Weekend Fixtures

Fixtures weekend 25th/26th Nov

Senior 3 

Played away to Old Belvedere RFC last night narrowly losing out 24-23. A try with the last play of the game nudged then ahead. This is the fourth league game they’ve been pipped by a point and is a measure of how tough that league is. Hard luck lads.

 Saturday 25th Nov

Senior 4 - No game

Sunday 26th Nov

Senior 1 & 2 AWAY to North Kildare KO 1.30 and 2.30pm

Youths

U18s AWAY to Dundalk 

U17s no game. 

U16s No game

U15s No game

U14s AWAY to Lansdowne 12pm

U13B v Old Wesley time and venue TBC

U13A No game

Weekend Results 18/19th Nov - Senior Youths

U16s v Cill Dara

U16’s did well but were beaten 39:21 against a good Cill Dara team and look to 

U17s v Greystones

This was a epic game away to Greystones. 37-37. A game Coolmine really should have won but a good comeback by Greystones meant the spoils were shared.

U18s v Nenagh Ormond

The U18s were supposed to play Clontarf yesterday but this was cancelled.

They did however host Nenagh Ormonde in the club Friday evening in a challenge match which Coolmine won 26-10.

Weekend Results 18/19th Nov - Junior Youths

Our youths were busy as always making their presence felt across Leinster. 

U13s v Clontarf 

None more so than our U13s who were competing in their very first competitive match, full pitch, full rules.

For their first outing they travelled deep into enemy territory in city’s north east to challenge the Clontarf. 

Brian Boru himself would have been proud of the routing that took place on that famous battlefield with Coolmine U13s delivering a crushing 24-0 defeat on the hapless Tarf. Great  work and support by the players, coaches and parents. Tries from Ethan, Hugh, Sam and Connor. 2 Conversions from Hugh. This was a great team display from the Coolmine lads.

U14s v DLSP 

The 2004 group needed a bounce back from their defeat last week to Barnhall and delivered in style, thumping the unsuspecting DLSP 50-0 in a very one-sided affair. Good to get back to winning ways again lads. Keep it up.

U15s v Clontarf

For one reason or another these two groups, two of the strongest teams at this age, have managed to slip past one another without meeting in a competitive game over the last few years.

So this first match up was destined to be a thriller and they duly served up an intense but cracking game yesterday in Ashbrook.

And while the brute force of Coolmine put them 14-0 up after 25 mins courtesy of James Caffrey and Robbie Carolan, Clontarf were by no means finished. 

The Tarf fight back in the second half brought it to 14-5 before Coolmine struck again to push them to 21-5. Clontarf then found their rythm and despite some spirited Coolmine defending, they brought it to 22-15, crossing twice out wide.

 

Ollie Jones powered over to finish a fine Coolmine move to go 28-15 clear but Tarf had the bit between their teeth and after scoring again to bring it to 28-22 they went looking for the winner. Coolmine’s Callum Oliphant, who had led the defensive effort all day, forced Clontarf into some uncharacteristic errors and the Coolmine U15s held out in a frantic last 10 minutes.

Weekend Results 18/19th Nov - Seniors

Senior 1 & 2 were match free.

Senior 3 hosted St Mary’s and led 12-3 with five minutes to go but lost 13-12 in frustrating circumstances for Bernard, Dan and crew. Missing many of their squad they occupy mid table with Mary’s and were looking to improve on this. 

Senior 4 travelled to Barnhall missing a good few of their regular stalwarts and were looking to build on their hard earned win last week away against Old Belvedere. While they started poorly and conceded early tries they powered back in the second half to 20-10 but were denied a legitimate try after Anthony ‘Firecracker’ Fitzpatrick grounded.

With a depleted squad, some late injuries took their toll and Barnhall tacked a couple more on to runout 33-10 winners. 

Well done to both. 

Weekend 11th/12th Nov Results

Seniors

Senior 1 0 - 40 v Tullow

Senior 2 24 - 29 v Tullow.

Superb comeback by 2nds to clinch losing bonus point. 

Senior 3 no game

Senior 4 18 - 17 v Old Belvedere 

Win moves 4ths to mid table

Youths

A steamroller performance from some of our youths teams over the weekend and some tough losses as well but a long season ahead yet.

U18s 

Solid performance by the U18’s for a long time v North Meath. Fell short 32-7 in the end but great effort from the lads with NM tries coming late.

U17s

U17s won 60-12 v Ratoath . A good workout for the the squad, crunch game against Greystones next Sunday.

U16s

68 -31 home win for U16 v malahide. Nick, Tom & Vak's group turning on the style.

U15s 

U15's brushed aside Suttonians with a 58 - 27 win. James Caffrey leading his 2003 crew in one of their finest displays. 

Sets up a big game next Sunday home to second-placed Clontarf.

U14s

A rocky start cost the 2004 young guns against Barnhall but can fix, train, amend and go again.

U13s

The 13Bs won 35-15 vs Balbriggan A. Well done lads.

Fixtures weekend 4th/5th Nov

Fixtures weekend 4th/5th Nov

Saturday 4th Nov

Senior 3 vs Trinity (H) 2.30

Senior 4 vs Terenure (A) 3.30

Sunday 5th Nov

Senior 2 vs Portlaoise (A) 1.30

Senior 1 vs Portlaoise (A) 2.30

Youth Fixtures Sunday 22nd

Youths have started well and seek to continue their form with some crucial early season games vs tougher opponents.

