Rugbai Corca Dhuibhne, one of Kerry’s most progressive rugby clubs, celebrated their ten-year anniversary last Thursday with a specially-arranged match against a Munster Academy selection.
Rugbai Corca Dhuibhne, based in Dingle, is uniquely known for the fact that it is the only club in Munster in a gaeltacht area, and that it continues to prosper and develop the game of rugby in such a strong GAA foothold.
The Corca Dhuibhne President’s XV, which faced the Munster Academy, included players from the club itself and other Kerry clubs such as Tralee, Killarney, Castleisland and Killorglin.
Two Munster Academy players also featured for the side as Cathal Sheridan and Paul Rowley both claimed the half-back positions.
The Munster Academy team was made up of players from the province’s Academy, Sub Academy and senior clubs.
The home side opened the scoring with a break from Rowley resulting in a great pass out to the wing, and Rowley was on hand to convert for a 7-0 lead after nine minutes’ play.
Munster responded well with a break from hooker Mike Sherry, offloading to number 10 Declan Cusack who ran a great support line and stepped the final defender, going over unopposed.
He added the conversion himself to level the game after 20 minutes.
Corca Dhuibhne continued to attack and rallied well for another score before the break. A well-judged cross kick by Sheridan put his winger charging over the line, bringing it to 12-7 at half-time.
However, that was it for the Kerry side as the Munster Academy proved too strong in the second half.
Nenagh’s Stephen Harvey brought the sides level on the resumption and Munster continued applying the pressure as they pulled away with a further two tries from Harvey, Cusack’s second of the night and one each from winger Finbar Aherne and replacement full-back Ronan O’Mahony.
Ireland Under-20 international O’Mahony also featured in the Munster senior squad for their friendly against London Irish at Musgrave Park on Friday.
Speaking after his side’s 41-12 victory at Ballydavid, Munster Academy manager Ian Sherwin said: “I was delighted to be able to give the players a run-out together, a chance to put into practice what they do every week on the training pitch.
“It was great to be invited to Dingle to help celebrate the ten-year anniversary of the club and I think the game was a fitting tribute to the hard work and commitment carried out by all the club members, players and supporters here.
“In particular I’d like to give mention to Danno O’Keeffe whose tireless work along with current President John Holstead and Michael Dooley has continued to drive rugby in such a strong GAA area.
“Also I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for their hospitality and to Danno for hosting the post-match reception.”
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