDowell, C. Keane, E. Kelly, S. Morrow, G. Condell, P. Stephenson, S. Delahunt (Capt.), J. McCarthy, C. O'Carroll, J. Moynan, H. Crowley, R. Deacon. Replacements: R. Seale for E. Kelly, R. Foot for H. Crowley, G. Cunningham for C. O'Carroll.
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JCT CUP CAMPAIGN - McDowell Strikes Late
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY
Kilkenny College 15
Pres Bray 14
Leinster Schools Junior Cup
Kilkenny Centre Jack McDowell scored the winning try in the last play of a thrilling encounter in Carlow yesterday to shatter Presentation Bray, for who out-half Philip Haughton was outstanding.
Haughton’s brilliant individual try 11 minutes into the second half, which he also converted, looked to have booked the Wicklow side a place in the next round, with the scoreline reading 14-5 at this stage.
However, as the game entered injury-time, Kilkenny were thrown a real lifeline when No 8 Ross Deacon went over for an unconverted try.
Then, with the game in the sixth minute of added time, wing forward Shane Delahunt set up McDowell for his dramatic winning touchdown.
Kilkenny College.
R. Nicholls, R Glynn (B Talbot 55), J. Raeburn, J McDowell, C. Keane, E. Kelly (R.Seale47), S. Morrow, G. Condell, P Stevenson (G. Cunningham 56) R. Foot, J. McCarthy, C O’Carroll (J. Moynan 51), S. Delahunt, H. Crowley, R. Deacon.
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VICTORY FOR KCK IN THE SENIOR CUP
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Kilkenny College overcame St Andrew’s College in the Leinster Schools’ Vinnie Murray Cup at Donnybrook yesterday, 21st January. The large contingent of black and red was dwarfed in the new stand but neverthelesss cheered their team to victory. However it was not without its precarious moments. Although the College opened brightly applying much pressure to the Andrew’s line, they could not push the ball over for a try and subsequently the Dublin side escaped the onslaught to score a runaway try and conversion to make it 7-0 against the run of play. The College struck back timely before half-time with a try and conversion by Peter Lydon. A penalty was given by the referee in front of the posts for Lydon to squeeze the scoreline past equality to make it 10-7 at the break.
St Andrew’s looked the more threatening in the second half and capitalised on the pressure with a try but failed to convert. Again the College retaliated and succeeded with a fine try from Foster Horan and converted by Peter Lydon. Lydon took the opportunity late in the game to take a drop goal that slid inside the post to give the College a comfort margin. Despite some last minute attacking from the Dublin side and desperate defending Kilkenny held on to come out the winners at 20-15.
Kilkenny will now meet Wesley College which is scherduled for Wednesday 28th January at a venue to be confirmed.
Squad: Michael Connolly, Foster Horan, Danny Ruddock, Shane D’Alton, Stephen Brennan (Captain), Peter Lydon, Patrick O’Driscoll, Scott Caldbeck, Alan Talbot, Ross Elmes, Ben Dyer, Wesley Shirley, John McGuinness, Luke Cummins, Henry Burrows.
Replacements: Harry Lalor, Alan Meredith, Philip Haslam, Nigel Condell, Lee Wilson, Mark Elems, Bobby Henderson. Coach: Jeff Carter.
NOVEMBER
Congratulations to the senior team with a recent fine win over CBC Monkstown (9-3), a key match in their league fixtures.
Another important match this week saw the senior team beat St Andrew's College (19-5) and, depending on the outcome of matches they are not involved in, they hope to qualify for the semi-finals of the League and the premier section of the Leinster Cup.
The JCT lost 3-0 this week and consquently qualify for the Godfery Cup.
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2008
The JCT started their league with a win over St Andrew's College (43-17) and the two under 14 teams had wins over Roscrea.
Matches are planned with St Mary's in Dublin for 4 under 13 teams and the unders 14s will be at home to Wesley College.
