Category Archives: Rugby

Tralee Rugby Club News

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U18’s

Tralee-Listowel U18s travelled to Castleisland in the first round of Conference 8 of the Munster Youths U18 competition. The two teams had met in Castleisland in a challenge game last week, where the visitors proved too strong, however nothing was being taken for granted this week as it was competitive rugby.

Castleisland started strong again boosted by the Covid compliant home support and were awarded with an early penalty to go into a 3 point lead. The teams were evenly balanced and following sustained forwards pressure Tralee-Listowel forward Cillian Lynch broke through a number of tackles to score the first try, and with the conversion hitting the woodwork, the visitors led 5-3.

The windy conditions made it difficult on lineout throws, but the pitch was in good nick so the game was played at a high pace. Strong pressure by the home team resulted in two more converted penalties and with the teams going at it in a fair, competitive spirit, our boys trailed 9-5 going into the last 5 minutes.

The visitors increased the pressure on the resolute home defence and a strong run and score from centre Emil Beauseigneur drew cheers of delight from the Tralee-Listowel support.
The game finished 10-9 to Tralee-Listowel in what proved to be a fair even game. Our next game is away next Saturday to Killarney, kick off at 12.30pm.

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Under 14’s
Listowel v Tralee in the West-Munster League.
Sat Oct 3rd.

We had an early start in Listowel and it showed as our boys took a while to get into this game. Listowel had us under a lot pressure and crossed for a well worked try. They continued with their off-loading game which caused us a lot of problems. We had to work hard to prevent them scoring again and great tackling by Conol, Cian & Liam kept us in the game. We eventually got into the game and put Listowel under pressure but we were forcing the pass and turned over possession a few times when in the Listowel 22.
1st break Listowel 5 tralee 0.

We upped our tempo after the break and took the game to Listowel with Garry, Padraig, Billy and Karl punching holes in the Listowel defence and when Aodhan Horgan took a great pass from Steven, he showed good strength to touched down 5 min after the restart.

Both sides gave it all for the remainder of the 2nd section,  the teams were very well matched and faught tigerishly for a second score but to no avail.
Second break Listowel 5 Tralee 5.

On the resumption both teams gave it their all and it took heroic defence from both teams at times to prevent a winning score. Final result 5 all draw. A fair result on the day.

We had 22 players involved in this game and all played their part. Plenty of room for improvment as always but no shortage of commitment from the boys.

No game next week. We will be training next Saturday at 1pm in the club. New Players are always welcome.

Kerry Ladies V Ballincollig

Well done to the Kerry ladies who had their first win in the Energia Community Series A against Ballincollig yesterday. The ladies had great win 24 – 5 , tries by Méabh Mc Elligott (2) and Laoise O Driscoll (1),

Tralee Rugby Club News

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TRALEE V BALLINCOLLIG

Tralee Ladies played Ballincollig at home today in the division 1 league.

It was an emotional day as Riona Kennedy played her last home game in the blue and white for Tralee.

In what is always a tough match Tralee started well keeping Ballincollig pinned in their own half. A penalty for Tralee which Laoise O Driscoll put over.

Ballincollig defended well but another penalty to Tralee which Laoise put safely over. 6-0 to Tralee.

Quick ball out to the backs off a scrum saw Riona Kennedy make a great line break and 5 metres from the line she gave a super off load while being tackled to Vanessa Dineen who went over for Tralee’s first try. Converted by Laoise O Driscoll. 13-0 Tralee at half time.

Second half and Ballincollig got off to a great start, pushing Tralee right back to defend their own line. Ballincollig were rewarded with penalty try. (13-7).

With both teams defending well the score remained the same until the last minute when Aine Enright touchdown for Tralee’s 2nd try. Final score Tralee 18 – Ballincollig 7

Team :-  1.Jamie Mullins, 2. Melanie McKnight, 3.Maura Collins, 4. Caolainn Healy,
5. Ellie Daly, 6.Diana OKeeffe, 7. Siobhan Fleming, 8.Aine Enright, 9.Muirne Wall
10. Anna Murphy (c), 11. Sinead O Connor, 12, Laoise ODriscoll, 13. Ashlea Sheehy
14. Vanessa Dineen, 15. Riona Kennedy
17. Vivienne Keary, 18, Noreen Murphy. 19. Niamh Loughman, 20.Aine Daly,
21. Carmel Kelliher

Tralee are away to Shannon next Sunday 19th which will be Riona Kennedy’s final game. Riona has played with Tralee for 10years and has been the heart of the team.

She has captained the ladies for several years and has been a mentor to the younger girls on the team, she is the most amazing, talented and inspirational woman, she is the heart of Tralee ladies and will be truly missed.

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Under 14s

TRALEE V CORCA DHUIBHNE

It was a fantastic home outing on Saturday as Tralee hosted in the U14 West Munster League Final at O’Dowd Park.

Thank you to our opponents Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne for a fantastic hard fought battle, with great sportsmanship from both teams. Tralee took the spoils but it was a fantastic game and played in the spirit the game should be.

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Tralee Rugby Club News

U18

Listowel/Tralee U18s beat Killorglin in a competitive match in Listowel on Saturday. The home team started brightly and opened the scoring when Seamus Lyne touched down in the corner after a great break by Sean Stack-Pullen. Killorglin levelled with a try of their own. Both teams exchanged penalties to leave it level at half time at 11 all.

Tralee-Listowel regained the lead when Caoimhin Finn showed great pace to score a try from a beautiful cut-out pass. Seamus Lyne converted and also added a penalty to extend the lead to 10 points. Killorglin scored a converted try from a series of forward drives to narrow the gap to 3 points with 5 minutes remaining.

The home team dominated the last few minutes and scored the clinching try at the death, when Jerry Finnegan crashed over after repeated close range rucks. Seamus converted leave the final score 28-18 in a highly entertaining and sporting match.

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SENIOR LADIES

Tralee Ladies had a good home win on Sunday 24th November in the Division 1 league in very cold wet conditions.  Muirne Wall opened the scoring with 7 mins played but didn’t convert. A few mins later Riona Kennedy crossed the line, also not converted.

Shannon ladies fought back scoring and converting. (Tralee 10 – Shannon 7)

Just before half time Ashlea Sheehy broke the game line and scored, Muirne Wall slotted it over the posts.

Half time score Tralee 17 – Shannon 7

Second half: With rain/ cold getting worse and the wind in Shannon’s favour, it was a tough second half, Tralee defended well not giving Shannon any chance to breakthrough.

