Reports from Youth Level

Under 18 Leinster Cup Semi Final, 5 th,  April 2008
Venue: Navan 
Barnhall 24 Dundalk 6

In the Leinster cup semi final, the Barnhall U18's played against a big and abrasive Dundalk side who were out to prove a point, however it was the young Bulls that played all the rugby. Dundalk to their credit came at Barnhall with everything thing they had but the performance of the blues, in defence as well as attack, was well worth the spoils on the day. The brand of rugby played by Barnhall was total with backs and forwards combining well and showing they have learned the lessons of their recent trip to Toulouse . The set piece performance was strong and provided plenty of possession for the back line to play rugby. Scorers on the day were Sam Hare with 2 tries, Eamon Daly with a try and Darragh O'Neill with 3 conversions and a drop goal.`
Barnhall will now continue their season with their Metro cup fixtures until their Leinster cup final opposition has been determined.

Team:
1) Ben Harrison (capt)
2) Tony Bracken Kennedy
3) Ray Dufficy
4) Al O'Reilly
5) Peter Hall
6) Rian Glynn
7) Padraig Beatty
8) Sam Hare
9) Ray Flynn
10) Leo Quinn
11) Paul Flaherty
12) Eamon Daly
13) Rob Murphy
14) Connor O'Sullivan
15) Darragh O'Neill
16) Kevin White
17) Keith Moran
18) Connor O'Meilia
19) Flan Brennan
20) Colin Smyth
21) Diarmuid Feeney
22) Ben Moore

Under 16s McAuley Cup. Boyne 17 – Barnhall 12

In a rain drenched day in Drogheda the young bulls lost out to a very good Boyne team in the closest of matches. At the end of the day the difference between the teams was an intercept try that put Boyne under the posts for a gifted try.
The Boyne pack started strong as expected and bullied their way forward till they got a score from persistent drives in the pack. However the Bulls defended with gusto and kept themselves in the game. A lifeline came before half time with a well taken try came with Joe Taylor breaking a tackle out wide to score in the corner. A half time score of 5-5 gave Barnhall an edge with the wind to their backs in the second half. Persistent forward pressure from Boyne saw them get another try in the corner which they could not convert. The Drogheda outfit really had to work hard for their tries as Barnhall defended bravely and Boyne didn't really look like scoring again as their heavy pack was fading and Barnhall's superior fitness came into the equation.
But just when the blues were in a great attacking position a wayward pass fell to the hands of a Boyne back who sprinted all of 70m to score under the posts. Credit to the Barnhall team as with just ten minutes on the clock they still persisted and kicked long from the restart. The Barnhall pack. with their superior stamina were now starting to dominate but the home team's defence stood firm. Drive after drive from the blue's pack led to Joey Hynes driving low and strong to power over the line. The conversion by Taylor put the final score on the board. But, just as the rain had favoured the Boyne players, so did the clock as the visitors ran out of time.
A huge disappointment to Barnhall who played exceptionally well in a great display of youth rugby from both teams. Perhaps on a dry day and a little better luck the spoils would have gone Barmhall's way but it was not to be.

Barnhall Team:

1. Eoin Bathe
2. Craig Mullally
3. Darren Smith
4. Joey Hynes
5. Thomas McGuirk
6. Stephen Hynes
7. Stephen Carroll (Mark Guiney)
8. Conor Cribben
9. Niall Kernan (Darren Higgins)
10. Colm Finegan
11. Andy Birchall
12. Luke Bray
13. Joe Taylor
14. Sean O'Sullivan
15. Colin O'Reilly

Subs not used:
Declan Gill
Aaron Creagh
Dillon Shannon
Sean Guiney
Richie Landers

Good start to the Leinster Schools-Youth Cup for U16s.

Barnhall got through the first round of the Schools-Youth Cup this week end with a sound victory over Guinness. Having met earlier in the league where the spoils went Barnhall's way, the young bulls knew they would meet a determined and hardy Guinness pack. The visitors did not disappoint and Barnhall had to give a much improved performance from the forwards to meet the challenge. The forwards had spent much training time recently working on improved ball retention and it really paid off as Barnhall gave no turnovers at all and won the battle at the breakdown all day. Add the dogged performance from the pack a back line that will run at pace from anywhere and there was a team that were never going to be beaten by the South Dublin outfit. Above all though was the teams defence. Guinness spent the first 2o minutes of the match in the Barnhall 22 and the Blues tackled like demons.All the forwards deserve credit for a terrific game but none more than Niall Cullen who completely dominated the game until he retired early to rest a shoulder injury. Three tries, two conversions and two penalties gave a final score of 25-5 in favour of the home team.

Barnhall team:

1. Eoin Bathe
2. Craig Mullally
3. Darren Smith (Declan Gill 55min)
4. Joe Hynes
5. Thomas mcGuirk
6. Stephen Hynes (Dillon Shannon 50min)
7. Stephen Carroll
8. Niall Cullen (Mark Guiney 40min)
9. Darren Higgins (Niall Kernan 30min)
10. Colm Finegen (Sean Guiney 50min)
11. Andrew Birchall
12. Luke Bray
13. Joe Taylor
14. Sean O'Sullivan (Richard Landers 35min)
15. Colin O'Reilly

