The first game for the Senior team on Sunday 14th April saw a heavy loss to St Kiernan’s in the Tipperary Cup. The achievement was fielding a side which was heavily supported by a number of young players who did their best on the day given that they have not had too much experience at senior level.
St Kiernan’s got off to a flying start and Parnells kept the scoreline down with some great saves by goalie Jack Burke. The scoreboard did not reflect everything from Parnells; missed frees and wides in the first half, opportunites which would have evened the score a little. Half time score 0-02 to 4-07.
The Irish World reported ‘Parnells refused to go quietly into the night’ and ‘showed some promising signs at times’. This is true, especially when the team came out fighting in the second half.
The Irish World reported on the game ‘a very commendable mention in despatches for Connor Spinks, who couldn’t have given any more in a losing cause, ably supported by Aiden Callanan’. The team did ‘bite back’ but without any players to substitute it was an uphill struggle. The team had a purple patch, Jack Diggins picking up ball in defence and Calum Diggins, Jamie Murphy and JP Roache all combining well which helped close the gap a little. Some good play to work on for the future games. Well done for all the players that played on the day.
Team: Jack Burke, Frazer Beckles, Alan Callanan, Jack Diggins, Connor Spinks (0-6-3 frees), Jake Moran, James Smith, Josh Obahor (0-1), Calum Diggins, Aiden Callanan, Brian Timlan, JP Roche (0-1), Ciaran Doherty, Jamie Murphy and Ruairi O’Connor.
The Junior team who earned a fantastic draw against St Clarets the week before were also meant to play St Kiernan’s but they couldn’t field and Parnells received a walkover.
With Easter weekend ahead, training is quieter than normal but preparations behind the scenes are not. Outdoor training is patchy but all age groups will be out from w/c 22/4 either at Northwick Park or Harrow Rugby Club. Parnells will hold their first U11 blitz on the 27/4 at 11.30am. Also that day, an U14 tournament organised by London Youth, Conrad Ryan Cup takes place with all London clubs invited. The U14 and O14 Girls also start their fixtures on 26/4 and U15 and U17 the following week. Parnells welcomes new players across all age groups and ability. For U6-17 please contact Colin McGuinness (07779 340398) or Veronica Bailey (07768 635534) and for the Senior/Junior teams, please contact Tony Griffin (07966 160999) or Dennis Diggins (07768 352680).
Please note memberships are now due for everyone. Youth form is in the downloads section.
Events: Club refereeing basic skills refresher course to be held at Harrow Rugby Club for club members only, led by Ollie Sheehy, 8-9.00pm. Senior Club Meeting 24.4.2019, The Green Man, Kingsbury 8pm. Parnells Senior Golf Day 24th May at Mill Hill Gold Club, Parnells Youth U13 Trip to Listowel will take place this May 24th-26th, contact Ollie Sheehy for information (07951 701206).
The club would like to wish a speedy recovery to Ryan Forde after his recent operation and to Jimmy Wilson. A memorial mass will be held for Tom Farrell on the 27th of April 6.00pm at St Pancras RC Church, Kingsbury NW9.
A happy and blessed Easter to everyone as well.
