Balbriggan Rugby Football Club Dublin Ireland.

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2008-9 Season

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1st Feb

Balbriggan 11 Cill Dara 6

Balbriggan progressed to the second round of the Towns Seconds Cup with a hard fought win against a strong Cill Dara team on Sunday. In a game played in bitterly cold conditions it could have gone either way right to the last whistle.

The game statred at a fast pace with both sides looking to run the ball and test each others defences, however defences were holding solid with both three quarter lines being solid in the tackle. In an early ruck Balbriggan were unfortunate to loose both No 8, Declan Quinn and prop Sean O'Hare to injuries. With the other regular prop, Paddy Joyce on injured list it meant Blabriggan had to face the whole match with a makeshift front row. Tony Healt replacing O'Hare and Conor Caldwell having moved from second row. Both put in stellar performances and will put pressure on the regulars to get their places back. Damien Smith replaced Quinn and put in a man of the match performace tackling everything that came at him and taking the ball forward at every opporunity.

Cill Dara opened the scoring with a penalty following some Balbriggan indiscipline and then added a second when some Balbriggan back chat brought them within range for another kickable penalty. While Cill Dara now held a six point lead the Balbriggan defence continured to hold strong and did not look as if it were going to be breached. Jay Mullen playing his first game since October when he suffered a major injury was immense in the tackle and also caused Cill Dara problems with his strong running. Balbriggan were running off fast ball and causing Cill Dara problems but would loose the ball and Cill Dara would use the wind to put the ball back in the Balbriggan 22. However one moment of magic from Conor Casey saw him slip a tackle on the 22 and run in to score the games only try. 6-5 at half time and all to play for inthe second half.

The second half continued much the way of the first with both teams looking for openings. The Balbriggan pack were aborbing the Cill Dara attacks and the second rows Paul Quinn and Dean Moore were outstanding. Continued pressure from the Balbriggan side told and two penalties in quick succession by Gary Hoban gave Balbriggan the lead. Cill Dara were not done and attacked the Balbriggan line with vigour however the Balbriggan defence remained solid and they held out for a narrow victory.

On Sunday morning Balbriggan lost one of it stalwarts, former Club President John Dempsey passed away peacefully. John had been Club President for many years and the Club had used his premises in Dublin St, John D's as their base. John was a great supporter of the Club and enjoyed mothing more than getting out to a game. A minute's silence was held before the kick off at the game and also at the Skerries Porlaoise game which was also played in Balrothery and where John's grand nephew lined out for Skerries. Our deepest sympathies to his family

Jan 18

Balbriggan 3 Railway Union 11

Balbriggan fought the elements and lost at the weekend. With a gale force wind blowing down the pitch Balbriggan played with the wind but didn't make use of nature's forces. In fact it was Railway who opened the scoring with an attacking move that exposed a gap in the Balbriggan defence and two missed tackles let them in for the first score. While Balbriggan spent much of the time in the Railway half the Railway defence absorbed everything that was thrown at it. Balbriggan had two penalties within kicking range but opted to run them when taking the points would have been the better option. Sense prevailed with the third and the deficit was reduced to 5-3 at half time. Just before halftime Balbriggan lost out half Con Casey to a back strain, this was a serious blow and led to a rearrangement of the back line which was further compounded at the start of the second half when wing Stu Mullen joined the injured ranks. Dec Quinn made his adult Balbriggan debut after leaving the Club as a youths many years ago. The former Clontarf back row player slotted into the back row with younger brother Paul, his experience was there for all to see but despite his and the rest of the packs efforts they were unable to breach the Railway line. Time and time again Balbriggan worked their way up the field only to loose the ball and Railway kicked to move them back down the field. In their haste to get back up the field Balbriggan gave away two penalties that meant they were denied even a bonus point for their efforts. Balbriggan have a bit to learn about playing with the elements. Best for Balbriggan on the day was Conor Caldwell who was on top from with his trademark runs knocking back the Railway defence

Their next outing is the Cup against Cill Dara on Feb 1st.

On Saturday the IIXV played Ardee in atrocious conditions. The game ended 3-3 and while Balbriggan nearly slipped home at the end a draw was a fair result for all who braved the elements.

Balbriggan 25 Malahide 3

Having got 2009 off to a bad start away to Wexford Balbriggan blew away the remains of the christmas pudding and recorded in a victory over Malahide in windy conditions at Balrothery. The game had originally been fixed for Friday night but had to be postponed due to a frozen pitch. The frozen conditions of Friday were replaced with a gale force wind blowing straight down the pitch.. Malahide kicked off with the wind but failed to capitalise on the advantage. Everytime Malahide incurred into the Balbriggan half Balbriggan managed to run the ball back out. With both sides playing a similar pick and drive game Malahide were getting the beiier of the duel but thier backs couldn't make any advantage against a strong Balbriggan defence. Eventually Malahide got on the score sheet with a penalty but it was scant reward for their possesion. The Balbriggan backs were the sharper and at the end of the half a quick penalty tap by Balbriggan outhalf Casey saw him send centre John Whitney score under the posts. Gary Hoban bounced the ball over the bar to add the conversion. Balbriggan held a 7 - 3 lead at half time.

While playing with the wind Balbriggan found it hard going and despite good drives by Caldwell Malahide were still too strong in the maul. As the game wore on Malahide tired playing into the wind. Gary Hoban used every ounce of the wind to land a superb penalty attempt from halfway out on the touchline. This gave Balbriggan the comfort of a score lead. This aided the Balbriggan team and they started to run the ball with Casey spreading the ball, a good move saw centre McAuley squeeze in for a try and Hoban added the conversion from the sideline. Balbriggan were fortunate to add another score in injury time by skipper Roche which made the score look better than perhaps Malahide deserved.

An impoved display from Balbriggan with the two Quinns and Brian Calvey showing good form. It was also good to see Stu Mullen return to action in the second half and hopefully cousin Jay will also return from injury soon

Balbriggan face Railway ext Sunday in a the tussle for 4th place, both are currently on 26 points.