U18 Leinster League Final 9th of March 2008
Barnhall 3 Wicklow 9

Barnhall will remember this as the one that got away! If the stats were reviewed they would show 70% possession, 70% territory and dominating each phase of play in Barnhalls favour but it was Wicklow, to their great credit that took the spoils. Having never threatened the Barnhall try line it was 3 occasions of ill discipline from the young bulls that allowed the superb Wicklow out half to convert 3 penalty kicks, 2 from the extreme right hand side of the pitch outside the 22m area, both of which came off the wood work to go over. Earls, the Wicklow 10, was also their saviour with his defensive kicking out of hand to relieve the relentless pressure applied by the dominant Barnhall forwards. Leo Quinn for the Bulls, kicked well scoring a drop goal and putting the Barnhall pack in some good attacking positions but Barnhall, while camped in the Wicklow half of the pitch for most of the match were unable to score but for the drop goal. Wicklow defended like demons and held out to get the win!
Congratulations must go to Wicklow who will now proceed to the all Ireland semi final!
Barnhall U18's will be back in action next Saturday with a home draw against Guinness in the Culleton cup,

Team:

1) Ben Harrison(capt.)
2) Padraig Beatty
3) Ray Dufficy
4) Al O'Reilly
5) Peter Hall
6) Keith Moran
7) Ben Moore
8) Sam Hare
9) Colin Smyth
10) Leo Quinn
11) Diarmuid Feeney
12) Rob Murphy
13) Darragh O'Neill
14) Connor O'Sullivan
15) Ray Flynn
16) Tony Bracken Kennedy
17) Gary Nolan
18) Kevin White
19) Rian Glynn
20) Flan Brennan
21) Mark Gleeson
22) Dan Scales

2nd March 2008 Under 18's:
Seapoint 10 Barnhall 24

Barnhall U18's travelled to play Seapoint on Sunday the 2nd March in a friendly fixture. Seapoint presented a big challenge to the young Bulls by putting out a big burly pack of forwards and a lightening quick backline consisting of mainly CBC Monkstown senior cup squad players. Barnhall were also missing a few regular players through slight knocks and a late call up to the Irish Youth's for Eamon Daly. The Seapoint side got straight into their stride by winning possession from the kick off and catching the Blues cold and scoring a great try out wide which was not converted. The young Bulls soon got their act together and started to use their greater forward power to take the ball up the park, Leo Quinn used the ball wisely to keep Seapoint in their own half where the pressure started to show. Rob Murphy scored the first try after some strong driving work from the pack, Darragh O'Neill missed the conversion but the young Bulls now had their tails up. Seapoint always looked dangerous in broken play scoring a second try by their loose forward, but Barnhall ultimately had too much power and run in another 3 tries, 2 of which were converted by O'Neill. The try scorers were Rob Murphy, Darragh O'Neill himself and 2 for the captain Ben Harrison. The best try of the day was an outstanding effort from Harrison, Leo Quinn received the ball from a ruck outside the Seapoint 22M line way over on the left hand side of the pitch and with a perfectly measured cross field kick Harrison took the ball at full flight and went over in the corner.
Coaches JJ Kelly and Rob Harrison can be very pleased with this character building performance going into next weeks Leinster League final where the challenge will be against a very strong Wicklow side. The game is due to be played Sunday March 9 th at Donnybrook, KO time still to be determined.
Thanks to all who supported a very succesful fund raising quiz night on Friday at the club house, a good night was had by all !!! Thank you very much on behalf of the 18's.

Team:

1) Tony Bracken Kennedy
2) Kevin White
3) Raymond Dufficy
4) Alan O'Reilly
5) Peter Hall
6) Rian Glynn
7) Ben Moore
8) Ben Harrison (Capt)
9) Colin Smyth
10) Leo Quinn
11) Diarmuid Feeney
12) Rob Murphy
13) Darragh O'Neill
14) Connor O'Sullivan
15) Ray Flynn
16) Gary Nolan
17) Flan Brennan
18) Mark Gleeson
19) Gerard O'Reilly
20) Andrew Allen
21) Connor O'Meilia

23rd Feb 2008 Barnhal U18's 48 Longford 8

This was the first round of the Leinster  or "Culleton" cup campaign for the young Bulls. Continuing their unbeaten form Barnhall went out against a big physical Longford team, that included several Leinster youth players, in typical bullish fashion. Longford worked hard but were unable to stop the flow of tries from this ever improving Barnhall team, 8 tries scored in dynamic fashion, 4 converted, with outstanding performances from Ray Flynn and Leo Quinn coordinating the attacking flare of the back line. In the pack the dominance of set piece again set the platform for what was a complete performance.
Next up for Barnhall is the 2nd round of the cup to be played next Saturday 1 st March.

Team:

1) Ben Harrison(capt.)
2) Kevin White
3) Ray Dufficy
4) Al O'Reilly
5) Peter Hall
6) Keith Moran
7) Ben Moore
8) Sam Hare
9) Colin Smyth
10) Leo Quinn
11) Diarmuid Feeney
12) Eamon Daly (vice capt.)
13) Darragh O'Neill
14) Connor O'Sullivan
15) Ray Flynn
16) Tony Bracken Kennedy
17) Gary Nolan
18) Dan Scales
19) Rian Glynn
20) Flan Brennan
21) Mark Gleeson
22) Paul Flaherty

Under 16s continue impressive league form with 5th consecutive win.
23rd of February 2008

Barnhall's young bulls pulled off an impressive victory over Leinster Schools-Youth League debutantes Terenure RFC. In this competition where clubs are allowed play their schools players, the visitors to Lakelands played a well controlled game to give Barnhall their 7 th league win from 8 games.
What was most pleasing to the coaches was the players determination to grind out a fourth try for the essential bonus point.
In a week-end where the young bulls were missing the strength of Tom McGuirk, Niall Cullen & Joe Taylor who were all on holidays, they could really have done without losing the consistently good Conor Cribben with illness prior to kick off. However the players on the pitch stepped up to the mark and gave total commitment to the cause. Great credit must go to captain Colm Finegan who completely controlled the game at out half with a consummate kicking game from hand and when the time was right he released the backs to get the scores out wide. Mark Guiney again dominated the line out and Stephen Carroll & Stephen Hynes in the back row were ever present. Full back Colin O'Reilly as usual defended his line with total commitment in the tackle.