Two senior “props” have been selected for representative play: Howard Stanley will play with the Leinster schools’ under 19s in England and Scott Caldbeck will line out with the Leinster schools' under 18s in Cardiff.
Team play is also underway for the new term with senior and junior matches against Cistercian Roscrea, Newbridge, Rockwell and de la Salle.
The Under 13s have also been in action with blitzes against Newbridge and Castleknock.
The under 14s have played Roscrea and Rockwell.
The first ever Leinster women’s under 18 Rugby development squad programme was run in July and August in Terenure Rugby Club. The following students were chosen from Kilkenny College: Melissa Kearney, Wendy O’Morchoe, Jill Condell, Julie Watchorn, Eleanor Power, Laura Ridgeway, Emma Fryday, Stephanie Hutchinson, Roisin Cahill.
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2007 - 2008
This article is taken from and reproduced from the Irish Times written by Gavin Cummisky.
THREE SETS OF TWINS ON THE SQUAD!
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Kilkenny College have elbowed room for themselves at the top table of Leinster schools rugby. Since the turn of the century they have reached three semi-finals, losing to the eventual champions on each occasion. In 2000 they overcame St Mary's before losing to John Smyth's Clongowes. This momentum was sustained into the following campaign, where they were eventually outmatced by Donal Dunlop's Terenure.
That was the initial marker but confirmation of their long-term intentions to make the ultimate breakthrough was shown in 2007 with victory over the perennial favourites Blackrock College in a replayed quarter-final. It was the greatest rugby result in the school’s proud 342-year history. Stephen Yates was the starting outside centre on a team, whose place in Kilkenny rugby folklore is secure despite a comprehensive defeat to Conor Cleary’s St Michael’s in the last four. Geoff Dunne was another to feature off the bench against Blackrock that day (Monday 26th February 2007), while he also saw game time against St Michael’s - who went on to end a 32-year wait for their first Leinster schools’ title.
Although Gonzaga College ended Kilkenny's challenge in this year's first round, a unique moment occurred when Geoff’s twin brother, Gareth, was introduced as a replacement.
It brought the number of identical twins on the Kilkenny XV up to three: the Dunne brothers, Stephen and Andrew Yates (Andrew being a flanker) and the fifth-year Stanley twins, Ian and Howard, in the front row.
“It never occurred to us until we were submitting squad lists to the newspapers before the cup commenced,” said Mr Morrow, “We treat them all as individuals so it only really dawned on us then. I can't tell them apart Mr Carter, can, which is the important thing."
The twins come from different areas. The Dunnes are natives of Gorey, Co Wexford; the Yates are from Kilmeague, Co. Kildare, while the Stanleys are from Brittas in Thurles.
The breakthrough of the senior team in 2007 has created belief they can one day be top of the Leinster schools’ pile. After shocking Blackrock, they will not be priced as 80 to I outsiders again in a hurry. “It requires a bit of luck for a team to make the ultimate breakthrough,” Mr Morrow said, “My abiding memory of the day was the dignified and generous attitude of Blackrock in defeat. Although clearly devastated, they gave us the feeling they were genuinely pleased for us."
“We really tried to emulate that this year,” said Stephen Yates, “but unfortunately that didn't happen. We never talked about losing to Blackrock. We knew, having always stayed within a couple of points of them in friendlies, that we were capable of beating them.
“We regularly talk about family ties coming through on different Kilkenny teams but I didn't realise the uniqueness of this side until someone pointed it out afterwards.”
The Yates brothers are not from a rich rugby tradition. The Dunnes' father, Victor, however, played scrum-half and captained Gorey RFC for a number of seasons. Strangely enough the half-back father produced a flanker and lock. “We knew we had a good team (last season),” added Geoff Dunne. “It was a big, strong group of fellas so we were never going to be push-overs. Also, we believed in ourselves. We knew we were just as good as the big schools. “Against Gonzaga this year it was the third time we played them and they had done their homework and cracked our line-outs. Without set-piece ball you cannot expect to be successful.”