Tralee held tough and a break by Vanessa Dineen saw Tralee add another 5points to the score board.

The forwards did great work holding the ball on Shannon’s line and quick ball out helped Vanessa over the line for her 2nd try of the day which Muirne Wall converted.

With the closing minute of the match Muirne Wall crossed the line for the final score of the match.

Final Score :- Tralee 34. –  Shannon 7

Scorers :-  Muirne Wall (2 try’s) + 2 con’s

Riona Kennedy (1)

Ashlea Sheehy (1)

Vanessa Dineen (2)

Team.  :- 1. Katie Hartnett,  2. Melanie McKnight,  3. Jamie Mullins

4.Ellie Daly.     5. Kasey Hislop     6. Caolainn Healy

7. Siobhan Fleming.   8.Aine Enright

9.Anna Hooke.    10. Anna Murphy

11.Sinead O Connor. 12. Ashlea Sheehy. 13.Muirne Wall

14. Vanessa Dineen.   15. Riona Kennedy

Subs :-   Michaela Murphy,  Carmel Kelliher,  Emily O Sullivan,  Ellen Clifford

Vivienne Keary

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U16

Tralee-Listowel U16s took on Rugbaí Corca Dhuibne in Dingle on Saturday in Conference 2 of the Munster Club U16s competition.

 

The home team have a strong team this year and started well. They were rewarded for a dominant first half performance by a 28-0 half time lead. Tralee-Listowel boys regrouped at half time and responded with two good tries from Greg Fitzgerald and Miko Buja, both converted.

Unfortunately all the damage was done in the first half and the final score was 40-14 to the hosts. The next fixture for the U16’s is at home to Castleisland on Sunday 1st December at 11:00.

Tralee Rugby Club News

The Under 14s in action.

U14 Boys

Tralee V Bandon

Our u14s welcomed Bandon RFC to Tralee over the weekend. Bandon travelled with over 40 kids which was testament to the work they are doing in West Cork.

Tralee opened their account with a great try by Paddy Lane and converted expertly.  Bandon recovered well and recomposed themselves and gradually skipped up a gear to answer the Tralee boys.  Tralee rose again against a very well structured back line and were very unlucky on two occasions not to score.

Bandon got in again after some great intelligent rugby by the scrum half that had to admired and applauded by all. From here on in Bandon stayed dominant although a ferocious battle was still put up to the visitors.

It was a morning top drawer rugby from both sides and lessons learned for each team.  Tralee knew they were in for a competitive match and they weren’t disappointed. Congratulations to Bandon for the win and we look forward to traveling to you in the New Year.

Sunday 18th November

U16 Boys

Tralee-Listowel V Killorglin

Tralee-Listowel U16s played Killorglin on Sunday in O’Dowd Park, Tralee. Both teams came into the fixture looking for their first competitive win in Conference 2 the Munster U16 Club competition.

The teams were evenly matched, however a break from Oisín Kennelly, who displayed some fancy footwork, produced the first try of the game halfway through the first half. Edward O’Connor converted and the home team held that 7-0 lead at half time.

The second half proved just as enjoyable for the spectators with Mikolaj Buja crashing over after sustained pressure from the pack.

The boys were very focussed in defence as Killorglin battled back and the visitors were rewarded with a consolation try in the last play of the game. Final score 12-5.

We’re playing Corca Dhuibhne away next Saturday at 12pm.

Senior Men’s

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Tralee V Charleville

Our Senior Men’s team were unlucky at home to Charleville on Sunday as they went down 34 – 0. While just 8 – 0 down at half time, three consecutive yellow cards, along with injuries to Conor O’Nuailleann and Ben O’Neill allowed Charleville to put their stamp on the game. Tralee showed strong improvements from last week’s loss to Thurles, but it wasn’t enough as Charleville ultimately ran out as comfortable winners

Tralee Rugby Club News

SENIOR MENS

Tralee Senior Men’s had a tough day at the office away to Thurles  in a mid-table head to head game which saw the home side run out easy winners in the end.

The game started well for Tralee with both teams demonstrating some strong attacking flair, however Thurles pulled away with three tries in the first 30 minutes.

Tralee did manage a score just before half time through centre Ben O’Neill but it wasn’t enough as Thurles ran out easy winners in the end. Thurles 54 – Tralee 7

This week’s fixture:

Tralee V Charleville

Sunday 17th November @2.30pm

Action from the game against Thurles.

SENIOR LADIES

Tralee Ladies played away to Thurles on Sunday at 12.3opm in the Division 1 league.  It was a tough match between to equally strong teams. Thurles opened the score with a penalty kick, leading 3-0 both teams battled for possession and both defended well to keep each other from scoring.

Action from the game against Thurles.

Half time 3-0 to Thurles.

Second half: Tralee got off the blocks quickly with a great try from Anna Murphy which Laoise O Driscoll easily converted. (Thurles 3 – Tralee 7). Tralee played some great rugby and kept Thurles in their own half for a lot of second half, A penalty to Tralee saw Laoise add another 3 points to the score board. (3 -10) In the closing minutes of the game Ashlea Sheehy crossed the line for Tralee which wasn’t converted.

Action from the game against Thurles.

Final score:- Thurles 3 – Tralee 15

Scorers. Anna Murphy

Ashlea Sheehy

Pen          Laoise O Driscoll

Con.         Laoise O Driscoll

UNDER 14’s

The U14 boys took on Shannon in Coonagh, Co Limerick on Saturday.

What a game! Our under 14 boys knew going to Coonagh to play Shannon would be a challenge and it didn’t disappoint. With their average height of over 5 ft 9 our boys learned quickly that it was going to be a tough game. Shannon started well and attempted to “stick the ball up the jumper” and run through our forwards, however Dylan Corcoran and Luke Fitzgerald soon put an end to that plan. Our lads tackled out of their skins with particular stand out performances from Daniel Kirby on the wing, Padraig Kenny outside Centre and the always reliable Sean Barret. Eventually after ten mins Shannon broke through and scored their first try. Their height advantage caused us issues in the line out which helped them onto their second try which they converted.

After halftime we had the wind and slope and the lads didn’t disappoint. Paddy Lane used his creative right foot to drop a ball into Shannon’s 22 which he chased down and scored under the post.

Tralee had a number of scoring opportunities in the second half. Our best chance to score came after a well worked back move from Padraig O Halloran and Paddy Lane and one which Luke Fitzgerald joined the back line, however the pass was knocked off his chest.

