Nenagh Ormond played the final of the North Munster cup four days are winning the semifinal against Desmond. The game was played at a neutral venue in Shannon RFC. This was the fourth time Nenagh played Ennis this season with two wins and one loss the record. Having played Ennis two weeks previously and beaten them in the North Munster league final, Nenagh knew they were heading into the lion’s den. Conditions were perfect and made way for a very entertaining game. Nenagh kicked the game off and retrieved the ball quite early. Nenagh showed great hunger from the very first minute, moving the ball very effectively and clearing rucks quickly. Nenagh got on the score sheet early with a try by Oisin Higgins in the corner. Nenagh’s ability to move the ball through the backs at pace created a lot of openings. On scoring the first try Nenagh did not sit back and really took the game to Ennis. After a line break up the middle by Luke Slattery, he passed to Aron Griffin and the ball made its way to Cian Murphy who did well to stay in the field of play. After a few phases Cody O’Connor passed the ball to Ben Madden who stepped the defender and powered his way over the line to score. Kaden Fogarty added the conversion. That left the score 12-0. Nenagh kept the purple patch going and were rewarded with a penalty which Kaden Fogarty converted. However, back came Ennis and they scored a unconverted try just before halftime which left the score 15-5 to Nenagh. During Ennis’s purple patch the Nenagh defence held firm on multiple occasions. Dominant hits by Harry Walsh and Oisin Higgins are two that spring to mind. On one play Ennis had a 5 metre lineout and talk amongst the coaches was stay down or put up a jumper at 2 only. The call was made by the forwards to put up at 2 and 4 and they turned the ball over; shur what would coaches know!!!!
Ennis kicked off the second half and had a real pep in their step and they got in for an early unconverted score to make it 15-10 with all to play for. Nenagh upped the ante and got the next 3 scores. A brilliant kick into the corner by Cody O’Connor had us in a good field position and then Nenagh turned over the lineout. Luke Slattery made a powerful run and created havoc with the defence. The ball made its way to Eoin Hogan who arrived late, dummied and scored with five lads outside him all looking for the ball. Nenagh kept that momentum going and were very unlucky not to score but a knock on handed the ball to the opposition on their own 5 metre line. Nenagh didn’t give them an easy out, a bone crunching tackle by Ben Madden and Robbie O Brien with a half blocked clearing kick. Harry Walsh gathered and sat down the defence with a brilliant step and then off he took, drew the defender, passed to Cody O’Connor who then threw a long-range pass to Cian Murphy who outpaced two defenders to score in the corner. This purple patch was maintained due to the work rate of the team. The ball was turned over by Cody O’Connor who passed to Cian Murphy who created space for Harry Walsh to make 30 yards down the wing. The ball was moved from wing to wing with the full team involved in the play. Play was moved back into midfield where Luke Slattery drew the defender and offloaded to Jack Comerford who worked hard to get into that position to score under the posts. That left the score 32-10. Ennis did respond with 2 late tries with Nenagh’s bench doing well, Fionn Wallace with a turnover on his first bit of action and Evan Jones with a try saving tackle. Tomas Tierney and Jack Gleeson assisted with a huge tackle count on entering the field. The scoreline finished 32-22. Overall, it was probably Nenagh’s best performance of the year. The skill level and execution they showed was very impressive. All 23 players that played made a huge contribution to an excellent win. To narrowly miss out on a Munster cup and then to regroup and win the North Munster league and cup shows the resilience in this squad of players. Thanks to all who contributed to the team; parents, supporters, and sponsors. Looking forward to seeing all return after the summer for the new season.