Balbriggan IIXv went down to bogey team Navan 10 - 3 on Saturday but are still in 2nd place in the Magee Cup.

The Balbriggan minis had the opportunity to play at the RDS on Saturday when they played at half time in the Leinster Cardiff game. Well done to all of them

19 October

Swords 3 Balbriggan 23

Balbriggan got their league campaign back on track with a 23 -3 win over a much improved Swords side. Having beaten Swords earlier in the season in the Jenkinson |Cup the Balbriggan side would have been hoping to pick up a bonus point in this encounter. There were a few late changes on the Balbriggan side with Andy Whitney moving from the wing to the No6 slot and Michael McAuley filling in on the wing. Dave Healy made his first IXV start for the injured J Mullen in the centre.

Balbriggan played with the strong wind in the first half and despite some good attacking play only turned 6 points up thanks to two Hoban penalties. While Balbriggan made plenty of ground basic handing errors continue to plague them leading to the breakdown of moves. The Swords defence also stood up well absorbing the pressure of everything thrown at them and despite good running from Captain Roche and second row Caldwell Balbriggan could not make the break.

Swords started the second half strong and were awared a penalty for a Balbriggan offside and were suddenly back in the match. They continued to pile on the pressure but the balbriggan defence stood firm. From a turnover ball Conor Casey started one of his counter attacks and after breaking the Swords defence set full back Stu Mullen through to score under the posts, Hoban added the conversion. Balbriggan continued to attack but still gave away the ball in good positions. During the whole match they gave away 5 frees for crooked in to the scrum both Scrum half Smith and substitute McNulty suffering under the eagle eye on the lady referee. Balbriggan's superior fitness eventually told and full back Mullen broke through in mid field to race away for the second try. With time running out Balbriggan added a third through Casey after some fine interchanges between Casey, Mullen and Healy. It looked as if Balbriggan might grab the bonuw point when Mullen broke through but he was too slow in off loading to the supporting runner Healy and was caught by the Swords defence.

Another win and Balbriggan will be looking forward to a break next weekend before resuming in early November with a home game against CYM.

Mullen, McAuley. Healy, Casey, McNamara, Hoban, smyth( McNulty), Joyce, Davis (Casey) Quinn (Egan), Caldwell, Whitney, Malone, Roche.

Balbriggan II 0 Navan III 3

On a very wet day in Balbriggan the IIXV were unlucky not to come away with something in a tight encounter with Navan. Against a very yound Balbriggan team the Meath men's experience won out, with an experienced pack effectively sticking the ball up their jumper and ensuring Balbriggan saw little of the ball. When they did Balbriggan took every opportunity to run the ball with No8 Clinton showing fine form. McGrogan had 2 long range penalties which just fell short and a third that came back off the upright whereas Navan were succesful with their one shot, on such a narrow margin hangs the match.

It was good to see veteran Eamon Darcy take a run out in the second half and we look forward to seeing more from Eamon over the rest of the season.

Overall a good display from Balbriggan and the team can look forward to keeping up a challenge for the rest of the season.

McNulty Smith. Downes. Halligan, Sheridan, Darcy Murphy. McGrogan, Comey, Casey, Healy, Egan, Jenkinson, O'Toole, Scott

12 October 2008

Railway 22 Balbriggan 17

Balbriggan will feel a little unlucky only to have come away from PArk Avenue with a losing bonus point but this was a determined display by the Balbriggan team and shows how much they have matured since last year. The game nearly started disasterously for Balbriggan when they spilled the kick off and Railway backs ran across the line just failing to squeeze in in the corner. Balbriggan sustained the first ten minutes pressure and it looked as if this game was going Railways way but Railway had only 3 points to show for it. Balbriggan then started to settle and great work by the front five gave them the upper hand in the scrums. Captain Roche led some strong bursts helped by backrow forwards Malone and Hagan, who was a late subsitute for Damien Smith who faield a pre match fitness test.

The boot of Gary Hoban squared the game at 3 all but Railway then went 6 - 3 in front when some Babriggan indiscipline gave away a penalty. Balbriggan fought back and and a break by the ever reliable Conor Casey saw him score under the posts leaving Balbriggan 8 - 6 up at the break. Balbriggan went 11 - 3 up but Railway fought and at a line out 10 meters out a mistake by the Balbriggan team let Railway in for a tryback. Railway then split the Balbriggan defence and went 15 - 11 up. As the match swong back and forth Balbriggan got another penalty through Hoban to close the gap to 15 - 14 but again their defence was exploited and Railway went 22 - 15 up with 5 minutes remaining. In fairness the Balbriggan heads did not drop, the key was to wrok up the pitch and not give away penalties. Throughout the match there seemed to be interpretation differences with the referee as to what was ok in the rucks with Balbriggan feeling that Railway were coming off their feet whereas Balbriggan were continually penalised. Balbriggan worked into the 22 and a discretion by Raiway was punished by Hoban to bring the score to 17 - 22. Despite attacking for the last minutes Balbriggan could not find that last score.

A great display, particularly from the pack and the old man of the team, Paddy Joyce, was the Balbriggan man of the match with fellow fron trow forwards Davies and O'HAre not far behind. In the backs Andy Whitney making his first start in a league match showed a good defensive displaytacking everyne who cam at him. The match will set up Balbriggan up for their forthcoming matches, they know the areas they have to work on but they also know that they are the match of any team in the League.

Balbriggan take on Swords next Sunday in ALSA at 3pm.

S Mullen, A Whitney, J Mullen (P Everest), C Casey, B Caldwell, A Smith, G Hoban. P Joyce, J Davies, S O'Hare, C Caldwell, A Quinn ( A Egan) K malone, T Hagan, C Roche

Danny's Day

Boyne III 14 Balbriggan II 19.

A gutsy display saw Balbriggan defeat last years Champion's Boyne in their MAgee cup match in Drogheda. A terrible start by Balbriggan saw them gift Boyne a converted try from the kick off. A further try saw them 14 - 0 in 10 minutes. with a 14 - 0 deficit Balbriggan had a very steep hill to climb but slowly they started to get them selves back into the game. The team is made up mainly of last years U20 with a few old "heads " to give some experience. It was the experince of Johnny Davis leading the tackling charge helped negate the Boyne pack and with Jack Clinton prepared to run at Boyne from the base of the scrum Balbriggan earned a couple of penalties that brought them back to 14 - 6 at half time.