Barnhall Team:

1 Eoin Bathe
2 Crag Mullally (Declan Gill)
3 Darren Smith
4 DillonShannon (Aaron Creagh)
5 Mark Guiney
6 Stphen Hynes
7 Stephen Carroll (Roy Cullen)
8 Joe Hynes
9 Darren Higgins
10 Colm Finegan
11 Sean O'Sullivan (Ryan Grace)
12 Luke Bray
13 Andy Birchall
14 Richie Landers (Sean Guiney)
15 Colin O'Reilly

Barnhall 13 Naas 12
Under 18's

This was the Semi final of the Leinster League and Barnhall, through after topping the North section of the premier league and beating Wexford in the quarter final went out with all guns blazing against a very strong Naas side boasting several of their own representative players. Within the first 10 minutes of play Naas had a player sin binned for trying to collapse a 3rd consecutive driving maul from a 5 metre line out after a concerted early effoprt by the blues big pack. Barnhall elected to go for a 4th line out from the resulting penalty on the Naas 5 meter line and got their just deserve with an unconvereted try scored by Kevin White. The game continued in a real tit for tat manner. As expected the pace was hectic, Naas scoring next to put Barnhall under pressure and taking the lead  7_5. Eamon Daly was unfortunate to have a good try disallowed just prior to half time where the referee adjudged the ball to have gone forward at the grounding. Naas scored a 2nd try of their own, unconverted, after the interval with a good backline handling move putting them 12 5 up.
This was the point where Barnhall themselves run the ball wide after the forwards had taken a quick tap from a free kick in the Naas 22m area, they provided quick ball and then released the back line to put Rob Murphy in out wide. The conversion was missed but Barnhall were now in touch at 12_10 with 10 minutes to go. Barnhall agian pushed and started to make in roads to Naas territory and a penalty was given on the 22m line after Naas discipline let them down again. Darragh O'Neill put the kick over and the young Bulls now had the lead with 3 minutes to go. From the kick off the pack took control and did a great job of running the clock down with their picking and driving. The game was fittingly won 13 points to 12 in a real nail biter of a match. Barnhall will now go on to play Wicklow in the final.
Special mention must be made of Keith Moran who made his Barnhall debut on Saturday, congratulations to him and all the young Bulls!!!

Team:
1) Ben Harrison (Capt)
2) Kevin White
3) Ray Dufficy
4) Alan Oreilly
5) Peter Hall
6) Keith Moran
7) Ben Moore
8) Sam Hare
9) Colin Smyth
10) Leo Quinn
11) Rob Murphy
12) Eamon Daly
13) Darragh O'Neill
14) Diarmuid Feeney
15) Ray Flynn
16) Tony Bracken Kennedy
17) Mark Gleeson
18) Gary Nolan
19) Rian Glynn
20) Dan Scales
21) Paul Flaherty
22) Connor O'Sullivan

Barnhall U16s conBarnhall RFC 26 – Guinness RFC 0
Under 16s Leinster Schools Youth League.

In horrendous conditions for a rugby match, Barnhalls Under 16s gave a fantastic demonstration of skilful yet gutsy rugby in arguably their best performance of the season. Despite howling winds and driving rain, they outwitted, outfought and outplayed the visitors to give them 4 wins from 5 games in the league.
Fantastic performances were given by all players but the Blues pack showed an enormous improvement on recent games with outstanding contributions from Niall Cullen and Thomas McGuirk.
Tries from Sean O'Sullivan, Colm Finegan, Colin O'Reilly and Craig Mullally gave the young bulls the valuable bonus point and two penalties from Joe Taylor completed the scoreline.

Barnhall Team:

1. Eoin Bathe
2. Craig Mullally
3. Declan Gill
4. Joey Hynes
5. Niall Cullen
6. Thomas McGuirk (Mark Guiney)
7. Stephen Carroll
8. Conor Cribben
9. Darren Higgins
10. Colm Finegan
11. Sean O'Sullivan
12. Luke Bray
13. Joe Taylor
14. Niall Kernan
15. Colin O'Reilly

Subs not used:
Sean Guiney
Jake Parker
Ryan Grace
Stephen Hynes
Darren Smith

Continue good form in the Metropolitan League.
Barnhall 15 – De La Sal Palmerston 5

In perfect conditions on a dry day in NUI Maynooth, the young bulls got back into the swing of things after a very disjointed winter that had seen them play just one game in six weeks. The first half showed how rusty the players were but as the match progressed the positives started to shine through.
Barnhall had a good start on the scoreboard, going into the break with a 5-0 lead but they had the look of a team in danger of beating themselves. The Blues were far stronger and more organised than their south Dublin counterparts but nothing seemed to click, a sure sign of the inevitable rustiness from a pitch flooded winter. The first half seemed to be a just a series of wasted chances from knock-ons or poor decisions. The one time they did play some decent rugby it led to a score. A break by Taylor in mid-field was superbly supported by Higgins and Cribben who continued the movement to put the ball wide. But winger Birchall still had a lot to do and powered through two tackles to touch down in the corner.
The second half saw a much more controlled performance from Barnhall who were now dominating the line-out and looked more threatening in the backs. Sustained pressure was rewarded when Taylor converted a penalty to put the Blues 8-0 in the lead. This was followed by a good individual try from Finegan who took a gap nicely to touch down just right of the sticks. The conversion put the Young Bulls in a more commanding position.
With a 15-0 lead the coaches started to introduce more substitutes which naturally upset the rhythm a little but Barnhall continued to dominate. A consolation try by DLSP in the last few minutes was too little too late for the visitors and Barnhall cam away with the spoils.