Shannon scored another try in the dying minutes as Tralee pushed for that score.

Shannon were fantastic hosts and we were all taken aback when their captain came into our dressing room, to thank us for a great game and said it was one they will remember. Thank you Shannon and we will see you in Tralee shortly.

The day was only just beginning as we headed to Thomond Park. We were fed in Shannon’s clubhouse then off to watch Munster V Ulster.

We were also greeted at halftime by Munster President and Tralee RFC club member Mike Keane.

Final score:  Shannon 17 – Tralee 5.

This week’s Fixture:

Tralee V Bandon

Saturday 16th November @12pm.

Tralee Rugby Club News

SENIOR MENS

TRALEE- 35 CASTLEISLAND – 11

·         5 min gone. Try for @CastleislandRFC by their Loosehead Prop in the corner from a maul from a 5mtr lineout. Con missed. 0-5

·         7 mins. Immediate response from @TraleeRFC. A great try in the corner from Gavan Peevers. Missed Con. 5-5

·         10 min. Pen for @CastleislandRFC . 5-8

·         19 mins gone. TRY for @TraleeRFC by Fearall O’Nualain after a quick tap from Gavan Peevers. Miss Con. 10-11

·         37 mins. Pen for @TraleeRFC by Jack Quilter. 13-11

·         55 mins gone. TRY for @TraleeRFC by Kevin O’Shea after a great offload from Joe Quilter. Miss Con. 18-11

·         60 mins. BONUS TRY for @TraleeRFC from Jack Quilter. Miss Con. 23-11

·         70 mins. TRY for Conor O’Nualain under the posts to extends Tralee’s lead. Con by Jack Quilter. 30-11.

·         78 mins: TRY for Jamie Byrne after a good break by Sean Dowling. Miss Con. 35-11

SENIOR LADIES

TRALEE 38 – BALLINCOLLIG 17

Tralee ladies took on Ballincollig at Tanner Park today. First half scorers- Nuala O’ Connor, Vanessa Dineen and Riona Kennedy. (2 Conversions by Laoise O’ Driscoll)

 

Half time score

Tralee 19 Ballincollig 7

Second half

Try: Sinead O’Connor (converted by Laoise)

Anna Murphy (not converted)

Murine Wall (conversion by Laoise)

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UNDER 16’s

KILLARNEY 15 – TRALEE/LISTOWEL 12

The Listowel-Tralee U16s headed to Killarney on Saturday 2nd November to take on the home team in the Munster Clubs competition. Despite Met Eireann issuing yellow wind and rain warnings for Kerry, the weather gods took pity on us and the conditions for the game were nowhere near what was forecasted.

The teams were pretty evenly balanced with Listowel-Tralee using the wind to pin Killarney back in their half, and unlucky with a missed penalty to take the lead. Killarney struck first with strong running from their centres rewarding them with an unconverted try after 20 minutes. Listowel-Tralee picked themselves up, regrouped with a team effort of forwards and backs to score a converted try by Greg Fitzgerald. The mood in the visitor’s camp was good, having a 7-5 advantage at half-time.

 

Listowel-Tralee started well in the second half with a try from Edward O’Connor but the conversion was pulled wide. Killarney came back with a well worked try of their own to level the game going into the last ten minutes. A penalty by Killarney in front of the posts was converted and despite the best efforts, Listowel-Tralee were unable to come back at them, with the final score 15-12.  Credit to Killarney for having the pitch in great condition despite the recent amount of rainfall.

Our next game against Killorglin is scheduled for 17th November in O’Dowd Park, all support welcome.

 

Tralee Rugby Club News

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Tralee RFC Match Reports

U18’s

Saturday 12th October

Killarney V Tralee-Listowel

Listowel-Tralee boys recorded a second victory in the Munster U18s Conference on Saturday. We played into the breeze in the first half but started well, dominating possession for the first quarter. Our first try was the result of concerted forward pressure.

The industrious Jerry Finnegan slipped through a crack in the Killarney defence to score in the corner. Killarney gained a foothold in the game and started to build phases.

However, Sean Stack-Pullen intercepted a loose pass in our half and outpaced the defence to score under the posts. Seamus Lyne added the conversion to give us a 12-0 lead. Killarney finished the half strongly and scored after a series of forward drives to leave the half-time score 12-7.

We used the wind effectively to pin Killarney back early in the second half. Scott Ryan scored his second try in as many weeks when he touched down following a delightful cross- field kick from Seamus Lyne.

Seamus converted from wide out to give us a healthy 19-7 lead. However, Killarney dominated the remainder of the match. They scored with 10 minutes left to reduce arrears to 19-12. Only an incredible try saving tackle from centre, Emil Beauseigneur, prevented a certain score in the last minute as we weathered the storm to hang on for a hard-fought 19-12 victory.

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Under 14 boys:

Sunday 13th Oct

Abbeyfeale V Tralee in the West Munster League

Another great day for our u14 Boys – 3 from 3.

Tralee travelled to the Grove in Abbeyfeale today with a 4pm KO.

In beautiful sunshine Paddy Lane got the game started with a well-placed kick. After a few phases the man of the moment Dillion Corcoran got his hands on the ball and ran from halfway to score his first try of the game. Abbeyfeale answered this with a well worked try close to the end of the first half. In the second half our boys defended well and were quick to the breakdown which gave us a great base for three more tries in the second half by that man again, Dillon Corcoran. The game finished 24/7 to Tralee. We want to thank Abbeyfeale for a very competitive, well spirited game.

 

Men’s senior team

Sunday 13th October

Fermoy V Tralee

Seniors lost 17-12 to fermoy away in the third round of the Munster junior division 2 league

Tralee RFC News

Munster Division 2

The senior men’s team took on Kanturk in the second round of the Munster Division 2 League on Sunday. There were two great try’s from Jack Quilter and Robbie Murphy with Jack converting his try. Unfortunately though, Kanturk were the stronger team on the day and took the win at 32-12.

Upcoming fixtures:

Senior men’s: Fermoy V’s Tralee on Sunday 13th October. KO: 2.30pm.

Under 14’s: Abbeyfeale V’s Tralee on Sunday 13th October. KO 4pm

Under 16’s: Abbeyfeale V’s Tralee on Sunday 13th October. KO 12pm

Tralee Rugby Club News

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Under 14’s      

It was a great day in killorglin on Saturday where after a hard fought battle Tralee came away with the win over Killorglin Iveragh.

This was the under 14’s first West Munster league match of the new season and it was great to see that the new boys joining us this year have blended in so well.