With Balbriggan winning plently of ball Boyne had to defend hard in the second half. Ian Murphy came on at outhalf and with Dave Healy punching holes up the middle Balbriggan won another penalty and scrum half Danny McGrogan put up his hattrick. Boyne were under severe pressure and another penalty put teh scores to 14 - 12. Boyne woke up at this stage and worked their way into the Balriggan 22 but a discretion saw balbriggan gain a penalty. McGrogan hoofed the ball down the centre of the pitch, he chased his own kick the Boyne full back fumbled the ball and McGrogan kicked on to score under the posts and then added the conversion to put the 19 - 14 in front. Boyne tried hard to get a winner but Balbriggan held on for a well deserved win. Others to mention for Balbriggan were Peter Comey who showed he is well over his leg break of last year with a fine game. Others to shine in the pack were Mark Jenkinson and Alan Egan. In the backs Pat everest and "Frenchy" McNamara had fine games with French showing everyone how to tackle. The enthusiam of the team shows that they have a good season ahead of them.

K Smith, R Halligan, S McNamara. P Mann, D Sheridan, D McGrogan, P Everest (I Murphy) T Healy J Davies P comey, L O'Toole ( A egan) M Jenkinsion, P Scotty, T Hagan, J Clinton

The IIXV now play Navan in Balrothery next Saturday at 3pm.

19 Sept

Casey scores Four

Swords 7 Balbriggan 41

Balbriggan secured the points in their Jenkinson Cup match with Swords at ALSAA last Friday. The Balbriggan coach took the opportunity of trying out a few new combinations before the Leinster League starts next weekend with a home match against Wexford. Michale McAuley was given the opportunity to start in the no 10 shirt with Conor Casey moving to outside centre and what a grat move that was with Casey scoring 4 tries on the night. McAuley played a running game all night giving 1st centre J Mullen quick feed which gave Casey plenty of space.

In the pack a new front row combination of Davies, Hagan and Caldwell had a good game standing up to an experienced sords front row. The first score came after 15 minutes when Casey shortfooted his opponent and interacting with whitney on the wing squeezed in in the corner. A few minutes later Casey was off again with a typical chip and chase to score under the posts - jogging out and back to training each evening is showing its benefits!

Paul Quinn finished off a good mauling move by the pack to score Balbriggan's third. Balbriggna then seemed to go go to sleep for a while , with just a penalty added by G Hoban Swords started the second half stronger and got over for a try at the start of the half. Balbriggan were still making too many handling errors and leaving turnover ball ffor swords. Then that man Casey struck again finishing a good backline move to score in the morning. This awakened the Balbriggan team and Casey added his fourth. From the kickoff wing Andy Whitney challenged and made a good catch and good support play from Captain Roche scored Balbriggan's sixth. Gary Hoban converted 4 of the tries to leave the final score 7- 41.

Pivetes 5 Balbriggan IIXV 0

Last week the BAlbriggan IIXv had their first run out of the season when they took on the Argentinian tourists Pivetes. Pivetes are in Over 35 side and had arrived in Ireland after two games in Italy. They were also playing Blackrock and St MArys before going on to London for a further two games before returing home.

The match gave Balbriggan Coach Larry Hagan the opportunity to look at some of those challenging for places when the IIXV start their Magee Cup campaign away to Athboy next Friday. Danny McGrogan and Ian Murphy resumed their half back partnership from their underage days. Peter Comey got his first full run out after breaking a leg last year. Played under O35 rules which meant no kicking outside the 22 it meant for an open running game. The Argentinians showed their younger Irish opponents how to pass the bal across the line with some good moves but the Balbriggan defence held firm for most of the game. However eventually the Argentinians made teh break through with a score in the corner. Balbriggan nearly stole a try at the end but Pivetes held on for the win.

Overall it was a most enjoyable game and both teams swapped stories long into the night in the Balrothery INN. The IIXv are looking forward to a return match in Buenos Aries!

Honours Even in Fingal Derby

Skerries 10 Balbriggan 10

The local derby between Balbriggan and Skerries resulted in 10 - 10 draw leaving both teams tied at the top of their Jenkinson table. On a wintry September day Skerries will probably feel the more fortunate with the result. After both teams experienced big wins last week it was a much closer battle this week. Balbriggan put Skerries under the early pressure with Skerries being penalised for not rolling away on numerous occasions, however Balbriggan's kickers had left their boots at home with 3 penalties missed. Skerries took advantage of one of their few ventures into the Balriggan 22. The out half saw that the BAlbriggan defence had moved up and a clever kick in behind set the Skerries backs loose, Balbriggan scrum half Smith nearly won the race back but the bounce of the bal went Skerries way and they ended the half 5-0 in front. Balbriggan again were suffering from last years problem of plenty of territrial advantage but no points on the board. Coach O'Connor made some tactical switches at half time with Gary Hoban and Andy Whitney replacing Barry Caldwell and Cathal McNulty in the back. The switch seemed to work as early in the second half a quick move across the backs saw Centre Mullen scored in the corner.

Balbriggan kept up the pressure but were prone to too many handling errors leading to turnovers. Conor Casey, who had been having a very quiet game, suddenly jinked inside his tackler and stepped through a few more taclkes to score an individual try. Balbriggan lost prop Joyce and hooker Casey to injury leading to reserve hooker Rucks Davies haing to prop and Tom Hagan taking the hooking position. The forced cahnge put the Balbriggan scrumn under pressure until they got used to the new arrangement. Errors still permeated the Balbriggan game giving Skerries the opportunity to counter. Eventually Skerries forced a lineout on the five metre line and their backs ran the ball across the line to level up the match with a try in the corner. Again Balbriggan backs would not want to watch the video on this one.