Barnhall Team:

•  Eoin Bathe

•  Craig Mullally

•  Declan Gill

•  Thomas McGuirk

•  Mark Guiney (Joseph Hynes 30 min)

•  Stephen Hynes (Niall Cullen 30 min)

•  Stephen Carroll (Dillon Shannon 53 min)

•  Conor Cribben (Ryan Grace 53 min)

•  Darren Higgins (Sean Guiney 45 min)

•  Colm Finegan

•  Andy Birchall (Sean O'Sullivan 53 min)

•  Luke Bray

•  Joseph Taylor

•  Richard Landers (Niall Kernan 38 min)

•  Colin O'Reilly

Terenure 12  Barnhall 19
Saturday the 15th of December 2007

Barnhall under 18's continued their unbeaten season with a dogged win away to Terenure College last Saturday.
In an engrossing match that Barnhall eventually won by 19 points to 12, the contrast in styles between the two teams was apparent from the outset as the home team tried to run the ball wide with great handling and pace while the young bulls preferred to rumble the ball forward through their big pack of forwards.
Terenure had a chance to go ahead in the first minute with a penalty awarded for collapsing a scrum, however the out-half for the home team failed to convert and left the bulls unscathed after their ill discipline.
Soon after Barnhall's Eamon Daly pounced on a Terenure handling error to score a try under the posts. Darragh O'Neill duly added the two points from the conversion. Daly immediately had to leave the field for a cut and did not return, he was replaced by Rob Murphy,
Not long before half time a clever handling move from the home team saw their winger cross the line unopposed in the corner. The outside half this time succeeded in adding the extras and all was even leading into half time.
In the second half the bulls had the slope of the pitch in their favour and Leo Quinn used it to full advantage playing the rugby in the Terenure half at every opportunity. It wasn't long before pressure took its toll and number 8 Sam Hare crossed the line in the corner after a well-worked Barnhall driving maul.
With the score at 12-5 Terenure started to run the ball from everywhere desperately searching for the score that would put them in front. It came after a period of sustained pressure when their left-winger crossed the line in the corner after showing huge strength. The kicker again failed to add the extras and the score was left at 12-12. Leading into the last ten minutes all was tense as both teams defended heroically and attack was stifled.
Five minutes before the final whistle was blown Barnhall were awarded a penalty which they chose to kick to the corner and try their driving maul. The young bull's discipline was excellent as Terenure players tried to collapse the maul, but despite the efforts of the home team the bull's maul crossed the line with Sam hare being awarded his second try of the match. This was the last score of the game resulting in a 19-12 win to Barnhall.
This tough encounter was the perfect preparation for the Leinster League quarter final against Wexford to be played at Barnhall Saturday 22 nd Dec.
Congratulations must be given to Kevin White and Connor O'Sullivan on being selected for the Dublin metropolitan team and missed this match due to that commitment.

Team:

1) Ben Harrison (Capt)
2) Padraig Beatty
3) Ray Dufficy
4) Alan O'Reilly
5) Peter Hall
6) Dan Scales
7) Ben Moore
8) Sam Hare
9) Colin Smyth
10) Leo Quinn
11) Mark Gleeson
12) Eamon Daly
13) Darragh O'Neill
14) Diarmuid Feeney
15) Ray Flynn
16) Tony Bracken Kennedy
17) Rian Glynn
18) Gary Nolan
19) Rob Murphy
20) Paul Flaherty
21) Jeff ElDemassi
22) Gerard “Jugsy” O'Reilly

Leinster U16s premier League ¼ Final.
Saturday the 8th of December 2007

Barnhall bailed out of the league play-offs with a 0-13 defeat to Naas RFC on Saturday. Pitches at Forenaughts were unplayable on Saturday so Naas gave up home advantage to the Blues. With pitches 2 & 3 in Parsonstown showing surface water and pitch 1 judged out of bounds in wet weather, the match was transferred to N.U.I. Maynooth. Although played in a blizzard for most of the game, both teams exhibited some good rugby and with two well organised defences it was never going to be a high scoring game. The Blues got off to a good start but just could not get within striking distance of the Naas try line. The first score came to Naas with a penalty on 20 minutes. This was followed by a try from Naas shortly after. At 0-8 behind, Barnhall felt the game was well within reach but it seemed as if every bounce of the ball and every bit of luck went Naas' way. The visitors also got the crucial decisions as their next try followed a blatant knock-on by the Naas winger, seen by all except the man with the whistle.
Despite great efforts by all the boys in Blue, they could not get back into the game. The loss of several players through injury during the game did not help either.
Terrific performances were given by Stephen Carroll and Conor Cribben in their back row defensive duties and Colm Finegan kicked well at fly-half. Colin O'Reilly also played his usual rock solid game in defence at full back.