Some stand out performances from our forwards today who rucked and counter rucked very well – Luke Fitzgerald and Dillon Corcoran as always dominated the breaking ball and both scored. Calum Nolan also scored after some great support play.

Ben Sharp was on fire today and stole some lovely ball and was always there in support at the breakdown.

It has to be said our backs held our line at all times and dominated possession. Paddy Lane was rewarded for his efforts with a try which he then converted. A big congratulations has to go to Killorglin Iveragh who put up good opposition and played the game in the spirit it should be.

Tralee RFC open day

Over 100 children attended Tralee Rugby Club’s special open day on Saturday morning, which was designed to encourage more children aged under 6 to under 12 to come along and give rugby a ‘try’.

On the day, while the kids were on the pitch, the parents enjoyed refreshments in the clubhouse and were given a talk by the coaches, providing information on training times, membership fees, matches and kit.

Anyone who missed Saturday’s event and would like to try out the game of rugby, feel free to come along next Saturday at 10.30am.

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Ballymac Woman Announced As New Captain Of Irish Rugby Team

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Ciara Griffin.

FORMER Tralee RFC player, Ciara Griffin, has been announced as the new Ireland women’s rugby team captain.

The UL Bohemians and Munster flanker, who made her Ireland debut against Wales during the 2016 Women’s Six Nations, has been capped 17 times for her country, and was part of the Munster side that claimed this season’s IRFU Women’s Interprovincial title last month.

Ciara, daughter of Kathleen and Denis Reidy, hails from Ballymacelligott and works as a primary school teacher in Limerick. She began playing underage rugby with Castleisland RFC and then moved to Tralee RFC at senior level.

She moved clubs to UL Bohemians at the start of the 2016/17 season and helped the Limerick side lift the Women’s All-Ireland League title defeating holders Old Belvedere in the final.

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In a statement on the Irishrugby.ie website, Ireland Women’s head coach Adam Griggs said: “Having watched all of the interprovincial games, as well as reviewing Ireland’s games from the past couple of seasons, Ciara stood out to me as a natural leader.

“What’s clear to me is that she is hugely passionate about pulling on the red jersey of Munster and the green jersey of Ireland and every time she takes the field, not only does she give everything she has, she also has the ability to help others lift their game when needed. I’m looking forward to seeing her take on the captaincy role and leading from the front.”

Speaking about her captaincy on the Irishrugby.ie website, Ciara said; “I’m delighted to have been asked by Adam to captain the side, I feel so proud to represent my country, and to captain the side is the ultimate honour.

“We have gotten through a lot of work over the last number of camps and things are shaping up well ahead of the Six Nations getting underway. With the new coaching team and some new players involved, alongside those with lots of international experience, I’m really looking forward to kicking things off over in France in a few weeks’ time.”

IRFU Director of Women’s Rugby, Anthony Eddy, added: “Since she made her debut in 2016 against Wales, Ciara has shown great leadership qualities both on and off the field. She plays with her heart on her sleeve and is a clever and composed individual.

“Apart from Ciara demonstrating outstanding leadership qualities, her appointment as captain is a big positive for the future development of the side. At 24, we see Ciara being a part of the Ireland Women’s set-up for a number of years and through to the next Women’s Rugby World Cup and beyond, so we are really pleased she has accepted the captaincy and we look forward to seeing her in the role.”

The Ireland Women will face Wales next Sunday in an uncapped warm-up fixture at the CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, before they get their Six Nations campaign underway against France on Saturday, February 3 in Toulouse,

They will then play Italy, Wales and Scotland at home in Donnybrook before meeting defending champions England in their final game at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

Tralee Under 11s Win Rugby Blitz In Kildare

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TRALEE RFC u11s team travelled to Naas RFC on Saturday to compete in the Joe Moran blitz.

With 50 teams (700 players) from all over Ireland taking part, this very talented bunch came away with the spoils.

Coaches and parents were all proud of the boys as they played out of their skins and thoroughly deserved the title.

The winning Under 11 team. Back row; Keelan Lynch, Josh Favaudon, Luke Pullen, Kevin O’Donoghue, Daniel Kirby , Dylan Corcoran , Ben Murphy , Luke Fitzgerald , Stephen Conway , Ben Sharp , Liam O Dowd. Front row; Fionn Coleman, Padraig O Halloran, Paddy Lane, Conor Gentleman, Roarke O’Carroll , Luke Flynn , Cillian Hussey , Sean Barrett , Michael Byrne , Ryan Hickey. Coaches – (left to right ) John Flynn , Richard Sharp , Pat Lane.

No Munster Move As Ultan Dillane Signs New Contract At Connacht

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Coonacht players Bundee Aki and Ultan Dillane who signed contract extensions today.
Coonacht players Bundee Aki and Ultan Dillane who signed contract extensions today. Photo: Connacht Rugby Website

ULTAN DILLANE has renewed his contract with Connacht Rugby which will see him at the club for a further two years.

There was much speculation in recent weeks that Dillane could move to home province Munster, but those rumours have been laid to rest this morning.

“Connacht Rugby has given me so many opportunities since I started in the Academy and I’m delighted to have signed on again,” said Ultan Dillane today after signing the two year contract extension.

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“I am enjoying my rugby so much here and am excited about the future of this team and the province,” said Dillane.

The former Trelee RFC man made his 34th appearance for Connacht in Sunday’s bonus-point, Champions Cup win over Zebre.

Dillane graduated from the Connacht Academy in 2015 and made his international debut for Ireland in the 2016 6 Nations when he was called on as a replacement against England at Twickenham.

The 22-year-old made a further four appearances in the Ireland shirt including two test matches against the Springboks during the summer tour of South Africa.

Connacht were also boosted with Bundee Aki signing a new contract with the province.

Tralee Players In The Mix For Ireland Autumn Internationals

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Ciara Griffin and Zoe Grattage.
Ciara Griffin and Zoe Grattage.

TWO Tralee RFC players took part in an Irish women training camp over the weekend for the upcoming Autumn internationals against England, Canada and New Zealand.

Ciara Griffin and Zoe Grattage will be fighting hard to book a place in the Irish squad for the three home tests in November.

Both players featured in Ireland’s Six Nations squad last year along with former Tralee players, Ruth O’Reilly and Ciara O’Connor, now both at Galwegians.

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They made the cut for the camp of 36 held in UCD at the weekend, but there will be a further cut at another camp at the end of October.