The work of coach Mr Carter and his backroom team ensures a burgeoning rugby nursery continues to develop on the Castlecomer Road. “Yeah, the Juniors won the plate this year, added Geoff Dunne.”There are a few strong teams coming up”.
The foundation for a long-term tradition appears safely in place. A brotherbood of sorts.
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Congratulations to Daniel Ruddock and Scott Caldbeck, members of the Leinster under 18 squad at being invited to train at the Irish Schools National Camp in Clongowes Wood College. The Headmaster also congratulated Ian Stanley and Stephen Brennan on their involvement in the Leinster under 19 squad.
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UNDER 14 ROUND-UP
A strong squad of 45 boys represented Kilkenny College at u14 level this
season. All three teams played with levels of commitment and determination
that saw the majority of games won. An extensive list of fixtures committed
both the u14 As and Bs to twenty matches throughout the season. Of the 20
matches, the u14As won 19, losing only away to Clongowes Wood College.
Highlights of the season were undoubtedly the wins over Blackrock College
(18-17), St. Mary's College (8-0), St. Michael's College (41-7) and Terenure
College (24-17).
The platform for such a successful season was the forward pack, superbly led
by captain Shane Delahunt. Industrious at the breakdown and aggressive in
the scrums, the pack invariably provided a flow of ball for a backline that
was equally effective in both attack and defence.
This hard-working and talented squad should prove worthy representatives of
the College as next season's Junior Cup team.
April 2008
CONGRATULATIONS!
To the JCT on their win (22-12) against Marian College, Ballsbridge. Their captain, Patrick Boeye, and Peter Lydon scored a try, a conversion, a penalty and a drop-goal.
The under 13 boys played in a rugby competition in Castleknock against Belvedere College, Castleknock College, Cistercian College Roscrea, and Terenure College; they were beaten in the semi-final by Terenure College.
Commiserations to the Senior Second rugby team who lost against St. Mary’s on 1st April. Best wishes to the JCT well in the semi-final of the Plate competition against The King’s Hospital.
February
Four under 13 Rugby teams travelled to Newbridge and all Form 1 boys were involved. This was the first time that there has been four under 13 teams playing. The under 14 Boys and the JCT Plate match also played in Newbridge.
LEINSTER SENIOR CAMPAIGN:
SENIOR CUP
The Senior boys played Gonzaga for the third time in as many weeks having drawn and won. But this time it was in the first round of the Senior Cup. The two sides, now familiar to each other, lined out on a cold and wind-blown afternoon on the North Campus of Maynooth NUI. The exposed pitch was surrounded on one side by the black and white face-painted line of Kilkenny College pupils which was countered on the far side by the international-looking green of the Gonzaga supporters.
The conditions were not conducive for the kickers as both sides missed early penalties and it was KCK who opened the account with a penalty from the skipper Craig Ronaldson after a charge up the field by Padraig Mahon. Initially it was Gonzaga who took the pressing advantage but the College also made some inroads against the Dublin defence, ultimately to no avail reaching not much further than the Gonzaga 22. Then not long from the break Gonzaga got away from the halfway point and cruised over the Kilkenny line under the posts making the conversion an easy one.
Despite tough efforts from either side in the second period there was to be no further scoring. The College made one racing attack towards the Gonzaga line but were foiled and indeed Gonzaga also very nearly made the Kilkenny line just before the final whistle. As time wore on it looked less likely for the College to strike back but the excitement was kept to the end as, with the narrow margin, even an unconverted try would have given KCK victory. But it was not to be and with only five remaining from last year’s successful side, the College will be building purposefully for next year.
Team: M. Stack; S. Brennan; S. Yates; P. Mahon; W. Deverell; C. Ronaldson (Capt.); R. O’Driscoll, M. Boyd; I. Stanley; H. Stanley; J. Hanbidge; N. Condell; A. Yates; G. Dunne, N. Beirne. Replacements who played: D. Ruddock, G. Dunne and C. Harvey. Coach: J. Carter. Also: S. Manuel, P. O’Driscoll, J. Morrow.