U11s vs Clondalkin (A) [time TBC]

U12 vs Dundalk 10.30 (H)

U13A vs Blackrock 10.30 (H)

U13B vs Suttonians 10.30 (A)

U14 vs Skerries KO 12 (A)

U15s vs Barnhall 12 KO (H)

U16s vs DLSP 12 (A)

U17s vs North Meath St Catherine's Park 12 KO

U18s vs Bective (H) 12 noon

PLEASE SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION!

Senior Fixtures update

A busy weekend ahead with wall to wall rugby for the entire weekend from tomorrow evening. Bar and club open for all. Please support.

Friday 20th

Senior 4 vs Clontarf (H) 8pm KO

Sunday 22nd 

Senior 2 vs Longford 2 KO

Senior 1 vs Longford 1 KO

Best of luck

#hardworkdedication 

Sunday Round up

Busy day all round for our minis and youths.

Our U9s hosted a blitz with Barnhall and Westmanstown and put on a superb display of skills with some excellent tackling and rucking taking place.

Youths 

Most of our youths were on the road today and recorded some good wins.

U13 1st's won 17-14 away to clontarf while  2nds lost out.

U14's lost friendly away to clontarf! 5 tries down at half time, great pick up in the second half.

U15s free-wheeled their way to a 71-0 win over Westmanstown in league. Quite a show. 

U16s 27-10 win away v Barnhall. 

U17s won away at Barnhall. 31-20. A tough first game of the season. 

Minutes silence held for clubman Craig Kavanagh at all matches.

Youth Fixtures

Minute's silence before each game tomorrow in memory of Craig Kavanagh 

U17s away to Barnhall. KO 12.30pm

U16 v barnhall home at 12 tomorrow

U15 v Westmanstown away st 12 o'clock - tomorrow.

U14's v Clontarf away 11.30 KO

U13s v clontarf away. 10am KO.

Craig Kavanagh RIP

It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the tragic passing of young Craig Kavanagh who was part of the senior squad set up.

On behalf of the President and the Executive, Coolmine Rugby would like to extend their condolences and sympathies to his family in this difficult time.

A minutes silence will be observed at club matches this weekend.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis”

13th Annual Coolmine RFC Business Lunch

13th Annual Coolmine RFC Business Lunch

This is a quick reminder for a date for your diary in early December and what promises to be a super day as it is every year:

13th Annual Coolmine RFC Business Lunch

Friday 8th December, 2017

Dunboyne Castle Hotel

Drinks reception 1.00 pm followed by 5 course Dinner with wine

Our main speaker this year is JOHN BENTLEY, former Lion and English international who score one of the greatest solo Lions tries ever during the 1997 tour.

Have a look at that try here

Price €1250 for Table of 10 Guests

Please contact Pat-Ann Wood for bookings or further details on 0868076677 or patannw@eircom.net.

This is a great opportunity to get work colleagues, friends and teammates out for the day.

BBQ and Tag rugby event

As you are aware the 19th August Coolmine and Dogos (Our Argentinian Friends) are hosting a BBQ and Tag rugby event in Coolmine. 

To coincide with this day we are also hosting a 5 a side soccer tournament. This is non competitive fun kick about designed to get players, past players, executive members and more importantly Coaches together for a bit of craic and to instil a bit of CLUB SPIRIT as the new season is upon us!! 

Ideally it would be fantastic to to have a team from each group. Coaches and parents mix! Please put this out to your respective groups and get back to myself or Raman ASAP as places are filling up fast and it would be really great to have a good representation from our coaches! 

There will be BBQ, music & entertainment and by all accounts has the makings of a great day and night, so maybe leave the car at home and join us for a bit of Coolmine Craic! 

Check Facebook, website & Twitter for more! 

Looking forward to seeing you there!!

Yours in rugby

Gary Clarke

BBQ & Tag tournament

As you are aware the 19th August Coolmine and Dogos (Our Argentinian Friends) are hosting a BBQ and Tag rugby event in Coolmine. 

To coincide with this day we are also hosting a 5 a side soccer tournament. This is non competitive fun kick about designed to get players, past players, executive members and more importantly Coaches together for a bit of craic and to instil a bit of CLUB SPIRIT as the new season is upon us!! 

Ideally it would be fantastic to to have a team from each group. Coaches and parents mix! Please put this out to your respective groups and get back to myself or Raman ASAP as places are filling up fast and it would be really great to have a good representation from our coaches! 

There will be BBQ, music & entertainment and by all accounts has the makings of a great day and night, so maybe leave the car at home and join us for a bit of Coolmine Craic! 

Check Facebook, website & Twitter for more! 

Looking forward to seeing you there!!

Yours in rugby

Gary Clarke, Vice President 

+353 (87) 238 0860

Raman Patel

+353 (87) 811 4431

Club Day & Longest Pass Event

Super day at our Club Day & Longest Pass competition. Thanks to all who helped out on the day. 

Stefan and Aron who did car park. Mick, Tom, Peter, Paul, Aenghus, Ian, Derek, Alan, John, PJ. 

Our sponsors Oman and Universal and our support team. And all who helped in club house Caroline and Fiona especially 

Longest Pass Results:

U6:

Kathlyn (6.2m) & Ryan (6m)

U7:

Jasper 7.4m

Daniel 7.1m

U8:

Osgur 9.6m

Jarlath 9.5m

 

U9:

Harry

Ben

U10:

Alex (17.2m) 

Jack (15m)

NOTE: ridiculous passing for this age 😲; well done lads.

