Normans 29, Tallaght 26
When you mention Normans in Kilkenny you think of castles and medieval times but the Normans who preside in the Marble City today are the rugby players of Normans RFC. Eight months ago Tom Roche from The Rower had a dream of starting a new rugby club in Kilkenny, and although he was told that this is impossible, it won’t work and that there’s not enough interest in rugby to have two clubs in the county, he battled on and on a warm summer’s night in Thomastown The Normans were born.
Fast forward to last Sunday the team went up against one of the biggest clubs in the country — Tallaght. Having finished their league campaign last Saturday they were asked to take part in a tournament held by the Dublin men. The Normans lost their last three league games by just three points, one score.
The game started with Tallaght setting the pace and after weathering the early storm The Normans went ahead due to a great try from prop forward Paddy O’Keeffe. But playing with a strong wind Tallaght were able to break The Normans defence twice before half time leaving the score 12-5 to the homeside.
Normans manager Davey Coughlan had some strong but wise words for his troops and the boys in pink and black came out with all guns blazing. But the second half could not have started worse for them with Tallaght scoring under the posts after just three minutes— 19-5. The powerful pack of the Kilkenny men started to wear down the Dubs, and the fightback started with hooker Liam Moriarty powering over for a fine try. Outhalf Mike Wall added the conversion —19-12. Ten minutes later flanker Shane O’ Keeffe took the ball from the back of a scrum and gave a great pass to Wall who went over for another try and added the extras— 19-19.
For the next quarter hour the Normans led by captain Conor Casey and his brother Owen had the Tallaght back line under huge pressure and finally a penalty was given. Wall put the ball between the posts to make it 22-19 with eight minutes left, but six minutes later Tallaght were awarded a penalty. A quick tap and go saw them break the Normans line and score what looked to be the match winning try. With the extras added Tallaght looked home and dry at 26-22.
The referee said there was time for one more play and from Wall’s restart The Normans pack bowled over the Tallaght defence like an out of control steam engine. The ball found its way to Ciaran Walsh who beat three players to score the try of the game. Wall again kicked the conversion making the final score 29-26 and a famous win for the men based in Thomastown. Team: C Moriarty, D Doyle, W Murphy, S Holohan, M Healy, M Wall, P O’Keeffe, L Moriarty, J McCarthy, O Casey, C Casey, C Walsh, S Farrell, S O’Keeffe. Replacement P McGrath.
Next up for The Normans is to play the winners of Newbridge and Clondalkin in the Dunne Cup. The Normans train every week in Thomastown and would love to hear from anyone interested in playing rugby. Director of rugby Davey Coughlan said “most of our lads have never played before this year so this was a great day for our club. We’d love to get some more players and everyone is welcome whether you’ve played before or not.” Anyone looking for more info on The Normans RFC can email normansrugby@gmail.com.