Referee Willie Botha blew the match up 10 minutes early as he had mistaken the time but both sides were happy with the draaw. A good work out for both teams and each had the opportunity to test their mettle. Kieran Malone had a fine game for Balbriggan at open side flanker and Captain Karl Roche also puy in some powerful tackles. Next week Balbriggan take on Swords and Skerries take on Athboy, whichever team scores the most points will get to the Jenkinson final on 27 December so there is all to play for,

On Wed evening, Kick off 6.15pm a Balbriggan XV take on the Piventes O35 team who are on a European tour from their Buenos Aries base, so please come along and support.

7 Sept 2008

Athboy 0 Balbriggan 47

Balbriggan opened their defence of the Jenkinson Cup with a convincing win over Athboy last Sunday. Balbriggan started well with out half Conor Casy opening the scoring. Casey showed the benefit of his off season training with a magical display, scoring a hat trick of tries, one of which saw him run the length of the pitch.

Balbriggan didn't add their secon try until the second quarter with their best move of the move saw Casey set his inside centre Barry Cauldwell through to beat two me before off loading to outside centre Mullen to crash over for a score. Athboy challenged at time but great tackling from winger McNally. The next try came from the older of the Caldwell brothers getting over from close in to leave Balbriggan, This was followed by skipper Roche getting in on the act This left Balbriggan in a commanding lead at the break, however Athboy didn't syop trying and put the BAlbriggan defence under severe pressure but it held. Casey opened the scoring with his second try. This was followed by Michael McAuley showing perseverance in following up a ball and snatching it from the defeners hands as he went to touch it down to steal a try. Casey rounded off the scoring with his long run.

Overall Balbriggan will be happy with the win but know there is still work to be done. Balbriggan had a number of players unavialable this weekend so it gave coach O'Connor an opportunity to look at some new players with 5 of last years U20 team featuring during the afternoon. There were good displays from Kiernan Maone and Tom Hagan. man of the match was "Frenchy" McNally with both hard tackling all afternnon and string running when the opportunity arose. With next week's opponents winning by a similar margin against Swords there will be a lot to play for in Holmpatrick next Sunday.

2 Photos added to gallery. Here

Photos of Athboy Vs Balbriggan by Joe Curtis 14th Jan 2007. Here

17/01/07 Balbriggan Mini Rugby Report
Balbriggan’s Under 7s and 8s played Skerries with mixed results the order of the day. Balbriggan in fact played two matches at Under 7s level coming away with a draw in the first match 5 all and losing the second match narrowly 6 – 4. Try scorers on the day for Balbriggan were Johnothan O’Carrol and Sean Hussey. Cian Nulty and Rory Kennedy played exceptionally well quite often providing the final pass leading to tries being scored. Dara Carr marshalled his team-mates well in defence and was aided by Ciaran Murphy who played an excellent game in his first match of rugby and Daniel O’Byrne who never stopped trying. Liam Ruelens was also outstanding especially with ball in hand. Balbriggan’s Under 8s also managed a draw against Skerries with the end result reading 4 all. Balbriggan’s four tries came from Cormac O’Byrne, Peter Lawless, Jake Vickers and Stephen Newe.

25/10/06 Balbriggan Community College Win First Rugby Cup Match
Balbriggan Community College’s Junior Cup Rugby team won their first cup match with an away win at Tallaght. The win was a great bonus for the school who are fielding in the Leinster Development Cup at this level for the first time. They now move on to face St fintans from Sutton in the second round. The match with Tallaght ending 12 – 7 in Balbriggan’s favour with both tries going to Daryl Whyte. Whyte was well supported on the day by Shane Egan who was easily best on pitch and Anto Murphy who had a great game at outhalf. The college’s senior cup side also met Tallaght in the first round with tallaght taking the spoils on the day.
As for Balbriggan club rugby there were plenty of youth teams in action with the Under 8s and 10s playing Dundalk at home. The Under 10s came out 10 – 7 winners after a very competitive game. Scorers on the day were David Goodman, Brian Smyth, Robert O’Byrne, Steven Sharpe and a hat trick from the very impressive Liam Thornton. In defense Eoin Foley and Jordan Collins tackled with great determination.
The Under 8s were beaten 4-1 and will improve as a number of new players were having their first game. The scorer on the day was Peter Lawless who touched down in the corner after a excellent break. Others to play well included Jon O’Carroll, Steven Munson, Steven Hughes, Cormac O’Byrne, Gavin Mullen, Dylan Collins, Jack Perdue and Oisin Benton.
Balbriggan’s Under 12s also played Dundalk losing in a great game 4 – 1 with Ryan McGrogan scoring Balbriggan’s try after a great break. Best on the day for Balbriggan were Conor McEntee whose tackling is something to be seen, Ruari O’Byrne who gave great service at scrumhalf and Andrew Corscoran who never stopped trying.
Balbriggan’s Under 14s and 16s traveled to Ashbourne with the home side securing wins in both age groups. The Under 14s match had plenty of tries scored with Ashbourne winning 30 – 10. try-scorers for Balbriggan were Jamie Fogarty and Mark Spellman. Sean Bruton had his best game ever for Balbriggan making numerous breaks and defending really well. Ciaran Browne also played well making numerous good runs with the ball in hand. Balbriggan’s 16s came up against a very good side in Ashbourne and were never in the hunt with all in attendance on the day playing manfully to the final whistle. Ian Rogan, Sanjo, James O’Neill and John Courteney who were all new comers to the squad fitted in well and never stopped trying.