The senior first XV played their senior play-off on Monday 14th January and drew 14-14. The replay took place in Athy on Friday 18th and Kilkenny College won 10-3 with a try by Neil Beirne and a penalty by Craig Ronaldson.
The Junior XV beat de la Salle Skerries 23-17 in Kildare with tries by winger David Rath, scrum-half Foster Horan, hooker Ross Elmes amd centre Johnny Yates with a pnealty converted by Peter Lydon..
However in Maynooth on Wednesday 22nd January the JCT were defeated 8-5 in the last moments of their game against St Gerard's despite scrumhalf Foster Horan giving the College the initial lead with a first-half try.
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KCK JCT beat High School JCT 33 – 0 at a recent clash while the senior lost to Monkstown and the Under 13's, A's, B's and C's, won convincingly over KH!
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2007
BEN HORAN
Following the senior rugby success this year, the captain Ben Horan was recently chosen as the Evening Herald Schools Sports Star of The Week. He was chosen for his outstanding performance in Rugby. In recognition of this achievement he was presented with a €lOO voucher for O'Neills Online Store. Ben who, along with his parents, Principal, and PE teacher/coach was invited to a prestigious awards ceremony and lunch banquet on 10th May in Croke Park. At this ceremony all weekly winners will be presented with their trophies and one of them will be chosen as the Evening Herald/Snickers School Sports Star of the Year.
MIGHTY KILKENNY MEET EVEN MIGHTIER MICHAEL’S
(MORE PHOTOS ON RUGBY GALLERY)
A week on from their historic victory over Blackrock College, the “Roadies” from Co. Kilkenny made their second invasion to Dublin Four and the hallowed grounds at Donnybrook to face into the semi-final of the senior cup.
This time eight busloads of black and red bedecked supporters swamped the entrance gates just as the heavens opened and the rain descended. Up into their corner of the Stand to pump up the enthusiasm for the ensuing engagement. Every drum from the music department and more was produced along with hooters, megaphone and 400 strong young voices chanted, sang and roared their way into the atmosphere.
The now familiar pattern of the 3 p.m. start saw the teams parade on, KCK quickly heading into their huddle while the tall men of St Michael’s strode purposefully past the seas ofblack and red and their own pale blue-clad supporters. Some one idly wondered how Michael’s and Blackrock sorted out colour similarities when they played each other. But Kilkenny had changed the script and again it was red v blue.
Game on and immediately the Dublin Brigade appeared the more dangerous menacing the Kilkenny lines and within 10 minutes they were rewarded with a penalty successfully taken. Stung into retaliation the lads of KCK struck back and pressed their opposition hard for a good section of the half. However there was to be no reward as no score ensued. Had there been, the situation might have been very different for at that point, team for team, there was no difference. Then St. Michael’s began to inch forward and pounced with a late try and conversion making it 10-0 at the break. Not what Kilkenny needed who had been desperately trying to keep the score to the 3-0 deficit by half-time.
A brief breather and then on with the business with most of the play was in the Kilkenny half, being pushed back and back despite all that grit and determination that has characterised this Kilkenny defence throughout the campaign. But St. Michael’s were ultimately too strong and were living up to their reputation as champion favourites. Eventually they pierced the Kilkenny defence twice more bringing the final tally to 22 with no reply and go on to face Clongowes in the final.
Tired and tear-stained faces showed from Kilkenny as the dream evaporated but they can hold their heads high as they have shaken the rugby world of the country this season and will be encouraged to conquer the best in times to come. Barriers have been broken and now they are truly up with the best. The team, dignified in defeat made their way over to the fans in the Stand who roared “we are, we are the mighty mighty KC!” Applauded off the pitch then by St Michael’s Kilkenny returned to the battlefield to be counseled by their coaches their class mates, (the tender friendship of co-education working quietly at it best) parents and supporters.
