First Rugby Match at Croke Park - Stunning

It was stunning in every sense of the word. Croke Park was full - we were full of anticipation. The Irish were slow to start. By half time the French were ahead 13-11 - Ibanez's first half try was converted while O'Gara's wasn't and we exchanged 2 penalties. But in the second half we scrapped and scraped ahead.

O'Gara Try
Originally uploaded by BobTheCorkDwarf.

O'Gara gets over for a try to take the lead. But it was just a single point at 14-13. The French could back in with a penalty. With 3 minutes to go we won a kickable penalty. "Go on Ronan - put it over - then at least they will need a try". Be careful what you wish for!! He did, we allowed ourselves a sigh of relief. What a mistake - now we can say that he would have been better to miss. From the kick off France attack, we make 2 mistakes and a missed tackle and Clerc is in for a try; they convert and its just 1 minute left.

Can we not do the same? We kick off - they gather the ball set up a maul that goes nowhere, but lasts until full time. They kick the ball out, the whistle blows; we are stunned .... but what about the grand slam ... what about the best Irish time in living memory... such is life and rugby.

Moving Hearts

Moving Hearts,
originally uploaded by Alex Donald.

The re-union concert was great. It was an instrumental gig. We missed the vocals - Mick Hanly was in the audience. Christy sent his apologies a few weeks ago (at the same venue). A fantastic night and we even sang Happy Birthday to Keith Donald.

Croke Park and Rugby

It will be an historic occasion when Ireland plays France at Croke Park this Sunday. After much debate a “foreign game” will be played in this fantastic GAA stadium. There was lots of debate within the GAA about sharing this facility while Lansdowne Road is being developed. Much of it was about the old animosity that exists between rival disciplines, in some ways the rivalry could be compared with that between Rugby League and Rugby Union (especially in the days before Union went professional). The arguments continue even this week with those GAA fans who argue that the use of Croke Park was approved subject to Lansdowne road having planning permission – which of course has not yet been given – thus the GAA is in breach of its own mandate. The view of former GAA president Sean Kelly (who championed the opening of Croke Park is perhaps the best answer – he says it’s in the country tradition of giving a neighbour a dig out. He rightly says that it would have been a discredit to the country if we had to play our home internationals in England or Wales. Not that this is a GAA problem – but opening Croke Park is a popular solution – not least with Rugby fans. But that’s not the full story – not by a long way. The game against England – the old enemy – is what this is really all about. The history of Croke Park is deeply nationalistic. Not just because it is the home of our own unique sports, Gaelic football and Hurling, but also because of the events that happened on the 21^st November 1920, a year before the end of the War of Independence. This week the Daily Telegraph was an unlikly source to refresh the background story: "Old Foes". Hill 16 the uncovered terrace at the railway end is built on the rubble from the Easter Rising, and the Hogan Stand is named after Michael Hogan, the captain of the Tipperary football team who was killed by the Black and Tans on bloody Sunday. The singing of God Save the Queen by the visiting English fans on February 24^th will be a moment of growing up for Ireland as a nation. History is important, but in the end it is just that - History.

Wales Vs Ireland - 2 trys to remember

On my Mark
Originally uploaded by JonnyCat UK.

I had my first trip to Cardiff to see Ireland beat Wales at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff. The atmosphere was fantastic. When the Welsh sang "Bread of Heaven" before the start of the match, the hair stood up on the back of my neck.

We had a great start with a try in 2 minutes. But all in all it was a nervy start to Ireland's season - we were happy to secure a 19-9 victory.
There were 3 Irish tries. The first from the kick-off by Rory Best:

Rory Best's try in less than a minute The second came from O'Driscoll before half time and then in the second half Ronan clinched it.

Ronan gets over for the clincher.

Down. But Out?
Originally uploaded by JonnyCat UK.

O'Driscoll gets a once-over by the physios

Good Effort Originally uploaded by JonnyCat UK.

Brian O'Driscoll going off in Cardiff - job nearly done but is he ok for next week? It's not what we need to set up a Grand Slam next week.

Leeds

Why don’t you write about Leeds any more? Need you ask? I’m thinking of changing my strap line to a becoming impatient Leeds fan. I did say on the 22nd May that Watford wouldn’t stay up for long didn’t I. Well, they are bottom of the Premiership. What I didn’t expect (with the high hopes of last spring) was that Leeds would be second from bottom in the Championship. They have had a terrible season so far. After about 6 weeks Blackmore was sacked. There was talk about getting Alan Corbishley to replace him, but in the end we have ended up with Dennis Wise. Remember him from Chelsea? He was a tough little gurrier. Ken Bates is bringing back one of his old reliables. I suppose Blackmore has to take responsibility for not getting the team to deliver when they had promotion in their grasp. The start of the season was so bad – losing to last minute goals on a number of occasions. A glimmer of hope last Monday when they started the new year with a win – the first since 25th November, and only the third win in the Championship since October. Dennis Wise has also signed an old Chelsea team mate (1997 to 2000) the 33-year-old Norwegian, Tore Andre Flo. Now 33 year old he did score 50 goals for Chelsea as a super-sub. He then went to Rangers, Sunderland and Siena. He has just signed from Valerenga in Olso. There’s talk of some other signings – we need to do something. With West Brom away in the Cup next week followed by Birmingham away and West Brom at home in the Championship, it’s going to be a testing January.

