Following our recent exclusive revelations that George Gregan was negotiating a contract to come and play with Abbeyfeale, we now hear that the affable Aussie Skipper has been sacked as captain of the test side, ending his run as Australia’s longest serving captain.

The 34-year-old scrumhalf has been selected in a 30-man squad for Australia’s seven tests leading up to this year’s World Cup, but not as captain.

The Australian Rugby Union said outside centre Stirling Mortlock and openside flanker Phil Waugh would share the leadership role as co-captains.

Both made their captaincy debut for the Wallabies on last year’s end of season tour to Europe which Gregan chose to miss. (Rumour has it that he was secretly visiting Abbeyfeale at the time.)

Gregan is the world’s most capped player with 127 test appearances and has led Australia a record 58 times, three more than his predecessor John Eales, who retired in 2001.

Gregan and flyhalf Stephen Larkham, his long-time team mate, are retiring from international rugby after this year’s World Cup, and coach John Connolly said both players deserved an emotional send-off.

“There’s no doubt that we are seeing the end of two outstanding careers, and rugby supporters and sporting fans around the country will rally to pay tribute to two of the game’s greatest ever players,” Connolly said in a statement.

However, privately, it has been admitted that Gregan’s contacts with Abbeyfeale and his agreement to join the West Limerick club once his international career had ended, has upset the powers that be in Australian rugby circles, prompting them to make an example of the long-serving scrum half by dumping him as captain.

It is not even certain now that Gregan will ever play for his country again, and his next competitive match could very well be for Abbeyfeale against Newcastlewest at The Grove in the first round of the McElligott Cup next autumn.

Incoming president of Abbeyfeale RFC, Billy O’Rourke, is said to be keen to sign the Aussie, and added that money would be no object provided Gregan would be prepared to do a few odd jobs around the clubhouse and would serve behind the bar on match days.

Our man down under (Garret O’Rourke) has been in constant contact with Gregan and reports that the player is very determined to end his career with Abbeyfeale.

“I have heard all about the club and the craic,” said Gregan. “and I cannot wait to sample my first pint of Guinness in the famous Jack O’Rourke’s bar, and experience my first full training session under legendary coach, Denis Murphy.”

Gregan is expected to make a final decision about his future within the next couple of weeks.

ELECTION

Polling in the general election takes place on this Thursday 24^th May, and the usual polling stations will be operating in the locality. Polling stations will remain open from 7.30am to 10.30pm.

There has been a dramatic shift in the betting over the past couple of days, with Bertie Ahern now installed as firm favourite to be next Taoiseach at 1-2, with Enda Kenny pushed out to 6/4. Fianna Fail are up two percentage points in the polls, and a FF/LAB government is 2/1 jf with a FG.LAB/GREEN government.

Most pundits agree that it is still too close to call, and the campaign and the public response over the next couple of days will be vital in determining the outcome.

ART:

An exhibition of art by children from Estonia is currently on display at Abbeyfeale Library. The exhibition will run until Saturday 26^th May.

PILGRIMAGE:

The Legion of Mary Pilgrimage takes place on Sunday 3^rd June. Further details from Peg Murphy at 068-31232.

ROSARY:

The Rosary will continue to be recited at the Blessed Well in Kileenagh every Friday during May at 8pm. Mass will also be celebrated at the Blessed Well on Tuesday 29^th May.

BRIDGE;

Abbeyfeale Bridge Club held its club championships recently and the results were; 1^st Ann Eggleston and Mary Browne. 2^nd Marian O’Connell and John Geary. 3^rd Marian Flannery and Catherine Lyons.

GAA:

Limerick were beaten by Cork in the Munster football championship in Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday. The Limerick team was captained by local player, Padraig Browne, and also selected was another Abbeyfeale stalwart, Tom Cahill. Fr. Casey’s defeated Mountcollins 0-13 to 0-8 in the West Junior A football championship.

RUGBY:

The AGM of Abbeyfeale RFC takes place at The Grove on Friday 25^th May at 7.30 pm.

GOLF;

A large contingent of Abbeyfeale golf fans were present in Adare on Sunday to see Padraig Harrington win the Irish Open.