Kilkenny rugby had a somewhat dismal season with the first team losing Division 1 status and exiting the Towns Cup at the early stages. With no silverware to show for the season it looked a little bleak.
That was all changed last Thursday night when the local Defence Forces took on Kilkenny in Foulkstown. Many would have expected it to be a stroll in the park for Kilkenny with the visitors having little experience of playing rugby at any level. Well those who attended Foulkstown were treated to a truly wonderful game of rugby. Right from the kick off James Stephens made it quite clear that they were taking the game very serious. Kilkenny realised that this was going to be no easy game and if they were to win a fully committed team effort would be required. The prize at stake was the beautiful designed trophy put up by the Commanding Officer of James Stephens Barracks. The game was played at an electric pace flowing from end to end. At half time the Army boys led by 12 points to five.
They scored two tries and a conversion to Kilkenny’s sole try. The second half was played at the same pace and Kilkenny knew that the breaks would prove to be decisive. The visitors had the pace and fitness while Kilkenny depended on their experience of playing with the oval ball. Scrum half Quenten Hearne had the sides level with a converted try early on but James Stephens replied with a try to push them ahead with plenty of time to go. Kilkenny finished the game off with two tries to win the trophy but most of the spectators would have preferred a draw after a thrilling eighty minutes.
President of Kilkenny rugby club Lar Foley welcomed his former colleagues to Foulkstown and complimented the two teams on a wonderful game. The Commanding Officer of James Stephens Barracks Lieutenant Colonel Liam O’Carroll presented the trophy to the winning captain Dave Matthews. He assured those present that the trophy would be played for each season.
He was also delighted with the standard of play and the welcome they received in Foulkstown. The man of the match award went to Donal Cullane from James Stephens Barracks. Both teams and mentors were extended the hospitality of the James Stephens Barracks after the game. The club would like to congratulate John Phelan on being elected captain of the Leinster Juniors for the inter provincials and to Dave Matthews for his dedicated work for the club. It was another sad week for the club when a former member passed away.
Joe Ayres who had played for the club in the 1970s passed away after a short illness. He also had the distinction of playing in three All-Ireland minor finals for Kilkenny. His son Billy is a prominent member of the club as a player and a tour organiser. His daughters Ann Marie and Caroline are also closely involved in Kilkenny Rugby club. To his wife Kathleen and family we offer our sincere condolences.