25/10/06 Balbriggan Remain Undefeated With Emphatic Home Win
The Balbriggan Senior Rugby team remain undefeated in all competitions after an emphatic 29 – 6 home win against Birr. The win sees the team with three Leinster League wins and a draw well placed towards the top of the League table. The side has also two other wins to their credit with these victories coming in the North East Cup. It is however understandably the current success at Leinster league level that has the place buzzing at the moment.
Although comfortable winners on the day, Balbriggan had to work hard against Birr, scoring the majority of their points in the last twenty minutes. Birr in fact went into the halftime break leading 3 – 0. Both sides exchanged penalties early in the second half, with Birr holding a 6 – 3 advantage with twenty minutes to go. It was at this time that Balbriggan lifted their work rate and resolve turning down opportunities to shoot for penalty, instead preferring to maintain field position to have a crack at the line. Two or three possessions later and the tactic paid off. After firstly being denied close to the line and then held up over the line, Balbriggan received another penalty with the side deciding to take a quick tap. Bouncing off two defenders from ten metres out Balbriggan’s Captain Packie O’Connor on being scragged by the third defender had enough momentum to reach out and score on the line. The try was converted by Cathal McNulty and Balbriggan lead 10 – 6. From that point on Balbriggan were always in control scoring three more tries seemingly every time they made it into Birr’s territory. The last try came with one minute remaining securing Balbriggan an all important bonus point for scoring four tries. The bonus point try was scored by Daragh Keran who came on at halftime to play in the unfamiliar position of Tighthead Prop. Keran’s inexperience in this specialist position quickly evaporated as he in fact not only sured up Balbriggan’s scrum but also turned it into a weapon.
O’Connor and Keran were well supported on the day by Paddy Connolly who gave great service at scrumhalf and Karl Roche who continues to impress at centre especially with what he brings to the team in organising it’s mid field defence. James Mullen was recognised as Balbriggan’s man of the match at first centre following some barnstorming runs and big hits in defence and could be one to watch for the future as he steadily improves.

18/10/06 A Feast Of Schools Rugby
First and Second years at Balbriggan Community college were introduced to schools rugby for the first time this year participating in a seven a side rugby blitz amongst themselves over a two week period. The blitz competition coordinated hand in hand between the school itself and Balbriggan Rugby Club’s Development Officers Dale McAuley and Daniel Lyngcoln gives first and second years the chance to experience rugby at a fun level against peers of the same age. Each year was split into four teams, with the lads nominating their own sides. Each side then played each other once over and hour and a half period each week for two weeks with points awarded for wins, draws, losing by less then a try and for scoring more then four tries. A final was then played between the top two sides at the end of week twos for bragging rights around the school. Four second year teams graced the field in their own competition with the “Sly Sharks” and “Fingal Force” narrowly beating “Balbriggan Thunder” and “Aussie Devils” to the final. With plenty of tries scored, the final ended in a draw with school bragging rights shared.
As for the first year teams “Rooney Squad” and “Nathans Cows” qualified for the final with “Chip Stix Bengal Tigers” and “Domigans Dingoes” narrowly missing the top two spots. Bragging rights at the end of the tournament went to Rooney Squad who pipped Nathans Cows by a try. The tournament itself was not only an opportunity for the first year lads to have some fun but to also put their hands up for selection in a first year team for some friendly matches to complete a trio of sides for the school with the Junior and Senior teams already waving the school flag in the Leinster Development Cup.

Second Year 7s Blitz

18/10/06 Balbriggan Community college Enter junior and Senior Leinster Rugby Cup
The Balbriggan Community College played their first inter school rugby match last Thursday with an away friendly to St Marys in Drogheda. The match gave both sides the opportunity to hone their skills for their respective first round Leinster Junior Cup matches this week. As a follow on from the Marys match Balbriggan’s Junior side will be away to Tallaght with victory ensuring a second round birth in the Cup. It is Balbriggan’s first entry at Junior Leinster level following their Senior counterparts footsteps who entered the Cup for the first time last year. The Junior sides entry alongside the Senior team has completed another chapter in the development of Balbriggan rugby.
The Marys match itself proved most advantageous with a number of players and numerous combinations tried by Balbriggan. Lead in the forward pack well by Ian Rogan and John Courteney Balbriggan threw themselves into the match against their slightly more experienced opponents with running rugby being the theme of the day. It was St Marys however that reaped any benefits from their attacks scoring two tries towards the end of the first half. Balbriggan then started the second half the better with out-half Anto Murphy coming into his own and getting his side going forward. This better control of the ball saw Balbriggan surging up field eventuating in a try to Daryl Whyte. Back in the game Balbriggan rung the changes to look at different options and to give all an equal shot at securing a jersey for the following weeks Cup team. It was at this stage of the match that flanker James O’Neill came into his own ably assisting Balbriggan’s man of the match Shane Egan in securing possession and shutting down St Mary’s attack with text book tackle after text book tackle. Balbriggan then made another break with Chris McMahon shooting down the sideline with the try-line beckoning. McMahon in his excitement tripped over his own foot and the opportunity was lost. St Marys scored soon after and any opportunity for Balbriggan to win was gone. The team now look forward to their Cup match with Tallaght knowing full well they will be better for it from their match with St Marys who were worthy winners.

Junior Cup Team

18/10/06 Onwards and Upwards For Balbriggan’s Mini Rugby Section Click Here.

First Year Blitz

18/10/06 Balbriggan Youth Rugby. Click Here

Balbriggan U12’s have 28,000 die-hard rugby fans in raptures at Lansdowne Road
On 6th of October in Lansdowne road Balbriggan took on the might of North Kildare on front of 28,000 fans. Of course most of these fans came to see this match which kicked off at 8:15.

The 28,000 crowd was warmed up for the by the curtain raiser between Leinster and Munster but were in raptures when the main event began. From the start it was clear that Balbriggan were intent on bringing the game to North Kildare. Willed on by the huge crowd the forwards pounded the Kildare defences which held up to every advance by the Balbriggan team. Across the field through the backs hands and still no luck in breaching the North Kildare defence which were up to 3 inches taller per man (they must feed them more meat down there).

As the minutes passed it seemed that Balbriggan must score but out of the blue a breakaway for North Kildare put paid to any ambitions that Balbriggan had. Heart break!. A second followed in similar fashion a couple of minutes after and then the final whistle.
Alas Balbriggan had lost but who cares we played well put our tackles and performed like a TEAM. All went home happy especially the team in the knowledge that that they will have been the last members of Balbriggan to play in this version of Lansdowne in a competitive match.

The last time a Balbriggan team had played in Lansdowne road was in 1977 and went on to win the Culleten cup that day. Incidentally one of tonight’s coaches John O’Byrne was a member of that team and his son Ruairi is a member of this team.