UCD will host all of the Ireland women’s Autumn internationals this year. First up will be England (Sunday, November 13) followed by Canada (Saturday, November 19) and the big one against world No.1 side, New Zealand (Sunday, November 27).

Could Ultan Dillane Be On His Way Back To Munster?

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Ultan Dillane. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Ultan Dillane. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

THERE is speculation that Ultan Dillane could be on his way back to his home province, according to a report in the Irish Independent today.

The former Tralee RFC player has been linked with a return to Munster and is believed to be open to the idea according the article.

The 22-year-old lock played for Munster at youth level before shipping out to the Connacht academy in 2012 and made his senior debut for his adopted province at the end of 2014.

Since then, Dillane has burst onto the Irish national rugby scene earning himself a call-up in this year’s Six Nations. He made his debut for the national side against England at Twickenham and has earned four more caps since.

Rugby Club Announces Details Of One-Day Tournament During Rose Festival

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Tralee Tag Rugby 2
Back in April, Ultan Dillane was joined by Tara Guerin and Sarah Burke, launching the one-day tag rugby tournament at Tralee Rugby Club.

BACK in April, Ultan Dillane came home to launch his home club’s one-day tag rugby tournament to be held in August.

Well now more details of the tournament have been released the event due to take place on Saturday, August 20, to coincided with the Rose of Tralee festival.

The club is now looking for teams from far and wide, from beginners to seasoned pros to make it a day to remember.

The club is promising music, a BBQ and the clubhouse bar will be open all day to serve refreshments. Camping will also be available on request for those travelling to the event. The cost is €50 per player.

For more information please log onto; www.traleerugby.com or Facebook – TraleeRfcSummerTag  for more details or to get in contact with organisers.

Twitter Went Wild For Ultan Dillane Yesterday

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ULTAN Dillane played a big part as Connacht beat Leinster to claim their first Rabodirect Pro 12 crown.

The Tralee man’s performance came in for some praise on Twitter. Now he has the tour of South Africa with Ireland to look forward to, it should be a great summer for the forward.

Here’s what people were saying about him on Twitter yesterday…

Rugby: Great Win For Tralee Under 18 Side In Plate Final

A report from Tralee Rugby Club on the Pan Munster Bank of Ireland U 18 Plate Final in Independent Park, Cork, on Sunday, March 20…

Tralee RFC 18

Old Christians 13

U18 Tralee win
Tralee Under 18s celebrate a famous win.

After a gap of a decade at this age level, Tralee RFC deservedly captured the coveted trophy after a mighty battle with our Cork hosts Old Christians.

The day was perfect for rugby and it was ourselves who got off to a perfect start.

After five minutes of play, speedy winger Joe Quilter touched down in the corner after a fabulous line out move involving Stephen Benjamin & Mikey Lyne, to set up Adam McEllistrim who passed the ball wide through the hands of excellent centres all day Danny Cournane and Joseph O’Connor to set up the dream start.

In fairness to Christians, they fought back and were level after 17 minutes and the game ebbed and flowed for the rest of the first half.

That was until just before half time when we got the perfect finish to the half when big burly second row come prop Joseph Benjamin bulldozed his way over the line carrying about six opposition players on his back.

Sam converted and we led 12 to 5 at the break. The second half was just as intense with both sides working really hard for possession.

We did defend for our lives during that period and had our own dominance for a while when Sam Boyle converted a penalty to leave us leading 15 to 5 midway though the half.

Christians then responded with a penalty of their own.

With just 5 minutes left on the clock nippy scrum half Liam O’Malley kicked a smashing ball ahead for Mikey Lyne to follow up and boy did Mikey do himself proud when he won a fantastic turnover on the opposition 22.

We were awarded another penalty for offside at scrum time and Sam made no mistake to leave us leading 18 to 8.

The hosts did get another try in the corner but the time was up.

A hugh outpouring of emotion erupted as the final whistle blew. Tralee were deserving Champions once again on the provincial stage. Coach Alan Boyle commented afterwards; “this was the performance we were waiting for. We defended well, we took our tries well and overall we played very well. The back row of Cillian O’Riordan and Hugh Healy were immense and Adam Bohan led by example throughout. It was truly a squad performance.”

“It’s hard to pick out players but Mikey Lyne was outstanding again today. I was delighted with the way lads dealt with the pressure of a final and I thought they came through in flying colours. It was great also to see former players Ciaran Carmody and Gareth Walsh helping out. Many thanks to all who travelled and supported us today. Thanks to the parents who supported us as well all year. It was great to see Fionnbar Walsh at the match in Cork.”

“His late son Donal had a huge influence on these young men as he was assistant coach for a few years with these bunch of lads and was a great help to Alan at that time. There’s no doubt that Donal played his part in the lads getting over the line in such a really tense game,” said the coach.

Team and panel.
Robbie Murphy, Adam Bohan, Stephen Benjamin, Mark Moloney, Joseph Benjamin, Hugh Healy, Mikey Lyne, Cillian O’Riordan, Adam McEllistrim, Sam Boyle {capt}, Joe Brosnan, Danny Cournane, Joseph O’Connor, Joe Quilter, Eoin O’Malley, Paddy o’Donnell, Michael Leen Vega, Colm Carmody, Liam O’Malley, Tim Kelleher, Tom Healy, Chris Lowe Eoghan O’Buachalla, Eoghan Murphy and Nathan Stafford, Eddy Lynch.
Injured and missing Jeaic O’Suilleabhan, Rory McNamara and Arron Fitzgerald.

Report by Jim O’ Connor.

Thousands In Prizes Up For Grabs In The Castle Bar’s Rollover

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IT’S Cheltenham week and for The Castle Bar this means four days of entertainment, craic and thousands of euros to be won in their annual Rollover competition.

Running since 1998, locals took to the Rollover competition straight away and it has now grown to the stage where there are around 170 entries for this year so far. At €100 per entry, that’s a lot of prize money to be won!

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Looking forward to a hectic week at The Castle Bar are Gerard O’Sullivan, Dermot Carey (who was winner of the Rollover 2015), Mike Galvin, Brendan Sheehan, Fergal O’Sullivan, Adrian Griffin, Darren O’Sullivan, John Breen and Adrian O’Sullivan. Photo by Dermot Crean

You can enter as an individual or get a few friends together to split the cost of the €100. Pick your horse in each race over the four days and try to earn as many points as possible. It’s easy to follow and there’s still time to enter, so contact the bar on 066-7123485 or message them on Facebook (here) before the start of the first race on Tuesday.

