News article – Style E 2144

Mick Galwey and his Munster colleagues, Mossy Lawlor and Marcus Horan are included in the Shannon squad ahead of their AIB League clash with Galwegians.

The addition of Galwey and Lawlor is a huge boost for the parish side, whilst the availability of Marcus Horan will not be known until late Friday evening. He was not included in the 22 man Ireland squad but has been with the squad at their Wicklow base assisting them with their preparations for the opening autumn test.
Although included in the squad, John Lacey still remains a serious doubt, a late fitness test will decide the fullbacks fate.
The injury that forced Eddie Halvey to retire from last Saturday’s game with St Mary’s appears not that serious and the talented wing forward may well be line for a starting place. Frankie Roche is still recovering from a broken nose sustained in the Munster Senior league semi final and it will most likely be 2 weeks before he resumes training. The same scenario applies to Brian Buckley, who is recovering from a bout of pneumonia.

Meanwhile, Galwegians have named a very strong squad with all of their contracted players made available. Former UL/Bohemians winger Martin McPhaill has also been included in their panel. An interesting selection is that of utility forward Ray Hogan, brother of Shannon’s second row, Trevor. It will be a home coming of sorts for hooker Jerry Flannery, who played underage rugby with Shannon.

Last season’s corresponding fixture, played in early December was the sixth game in the league series. Played in atrocious conditions in Crowley Park it was a game that had a major bearing on Shannon’s season with the future league champions gaining the maximum 5 points,
winning by 38 -16.

Shannon Squad: Tony Buckley, Gary McNamara, James Hickey, Nigel Conroy, James Blaney, Paudie McMahon, Trevor Hogan, John Hadnett, Garrett Noonan, Colm McMahon, Eddie Halvey, David Quinlan (capt) Tom Hayes, Micheal Galwey, Marcus Horan,
Fiach O’Loughlin, Cormac O’Loughlin, David Delaney, Niall McNamara, Andrew Thompson, Eoin Cahill, David O’Donovon, John O’Neill, Dougie Walters, Mossy Lawlor, John .

Galwegians: Barry Gavin, Damian Brown, Steve Keane, Rory McCann, Johnny O’Connor, Cathal Murphy, Pat Hanlon, Eric Peters, Marnus Uijs, John Muldoon, Ivan Muldoon, Dan McFarland, Brian McClearn, Peter Bracken, Henry Bourke, Jerry Flannery, Ray Hogan.
Gerard Brady, Willie Ruane, Alex Page, James Heaslip, Colm Glynn, Gavin Duffy, Martin McPhail, Eric Elwood, Mervyn Murphy, Andrew Burke, John Cleary, Nigel Carolan, Killean Dooley.

Division One. Belfast Harlequins v Blackrock College, Deramore Park.
Buccaneers v Co Carlow, Moher Road/Ericcson Pk.
Clontarf v U.C.D., Castle Avenue.
Cork Constitution v St Mary’s College, Temple Hill.
Dungannon v U.L. Bohemians, Stevenson Park.
Lansdowne v Ballymena, Lansdowne Road.
Shannon v Galwegians, Thomond Park.
Terenure College v Garryowen, Lakelands.

Division Two: Barnhall v Dolphin, Parsonstown.
Dublin University v Midleton, College Park.
De La Salle Palmerston v Young Munster, Kilternan.
Greystones v Old Crescent, Dr. Hickey Park.
Portadown v Old Belvedere, Chambers Park.
Sunday’s Well v Bective Rangers, Musgrave Park.
Thomond v Malone, Liam Fitzgerald Park.
University College Cork v Ballynahinch, The Mardyke.

Division Three: Old Wesley v Clonakilty, Donnybrook.
Queens University v Naas, Belfast.
Skerries v Highfield, Holmpatrick.
Waterpark v Monkstown, Ballinakill.
City of Derry v Suttonians, Judge’s Road.
Connemara v Wanderers, Monastery Field.
Corinthians v Banbridge, Galway.
Instonians v Ballina, Shaws Bridge.