U11: 

Finn 13.4m

Matt 12m

U12

Callum & Ethan (joint 13.8m)

U13

Mathieu

Paul

U14

Donagh, Max & Adam 18.4m

U15- no contestant 

U16- no contestant

U17:

Luke (18.6m)

Andrew (18.5m)

U18- no contestant  

U20 - no contestant 

Ladies:

Karolina

Emer 

Senior:

David Howard (22m)

Ian Bolton (21m)

Special:

Stephen (7.9m)

Senior Player Awards 2017

Friday night in the clubhouse was a rocking night with all four senior team squads gathered for the awards ceremony.

Needless to say it was not a quiet affair as the bar was packed full of hopefuls.

Sean Lee, Director of Rugby, thanked all the players for their efforts and said that getting around to see all teams play gave him a great sense of pride in the club and the commitment of all the coaches and players to their squads. 

Eugene Cadogan, President also thanked the players and coaches and wished them well for the summer and the season to come.

Up for grabs were Player of the Year and Most Inproved Player of the Year for the 1sts / 2nds / 3rds and 4ths.

4ths aka The Wildebeests 

Most Improved : Emmet Byrne

Player of the Year : Richie Withey

3rds

Most Improved : Stephen Hanley

Player of the Year : Damien Kelly

2nds

Most Improved : Stephen Kane

Player of the Year : Rob Kiersey

Overall Young Player of the Year: 

Andy McCabe

1sts

Most Improved : Brian Connolly 

Player of the Year : David Howard

President Eugene Cadogan with Sean Lee, Director of Rugby, Senior Player of the Year David Howard and Senior Squad Player/Coach Mark Whitehead.

Many thanks to Paul Sheehan Jewellers for his unfailing support for this event every year and the gift of a gents Tissot watch for the overall Senior Player of the Year  award.

A COOLMINE SUPER SUNDAY!

So Coolmine have they're very own Super Sunday with our U14s, U16s & U17s all contesting their respective finals tomorrow.

What an achievement from the club and our 13s and 15s weren't that far away either.

But it comes as no surprise to those of us who have witnessed the hard work and dedication of the youths over the season. 

While many other competitions were left behind due to the odd match misfire or unlucky break, overall the club youth system is the strongest it has been in a long time.

This hasn't happened overnight as the coaching groups for these teams will justify.

A long grind through the minis system, the inevitable loss of players with the  move into youth and schools system and the slow moulding and practice of the team, their style of play and the individual performances is a challenging cause- but a rewarding one.

And so it comes down to a day of reckoning for all tomorrow .

Regardless of the outcomes, their efforts have elevated the club this season and laid the foundation for a bright future ahead.

U14s

U14s tomorrow face off against Ashbourne in the Metro Plate final kick off 12.30 in Donnybrook.

This free wheeling happy crew take every game in their stride, some times at a cost for being a little too laid back but then have a powerful back line that have left most of their opponents in shreds. 

Once they're on song, there's no stopping them. 

Let's hope they show what they can do tomorrow.

U16s

Our U16s face season-long rivals Athy in the Leinster Schools Youth Cup. 

Having won all competitions at this grade last year, they are the form team and will be looking to get one over on their Kildare opponents who did themselves no favours by refusing to move the league semi while Coolmine were on tour. It was poor sportsmanship but should add spice to the encounter which kicks off at 4pm in Donnybrook.

While their pack dominated teams last year, the backs have been the ones stepping forward this year and should make for quiet a tie.

U17s

Arguably our U17s are in line for a 'Team of The Year' award this season. 

Quietly going about their business all season, these are a dogged bunch of lads who play with great heart and motivation and bring games to opponents from the get go.

Their sensational come back from 16-0 down to beat Cill Dara in the league semi was probably the best performance of a Coolmine team in Ashbrook in a long time and energised the youths and club as a whole.

Having led in the final vs Clontarf they were cruelly robbed of their lead by some appalling decisions at the end of that game.

But they came back with a bang against Seapoint last week and are now in the cup final tomorrow vs old foes Clontarf: the time to set the record straight is 11am in St Marys tomorrow.

No other team deserves more than these guys who work hard for each other and play as a team.

Make the effort to support these groups tomorrow.

They are the future.

Go n-éirí libh!

This week

Fixtures this week:

Tues 7.30

U13s semi v Malahide (plate) 

Wednesday 8pm

U17s semi v Seapoint (metro cup) Belvo 4G Distillery Road.

Next weekend 

U14s Plate final

Sunday 

U16s School Youth cup final Sunday

A hard day at the office

U17s 25-27 Clontarf

How on earth the coaches found the words to console our U17s after their narrow loss to Clontarf in the premier league final is beyond me.

They owned this game throughout. An unjustifiable red card 5 mins from the end after they had dominated the game and played all the rugby broke the rhythm of the game.

A soft try thereafter still didn't dent their belief as they came rampaging through Clontarf and managed another last gasp try to push this to 27-25.

But time was their enemy and it wasn't to be.

This team have undoubtedly been the story of the Coolmine season. 

While our youths have all done us proud and the U14s & 16s are still in finals yet to come, our U17s remarkable come backs and never quit attitude makes them stand apart as a team to be reckoned with. 

They can only go on from this. 

You did the club proud lads!

U14s 28- 29 Barnhall 

Our U14s we're looking to reach their second final and had high hopes against a previously beaten Barnhall team.

But shy a few regulars because of holidays and injury, they leaked some early tries that gave them a mountain to climb. 

But the second half found them performing better and some great scores got them back in the hunt and edging closer to turning the tide.

Then with it at 28-29, Barnhall kicked it out on the full from a score re-start. A scrum with minutes remaining was exactly what U14s wanted.

But inexplicably, the ref said time was up and amidst much confusion blew it up having earlier said there was time.