The Rollover is just part of a host of events and entertainment at the famous watering hole on Rock Street in the next four days, on what is arguably the bar’s busiest week of the year.

“A lot of people take their holidays for the week and watch the racing here,” said Gerard O’Sullivan of The Castle Bar. “The customers have a great week, they enjoy the craic and the buzz around Cheltenham,” he said.

“There is also a charity element to the Rollover and we’ll be making a presentation of funding to the ‘Inspired’ group at their table quiz in the Bar on Wednesday, March 23,” he said.

There is also a ‘Dingbatts’ competition on Tuesday for the charity, where customers have to work out cryptic clues to name famous horses.

On Wednesday it’s a chance for both men and women to get dressed up with some great prizes to be won. Sam McCauleys have given a beauty hamper of €150 for the Best Dressed Lady prize (2nd prize is a voucher for Gruaig Hairdressers on Pembroke Street), with a similar hamper of  men’s goodies for the Best Dressed Man (second prize is a voucher for Cassidy’s Restaurant).

There will also be entertainment on St Patrick’s Day, while Friday traditionally sees the biggest crowds for Gold Cup day, which is great craic even if you have no interest in racing. It’s all set up for a great week in The Castle.

Ultan Dillane Poised For Irish Debut As He’s Named On Bench For England Game

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Ultan Dillane, in the green of Ireland at underage level.
Ultan Dillane, in the green of Ireland at underage level.

TRALEE man Ultan Dillane has been named on the Ireland bench for Round 3 of the 2016 RBS 6 Nations Championship against England in Twickenham.

It’s fantastic news for the former Tralee RFC who looks set to make his first Ireland debut from the replacements bench, inside the belly of the beast at Twickenham on Saturday at 4.50pm.

He was named today in Joe Schmidt’s 23 man side this afternoon. He will take his place on the bench alongside experienced internationals, Cian Healy, Simon Zebo and Ian Madigan.

Best of luck Ultan, the whole town is proud of you! See team below…

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Ireland team to face England, Twickenham, 4.50pm, Sat 27 Feb

R Kearney (Leinster); A Trimble (Ulster), R Henshaw (Connacht), S McCloskey (Ulster), K Earls (Munster); J Sexton (Leinster), C Murray (Munster); J McGrath (Leinster), R Best (Ulster, capt), M Ross (Leinster), D Ryan (Munster), D Toner (Leinster), CJ Stander (Munster), J van der Flier (Leinster), J Heaslip (Leinster).

Replacements R Strauss (Leinster), C Healy (Leinster), N White (Connacht), U Dillane (Connacht), R Ruddock (Leinster), E Reddan (Leinster), I Madigan (Leinster), S Zebo (Munster).

Tralee Man Called Into Extended Irish Training Squad Ahead Of Six Nations

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Ultan Dillane.
Ultan Dillane.

FORMER Tralee RFC player, Ultan Dillane, has been called into Joe Schmidt’s extended Irish training squad for a Six Nations camp at Carton House.

It’s the latest step in the 22-year-old Connacht lock’s progression since he left Tralee some years ago.

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French-born Dillane moved to his mother’s native Kerry when he was seven years old. He played his club rugby with Tralee RFC before attracting the attention of Connacht Academy Manager Nigel Carolan after impressing for Ireland at both under-18 and under-19 level.

Standing at 6ft 6ins, his ball carrying, imposing physicality, and threat at the set piece are just some of his major attributes.

Having made his senior debut for Connacht just over a year ago against Leinster, he signed a two-year contract with the province last January and has now played 16 matches for Connacht since his debut.

Tralee Player Ready For Big Step At Twickenham Stoop

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Zoe Grattage. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Zoe Grattage at Tralee Rugby Club. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

Gavin O’Connor talks to Tralee Rugby Club’s Zoe Grattage as she prepares to head to England for a test match this weekend…

A TRALEE and Munster player is heading to England this weekend with the Ireland women’s rugby team to take part in an international test against the old foe.

Zoe Grattage, from the Kerries will be hoping to run out in the green for the first time when Ireland take on England at Harlequins famous Twickenham Stoop on Sunday.

Though Zoe’s colours are now nailed to the mast it wasn’t always that way.

Up until the age of 13, Zoe, lived in England. It was only when mother, Breda, originally from Banna, decided they had spent enough time in England did they come back.

Dad Trevor, from Mansfield, is now faced with a dilemma of supporting his adopted country over the one of his birth. Though Zoe still retains a slight English twang she has no such dilemmas.

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“Dad, said ‘you’re going to have to start learning both national anthems now and maybe stitch a rose on the jersey!’ but no that won’t be happening at all,” said Zoe Grattage.

The 25-year-old began her rugby career while studying in UCC, where she graduated in Public Health last September. She then went onto play for Highfield in Cork, before moving back to Tralee this September to play for her hometown club.

Back in September, Zoe, was talent spotted by Irish coach, Tom Tierney, while playing for Munster in the inter-pro championship which Munster won against Leinster in Thomand Park.

The Garveys Tralee employee was then called up to take part in two Ireland training sessions in Belfast. A phone call from coach Tierney awaited, to find out if she had impressed and made 23 woman squad.

“I worked as hard as I could so I had to be ready for good news and bad news, thankfully it was good news,” she said.

Tom Tierney is a nine time capped Ireland international and former Munster and Leicester player.

A Munster regular for the last three years, Zoe suffered an MCL injury last year which put her leg in bracket for six weeks. “I was like Robocop, going around the place! Thankfully it’s the only injury I’ve had playing rugby,” she said.

“It’s only the last few years where I’ve taken the bull by the horns with my nutrition and thinking about myself and where I want to be with rugby. If you want to make the next step you have to make commitments. This morning I was up at five and in the gym by six, that’s just what you do. Some people hate the gym, I love it.”

The match will be a clash of two Northern Hemisphere heavyweights, 2014 world champions England, versus Six Nations winners Ireland. This will be the first time Zoe has played outside of Ireland.

“The way everything is done is very professional, there is always someone to go to. There are so many girls there with years of experience and they always approachable.”

“In the first (Ireland) camp, I had nerves that I suppose anyone would get, but everyone was so welcoming and made me think, ‘you know what, I do deserve to be here’ and to just go with it.”

On Ireland duty is not an unusual setting for a player with strong Tralee ties. Zoe follows in the footsteps of, Siobhan Fleming and Ciara Griffin. And making the trip over with Zoe will be Tralee native, Ruth O’Reilly.

