Kilkenny has finished the first half of the year in good style being placed second in the league. With the league recommencing on January 11 away to Clane, they will feel reasonably confident that the top spot is within their reach. You could argue about what caused the good run of form, but when all is said and done, it was down to the players themselves. They put in the effort and they earned their just rewards. Coach Ger McDonald and his back room staff, can feel proud that their players have committed themselves to the task and have played well as a team. The young players in the side have stood up, and with the experienced players around them, the blend is excellent. However the journey is not over yet, but as Christmas arrives, the players, including the seconds, can take a well-earned rest.
The last committee meeting of the year was held in St Francis’ Abbey Brewery on Thursday night and our thanks go, once again, to the company for their hospitality. It is one of the club’s great traditions. Over the years, the venue has hosted many a discussion on games and business. The club house in Foulkstown is the new area for relaxation and acts as a meeting place after match days and both the surroundings and friendly staff make it enticing.
The pitch is in superb condition and has brought positive comment from visiting players and mentors. A good surface lends itself to good rugby, and we have seen plenty so far this year. The man who takes responsibility for the grounds is Charles Phelan. It is all of ten tears since a group of players from the club decided to head for South Africa and take part in the World Cup for the over 35s. Along with Old Wesley, they combined to put a side together which could compete and play a part in the big event. Many of the Old Wesley players had played with Kilkenny in their young days and were delighted to have former colleagues along. They got together again recently and celebrated the event, which had brought a great sense of purpose and enjoyment to all concerned. The architect for the event was Paul Short, who was such an accomplished player with Kilkenny over the years. Also on board the team was Ken Douglas and Ken Browne both well known stalwarts from the past. The Kilkenny members were led by Dick Parr and Johnny McGrath whose management skills were to prove important on the tour. Also included was Tom O’Connor whose performances under Table Mountain were legendary, Ray Minnion of the silken skills, Eugene Finlay Mick O’Donovan and Charlie Phelan of Munster fame, Pat Crotty the most capped Leinster Junior of all time, and the tormentor of defences over an eleven year period, were also on-board. Former captain Mick Power, Blackrock stalwart Dave Glynn, and John Lanigan were unable to attend. The great performers on the tour were acknowledged as being Eddie Fogarty, the current President of Old Wesley who can only be described as the Paul O’Connell of his time, and Sean O’Shea, the quiet but very effective utility player whose leadership and reading of the game was so influential. The last function of the year is next Sunday night in Langton’s House Hotel when the club will celebrate the year just passed, along with the American Drifters.
