Ireland’s hopes of retaining the Grand Slam title were dashed by the French in Paris at the weekend when Les Blues handed out a 33-10 thrashing to the boys in green.
They say that rugby is often a game of inches, and ‘what might have beens’. If the ball had bounced more kindly for Gordon Darcy as he raced for the try line . If Flannery had not gotten a rush of blood to the head and overturned a kickable penalty decision. If Cian Healy had not received a yellow card causing Ireland to concede 10 points in his absence. That’s twenty points gone abegging right there. (If we continue on in this vein we might almost convince ourselves that we could have won the bloody game! If only ……)
Gerry Flannery has been cited for lashing out at Alexis Palisson. He has been charged with an ‘alleged kick’ on the France winger. If the citing is upheld, the Munster hooker faces a minimum four-week suspension – probably ruling him out of the fixtures against England and Wales. And with the Irish pack coming under all sorts of pressure, his loss will be immense.
His case reminds me of an incident that took place in The Mountain – Abbeyfeale’s second pitch, out near Buckley’s Cross – many, many years ago when the try was still only worth three points and lifting in the line-out was considered illegal. (neither of which has anything whatsoever to do with what I am about to tell you.)
Abbeyfeale were playing Newcastlewest in a McElligott Cup game. These matches were usually played with the same ferocious intensity that was so evident in Paris. The crowds might have been smaller but they were no less passionate and much more vocal than their counterparts in Stade de France, and the language was often very colourful and full of Gallic invective . (if you’ll pardon my French)
Anyway, with time ticking away (as Michael O’Heir might say) and the result balanced on a knife edge, the Abbeyfeale out-half secured possession and launched a mighty Garryowen high and long and deep into enemy territory.
Nobody bothered to follow up, except the Abbeyfeale prop-forward who decided he might make a bit of a name for himself because, in those days, the backs got all of the glory, while the forwards got the abuse. We watched in amazement as this 17-stone beer-bellied hulk lumbered and staggered his way slowly towards the opposition 22 with the ground shaking beneath him. (it was rumoured afterwards that The Mountain had experienced its first earthquake)
Meanwhile, the Newcastlewest full-back elegantly gathered the ball and found a good touch. He then retreated inside his 22 and began carefully polishing his nails. Two minutes later, the Abbeyfeale prop arrived, crash-tackled the full-back, drove him all of 30 yards and unceremoniously buried him under a furze bush that was growing out of the ditch behind the touch-and-goal area!
The referee arrived on the scene, blew his whistle and promptly raised his hand to signify a penalty.
“What’s that for?” enquired the bemused prop-forward
“A late tackle.” replied the referee.
“Ah, come on ref!” protested the prop-forward. “I got here as fast as I could!”
Unlike Jerry Flannery, the prop-forward was not cited for the incident and did not have to face a disciplinary panel. He did, however, have to face a jury of his peers in Doc Lane’s later that evening where he was obliged to recount the episode again and again. The story became more embellished with each telling until the trainer finally stood up, raised a glass and tearfully and emotionally proclaimed; “If we had a few more lads like you, we would win the Junior Cup – so we would.”
It was a much simpler time in rugby circles back then, when men were men. (and women were just a nuisance)
*Abbeyfeale are away to Killorglin in the league next Sunday. Kick-off 2.30 pm.

TRAIL: AGM of the Great Southern Trail takes place this Thursday, February 18th at 8pm in the GAA Rooms, The Demesne (off Church St.) Newcastle West.
WINTER WONDERLAND; Tony, Hannah and Siobhan would like to thank all those who contributed to their fundraiser at Christmas, the total raised was €7,000 and this will be distributed between three local charities.
LIMERICK ASSOCIATION, LONDON; This weekend the Annual General Meeting of the Limerick Association in London will take place at St Augustine’s Club, Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London W6 at 4.00pm sharp. All are welcome to attend and the meeting will be followed by a Mass for deceased members of the Association at nearby St Augustine’s Church, Hammersmith at 6.30pm.
FISHING: The new season will be opening in a fortnight’s time. Members can pay their fees for 2010 at Ryan’s or to any of the executive members of the club. The deadline for payment is Sunday, February 28, so make sure you are paid up on time.
State licenses this year can be purchased at Thomas O Connell’s in New Street or at David Morrissey’s discount store on the Killarney Road.
CHOIR; Abbeyfeale Folk Choir is looking for new members over the age of 13. For further information please contact Kathleen Quirke on 086 0754238. Senior choir practice resumes on Wednesday, February 17th to prepare for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. All members are asked to bring their general and Easter music with them.
DRAMA: Abbeyfeale Drama Group continues its run with ‘The Year of the Hiker’ at the GAA Club House on February 16th, 18th, 20th and 21st. Doors open 7.30pm Curtain up at 8pm
BOOT SALE; The first car boot sale and indoor market of the coming year will be held at the Community Centre, Newcastlewest on Sunday, February 21st. This is a fundraiser for WL102fm and your support is earnestly requested. Gates open at 7.30am. Further information 087 6866450
.SOCCER; Abbeyfeale Utd A 1, Shannonside 1. Abbeyfeale Utd B 0, Kildimo Utd 5.
Abbeyfeale Youths 1, Ballingarry 2. Abbeyfeale Ladies 7, Killeaney 0.