“All summer I was travelling with Ciara (Griffin) and Siobhan (Fleming) to play with Munster. It’s great to have that connection so I can get a few hinters.”

“Hopefully I can get the start, but if not, if I get a run, I’ll try to put my stamp on the game.”

England v Ireland, kicks off Saturday at 3:00pm

Tralee Rugby Club Player Named In Ireland Squad For Autumn Internationals

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Zoe Grattage
Zoe Grattage

A CURRENT Tralee RFC player has been named in the squad for the first ever Ireland women’s Autumn international.

Zoe Grattage has been named in a squad of 22 alongside 10 other uncapped players and joins Tralee native, Ruth O’Reilly of Galwegians in the panel.

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Zoe will follow in the footsteps of club-mates, Siobhan Fleming and Ciara Griffin, who have pulled on the green shirt.

The momentous first autumn international will be against England at Harlequin’s Twickenham Stoop, on Saturday, November 14.

The Tralee RFC and Munster player was given her chance to impress when she was called up for her first Ireland training session three weeks ago in Belfast.

Last year, Ireland reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, beating New Zealand on the way and capturing the imagination of the nation.

Coming up in November are two internationals against England and France, after that the focus will be on claiming back to back Six Nations titles.

The full Ireland squad to face in England: Elaine Anthony (Highfield/ Munster), Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemian/ Munster), Nikki Caughey (Belfast Harlequins/ Ulster), Ciara Cooney (Railway Union/ Leinster), Mairead Coyne (Galwegians/ Connacht), Jeamie Deacon (Blackrock/ Leinster), Aine Donnelly (Cill Dara/Leinster), Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere/ Leinster), Paula Fitzpatrick (Stade Toulousain), Orla Fitzsimons (St Marys/ Leinster), Zoe Grattage (Tralee/ Munster), Mary Healy (Galwegians/ Connacht), Claire McLaughlin (Queens University/ Ulster), Claire Molloy (Bristol/ Connacht), Cliodhna Moloney (Railway Union/ Leinster), Larissa Muldoon (Skewen), Sene Naoupu (Galwegians/ Sevens), Heather O’Brien (Stade Toulousain), Fiona O’Brien (Old Belvedere/ Leinster), Ruth O’Reilly (Galwegians/ Connacht), Fiona Reidy (UL Bohemian/ Munster), Jackie Shiels (Richmond/Exiles), Sophie Spence (Old Belvedere/ Leinster)

Ultan Dillane Discusses His Progress In Irish Independent Interview

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Ultan Dillane.
Ultan Dillane.

FORMER Tralee RFC player, Ultan Dillane, has once again featured in the national press, a testament to his rising star status in Irish rugby.

Dillane, has turned out nine times for the Connacht senior team in the last year. The performances earned him a two year contract with the province after completing his third and final year at their academy.

Speaking to the Irish Independant, the 24 year old, French-born lock discussed his some of the challenges he has faced thus far in his young career and going up against his idol, Paul O’Connell.

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“Your idols are still your idols no matter what age you are. I just saw Paul with the rest of the squad when they trained in Connacht for that week” said Dillane.

“We got to do lineouts and units against them. It was just surreal to see the standard that they have, the pace they have in the lineouts, and their scrum-work.”

Despite the progress he has made, the Ballydunlea lad, is under no illusions how difficult it will be to nail down a starting place with Connacht.

“Competition is huge, it is big in the back-row but it is massive in the second-row. There are six of us this season, all in good form and we do drive up the standards.”

Read the full article HERE

VIDEO: St Pat’s Lads Were Having Fun Over At The Rugby World Cup

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St Pat’s GAA members were interviewed in the fanzone at the Rugby World Cup last weekend.

WITH the excitement building ahead of Sunday’s showdown with France, thousands of Irish people are enjoying the craic over at the Rugby World Cup in England.

Among them are a few guys from St Pat’s GAA club in Blennerville, including Joe Costello, Brendan Poff and Kieran O’Shea, who were captured in Fanzone last weekend. The Irish Independent uploaded this video of the lads to their website. Click here to see the video

 

Rugby: McElligott Cup Goes West For First Time In Over 85 Years

 

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The victorious Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne side who won the McElligott Cup.

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ON a warm spring Sunday afternoon at O’Dowd Park Tralee, the McElligott Cup Final between Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne  and Castleisland RFC  was decided for 2015.

History was made as the Cup last went west in 1929. The long wait is now over. This keenly contested local derby final between these arch rivals was a fine display of open fast running skilful rugby played with spirit and spice in near perfect conditions.

In a high-scoring game, Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne emerged victorious much to the disappointment of the Munster Division 2 Island squad who were fancied to take the spoils.

Muintir Iarthair Ciarraí are having a fine season contesting  Munster League and Cup Finals in their Division, today’s victory under the guidance of Manager John Holstead, Head Coach Colm O’Shea will be celebrated until La Féile Bealtaine.

A hat trick of trys by Ciarán O’Coileáin was the highlight of the day,ably assisted by Alan Devane who got RCD’s fourth try, Shane Griffin landed three penalties to take the McElligott Cup back West.

Congratulations to Ireland and Europe’s most westerly located rugby club.

How ‘The Rose Of Tralee’ Answered Ireland’s Call At The World Cup

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Rugby IrlHERE’S a fact that has passed us by as Ireland prepares to kick-off their Six Nations campaign tomorrow.

It came as a surprise to us to learn that ‘The Rose of Tralee’ was used four times as Ireland’s national anthem at the 1987 Rugby World Cup.

An article by Malachy Clerkin in last Saturday’s Irish Times on the national anthem being played before rugby games, told the story of how it came about through interviews with Irish stars of the time, Neil Francis and Trevor Ringland.

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An IRA bomb a month before the Rugby World Cup in 1987 was the catalyst for changing Ireland’s anthem from ‘Amhrán na bhFiann’ to a song more noted as a celebration of womanhood than a nationalistic battle cry.

Three Irish internationals, Nigel Carr, Philip Rainey and David Irwin were caught up in an IRA bomb which killed Lord Justice Maurice Gibson. The blast ended Nigel Carr’s rugby career.

Speaking to The Irish Times, Trevor Ringland, a former Unionist politician and Ireland international, said the The Soldier’s Song wouldn’t have felt appropriate to be played at the World Cup in New Zealand to some of the players after that happened.

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“We were standing there, and I actually didn’t know what song was going to come on. And then it was The Rose of Tralee…I remember thinking, ‘God, you wouldn’t really lay down your life for The Rose Of Tralee, would you?” he told Malachy Clerkin.