When the hurt of the day has worn away, those who played and witnessed will long remember the magnificent campaign that 2007 turned out to be.
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LEINSTER SCHOOLS SENIOR RUGBY PREMIER CUP REPLAY
"KILKENNY’S CALL" - HISTORIC VICTORY
Wednesday will long be remembered by Kilkenny College as the day it won a famous victory over the great Blackrock College in the Leinster schools senior cup replay at Donnybrook. If it is true that Ireland came of age after last Saturday through sport then the same must be said of Kilkenny College yesterday. Forget all the emotion that emanated from Croke Park at the weekend, put aside all the ghosts that were laid and if you thought that the trouncing of England by Ireland was magnificent, all that paled into insignificance compared to the “grand slam” match that was played out with all the pride and passion, grit and determination in Donnybrook yesterday, particularly leading to the nail-biting climax anddramatic conclusion that was, for sheer excitement, the best any sport can offer.
And so it was that for the second time in a matter of weeks the two sides lined again, having endured a close encounter in the first meeting of this quarter-final when Kilkenny College surprised everyone by taking the game to Blackrock, having a try disallowed and having fallen behind, came back to level the score and then almost be denied when Blackrock had a penalty to win the match but struck the post. No one could have foretold the destiny of these two sides in the next episode of the saga – nor the irony of similar circumstances in the final act.
It was a pleasant Spring afternoon and the crowds began to filter in through the turn styles. The bands of school supporters quickly filled the stand - one end a sea of black and red, the other a pale shade of blue and white. All accompanied by appropriately coloured flags and implements of the percussion variety designed to make as much noise as possible to encourage each side on the pitch. All this surrounded by parents, friends, past pupils and rugby fans attracted to the glamour of schools cup rugby.
At 3 p.m. the two teams were lined out. No anthems, no presidential presentations, just on with business continued. Kilkenny College started the brighter of the two pressing hard down into the Blackrock defence and driving them back deep into their own 22 led by Kilkenny Skipper Ben Horan, his head of black hair visible all afternoon driving the maul. And Kilkenny were duly rewarded for their efforts with a try from Craig Ronaldson which was converted by himself from the difficult angle as good as any international kick. 
The score of 7-0 to Kilkenny stood for most of the first half but gradually Blackrock were gaining ground; Kilkenny were no longer threatening their opponent’s line and by degrees the Dubliners were making progress and eventually entering the Kilkenny 22. As the half-time whistle beckoned it looked as if a try for Blackrock was inevitable as they scouted around the Kilkenny line looking for a way through but the Kilkenny defence held firm although eventually conceding a penalty kicked over by Ian Madigan which left the scoreline 7-3 at the break. It was still anyone’s game and everyone drew breath and awaited the final 35 minutes that would see a result to this mammoth struggle.
This time the Dublin side started the more positively pressing Kilkenny back on their heels and immediately breached the line with a try from Conor Crowley and a Madigan conversion to bring them 10 – 7 and into the lead for the first time in the match. The Kilkenny supporters smelt disaster and were afraid that the experience and pedigree of Blackrock College was going to win the day. However all was not lost when to their delight the lads from the South East struck back straightaway with a responding try from Ben Horan and Ronaldson again accurate between the posts which by anyone’s maths reversed the lead again to 14-10. Could Kilkenny hold on. 
Then Blackrock stole a few more points with another Madigan penalty making it 14-13. No room for error now. An injury to Gary Rynhart he suffered from a crucial tackle near the corner of the Kilkenny line stopped play for some considerable time as he was stretchered off and while the giant clock kept ticking 15 minutes down, no one really knew how much time was left or how much the referee was going to play.
Those last moments will be remembered forever by those who were present and for a variety of reasons. Blackrock College threw everything they had at Kilkenny and were encamped in their half, frantically endeavouring to find a way through. But the Kilkenny defence was defiant and dug in deep as they stubbornly protected their line. The ‘Rock backs, always the more deft than their counterparts, darted from side to side swinging the ball around in what seemed like total possession but the Kilkenny door remained shut tight. 