Moving Hearts Reunion Concert

KeithDonald2
Originally uploaded by M+MD.

Live at Vicar Street, Dublin – 8th / 9th February 2007. I've got my tickets - I wouldn't miss it for the world.
The band line up will consist of Donal Lunny, Davy Spillane, Eoghan O'Neill, Keith Donald, Matt Kellaghan, Noel Eccles, Anto Drennan and Graham Henderson.
Moving Hearts, one of the few truly legendary Irish bands, have have announced their decision to do special shows at Vicar Street on Feb 8th & 9th Formed in 1981, Moving Hearts were one of the first bands to successfully explore the fusion of trad Irish roots music with rock ‘n’ roll. With a powerful contemporary rhythm section, they took a no holds barred approach to music rooted in the Celtic tradition. Blurring genres with a potent brew of folk, rock, jazz and traditional; Moving Hearts blazed a brief but dazzling trail across the Irish musical firmament for four years, informed by a unique union of styles and a singular (and at the time controversial) political stance.(text courtesy of Tara Music.

The Messiah at St Patricks

We went to Handel's Messiah with the Irish Baroque Orchestra and Resurga at St Patricks Catherdral last night. Excellent performance and venue. The President Mary McAleese was also in attendence. The Messiah was first performed in Dublin on the 13th of April 1742.

Thomond Park

I finally made it to Thomand Park, today for Munster Vs Connaught. The conditions were awful and while Connaught put on a good display Munster did the business in the end, not very pretty but effective. There was a great crowd, given the weather. Michael, Senan and Katy came along while Mags stayed in Thurles with her mother. It was Michael’s first rugby match and the first that Katy could remember – I think bring her to a Schools Senior Cup final in Lansdowne when she was about 3 but she doesn't remember that!

Freddie at Bewleys

FreddieBewleys
Originally uploaded by M+MD.

Last week Katy said – hey Freddie White is playing in Bewleys on Mondays – you like him don’t you?
So we arranged to have an early bird dinner in La Cave with Dave and Mags and we showed up in Bewleys little Theatre upstair at about 8.30 – we were a bit early but there was just a table left.
It was an excellent night. It’s a very intimate venue – just room for about 50 people, a small bar, a very appreciative group of fans. It was like being back in the basement in Toners on a Monday night, 29 years ago. He played all the old songs and some good new stuff too. He even finished with Desparados – always brings a tear to my eye!
It was a new experience for Dave and Mags – they had’t heard him before. A great night – must do it again

Freddie White
Originally uploaded by Matthew Verso.

Katy's Debs 13 October

13^th October – Katy’s Debs in Killiney Castle. Lunch in Fitzers, Maurice Stokes.

Today was Katy’s Debs. The tradition in her school is that the parents attend too. We have invited family friends and neighbours as well as her escort’s (Paul) parents for drinks before we set off for Killiney.

Katry was getting her hair done in town so she and I met for lunch in Fitzers. We were sitting down when who should walk over but Paul’s father and mother.

Now it’s a strange co-incidence but when Katy was in Washington last March she met up with Paul, who was a member of the group from Ireland. It turns out that Paul’s father Maurice was a great friend of mine when we were both teenagers down in Tara Cove. We meet up again last summer at a Tara Cove golf outing.

So Maurice comes over and says hallo, chats about the debs and says – see you later. When they go back to their table, Katy says “who’s that? Why did they say see you later?”!!!

The evening was very enjoyable, and represents the end of an era for us at Killians.

Old Friends

Bookends 1968 Simon & Garfunkel.

I had an e-mail this week from an ex-colleague; "Congratulations - today you are 6 months in your new job; let me buy you lunch in celebration!". Today, Friday we had a one to one with a one and one (fish and chips) in Foleys pub. Its good to catch up (no pun intended) and reminisce about "the good old days". But as some one said recently " these are the good old days - enjoy. Thanks Paul, I appreciate the lunch.

Thirst

Thirst ©2006 Daragh Owens M+MD.

Last night we went to see Thirst (a short play by Flann O’Brien) in Russell’s Pub in Ranelagh. Our neighbours, Michael and Heather came along. It was part of the Ranelagh Arts Festival. It was very well done – we were sitting in the pub and it was if the actors were just a few regulars (in fact I think they were). It’s a short piece, but entertaining.