While this was harsh, they can have no argument as the soft tries earlier came back to haunt them against a more determined Barnhall than they had met previously.

Not the day we were hoping for but for the effort, organisation and commitment of players and coaches, thank you all. 

Fixtures 7th / 8th / 9th April

Seniors 

Senior 2nds

Our Senior 2nds take on UCD away this evening 7.30 

Senior 3rds

Our thirds team take on Old Wesley in the Winters Cup tomorrow at 3pm in Donnybrook.

Youths

With most of the youth teams through after last week's high jinks we still have some youths looking to lay down a marker for their own groups as well.

U15s

Our U15s have home league semi v Seapoint 13:00 Sunday. A big game for them as these teams have been very close in their last two encounters.

U13's 

Our U13s also have a league Semi Final V's Suttonians in Ashbrook tonight KO @ 7.30pm. 

Best of luck to all.

#hardworkdedication

Results 2nd April

WHAT AN EXTRAORDINARY WEEKEND OF RUGBY!!

Coolmine Youths rugby took a giant leap forward this season with six out of our seven youth teams winning in the final stages of cup and league competitions with our U17s mounting  the most audacious smash-and-grab semifinal victory see in Ashbrook in a long time.

On what was a glorious day for rugby, the club was humming with anticipation from early as teams turned up for their warm up routines well in advance of kick off.

U13s

The A group we're looking to progress further in the Plate after easily taking care of North Meath last weeek. Next up was Donnybrook whom they had met earlier in the season and beaten with some to spare. And so it was on this occassion also as they easily cruised past Donnybrook (combined Bective and Wesley outfit) to push on into the semi-finals on a score of 41-0.

The B group had tougher opposition in St Marys but came through with flying colours running out easy winners in the end 38-12.

U14s

The 2003 group were the first Coolmine youth team to reach a final recently and were pushing to move into the semi-final of the cup competition in taking on DLSP, league toppers of Division 1.

With full squad available to the coaching group, the U14s tore into the opposition from the start and despite giving early breakdown ball away that put them under pressure, it wasn't long before they mounted their first attack with Callum Oliphant pulling the strings at 10 to unleash the powerful back line that has been a feature of their game all season.

Some well worked moves from the backs and quick offload ball had them at 14-0 with a short timeframe and they went further ahead as they began to find their tempo.

While the forwards came out in the second half much hungrier in the breakdown, the stronger bench made the difference as they went out of sight from DSLP, running in seven tries, only two unconverted.

While DLSP had some quality players in key areas and tacked on some scores because of sloppy defending by Coolmine, it was a bridge too far for them to hold back all the attacking Coolmine options that were put on show.

Final score 45-12.

U15s

Sitting top of their division in the league and only one loss, the 2004 group have been focussing on plate and cup competitions. For the second time running in as many of weeks, they've come up against a strong Seapoint outfit and lost out narrowly by 26 to 22. The teams meet again next week in the league semi-final and will have learnt plenty to put all wrongs to right by then.

U16s

In the first of their semis and fresh after putting Cill Dara to sword last week, the U16s hosted Barnhall with a chance to go to Donnybrook and into the Premier league final at stake.

 

In truth this was a routine victory for this group, having beaten Barnhall easily a few weeks back. The difference in squads was apparent early and while the results always reflect poorly on Barnhall, the games against them at this level are far from certain victories.

The powerful Coolmine pack was just too much for the Celbridge team and when the ball was whipped out wide, the Coolmine back three exposed the defensive weaknesses in ruthless fashion.

Coolmine were at least five tries to the good by half time and they emptied their bench with lads that are equal to those being subbed. The pain for Barnhall did not ease and Coolmine finished this with a flourish. Next up for this group is Malahide in the cup.

U17s ****WIN OF THE WEEK***

The Coolmine Houdinis

The best was saved until the last with an absolute rollercoaster of a match that kept everyone in Ashbrook on edge until final whistle. Probably the best final 15 minutes by a Coolmine team that were dead and buried with 15 minutes to go. What a game.

Result Coolmine 19 Cill Dara 17

See full match report seperately.

A great display by all youth teams and there is little doubt now that the future of the club is safe in the hands of all the players, coaches and parents who have put in a serious effort with these groups over the past decade to get them all vying for top honours in Leinster rugby.

Keep it up everyone.

#hardworkdedication

Fixtures 2nd April

Fixtures 2nd April 

Big w/end for youths teams.

U17 

Home premier league semi vs Cill Dara KO 12 noon

U16

Home premier league semi’s vs Barnhall KO 12 noon

U15 play Seapoint away in Metro Cup. 

U14

Home quarter final vs DLSP KO 10.30

U13s

U13’s A team home V’s Donnybrook 10.30am KO in 

Plate quarter final

U13’s B team home V’s St Mary’s 1.30pm KO in league

Anyone present at these games please post images to club social.

Thanks

#hardworkdedication

Club Results 25/26th

A tidy weekend for all groups with our U16s & U13s both securing semi final spots in competition.

U18.5s lost out to a very strong Clontarf side at home in Ashbrook but the lads had taken an early lead and played well throughout and can take a lot of lessons from the match. 

U16s 

U16 group keep things cranked up in their quarter with a well won victory over Cill Dara that gives them a league semi at home this Sunday 2nd April vs Barnhall. 

The group are also in Leinster School Youths cup semi final Sunday week 9th April which is also at home vs Malahide. Great work by all involved.

U15s

U15's lost to Seapoint in the plate 29:17 in what a was an exciting game in the sun. Hard luck lads.

U13s 

Our 2004 group ran out easy winners against North Meath in their Plate competition.

