Thurles Rugby: Narrow defeat for senior men in Limerick against Thomond

Munster Rugby League

Thurles RFC 15

Thomond RFC 17

Thurles RFC slumped to another very narrow defeat in the league when they travelled to Myross on Friday night last, the usual store of being better than the opposition and failing to convert that into a win surfaced again, this week it wasn’t helped when talisman captain Luke Kelly was forced out of the team during the pre-match warm up and the second row problems added up when Peter Kinnane was injured after 20 minutes added to the fact that Colin Nolan is also on the injured list the regular second row is under serious pressure.

Thurles were holding their own until Peter Kinnane went off then allowed Thomond in for a handy enough try by Dean McGinn which they failed to convert. Thurles showed great spirit in getting back into the match when Paddy McGrath scored a penalty on the stroke of half time to leave the score 5-3 at half time.

Thurles regrouped in the second half and went ahead when Mark Cummins got in for a great try after some great backs running. But as anyone that has ever played Thomond knows you are always in a battle down there and they went ahead again when Kealan McMahon got in for a try. And Conor Lipper extended their lead which Eoghan Sherlock converted.

But Thurles showed the true Grit that is prevalent in the team and Matthew Kelly finished off a good move which Paddy McGrath converted. Thurles finished the game well but failed to get the crucial score that was needed, all of the team played well and but for a little bit of luck Thurles could have succeeded.

Best for Thurles were Sonny Dwyer, and Eamon Connolly who was good at outside half. The forwards Sam Quinlan did well and it's great to see Ciaran Ryan Back in full fitness. While the result didn’t work out the team showed great heart and they can see the makings of a good run within themselves as it is only a matter of getting things to click and all will be ok.

The fixture for next weekend is still uncertain so keep an eye on the social media for updates.

Thurles Team: Eoghan O’Dwyer, Cathal Hayes, Paddy McGrath, Sonny Dwyer, Owen Byrne, Eamon Connolly, James Maher, Ger McCormack, Shane Nugent, John Shaw, Donnacha Ryan, Peter Kinnane, Sam Quinlan, Mark Cummins, Ciaran Ryan.

Subs: Jack Kavanagh, Darragh Sweeney, Rob O’Donovan, Seamie Houlihan, Matthew Kelly Dylan O’Shaughnessy, Richie Houlihan.