Everybody connected deserves a mention for their commitment on and off the field. We cannot name the 50-100 parents, brothers, sisters, friends and club mates who came to cheer us on but appreciate their support as indeed we wish to thank the Leinster branch for arranging such a wonderful event.

The squad (not in any particular order)
Glenn Foley. Patrick Healy, Andrew Corscoran, Darragh O'Cuinnegain, James Goodman, Ruairi O'Byrne, Ryan McGrogan, Conor Weldon, Jamie Fogarty, Aaron Bruton, Conor McEntee, Adam Newe, Charles Ward, Garry Hines and Stephen O'Byrne
The team was ably supported by the coaching staff of: John O'Byrne, Chris McGrogan, Tom Weldon and Daniel McGrogan

11/10/06 Balbriggan Come Out On Top In Local Derby
Balbriggan Senior rugby team came out on top defeating Malahide 18 – 16 in the first round of the Leinster League. In a very grafting first half the only points that came to either side came by way of the boot with each side slotting two penalties a piece. The second half proved to be a different affair with a few more breaks made by each side. First to benefit from the more open play was Balbriggan, with Captain and Number 8 Packie O’Connor crashing over to score on the back end of some good clearing out by Michael O’Keefe. O’Connor’s try was converted by Cathal McNulty and Balbriggan had a 13 – 6 lead. Malahide struck back with an unconverted try of their own, to trail 13 – 11. Balbriggan then rang the changes to immediate effect. Young wing sensation Ciaran Mackey burst into the game making numerous ground making surges and giving the team a real lift when needed. His inspirational play lead to a break made by the Balbriggan backline who were soon after awarded a penalty. The ensuing lineout five metres out from Malahide’s tryline had Balbriggan firmly on the attack. The ball found it’s way to the back of the maul and into the eager hands of super sub Dale McAuley who is developing a knack of adding that something special to the team when needed. McAuley’s presence in the maul, kept Balbriggan’s platform going forward which ultimately allowed him to crash over and score when Balbriggan’s own version of the human battering ram better known as left wing Damian Smith decided to fly in off his wing and add one final shove to the maul. It proved enough of a shove and Balbriggan lead 18 -11. Malahide scored out wide in the last minute of play and with the ensuing conversion attempt a draw was on the cards. The kick fell wide and Balbriggan had done enough to take the game.
Balbriggan also has their Under 8s, 10s and 12s in action. The 8s and 10s travelled to Malahide drawing three all and losing 5 – 3 respectively. The Under 12s travelled to Ratoath and came away victors 12 – 2.

4/10/06 Balbriggan’s 18s Narrowly Miss 10s Finals
Balbriggan’ Under 18s rugby team flew the club flag proudly finishing equal first at the North east 10 a side blitz. Taking the field for the 10 a side format , Balbriggan knew full well that scoring tries would be where the day would be won or lost. As each side would have to play four matches each it was imperative to get as many points on the board as well as winning as the matches were reduced significantly in terms of playing time to accommodate the number of games played. By the days end Balbriggan scored eight tries and conceded 3. Try-scorers for Balbriggan were Tom Hagan, Ian Murphy, Leigh O’Toole, Ciaran Smith and Aaron Poynton. Balbriggan tasted success over Boyne winning 10 – 5, against Navan winning 15 – 0 and also against Ashbourne winning 12 -5. The only defeat the squad had on the day came against Dundalk, with the home side winning 7 – 5. Having acquitted themselves so well, Balbriggan narrowly missed progressing to the Leinster 10s Finals by virtue of the fact that Boyne who also lost one match had a slightly better try count. Best for Balbriggan on the day were Tom Hagan and Ian Murphy. Balbriggan also competed at Under 16s level at the 10 a side blitz coming away with a victory over Dundalk and losing to Ashbourne, Skerries and Boyne.

27/09/06 Balbriggan Make It Two In A Row
The Balbriggan Senior rugby team made it two in a row with a rousing display at home in defeating Boyne in the North East area Jenkinson Cup. After two huge games between the sides last season, another thrilling encounter was on the cards. For those that took in the match, what ensued was an advertisement for the game itself as both sides left no stone unturned or ounce of energy left in the bodies as they fought it out for victory.
After several early exchanges Balbriggan got the better field position throwing themselves into sortie after sortie at the Boyne line. Either through general play, penalties or from setting up mauls close in Boyne were surely to crack with Balbriggan’s Kevin Casey going to within an inch of scoring on one occasion only to be held back. Boyne’s defence through this whole period proved up to it. With Balbriggan choosing to set a scrum as the next option on receipt of their next penalty, Boyne’s grit and determination in defence paid off as they secured a turnover in possession, kicked the ball down field to escape danger. What remained for the rest of the first half was similar with neither side able to convert any pressure into points. Both sides went into the break locked at nil all with surely someone going to crack after drinks. Boyne had the first opportunity to score points within the first two minutes of the resumption of play. The penalty kick on goal from right in front struck the post, rebounded into the field of play to be gathered by Balbriggan. From the ensuing phases of play, Balbriggan received a penalty of their own some twenty metres out from their own line. With Boyne expecting them to kick for touch, Balbriggan caught them on the hop, took a quick tap and decided to attack with ball in hand. Daniel Lyngcoln’s quick tap saw the ball after two passes find it’s way into Paul Quinn’s hands who hitting it at full speed found himself in the clear. Skirting the sideline, Quinn took the ball over the halfway line, passed back in field to the ever present Kevin Casey, who found Lyngcoln for his second touch who then passed back further in field to the flying James Mullen who shrugging of a clasping hand ran the ball over for the try. Cathal McNulty’s conversion had Balbriggan leading 5 – 0. Boyne hit back soon after scoring a try through some persistent mauling work in the forwards to once again lock up the scores at 5 all. McNulty then added a penalty for Balbriggan and a 8 – 5 lead. That lead was stretched even further through the excellent vision of Lyngcoln and a superb strike of the ball by out-half Paddy Connolly. With Lyngcoln seeing that Boyne’s fullback was badly out of position he screamed to Connolly that “no one’s home”. Connolly then sent a raking torpedo punt kick scorhing through the air a full fifty metres. The ball came down on it’s point, bounced up and backwards towards Balbriggan’s players who where steaming through. Balbriggan’s man on the spot, James Mullen jumped for the ball, popped it to Lyngcoln who was on hand to dive over and score. McNulty’s conversion from the sideline took Balbriggan to a handy 15 – 5 lead. Boyne next registered points with a penalty to bring the score back to 15 – 8, only to their resolve thwarted by Balbriggan’s persistence in play. Following good pressure on Boyne’s scrumhalf by Emmett Fahy the ball popped loose, was put on the toe by Balbriggan’s Number 8 Michael O’Keefe who with fifty metres to go put it to toe a couple of more times and had enough in the legs to out-sprint the cover, re-gather and dive under the posts. Balbriggan’s lead now stretched to 22 – 8. Boyne had the last as far as the scoreboard was concerned scoring a converted try. The spoils on a great day of rugby however went to Balbriggan winning 22 – 15.
Balbriggan also played Boyne at Under 16s and Under 18s level. The Under 16s lost in another entertaining match 28 – 22 with both sides scoring four tries. Dave Sheridan in a man of the match display scored all four of Balbriggan’s. Boyne also snuck the Under 18s match winning 10 – 5.