Minis

Our U7's and U8s held a mini blitz with visiting teams from Suttonians and Barnhall coming to challenge for bragging rights but only left with cream buns! While the U7's ran so fast they left their opponents dizzy, the U8s tackled like demons and gave nothing away.

Well done to all parents, kids and coaches for all the work in organising the event.

Fixtures 25th/26 March

And with the Six Nations finishing with a roar and dreams of what might have been we begin the hectic schedule of fixtures for the club over the next few weeks. Seniors  Our Senior 1sts take on St Marys RFC in the Albert O'Connell Cup tomorrow in Lakelands in Terenure RFC KO 3pm. This is a great chance for the group to progress to the final and finish the season on a high so best of luck Mark, Jason and crew. Senior 3rds  Ken Condon's crew sign off the league Away to Barnhall tomorrow just outside the playoffs after a successful season for the group having won the Cup earlier this season. Senior 4ths Our Wildebeests wrap up their first season back roaming around the plains tomorrow Away to Bective (1.30pm) and after being robbed blind last week vs Stillorgan they tend to set the record straight and stampede all over Donnybrook tomorrow. Youths  U18.5s vs Clontarf H 12 noon U17s No game U16s Vs Cill Dara H league 10.30 U15s Plate Semi final vs Seapoint A U14s Training. Getting ready to bring home the silverware  U13As vs North Meath A 10am  U12 vs Balbriggan A 10.30 U10 Away to Ashbourne  Our U8s have a blitz on Sunday in the club from 10am with visiting teams from Barnhall & Suttonians. Best of luck to all.

Club Results Weekend 18th/19th March

Club Results Weekend 18th/19th March

Quiet weekend for the club this weekend with only a few of our teams in action.

Seniors

Our Senior 3rds had a difficult outing midweek last against league toppers Belvedere but are still finishing the season as first Coolmine team to have won silverware (John Madden Cup).

Our Senior 4ths were robbed on Saturday morning vs Stillorgan (great scheduling there @leinsterbranch btw) when they were denied a legitimate try at the start of the match. 

More mayhem in the second half saw Stillorgan awarded a try from a quick penalty taken illegally. 

Our 4ths have made great strides this season to shape a development side and have been plying their trade in Metro 9 division introducing new players to the game and developing talent for the club. Coolmine are proud to be one of the few junior rugby clubs to field FOUR senior teams.  #rugbyforall

Next up for the 4ths is away to Bective to end the season next Saturday in Donnybrook. 

Youths

U18.5s had a solid win today over Portlaoise in slippery conditions at home in Ashbrook and are finishing strongy in their league. Score ended 10-7.

U17s

Our Under 17s were away to Ashbourne in a challenge game and came away with the bragging rights on a final score of 14-10. Well done to all.

U15s

Our U15s group who have come a long way this season under the care of Nick and David, had a tough assignment away to joint league leaders North Meath. Again the conditions played a huge part in affairs and the Coolmine lads came up short in their hunt to go ahead in the league campaign but are still in a threeway battle to for the title.

U13s

Our under 13s group had a busy weekend playing in a league and cup action on Friday and Sunday.
Friday night last they took on Barnhall in must-win head to head with our local rivals and despite being the stronger team in the first half, Barnhall's relentless pressure in the second half paid dividends and closed out the game 22-15 although a bonus point for Coolmine keeps them well in contention for a league semi spot.
Sunday they took to the field in the cup and the As bounced back from their Friday mishap to beat Suttonians 22-7 and plough on through the competition. The Bs lost out to Seapoint but harassed and harried until the end.

Keep it up lads!!

Don't forget the GIRLS get their turn as well and training for girls born 2002 - 2004 takes place every Monday night from 7.15.

TABLE QUIZ FOR CASTLEKNOCK COLLEGE AMBO PROJECT

TABLE QUIZ FOR CASTLEKNOCK COLLEGE AMBO PROJECT

This summer eight 5th yr boys from Castleknock College, including some former Coolmine members, will go with the VLM Charity to live, work & help build in a poverty stricken community in the Ethiopian locality of Ambo, 2 hours from the capital, Addis Ababa. 

Their work will include teaching at a deaf school for children - to whom they will bring clothing, educational tools, footballs etc. 

The fun Quiz Night will help much needed funds be raised to ensure this project thrives & the lads would greatly appreciate your support on the night! Grab a table, Bring a friend ...or 3!!!

Date for your diary:

Friday 24th March!

Location: Castleknock Tennis Club

€40 for table of 4 - payable on the night.

League Results weekend 11th/12th

Seniors Our Senior 1&2 signed off their league campaigns with a win (2nds) and a loss both finishing just outside the automatic playoff positions. With cup action vs Belvedere still to come, Mark Whitehead & Jason Winfield have made great strides with this young squad and will have learnt the measure of themselves and other teams. Onwards and upwards ! Seniors 3 & 4 - both games were conceded by the opposition and our 3rds and 4ths claim the league points. U18s lost 17-15 to North Meath.  U17 had no match but have now secured home semi final in premier league v Cill Dara, scheduled for 2nd April.  U16s game vs Cill Dara was rescheduled  U15s won against Ratoath and are now in the Plate Semi vs Seapoint  U14s MOVE INTO PLATE FINAL U14s 28 Blackrock 17  Metro Plate Semi Final Fresh off the back of a hard fought win against Terenure in the Metro Cup quarterfinal, the 2003 group had to do it all again in the Metro Plate, travelling to Stradbrook for a ding dong battle with old foes Blackrock. After taking an early lead, Coolmine looked the dominant side but an interception by Blackrock allowed them to cross the line but then missed the conversion. And so Coolmine kept a stranglehold on the game but Rock pushed them all the way to the end. Coolmine we're missing six of theirnsquad and then down two more from the front row at the start from a clash of heads, it was another massive defensive effort that kept the southsiders score line static for the most.  A superbly worked back move off a scrum by Coolmine in the closing minutes tore the Rock defence open allowing the sensational Callum Oliphant through under the posts and book their place in the final. Special mention to James Caffrey, Fiachra McGovern, Ollie Jones & Daire 'I-CAN-PLAY-ANY-POSITION' Kenny. #hardworkdedication