BARNHALL TEAM:

Ken Shannon
Darren Smith
Jake Parker (Stephen Hynes)
Eoin Bathe
Joey Hynes
Thomas McGuirk
Stephen Carroll
Conor Cribben
Niall Kernan (Eric Keogh)
Colm Finegan
Eoin Sedgwick (Darren Higgins)
Luke Bray (Richie Landers)
Joe Taylor
Andy Birchall
Colin O'Reilly

Subs not used:
Sean O'Sullivan
Thomas Creighton

Barnhall U 18's November 24 th Nov 2007
Longford 17 Barnhall 27

In the last game of the Leinster League premier section North, Barnhall U18's won away to a dogged Longford team.
In a real nip and tuck match, where the lead changed hands several times, the Barnhall side was ultimately too powerful for a gutsy Longford team. Eventually out scoring Longford 5 tries to 2, Barnhall were deserved winners on the day. Scorers were Kevin White 2 tries, Padraig Beatty 1 try, Ray Flynn 1 try and Darragh O'Neill 1 try plus 1 conversion.
Congratulations must also go to Eamon Daly who missed the Longford encounter to spend the week end away with the Irish U18's.
With a good unbeaten early campaign under their belts. Barnhall can now proceed to the Knockout stages of the Leinster League competition and ensure a favorable draw for the quarter final.

Team:
1) Ben Harrison (capt)
2) Kevin White
3) Ray Dufficy  
4) Al OReilly
5) Peter Hall
6) Padraig Beatty
7) Ben Moore
8) Sam Hare
9) Colin Smyth
10) Leo Quinn
11) Kevin Kavanagh
12) Rob Murphy
13) Darragh O'Neill
14) Connor O'Sullivan
15) Ray Flynn
16) Gary Nolan
17) Rian Glynn
18) Dan Scales
19) Paul O'Flaherty
20) Flan Brennan
21) Gerard O'Reilly
22) Mark Gleeson

Under 16s Leinster Premier League North:
Barnhall 33 – Navan 24
Under 16's
By Michael Mousley.

Barnhall put in a very courageous display in Parsonstown on Saturday to clinch their 4 th win in 5 league outings. Five tries from the backs were the reward from a wonderfully brave performance from the Blue's pack which gave away 3 or 4 stones a man.
Things looked ominous as the teams lined up for kick off as the Meath team were colossal in size with every one of their pack of superior stature to even the biggest Barnhall player but the boys in Blue knew their task and went about it with style. Playing intelligent and skilful rugby as opposed to Navan's brute force, The Blue's were not long in getting the scoreboard ticking. 10 minutes into the game and Barnhall got their chance. Clean ball to the backs meant that the training ground practice could come into play. Out-half Colm Finegan committed the defence and floated a beautifully timed pass to Joe Taylor who hit the line at full tilt. With the full back still to beat, pace and good swerve put Taylor under the posts for Barnhall's dream start. The conversion by Taylor put the blue's 7-0 in the lead.
Navan hit back hard and starved the Blue's of possession for the next 15 minutes and during this time took two tries and a conversion to put the Meath men ahead 7 – 12.
Barnhall's scrum-half Niall Kernan gave undoubtedly his best performance of the season so far in this game and as soon as he could provide quick ball to the backs another score came as Barnhall's Colm Finegan injected some pace into his run to see a gap open up like the red sea in front of him. His strength of running saw him through and the Blue's were back in the lead. 14-12 after the conversion. This ignited the blues and Kernan again made great use of a backs against forwards situation and used good skills to beat several players and score in the right corner. This gave the Blues a 19-12 half-time lead.
The second half started well with Barnhall putting good pressure on right from the whistle. Finegan kicked a long ball down field which was gathered by the Navan full-back, however all he found was Taylor who hit hard in the tackle and turned over the player and the ball to the Barnhall side. Kernan was quick to pounce and again found himself with a big heavy forward between him and the line and he needed no invitation in side-stepping his way home for Barnhall's 4 th try. The conversion made it 26-12.
The Meath team were still hungry though and fought back with two good tries to bring this game to a tight conclusion at 26-24. The Blue's played hard while their supporters sweated and the score remained at this until 5 minutes to go, when Finegan made a great break down the right flank to sprint 50m for a great score. The conversion sealed the game for Barnhall.
The glory of the backs in this match could not be gained without the enormous work of the Young Bulls diminutive pack. Great work was done by all the forwards, especially Stephen Carroll who tackled everything all day and Conor Cribben who seemed to be everywhere and played the game of his life with terrific ball carrying.
All in all it was a fantastic display of gus and skill to get the points in this most difficult of leads.

BARNHALL TEAM:
•  Ken Shannon
•  Darren Smith
•  Eoin Bathe
•  Thomas McGuirk
•  Joey Hynes
•  Stephen Carroll
•  Andy Birchall
•  Conor Cribben
•  Niall Kernan 2 Tries
•  Colm Finegan 2 Tries
•  Richie Landers
•  Luke Bray
•  Joe Taylor Try, 4 Con.
•  Darren Higgins
•  Colin O'Reilly

Subs:
Jake Parker (40 min)
Craig Mullally (50 min)
Aaron Creagh
Eric Keogh
Sean O'Sullivan