30/09/06 Balbriggan Start On Winning Note
Balbriggan’s Senior rugby side were delighted to kick off their season with a home victory against Swords. With expectations centering around improving on last season and making a real push in all competitions, the Jenkinson cup win against Swords has provided the perfect tonic for the club to build from.
For the first match of the season both sides would of surely come of the pitch sore and bruised with no quarter given for a first run. Swords applied the early pressure actually scoring a try near the sideline within the first five minutes with Balbriggan’s poor defence being the main culprit. Swords continued applying the more constructive pressure as Balbriggan continually searched for the right approach in getting back into the game. Swords were duly rewarded once again with an unconverted try following a well constructed maul and a handy 10 – 0 lead. This was the last score before the halftime break which must of come at a good time for Balbriggan as the team that took the field for the second stanza had seemingly been transformed, performing and dominating as they would of hoped.
Balbriggan, all of a sudden were dominating the contact area with more conviction. They were lead well in the pack by Damian Smith who received Balbriggan’s man of the match and Club captain Packie O’Connor. The backline started finding it’s feet as well, making numerous advantage lines and helping transform the first half erratic display into something that looked a lot more like rugby. As a result Garry Hoban struck three well hit penalties for Balbriggan which was just reward for his team’s dominance. Balbriggan were now back in it, trailing 10 – 9. With an improving kicking game Balbriggan soon capitalised following a kick, reacting the better to force a turnover which was kicked through again by Stuart Mullen who toed through again, receiving a favourable bounce to then dive over near the posts. Balbriggan now had a deserved 16 – 10 lead.
Balbriggan worked hard through the remainder of the second half to close the match out and seemed to get their just rewards when super sub Dale McAuley popped a miracle ball around the back of a defender to his wingman Michael McAuley who scooted the 20 metres to the try-line. Diving to place the ball down McAuley was ruled by the referee to of run out over the dead-ball line even though the whole area had been confused by the line markings of the adjoining football pitch. McAuley’s score would of seen Balbriggan home 23 – 10, they instead had to be satisfied with the 16 – 10 scoreline.

13/09/06 Balbriggan’s Youth Teams Kick Season Off
The Balbriggan Rugby Club youth section kicked off over the weekend with the Under 16s at home to close neighbours Skerries and the Under 18s also playing at home to Dundalk.
The Under 16s which was a North East League match proved to be a very entertaining match with eight tries scored in all. With plenty of running rugby being the order of the day Balbriggan had the better of the opening exchanges applying a lot of pressure on the Skerries line which was duly rewarded with a penalty to Stephen Whelan and a 3 – 0 lead. With the ball moving from one end to the other Skerries hit back with two tries and a 12 – 3 lead. Skerries scored a third try just before the break going in at oranges leading 17 – 3. Lead strongly up front by Damian Mooney and Tony Hammond, Balbriggan were back in it with a well earnt try with Rodney Whitehouse picking the ball up following some good ruck work by the forwards and diving over. Skerries scored a fourth try to once again open up a gap over the Balbriggan boys holding a 22 – 10 lead. Balbriggan however were not done and were back in the match with Stephen Whealan crashing over carrying three defenders. This bought the score back to 22 – 15 and it was game on. Both sides lifted for the final push with Skerries delivering the final blow with a well worked move down the blindside, off a scrum. Balbriggan scored a third try on the bell to Dave Sheridan who played an outstanding match which bought the scoring to an end with Skerries running out winners 29 – 20.
In the other match played by Balbriggan over the weekend Balbriggan’s 18s had to settle for an 8 all draw with Dundalk. Balbriggan and Dundalk scored one try each with Balbriggan scoring theirs in the first half running into a strong wind. Following some excellent work from the backline who ate up the ground, recycled possession to then move the ball through the backs for a second time Balbriggan’s prop Tony Healy was on hand to recycle for a second time and to crash over. In a difficult conversion attempt Daniel McGrogan was unlucky to miss after striking the posts. Dundalk returned the favour in the second half scoring their try once again running into the wind. Both sides traded penalties locking the game up at 8 all. In what was a great open game and a good hit out hit out for both sides the result puts Balbriggan in good stead for their next match away to Boyne. Best for Balbriggan on the day was Ian Murphy who steered the ship well from outhalf.