Fixtures 11/12th March

Seniors  Our Senior 1 & 2 host Portlaoise at home in Ashbrook tomorrow 12th March from 1pm. Last game of the league for the season and although it has been a frustrating season at times for the squad, this fixture promises to be a cracker as both teams look to finish in a high.  Best of luck to Mark, Jason & Mal with the crew. Senior 3 league was conceded by Tullamore. Senior 4 league was conceded by Trinity Youths  U18s away to North Meath U16s game vs Cill Dara is rescheduled  U15s are away to Ratoath  U14s Away to Blackrock (Metro Plate semifinal)

Results 5th March

Results last weekend 5th March

With many of games cancelled all over the Metro area, there were very few involvements by the club. 

Seniors 1& 2

Our Senior Squad has the daunting task of travelling to run away league leaders Wicklow for both crucial 1st & 2nd team ties. 

The seconds got off to a great start and went on to win comprehensively by 25 - 7. They now lie in 3rd place in the league with a game in hand on 31 points behind Clondalkin.

The 1st team looked like they were going to repeat the effort of the 2nds and went into a early lead at the start with some well worked moves. Wicklow went ahead going into the break and led 14 -10 but Coolmine were the better on the re-start and looked like they were going to spoil the party for the league leaders.

But Wicklow found their form with 10 minutes to go and tacked on another score after alot of pressure to close out the game 28-19.

Youths

The U17s suffered a disappointing narrow loss in the cup, 13-16, to Barnhall in a game that was supposed to be a home fixture but was moved to NUI Maynooth as a result of the inclement weather. 

***WIN OF THE WEEK***

U14s 29 - 24 vs Terenure 

Our freewheeling U14s travelled to Terenure in the cup quarterfinal and were put to a stern test from a well organised Terenure team. 

While Coolmine took an early lead through James Caffrey and looked in control, Terenure hit back and before long nabbed another cheeky try off a lineout in Coolmine '22 that stunned the visitors.

At the restart Terenure crossed again with their flying winger, who had tormented the Coolmine defence throughout the match, touching down.

But something sparked in the Coolmine 2003 troops, and trailing by two scores they took the game by the scruff of the neck  and launched blistering attack on the Terenure defence to go over twice, one well finished effort by Luke Brady.

They scored again to draw the game level which sparked a revival in Terenure who spent the final 15 minutes in the Coolmine '22 looking for the elusive score and were held up twice.

In the final play on the Coolmine five metre Jerome Cuel made a try saving tackle that Coolmine turned over and Caffrey collected to race the length of the pitch and score the winning try. 

Special mention for Sean Colgan, Ollie Jones, Con O'Rourke (back after long injury) and Leon Pannetta for their defensive efforts.

Well done to all.

Results 17th-18th Feb

A busy weekend for most of the competitive teams in the cup competitions and our U13s on tour to take on the mighty London Irish. Seniors ***Win of the Week*** Our Senior 1sts & 2nds hosted Lansdowne at home in Ashbrook in the Moran Cup and without any proper competitive action in a while, the squad were itching to go for cup action. They both took early leads against despite some determined defending from Lansdowne and although the visitors managed to pull back some of the gap, some costly mistakes allowed Coolmine to extend their leads and move into the next round of the cup. Result: Coolmine Senior 1 22-17 Lansdowne RFC Coolmine Senior 2 13-6 Lansdowne RFC

FRIDAY NIGHT RUGBY (AGAIN)

TOMORROW NIGHT CUP RUGBY IN ASHBROOK!Our Senior 1sts & 2nds host Landsowne in the 2nd round of the Moran Cup. This is a big night for the Senior Squad and the second consecutive Friday night cup rugby we’ve had in Coolmine.  Both teams are really up for this fixture and need all the support they can get. Bar is WIDE open BEFORE, DURING & AFTER, WAY AFTER the games. Book the taxi now and see you there at 8. Make plenty of noise! #hardworkdedication 

Weekend 10-12th Feb

SeniorsSenior 1 & 2 no game. 1sts lost to Malahide Thursday 9th February last in the Spencer cup final. Dr Kieran Foley cup final  Coolmine IVs vs Stillorgan II Hard luck to our new IVs - the Wildebeests- who in their first season managed to get to a cup final only to come against a strong Stillorgan side who carried off the cup south over the Liffey much to the dismay of the Northsoiders. Early first half indiscipline cost the Castleknock side dearly and despite a hard fought 2nd half the early scores by Stillorgan were a step too far. But thankfully there was a watering hole nearby for the Mighty Beests to drown their sorrows as they can never be too far from one in this weather. Coolmine 3rds played the annual and eventful Castleknock Cup vs Castleknock College coaches and past men.  Youths  U16s lost out to Athy in a top of the premier table clash and have work to do if they are to get their season back in shape and build on their blitzgreig of this age grade last season where they won all competitions. Boyne conceded the league fixture to our U18s at the weekend while our U17s secured a semi final spot with a 38-10 win over DLSP. U15s beat Ashbourne in a friendly while the barnstorming U14s saw off a spirited Old Wesley side in the wintery Dublin hills Sunday morning. Congratulations to all Coolmine past men who played in Donnybrook for Belvedere College's victory vs St Michaels in the quarter finals of the Leinster Senior Cup on Sunday. Coolmine RFC have a long tradition of nurturing talent that go on to great success with the school and last year’s successful half back pairing of Paraic Cagney and David Hawkshaw both line up again for the city centre school. Oran O’Brien and Mark Donnelly started & scored in their first outing against St Andrew’s and well done to all for their performance to overcome their old adversaries on the Merrion Road.