There was no way through. It was enthralling stuff. No one dared to predict the outcome. Surely the Dublin side would find a channel. Everyone sensed time was almost up but no one knew precisely and every time a phase of play finished, the whistle was expected. But no. On it went. Line-out and scrum after scrum went to Blackrock inside the Kilkenny 22 getting nearer and nearer to the line – a superb climax to 140 minutes of rugby between these two schools urged on by their peers, one side hanging on to a one point lead by the slimmest margin.
And then just as if it looked that surely Kilkenny would win a famous encounter there was to be a further twist in the tale when, on the last action of the match, a penalty was awarded to Blackrock on the Kilkenny 22 right under the posts. The masses of red and black fell totally silent. Victory almost certainly to be snatched from them at the death. Once again it would so near yet so near. The majority of the Kilkenny supporters could not look as the Blackrock kicker strode up to the ball. What happened next was a blur.
No one heard the referee’s whistle but everyone knew the match was over. The Blackrock kicker was lying face down spread-eagled on the ground. The entire row of the Kilkenny team standing behind their goaline had their arms in the air led by the tall figure Nevil Copeland. Blackrock had missed and the tie belonged to Kilkenny. Red and black erupted onto the pitch – no officials could stop it and as the team was mobbed, from a distance it appeared as a true battlefield with the flags and banners of Kilkenny College waving in unison over their heroes and the rest of the field scattered with the blue and white of Blackrock battle-scarred players sitting on the ground in disbelief.
Whatever the further outcome in the competition and Kilkenny will be back on Tuesday 6th March again in Donnybrook for the semi-final against St Michael’s (3 p.m.), the day will be long remembered by all who played in the match, by their coach Jeff Carter, by staff and pupils parents and friends and especially by those past pupils who will have been recalling their own memories of their cup matches, as the day that the 80-1 priced Kilkenny College beat Blackrock College in the Cup and in such dramatic fashion!
And if you think this is fairy-tale read Gavin Cummiskey in the Irish Times and Des Berry in the Irish Independent today describing the magnitude of this result.
Team:
Nevil Copeland; Craig Masterson; Stephen Yates; Gary Rynhart; Ben Braithwaite; Craig Ronaldson; Stephen Hemmingway; Kieran McArdle; Keith Dagg; George Beattie; Jason McAssey; Wesley Carter; Mitchel D’Alton; Ben Horan (Capt.); Tim Dukelow. Replacements: Geoff Dunne for Keith Dagg; Padraig Mahon for Gary Rynhart; Philip O’Morchoe for Mitchel D’Alton; Darren Ryall for Craig Masterson. Substitutes: Neil Byrne and Ronan O’Driscoll.
Coach J. Carter.
Referee: John Carville A.R.L.B.
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KILKENNY STANDS ROCK FIRM
The senior rugby team under their captain Ben Horan gained a significant final score against Blackrock College in the Cup match played on 14th February. It looked as if it might be a surprising St. Valentine's Massacre when Blackrock conceded an early try but which was disallowe. Kilkenny still followed up with a penalty from Craig Ronaldson to make it 3-0. Despite good work by KCK they conceded a try and conversion to be 7-3 adrift at the break. In the second half Blackrock pulled away to 10-3 with a penalty. But Kilkenny were not going to be outdone and a late try from Carter and conversion by Craig Ronaldson made to level the score. Kilkenny breathed a sigh of relef when Blackrock missed a further penalty bringing the two sides to further action in a replay - the date yet to be decided.
Team: N. Copeland; C. Masterson; S. Yates; G. Rynhart; B. Braithwaite; C. Masterson; K. Dagge S. Hemmingway; K. McArdle; G. Dunne; G. Beattie; J. McAssey; W. Carter; M. D’Alton; B. Horan (Capt.); T. Dukelow. Replacements: G. Dunne for K. Dagge; D. Ryall for C. Masterson; P. Mahon for S. Yates. Coach J. Carter.