“It was the worst compromise of all time,” Neil Francis said.

“It was played before all four games and I just stood there totally unmoved each time. I didn’t know the song, I hadn’t ever heard it, I knew none of the words. None of us did. We just stood there in stony-faced silence and waited for the game to start,” Francis said.

You can read more of Malachy Clerkins’s highly entertaining article HERE

Ultan Dillane Signs Two Year Contract With Connacht

 

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Ultan Dillane.

AFTER a string of impressive performances, former Tralee Rugby Club player, Ultan Dillane, has secured a two year contract with Connacht Rugby.

Following three years in the Connacht Academy, 21-year-old Ultan Dillane, made his professional debut this season and will now progress to a senior contract.

French-born Dillane moved to his mother’s native Kerry when he was seven years old. He played his club rugby with Tralee RFC before attracting the attention of Connacht Academy Manager Nigel Carolan.

Ultan’s contract announcement was made earlier today along with the South African, Quinn Roux, who also sealed a two year deal.

Dillane represented Ireland at both under-18 and under-19 level. Standing at 6ft 6ins and almost 17 stone, his ball carrying, imposing physicality, and threat at the set piece are just some of his major attributes.

“As a coaching team, we are very excited to have both Quinn and Ultan staying with Connacht for at least the next two years” said Connacht head coach, Pat Lam.

“They are both young, abrasive locks who have real physical presence. I believe with continued game time and exposure at this level, they have the potential to play for Ireland in the near future” said Lam.

Dillane Full Of Praise For Tralee Club In Irish Independent Interview

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Ultan Dillane
Ultan Dillane

FORMER Tralee Rugby player, Ultan Dillane, has been making a name for himself over Christmas and has even been interviewed for the Irish Independent website where he is full of praise for his home club.

“Tralee RFC is a brilliant club and everyone is so nice down there. Our old manager even came up to the Munster game the last day. It was great to see him there,” Ultan told Declan Rooney of the Irish Independent (click here for full interview).

He has been selected on the Connacht squad for the fourth Guinness Pro12 match in a row tonight where they take on Edinburgh at home in the Sportsgrounds.

At the moment, Dillane, is being tipped for stardom after impressing against the other three Irish provinces all in a row. He made his professional bow against Leinster in the RDS before Christmas when he was introduced late on.

A former Munster youth and Ireland U19 player, it has been a meteoric rise for a player who this time last year was nursing a broken leg.

On St Stephen’s Day, Ultan, made his first senior start against Ulster in Kingspan Stadium. For both of his opening two games he was on the losing side, but that all changed last week when Connacht achieved a rare win over Munster.

This was the men from the west’s first win against Munster since 2008 and only their second ever in 42 meetings.

Against Munster, in the 69th minute of the match the Sportsgrounds, Ultan was introduced into the fray. His first piece of action was to go up against his opposite lock, Munster legend, Paul O’Connell.

It has been a whirlwind few weeks for the young Tralee man, one in which he has laid down a marker to go far in the game.

Kick off time for tonight’s match is 7:35pm and you can see if Ultan makes an appearance as it will be shown live on TG4.

Munster Confirm That JJ Hanrahan Will Leave For Northampton

 

J.J Hanrahan
J.J Hanrahan

DISAPPOINTING news has come through for Munster Rugby fans in the county, with the announcement that Currow native JJ Hanrahan will leave the province at the end of the current season to join Aviva Premiership side Northampton Saints.

Despite being offered a three year deal with Munster, the Kerry man confirmed his departure to team management yesterday.

“I have thought long and hard about this decision and as difficult as it is to leave I believe it is the right step to take for my future progression,” said JJ Hanrahan.

“Growing up, Munster was all I knew and I will certainly miss it. I am very fortunate to have represented this club and team but I need to do what is best for me and avail of the next opportunity” said Hanrahan.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and want to thank everyone for their support and best wishes all along. I will continue to represent the jersey to the best of my ability for the remainder of the season,” he said.

The Currow man has made 51 appearances for the province, scoring 229 points, and at 22 years of age has been a rising star since first making his league debut September 2012.

He made his European debut against Edinburgh in October 2012 in Thomond Park and five days later scored two tries when making his first league start against Zebre in a man of the match performance.

Munster Rugby CEO Garrett Fitzgerald said; “We are extremely disappointed to announce that we will lose the services of a home-grown talent such as JJ. We understand his reasons for leaving at the end of the season and appreciate the opportunity available to him”.

Young Tralee Rugby Star Could Make Debut Tonight Against Leinster

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Ultan Dillane, in the green of Ireland at underage level.
Ultan Dillane, in the green of Ireland at underage level.

GREAT news has come through for rugby followers in town with the announcement that former Tralee RFC  youth player, Ultan Dillane, has been selected in the Connacht squad that will face Leinster in their Pro12 clash in the RDS tonight.

Growing up only minutes from the Rugby Club in Ballydunlea, Ultan is now the second player from Tralee to make it in the professional game. The other player being former Munster winger, Danny Barnes.

The 21 year old has made all the right noises coming through the ranks, picking up caps for Ireland u18 and u20 sides and turning out for Munster youths.

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Ultan made the switch to Connacht when, at 18, he was offered a contract to enter their academy.  Last year he won a sports scholarship at NUI Galway where he is studying sports science.

“He’s an absolute gentleman as a person, we’re very proud of Ultan, he is a guy that all the young players at the club look up to” said Ger Breen, Tralee RFC Director of Rugby.

“He behaved like a professional right from the beginning. When he played his first senior game for Tralee he was only 18 and even then you could see he was head and shoulders above most of the other players” said Ger Breen.

At the moment the Tralee club  is punching above its weight producing great talent, with a number of players from the club playing for Munster and Ireland at youth level.

The PRO of  West Munster Rugby, Jay Galvin, is someone who has have seen Ultan rising through the ranks from a young age.

“He is a powerful young lad. They’re managing him well in Connacht by bringing him on slowly instead of throwing him in. With so many players going through the Munster and Leinster academies he is better off in Connacht at the moment, they’ve a very good system there now where he will learn his trade,” said Jay Galvin.

“In fairness to his mother, Ellen, she travelled everywhere and anywhere with him to further his career so she deserves a hell of a lot of credit,” said Jay.

Ultan is a well known face to many in town as he has worked part-time in Baily’s Corner over the years. They’ll be all rooting for him tonight.

You can check out to see if Ultan gets his game tonight live on TG4. Kick off – 7:35pm