JCT Match 8th February

Junior Cup fixture 8th Wednesday 

Wednesday 1st Feb kick off 3pm

Old Belvedere College vs Temple Carraig 

Coolmine are delighted to welcome the Leinster Schools Junior Cup competition to Ashbrook next Wednesday 8th February kick off 3pm.

Coolmine RFC have a long tradition of nurturing talent that go on to great success with Belvedere College Junior and Senior Cup teams down the years. Daniel Hawkshaw and Peter O'Farrell are two recent Coolmine players who field for the current JCT side. 

Recently our U16s hosted the college JCT team in a tight contest. 

The Coolmine Alumni have big hopes again this year of making it to the final stages of the competition but as rugby newbies St Fintan's school proved against Clongowes recently in the Senior Cup - nothing should be taken for granted.

Volunteers are required for the day if available for marshalling, car park duties and 

Any further details please email 

coolmineinfo@gmail.com 

Belvo v Temple Carraig SCT

Senior Cup fixture 8th Wednesday 

Wednesday 1st Feb kick off 3pm

Old Belvedere College vs Temple Carraig 

Coolmine are delighted to welcome the Leinster Schools Senior Cup competition to Ashbrook next Wednesday 8th February kick off 3pm.

Coolmine RFC have a long tradition of nurturing talent that go on to great success with Belvedere College Senior Cup teams down the years.

Last year's successful half back pairing of Paraic Cagney and David Hawkshaw both line up again for the city centre school while Oran O'Brien and Mark Donnelly have started & scored in their first outing against St Andrew's.

The Coolmine Alumni have big hopes again this year of making it to the final stages of the competition but as rugby newbies St Fintan's school proved against Clongowes recently - nothing should be taken for granted.

Volunteers are required for the day if available for marshalling, car park duties and supervisory duties.

Any further details please email 

coolmineinfo@gmail.com 

fixtures 4/5 Feb

No Senior Fixtures this weekend. 

Senior 1sts Spencer Cup tie cancelled and rescheduled for next week. Update later.

Senior 4ths Cup Final last night cancelled also. Rescheduled later. More anon.

Youth fixtures 

U18 away to Barnhall KO 12 noon

U17 away to Clontarf

U16s no game

U15s Away to St Marys

U14s Away to Skerries 11.30am

U13As & Bs away to Balbriggan & Wicklow

See report later for Belvedere College SCT game in club next Wednesday 3pm.

NOW WATCH THIS:

https://youtu.be/MqkoctuPsWA

Results Update Weekend 20/21 Jan

League Results weekend 20/21st January.

Seniors

A mixed bag weekend results-wise with our senior teams missing out on a chance to improve on league positions while playing away.
But with cup action around the corner, there'll be a big focus by all four squads to deliver some silverware to add to the 3rds Madden Cup.

1sts started well but had it hard going against a Tullow side vying for a playoff spot and promotion and despite early possession the Carlow club proved more motivated in the end.

The 2nds lost out 23-22 after an injury-time try from an incorrectly awarded scrum (also in injury time) which left the travelling support and team absolutely incensed and rightly so.

The 3rds had a narrow defeat away to Trinity and were
missing some regulars through injury but are still in a strong position in their division.

Our 4ths 'Wilderbeests' team travelled to Clontarf for their game on Saturday and were under the impression that a 4G pitch meant you had to have 4  x Guinness each before playing on it. So the 'Tarf bar did well but the Beests not as much.
They play Bective next weekend in the O'Connor Cup 1st round on a similar surface so shouldn't make the same mistake god bless them.


U18s  no match

U17s had challenge match vs Skerries which the North County Dublin club won.

U16s 19 Greystones 12
The 16s squad had to dig deep here to come back after going behind and were able to pull clear in the end to get the show back on the road after the last two frustrating weekends.

U15s had a friendly away to Clontarf which was a good runout for this group against stronger opposition who are in a higher division. Hard work beginning to bear fruit for Nick & David and crew. Keep it up lads!

***Win of The Week**** (AGAIN)

U14s 28 Skerries 10 in a right scrap at home. We have to give this group the award again as this really was a must win or they were out of the hunt for league semi position.
Coming straight after their heroics in Ballsbridge vs league leaders Belvo, the lads made all the play from the start but failed to make any breakthrough and a brief foray by Skerries in the Coolmine 22 yielded a poorly-defended penalty which Skerries scored from to go 5-0.

Then both sides really went at it with Skerries looking to go top of the Premier and Coolmine looking to draw level in points with them and Old Belvedere. With both sides deploying tactics to keep the opposition Big Guns quiet, it was Skerries who wilted first with the effort and Coolmine ran in four converted tries, three in the last 15 mins as the Skerries lads earlier exertions took their toll.
So all three teams are top of their premier section on 12 points with the last match away to Skerries again the final decider in 2 weeks time. Well done again lads
[Full Disclosure: your PRO is the coach here - there will be more Trumpesque U14 propaganda]

U13s As put in a strong performance against a well-drilled visiting Seapoint while the Bs held their own against Donnybrook (Wesley & Bective combined)

Great work by players, coaches and all those who travelled to support the club.
#hardworkdedication

Fixtures January 20/21

Saturday 21st January 

Senior

(All League)

Senior 3rds V Trinity Away Santry 2.30pm

Senior 4ths v Clontarf Away 2.30 Castle Avenue 

Sunday 22nd January 

Senior 1 & 2 v Tullow Away Black Gates 3pm.