Ryder Cup 012

Ryder Cup 012
Originally uploaded by M+MD.

Joy and Sorrow at Millenium Stadium Cardiff

What a week-end. On Saturday we had the long awaited Munster victory in theHeiniken Cup Final played out in the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff. On Sunday in the same Stadium, Leeds played Watford in the play-off final for the last place in the premiership. After all my patience - they lost - not only did they lose but they were played off the pitch. Watford won 3-0. I don't think Watford will last more than a season in the premiership, maybe that's sour grapes - but call it a prediction. So Leeds have to start all over again next year. This year will have done them some good - the lesson is: don't wait for the play-offs you have to come first or second - last year we got within 4 points of Sheffield - but let them get away. The play-offs are a lottery. Its 2 cup matches and a great spectacle. The fans get a great day out - but its a sustained league performance and Premiership football that we need, not a day out in Millemium Stadium (or Wembley - if it is ever completed)

O'Connell Steet in Limerick

What a day for Munster - finally Victory in the Heineken Cup.

Watching04 Originally uploaded by _CitizenKane_.

Biarritz Olympique 19-23 Munster Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Att: 74,534 Saturday 20th May 2006, 15:00.

For those who couldn't go - O'Connell Street in Limerick had a big screen and thousands of people. Sereli Bobo had given Biarritz the perfect start with a converted try after two minutes. Seven down. But in the seventh minute we had a penalty from Ronan O'Gara and in teh seventeenth minute a try from Trevor Halstead converted by RoG. 5 minutes later Munster were penalised in the ruck and no mistake from Yachvili, and were were back to 10 all. There followed some strong Biarritz pressure but the Munster defence held. Payne eventually clears the ball for Munster, and with Munster in possession - the referee calls the defence offside. O'Gara kicks for the corner - but it's a poor kick and the throw is taken from the 22.

Then comes the moment of magic. Stringer saw opposite number Yachvili out of position and left Serge Betsen grasping air as he rounded the blindside of the scrum untouched to score. O’Gara’s conversion put Munster 17-10 ahead at half time. A penalty early in the second half settles Munster.

However Yachvili gets 3 penalty opportunities. He converts each - as you would expect. With ten minutes left its 20 - 19 to Munster. Both sides look nervous. But Biarritz makes the mistake and Munster have a penalty. Ronan kicks and its 23-19. The last 3 minutes see Biarritz pressure - but in the end Ronan O’Gara kicks the ball out of play and the Millenium Stadium and O'Connell Street erupts... Ronan has had kicked a perfect five out five to clinch an historic win.

Heartbreaking defeats in the finals of 2000 and 2002 had upped the stakes for Munster but it was a case of third time lucky after producing the performance of a lifetime.

Promotion in Sight Again

After a disappointing 1-1 draw at Elland Road on Friday, Leeds beat Preston 0-2 away from home to get into the play-off final. The opposition will probably be Watford who are 3-0 after the first leg against Crystal Palace. Watford play Palace at home to-night.

Leeds and the Promotion Play-offs

After losing 2-0 away to Preston in the final match of the championship, Leeds now have to play Preston twice this week-end to get into the play-off final. To-morrow night Leeds are at home in Elland Road and on Monday they are away. Preston have been in the play-offs seven times now and have never made it - lets hope it stays that way! Full Championship Table.

Heineken Cup Semi Final 2006

IMG_7547
Originally uploaded by e_mulvey.

Munster Celebtaions

Reds do it again

Munster beat Leinster by a convincing 30 points to 6 today at Lansdowne Road. Munster got the quick start they hoped for with early pressure giving O'Gara an easy penalty. Then Leamy scored a try in the 9th minute to make it 10-0. Then Leinster got a penalty only to concede one back to Munster. Another penalty before half time and Munster went in 16-3 ahead at the break. The second half saw Leinster upping the pace. There was no score in teh second half util the 28th minute when Contepomi kicked a penalty to make it 16-6. He missed another penalty and then O'Gara got over for an easy try under the posts. In the final minute Halstead - who had a fantastic game - intercepted inside his own half and sprinted down the field for a try under the posts. O'Gara kicked the conversion and it was all over.

Paul O'Connell was again Man of the Match

Reds beat Blues - maybe its an omen!

Liverpool surprised the marginal favourites Chelsea (2-1) in the FA cup semi final yesterday. This must be a sign for Munster to do the same against Leinster in the Heineken Cup semi final this afternoon.
If we are looking for other Red V Blue signs then Biarritz booked their place against the winners of to-days encounter at Cardiff in May. They were relatively easy winners (18-9) over a disappointing Bath team.