JUNIOR CUP
The Junior Boys lined out on 5th February in Athy against St. Michael’s College. The College made a promising start with an early try from winger Jeff O’Sullivan. However St. Michael’s hit back and levelled the score and despite Daniel Ruddock’s penalty, St. Michael’s were 12-8 at the break. St. Michael’s continued the pressure in the second half with more tries and the final outcome was in their favour at 29-8.
Team: R. Glynn, J. O’Sullivan, M. Elmes, D. Ruddock, T. Watchorn, D. O’Carroll, P. O’Driscoll, W. Lalor, B. Hamilton, L. Treacy, R. Whitten, W. Shirely, J. Hoyne, J. McGuinness, D. Tennyson. Replacements: J. Jacob for J. Hoyne, A. Masterson for J. O’Sullivan, I. Corduano for W. Lalor, H. Neill for R. Glynn J. Clare for P. O’Driscoll. Coach: J. Clarke.
LEINSTER SENIOR CUP
CLOSE CALL FOR COLLEGE XV
The Senior Boys Rugby team lined out against Cistercian College, Roscrea at Portlaoise on 29th January. From the start Kilkenny looked the better and indeed were deservedly 6-0 up at half-time with two penalties from Craig Ronaldson.
However in the second half Kilkenny let their lead slip when Roscrea went over for a try and converted giving the one point advantage. Despite hard pressing from the College side there didn’t seem to be a breakthrough, especially when Nevil Copeland’s attempt at drop goal struck the upright.
Five minutes from the end, however, Ben Braithwaite touched down in the corner from a pass by Jason McAssey and saved the day for Kilkenny at 11-7.
Team:
N. Copeland; C. Masterson; S. Yates; G. Rynhart; B. Braithwaite; S. Hemmingway; K. McArdle; G. Dunne; G. Beattie; J. McAssey; W. Carter; M. D’Alton; B. Horan (Capt.); T. Dukelow. Replacements: K. Dagge for G. Dunne; A. Jacob for S. Yates. Coach J. Carter.
LEAGUE:
Commiserations to the SCT v St. Andrew's - successful League campaign went down to a very determined St. Andrew's team in the Semi-Final: 14-15.
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BOYS HOCKEY AND RUGBY INVADE CAPITAL
Recently a large contingent of rugby and boys hockey teams travelled the Rocky Road to Dublin and laid siege to teams in Palmerstown and Blackrock. The casual passer-by at the grounds of the King’s Hospital would have been forgiven for thinking he was in Kilkenny as the pitches abounded with the familiar black and red strip of the players accompanied by a number of KCK staff supported from the sideline by the headmaster Mr. Gray and Mrs. Gray. The first XV were lining out against their KH counterparts in the first League match and which the College were the victorious. This while the senior seconds hockey teams were doing battle on the adjacent Astroturf. The senior hockey firsts had penetrated deeper into city territory to take on the blue and white of Newpark Comprehensive.
Since that succesful encounter in the Capital the Senior Rugby XV have beaten High School and Gonzaga in the League. Infact on Wednesday 11th October the College won all eight of its rugby matches at home.
Wesley Carter has been selected to play on the Leinster Schools Under 19 Team to play Ulster on18th October in Donnybrook. Kieran McArdle and Neville Copeland are listed as substitutes.
The seniors under skipper Ben Horan, have already been in action and were successful against Roscrea. Next up will be a stern test against Blackrock. The junior teams will have outings against Rockwell and the under 13s will host Castleknock in a blitz afternoon.
Congratulations to Wesley Carter who has been nominated for Irish under 19 training. Also to Wesley Carter, Neville Copeland, Kevin McArdle and Tim Dukelow who have been called for Leinster under 19 training during the Summer.
GIRLS’ RUGBY
Our Senior Girls Rugby team enjoyed hosting a match against a visiting side from the Markham District High School in Toronto, Canada.