Biggest game of the season so far for squad. With Tullow just ahead of us in the table, a win here would guarantee a playoff berth. A big ask but after last weeks win on the road by both teams v North Kildare, there is momentum building within the squad and they are more determined than ever to get a result here.

A win here before the seasonal break for cup fixtures would put the Senior 1sts in a great position with a tough fixture away to league leaders Wicklow in early March when the league re-starts and the last league match of the season vs Mullingar on 12th March. 

Best of luck lads!

Coolmine Pumas 

No match - training as normal 12.30

Youths 

U13A v Seapoint Home 10.30

U13B v Donnybrook Home 10.30

U14s v Skerries H 12 noon Ashbrook (League)

U15s v Clontarf St Catherine's Park (Friendly)

U16s v Greystones H (League)

U17 v Skerries Away (Friendly)

U18s No Match 

Minis

U7's Home Blitz from 9.30

U8s v Greystones Away 9.30

U9s no match - training as normal

U10s v Westmanstown Home 9.15am

U11s no match - training as normal 

U12s vs DLSP Home 12 noon

Best of Luck to all teams, coaches & parents !

Please forward on any reports or images to coolmineinfo@gmail.com

#hardworkdedication 

Results weekend 15th January

League Results weekend 15th January. 

Almost all teams were on the road this weekend with mix of great wins and contentious losses. 

But with mid season mark behind us, the shakedown for league semi-final places across Senior and youths is heating up. 

All games are important from now on and no more so than today's fixtures. 

Seniors 

Our firsts and seconds were away to North Kildare in a daunting task of taking maximum points and edging into playoff position. 

Both came away with valuable wins with the 2nds recording a decent 39-15 win and the 1sts getting a hard fought 26-13 win to keep the prospect of playoff places open. 

Next week sees both teams host Tullow who are three points ahead of us having lost to second placed Clondalkin today. This game will be a turning point and we've got to get as many people down to support as possible next weekend.

Senior 3 & 4 - no games 

U18s 17 - Portlaoise 35 lads made plenty of chances to closee this game but they left it behind them. A good tough game which they can only learn from and keep up the work in the training. 

U17s v Seapoint - game cancelled- no ref available 

U16s 19 Barnhall 24 - this was a fractious affair and a contentious result according to those present. A speed bump no doubt on the way to for this group and plenty left in these guys to power on towards a tilt at the league title. Keep the Faith. 

U15s 36 Ratoath 21 - second victory away on the road for the Well done to Nick & David and crew. Keep it up lads!

***Win of The Week****

U14s 31 Old Belvedere 20 in a an epic battle as is always with these two teams away in Angelsea Road. 

Coming off the back of a narrow loss to Blackrock last week they looked to make amends by taking on the current league leaders and stormed into a 19-5 lead by half time. But a combination of injuries and high spirits conspired to let Belvo back into the fray, launching a spirited comeback in the second half. Coolmine put the game out of sight with 10 minutes to go and despite a late score from the southsiders, the lads claimed the points. Next up is Skerries in two weeks and with all of these Premier Division sides now having won and lost a game, it makes all results crucial from here on in. Great work lads.

U13s no game

Great work by players, coaches and all those who travelled to support the club.

#hardworkdedication

****3rds win Madden Cup****

Match report

Senior 3rds 17 - 15 Tallaght: Club's first cup this season thanks to Ken, Peter, Bernard, Richie & crew. Really tight tense affair. Penalty try to Tallaght at the start left Coolmine chasing this for most of the game. A superbly worked move saw Colin Durkan cross for a try in first half after Tallaght had gone 10 clear after an earlier penalty. Tallaght crossed again with a powerful maul from a lineout from 10m but missed the conversion to put it 15-10. Absolutely no quarter given by either side particularly in the respective packs for most of the second half with Jeremy, Kerr, Rob Mulligan and the two Richies putting in some big hits. Tallaght's scrum half was red carded for kicking his tackler on the ground (Ciaran Costello- who got sin binned for taking a size 10 in the

mush for his troubles)

with 20

Mins to go. After some strong breaks by Coolmine got them into the Tallaght '22, Tallaght gifted them a penalty 5metres out which the Ken Condon locomotive barrelled over the line with. A difficult angle from 5 metres in from touch made it a tough and pressurised task to convert but the ice cool Stephen Hanley made no mistake, splitting the posts with a perfect kick and nudging Coolmine ahead for the first time. Big Ber, who had tormented the close defence of Tallaght all evening made an unbelievable break that would have put the game out of sight but was hauled down just short. But Tallaght fought back and edged into the Coolmine '22 and with little on the clock to the dismay of the Coolmine support and team were given a penalty for what I still can't figure out, five metres from touch on the '22. He missed - but a Coolmine player, who ... ahem... shall remain nameless to spare his blushes decided to rush the penalty taker a là a conversion (not allowed btw). Of course ref said take it again. Queue the longest 30 seconds ever .... he missed again. Woo hoo. Welcome back John Madden. 

Way too many standout guys in this squad to mention in the day. All made this happen. Respect to Tallaght for a great game who look like they'll win their league and gain promotion & best of luck.