Barnhall U18's Nov 10th 2007
Mullingar 23 Barnhall 27

Barnhall continued their unbeaten run in the Leinster League Premier North section with a hard fought win away to the previously unbeaten Mullingar. In blustery conditions Mullingar, with the advantage of the wind behind them and an outside half with dynamite in his boot raced away to a 13 points to nil lead after only 15 minutes of play. Barnhall having given an interception pass for the converted opening try and 2 converted penalties for indiscipline looked out of sorts while Mullingar appeared to be setting the foundations for a very important league win. However, the Barnhall side showed great character to come back into the game and score their first unconverted try, by Diarmuid Feeney, just before half time following a period of sustained pressure by the Barnhall forwards who were slowly but surely taking control of the game.
In the second half Barnhall showed their class by playing some great running rugby. The forwards took control and started to take scrummage and lineout ball at will which provided a good platform from which to work. With some strong running from Sam Hare, Ray Dufficy, Padraig Beatty and Ben Harrison the pack did the hard yards and opened up the gaps for the tireless Eamon Daly and his back line. Tries were scored by Connor O'Sullivan, Ray Flynn and Alan O'Reilly as Mullingar just seemed to run out of defenders. Darragh O'Neill converted 2 of the tries and Leo Quinn scored a trade mark drop goal. Despite a last minute consolation try from a never say die Mullingar, Barnhall had done enough to win this exciting encounter and leave them as the only unbeaten side in this section of the league. Special mention must go to Eamon Daly who's defense was outstanding on a day where the brave needed to stand up and be counted.

Next up for the young Bulls in the Leinster League is Navan at Barnhall next Saturday 17 th Nov.

Team:
1) Ben Harrison (capt)
2) Padraig Beatty
3) Ray Dufficy  
4) Al O'Reilly
5) Peter Hall
6) Rian Glynn
7) Ben Moore
8) Sam Hare
9) Colin Smyth
10) Leo Quinn
11) Diarmuid Feeney
12) Eamon Daly(vice capt.)
13) Darragh O'Neill
14) Connor O'Sullivan
15) Ray Flynn
16) Tony Bracken Kennedy
17) Kevin White
18) Dan Scales
19) Rob Murphy
20) Flan Brennan
21) Kevin Kavanagh
22) Gavin Egan

Under 18's
Barnhall 43 Boyne 3
Saturday the 3rd of November 2007
Pasonstown

Boyne arrived at Barnhall with a depleted side for the latest Leinster League fixture for the unbeaten 18's. This meant Barnhall took the points even before a ball was kicked, however with the loan of 3 Barnhall players, Jeff El Demassi, Gerard Oreilly and Andrew Allen the fixture was completed. All 3 Barnhall players who helped Boyne out excelled and were amongst the best Boyne performers on the day and deserve a pat on the back for their sportsmanship. However it was Barnhall who again took the spoils, with the pack lead by Ben Harrison, going from strength to strength and the back line , marshalled by Eamon Daly playing with great speed and accuracy the young Bulls are developing into a complete side.  The scorers on the day were Diarmuid Feeney with 2 tries, Padraig Beatty with 2 tries, Connor O'Sullivan with 1 try, Eamon Daly with 1 try and Ray Flynn with 1 try. Next up for the 18's will be Mullingar in Mullingar, 10th Nov.    Team:

1) Ben Harrison (capt)
2) Tony Barcken Kennedy
3) Ray Dufficy  
4) Al OReilly
5) Peter Hall
6) Padraig Beatty
7) Ben Moore
8) Sam Hare
9) Colin Smyth
10) Leo Quinn
11) Diarmuid Feeney
12) Eamon Daly(vice capt.)
13) Darragh O'Neill
14) Connor O'Sullivan
15) Ray Flynn
16) Gary Nolan
17) Kevin White
18) Dan Scales
19) Rob Murphy
20) Flan Brennan
21) Kevin Kavanagh
22) Rian Glynn

Under 18's
26th of October 2007
Barnhall 43 Towcester 0

Barnhall continued their good run of form with an emphatic win over the English touring side Towcester at Parsonstown on Friday night. On a foggy and cold night it was the Barnhall forwards that dominated posession and ultimately the game. From the 2nd minute a 20 metre driving maul from Barnhall set the picture for the evening and the young Bulls were determined to keep their foot on the gas. There were 7 tries scored in total, 2 for Diarmuid Feeney, 1 for Leo Quinn, 1 for Rian Glynn and 3 for Sam Hare. Darrangh O'neill converting 3 of the 7 tries. This was a very pleasing result and allowed all 21 Barnhall players to get a run showing the strength in depth of the squad. Team:
1) Ben Harrison (capt)
2) Tony Barcken Kennedy
3) Ray Dufficy  
4) Al OReilly
5) Peter Hall
6) Rian Glynn
7) Ben Moore
8) Sam Hare
9) Colin Smyth
10) Leo Quinn
11) Diarmuid Feeney
12) Rob Murphy
13) Darragh O'Neill (vice captain)
14) Connor O'Sullivan
15) Ray Flynn
16) Paul Flaherty
17) Kevin White
18) Jeff Delmassi
19) Andrew Allen
20) Gerard O'Reilley
21) Flan Brennan
22) Dan Scales

Under 18's : Tullamore 5 Barnhall 11
Saturday 20th Oct 2007

Barnhall 18's played away to Tullamore on Saturday, in a hard fought contest Barnhall continued their unbeaten run in the Leinster League premier division North. Barnhall tried to play an expansive game but they were never allowed to get into their stride in what became a very stop start affair. A try was scored out wide half way through the first half by Diarmuid Feeney, after a well constructed phase of play from both forwards and backs, but the score went unconveretd, then before half time Leo Quin scored a peach of a drop goal to make the score 8_0 at the break. A second drop goal was put over by the out half half way through the second period to make a scoreline of 11 _0 . Tullamore scored a consollation try in the final seconds resulting in a final score of 11 points to 5 in favour of the young bulls. Barnhall wil take this win and look forward to their next league fixture against Boyne on the 3rd Nov. In the mean time the young Bulls face an English touring side at Barnhall RFC on  Friday the 26th Oct KO 7:30pm. Congratulation go to Eamon Daly who has deservedly  been called into the Irish Youths squad for a trial match this Sunday 28th Oct at Pres Bray. Team:

1) Ben Harrison (capt)
2) Kevin White
3) Ray Dufficy  
4) Al OReilly
5) Peter Hall
6) Padraig Beatty
7) Ben Moore
8) Sam Hare
9) Colin Smyth
10) Leo Quinn
11) Diarmuid Feeney
12) Eamon Daly ( vice capt)
13) Darragh O'Neill
14) Connor O'Sullivan
15) Ray Flynn
16) Gavin Egan
17) Rian Glynn
18) Tony Bracken Kennedy
19) Kevin Kavanagh
20) Rob Murphy
21) Flan Brennan
22) Gerard Oreilly

Barnhall U16s maintain good momentum with two emphatic victories in the leagues.
Weekend of 20/21st of October 2007

Playing on Saturday in the Leinster Premier League North, Barnhall beat Tullamore 37-15 and on Sunday, they played Clontarf in the Leinster Schools-Youth League and won 38-15.
The week-end saw a try fest from the re-jigged Barnhall back line with all 12 tries being scored out wide from great running rugby and perfect handling skills. Wingers, Richie Landers and Eoin Sedgwick bagged 4 tries a piece, outside-centre Joe Taylor got 3 tries and full-back Colin O'Reilly 1 try.
It will only happen twice this season that the two different leagues that Barnhall U16s play in will clash and the players coped admirable with this exhausting test. Next week end gives the young bulls a well deserved rest. The win in Tullamore makes it three out of three for Barnhall who are now joint top of the Leinster Premier League with Skerries, the only other unbeaten team.

Leinster Premier League North (after round 3).

1. Barnhall 9 pts
2. Skerries 9 pts
3. Boyne 6 pts
4. Edenderry 6 pts
5. Dundalk 3 pts
6. Navan 3 pts
7. North Kildare 0 pts
8. Tullamore 0 pts

Under 18's Barnhall 52 V Dundalk 3
Home Saturday 13th of October 2007

Another strong performance from Barnhall U 18's saw the young bulls take a second win in premier Leinster league North section. Winning by 52 points to 3 at home, this was a performance to be proud of. The rugby played was simple but effective with the forwards providing a solid platform and the backs running some great lines resulting in 9 tries being scored. The scrummage was dominant with very strong performances from Ben Harrison, Kevin White and Ray Dufficy taking their own ball at ease and winning ball against the head at will. The dominance of the front row set the standard for the day with forwards picking and driving and creating space for the backs, The half backs, Colin Smyth and Leo Quinn, had plenty of possession which they used wisely playing rugby in the Dundalk half of the field and then allowing the exciting back line to cut loose, Eamon Daly and Darragh O'Neill created excellent opportunities for the pacey back three of Ray Flynn, Diarmuid Feeney and Connor O'Sullivan to exploit. The scorers on the day with a try a piece were Ben Harrison, Colin Smyth and Eamon Daly, then with 2 tries a piece came Diarmuid Feeney, Rob Murphy and Darragh O'Neill who also put over 1 conversion and a penalty. Next up for the young bulls is Tullamore away 20th October. Side:
1) Ben Harrison (capt)
2) Kevin White
3) Ray Dufficy
4) Alan O'Reilly
5) Peter Hall
6) Padraig Beatty
7) Ben Moore
8) Sam Hare
9) Colin Smyth
10) Leo Quinn
11) Diarmuid Feeney
12) Eamon Daly (vice captain)
13) Darragh O'Neill
14) Connor O'Sullivan
15) Ray Flynn

16) Tony Bracken Kennedy
17) Gary Nolan
18) Gavin Egan
19) Dan Scales
20) Kevin Kavanagh
21) Flan Brennan
22) Rob Murphy

Under 16s Leinster Premier League North
Barnhall 17 – Dundalk 15
Saturday the 13th of October 2007 at home

Barnhall's under 16s ground out a deserved victory over a strong Dundalk outfit at Parsonstown on Saturday. Dundalk took the lead after 10 minutes when a lack of communication in defence on the right wing let the Louth men in for a soft try. However, Barnhall were resolute in their determination to fight back. With huge amounts of possession though, the Dundalk defence was solid and held up every time the Blues attacked. The second half saw a more composed Barnhall side who were far more controlled as the game went on. After sustained pressure, centre Joe Taylor went over the line to level the scores and when he slotted over the conversion it put Barnhall in the driving seat. Shortly after, Dundalk indiscipline at the breakdown led to a penalty 30m out. Taylor converted this to put the score at 10-5. More good play from Barnhall put centre, Colm Finnegan over for a try. Taylor converted to give the Blues a cushion at 17-5. Dundalk were far from beaten though as they drove deep into the Barnhall half and kept a sustained attack going for a full ten minutes of possession. This led to a penalty which they put over. Dundalk were hungry and kept up more pressure. Eventually a crack came and Dundalk found an overlap to put a score in the corner. They converted this to put them within two points of the Blues. Barnhal played sensible and kept the game deep in the Dundalk half and no matter how they tried they could not get through the Blues excellent defence and the game finished with a home side victory.

