Spectators are in for a great showcase of Ulster Bank League rugby at Lakelands Park on Saturday when Terenure College host Clontarf in a mouth-watering all-Dublin Division 1A semi-final (kick-off 3pm).
ULSTER BANK LEAGUE DIVISION 1A SEMI-FINAL: Saturday, April 25
TERENURE COLLEGE (2nd) v CLONTARF (3rd), Lakelands Park, 3pm
Admission: €;10 for adults, and all children under the age of 16 have free admission. Any child wearing a Terenure rugby jersey will get a free ice cream (first 300 free), sponsored by Sherry Fitzgerald.
Another close encounter is in the offing as Terenure College and Clontarf meet for the third time in league action this season. It is one home win apiece so far, with ‘Nure triumphing 14-9 at Lakelands back in November and ‘Tarf gaining revenge with a 16-11 Castle Avenue success in February.
It has been a meteoric rise for Terenure under head coach James Blaney and he told Irish Rugby TV about their approach which has been so successful in winning back-to-back promotions and now challenging for the Division 1A crown.
“I took over three seasons ago when we were in Division 2A. We recruited a few players, I suppose we didn’t change any one thing specifically. Just lots of little things. We sat down with the players and devised a game-plan which we felt suited. It was very much player-driven,” he said.
“We would sit down before every season and map out what the goals are for the season and how you implement them. There was a bit of a cultural mind shift from seasons past. We look to improve week on week, season on season and that’s stood us in good stead so far.”
Limerick man James O’Neill, who captains ‘Nure from the back row, is looking forward to making the most of home advantage this weekend as his side renew rivalries with a strong ‘Tarf outfit.
“The home semi-final should play a part for us – and I think Clontarf as well. At the end of the day, everyone likes playing in front of a big crowd. If this game was being played in Clontarf and we were playing in front of a couple of thousand people, it would spur us on as well,” admitted O’Neill.
“It’s excellent for the league in general that the semi-finals are back because big crowds can be brought in. I think everyone plays better in front of a big crowd, so it won’t just spur us on it will spur on Clontarf too.”
The day itself promises to be a great event for all the family, with the rich history of friendship and rivalry between the two Dublin clubs lending itself to the occasion.
A massive 600 people are expected for the pre-match lunch in a marquee, while club sponsors Sherry Fitzgerald have kindly provided an ice cream van for the day. The first 300 kids in wearing Terenure rugby jerseys will also get a free ice cream!
At least two thousand spectators are expected for Saturday’s crunch match, making it a fantastic event for Leinster and All-Ireland club rugby. Everyone is welcome at Lakelands for what promises to be a cracking game. Kick-off is at 3pm.
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