30/08/06 Balbriggan Announce Two Signing As New Season Kicks Off
Balbriggan’s Senior rugby squad have announced two new signings as they look forward to their first match of the season this week. The squad which has been training three nights a week through August have been building well for their North East Jenkinson Cup match away to Dundalk on Sunday. The Dundalk match is then followed by two more Jenkinson fixtures before an internal trial match is planned for the squad on the fourth Sunday of the season. It is planned that by training three nights a week through August and rotating certain keys positions and players through the Jenkinson matches and then the trial that the club’s players will be ready first their first Leinster League match of the season. Competition through the first four weeks for selection in that match at home to Malahide should be fierce as Balbriggan hope to build on last years good finish.
With the squad building well through August it is little wonder that it’s two key signings of Michael O’Keefe from Skerries and Rory Mallon from Wexford have fitted in well. O’Keefe who stands at six feet one and plays as a flanker is expected to push for a regular starting position and as his standing in the Skerries set up would suggest it is hoped he will play a key role this season. Mallon who is adept at either Scrum-half or Fullback and has a good kicking game should also contribute greatly as his talent will go towards strengthening Balbriggan’s backline options. Following on from the Malahide match Balbriggan then play three more Leinster League games in a row which are away to Wexford and Swords and then at home to Birr. As luck has it and the way the draw has fallen, Balbriggan now have the opportunity to really hit the ground running this Leinster League season as these matches are all very winnable.
Balbriggan’s mini section had their first Sunday session on the weekend at the Ring Commons sports-ground. With big plans for the section this season the boys took part in matches amongst themselves with inter club matches beginning in the next few weeks.
Whether involved or interested in any age group of the club all members and members of the general public are invited to the Balbriggan Rugby Football Club Annual General Meeting this Wednesday at the Brackencourt Hotel from 8.00 p.m.

23/08/06 Youth Training In Full Swing
The Balbriggan Rugby Club Youth and Mini sections are back into full training in preparation for what should be another exciting season in Balbriggan Rugby. The Under 10s and Under 12s are currently going through their paces each Tuesday and Thursday down at Bath Road from 1pm to 3pm. The sessions are a mixture of physical activities, skill activities and team games all designed to firstly ensure the kids are having fun and then secondly as a way of getting back into the season. The sessions will continue down at Bath Road until school goes back when regular training will begin each Wednesday night in preparation for matches that begin each September. The Under 14s, who had their first session last week, are also getting together each week down at bath Road. The 14s set up at this time of year is slightly different to their younger club mates as they meet at 7pm each Wednesday for pre season training as a way of really getting the ball rolling as they build up for the season. The Under 16s and 18s are also involved in pre season training getting together twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm also at Bath Road. Just like the 10s and 12s all youth teams of the Balbriggan Rugby Club will move back to their usual Wednesday night training once school goes back. If you are a little too old for any of these age groups Under 20s and Senior rugby may be for you with both groups also getting together down at Bath Road on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays each week at 7.15pm. If you are keen, experienced or otherwise or just want to give rugby a go come down to Bath Road over the next couple of weeks and join in with one of the fastest growing clubs in the area. Also feel free to ring Club Development Officer Dale McAuley on 087 2433 498 for any enquiries. If you still want to get involved in other areas of the club also feel free to ring Dale with any inquiries or come along to the club’s AGM which is scheduled for Wednesday August 30th at the Brackencourt Hotel.

4/08/06 Balbriggan Rugby In Full Swing For Coming Season
Balbriggan Rugby Club are in full swing at the moment during pre season gearing up for what should be an exciting year in all areas of the club. Following on from an improved season last year in the senior ranks which saw the IXV improve from winning four matches to winning eleven and the fielding of a IIXV for the first time in some years Balbriggan are looking to improve again this year in all Senior competitions. Whilst there was an improvement in the Senior ranks, competition success was achieved not once but twice at Leinster Level by Balbriggan’s Under 18s last year who won both the Leinster League First Division and the Leinster Plate. Whilst some of those lads will be going up into the Under 20s this year, the Under 18s of this coming season will be buoyed by the inclusion of several talented new comers to the side from last years Under 16s. It is hoped that competition success will once again be an achievable goal.

Balbriggan’s Senior side start this years campaign competing in the regional Jenkinson Cup which will be used as a pre cursor to the Leinster League which starts on October 1st. Winning nine of their last twelve games provided a good finish to last season as well as giving the squad a boost of enthusiasm for the coming season. When contacted Balbriggan’s re-appointed Captain Pascal O’Connor stated that he was “hoping for the side, which is young in areas, to start strong and gain some results this year as it had potential to do well in the league with winning matches being achievable with hopefully some of the older lads such as myself leading by example and offering a steady head.” O’Connor went on to say that one of his aims this year as Captain was to “keep an eye on the development of the younger lads in the club as there is a big celebration building around the place with the construction of our new facility” adding that “the whole club from Under 7s right up to Seniors are looking forward to playing on the new pitches when they are ready.”

Balbriggan’s Development Officer Dale McAuley reiterated what O’Connor had to say stating that he “was delighted with the huge strides the lads made last year after losing some earlier matches and hopefully with some of the younger guys gaining some vital experience playing alongside some of the more experienced players like our Captain our goal will be to prepare well enough each week with a view to winning.”

Whilst there is a real enthusiasm this year for the Senior side there is also a real buzz around Balbriggan with the prospect of the club fielding an Under 20s team for the second year running. One of the new comers to the Under 20s this year is Ciaran Malone who was last years successful Under 18s Captain. Malone who has played rugby with Balbriggan for his entire life and has played at representative level and has been nominated for the Fingal Independent Sports-star of the year award will be a real boost to the 20s with his leadership and playing skills which are second to none. When contacted about Malone as a prospect McAuley stated that “Over the four years I have been here Ciaran has been a standout in every match playing in the loose forwards. Even against the so called bigger clubs who have players with good reputations Ciaran has generally stood out more often than not out playing his entire loose forward opposition.” McAuley went on to finish that “Ciaran was definitely one to watch.” When contacted about the coming season with the 20s Malone stated that he was “hoping to once again be competitive and hopefully win another competition ” adding that he felt this was achievable as the “20s should once again have a strong team.”

If anyone is interested in having a look at the progress of Balbriggan’s new facility it can be found in Balrothery next to the North County Cricket Club. Also if anyone is interested in playing rugby with Balbriggan and joining an exciting year from Under 7s up to Seniors feel free to contact Dale McAuley on 0872433498.