Barnhall:

1. Eoin Bathe
2. Darren Smith (Craig Mullally 30 min.)
3. Jake Parker (Thomas Creighton 15 min.)
4. Joey Hynes
5. Thomas McGuirk
6. Stephen Carroll
7. Stephen Hynes
8. Conor Cribben
9. Niall Kernan (Darren Higgins 52 min.)
10. Luke Bray
11. Eoin Sedgwick
12. Colm Finnegan
13. Joe Taylor
14. Richard Landers (Sean Guiney 43 min.)
15. Colin O'Reilly

Subs not used:

Guinness 0 Barnhall 75
Under 18's (Away)
Saturday the 6th of October 2007

The u18's played their first Leinster league match of the season on Saturday 6th October against the premier division North's newly promoted Guinness side, at the Iveagh grounds. It was a tight first 20 minutes but Barnhall showed their determination by scoring 3 converted tries to lead 21 points to nill at half time. The second half spurned a try scoring fest when Barnhall found their feet and run in another 8 tries, 7 of them converetd resulting in a final score of 75 points to nill. This was a fierce show of power and running rugby from the young bulls who can be rightly proud of a complete performance. Special mention must be made for Darragh O'Neill who convereted 10 of the 11 tries with an excellent display of place kicking. Guinness, for their part, can be proud of their battling and never say die attitude.

Team:
1) Ben Harrison (Capt)
2) Kevin White
3) Ray Dufficy
4) Al O'Reilly
5) Dan Scales
6) Rian Glynn
7) Ben Moore
8) Sam Hare
9) Colin Smyth
10) Leo Quinn
11) Connor O'Sullivan
12) Eamon Daly
13) Darragh O'Neill
14) Diarmuid Feeney
15) Ray Flynn

16) Tony Bracken Kennedy
17) Padraig Beaty
18) Gary Nolan
19) Gearoid Conway
20) Gavin Egan
21) Flan Brennan
20) Rob Murphy

North Kildare 0 Barnhall 13
Under 16's (Away)
Saturday the 6th of October

U16s commence Leinster Premier League with a win over local rivals, North Kildare
The leinster Premier League North kicked off this week end with Barnhall visiting North Kildare Club on Saturday morning. The game was played in perfect conditions for the young bulls' fast and open style and the backs delivered in abundance. Every time Barnhall moved the ball wide, scores looked promising but a tenacious defence from the home side stopped countless tries just short of the line. Mid way through the first half, the rewards came with a try in the left corner from outside centre, Joe Taylor. Five minutes later and a penalty by Taylor increased the lead to 8-0. This brought the Blues to a well deserved half time lead. The scores were again hard to get in the second half but tensions were relieved mid way through, with a try from full back Colin O'Reilly. The score remained at 13-0 till the final whistle and the Barnhall boys were delighted, especially those that played in last season's narrow defeat in the corresponding fixture.

BARNHALL:

1. •  Ken Shannon
2. •  Darren Smith
3. •  Jake Parker (Eoin Bathe)
4. •  Thomas McGuirk
5. •  Joey Hynes
6. •  Craig Mullally (Stephen Carroll)
7. •  Stevo Hynes
8. •  Conor Cribben
9. •  Darren Higgins (Niall Kernan)
10. •  Sean Guiney
11. •  Eoin Sedgewick
12. •  Colm Finnegan
13. •  Joe Taylor
14. •  Aaron Creagh
15. • Colin O'Reilly

Barnhall Under 18's Blitz (Portlaoise)
Saturday 29th of September 2007

The under 18's gained their first piece of silver ware of the season by winning the Leinster 10 a side competition on Saturday 29th Sept in Portlaois. To win the competition they beat winners from the 3 other Leinster areas,namely Naas, Dundalk and Wicklow. The performances got better as the day went on, starting with a 25 points to 7 win agains Naas, a 30 points to 7 win against Dundalk and a 38 points to 7 win against Wicklow. This was a pleasing and solid start to the season for coaches JJ Kelly and Rob Harrison. The forward pack were very strong in this fast paced version of the 15 a side game and the backs were eceptional with Diarmuid Feeney and his pace deserving a special mention being the highest scorer on the day with 5 tries to his name. Squad:
1) Ben Harrison (Capt)
2) Sam Hare
3) Ray Dufficy
4) Alan O'Reilly
5) Ben Moore
6) Colin Smyth
7) Jeff Delmasi
8) Ray Flynn
9) Diarmuid Feeney
10) Padraig Beaty
11) Dan Scales
12) Kevin White
13) Rian Glynn
14) Kevin Kavanagh
15) Connor O'Sullivan
16) Peter Hall

Under 16s Runners-Up in Leinster 10-a-side Finals.
By M.Mousley

Barnhall's U16 kicked the season off to a flying start last week-end with a terrific performance at the Leinster 10-a-side finals in Navan. The finals, saw the winners of the 5 area competitions in Leinster come together for a four match round robin.
Solid wins over strong representation by Edenderry RFC, Boyne RFC and Clondalkin RFC put the Blues into the runners up spot. Only a defeat to the tournament winners Enniscorthy RFC prevented top honours for the Young Bulls.
The most promising thing about the performance was that the victories came not from just great individual performances but the wins were all great team efforts. In fact, the 8 tries scored in the tournament came from 7 different players. Good place kicking is always a bonus in such tight competition and Joe Taylor's 100% return, getting 8 from 8 was a great help.
Some of the younger players really stood up to the mark in their first competitive outing at this grade. Especially good performances were had by Thomas McGuirk & Craig Mulally, both coming up from last year's 14s.

Barnhall Squad:
Eoin Bathe
Darren Smith
Ken Shannon
Craig Mulally
Thomas McGuirk
Joey Hynes
Stevo Hynes
Colm Finnegan
Darren Higgins
Luke Bray
Joe Taylor
Michael Wade
Aaron Creagh
Colin O'Reilly

Barnhall Under 18's
Sunday September 16th Blitz

The Barnhall 18's had a succesful start to the new season winning the Metropolitan 10 a side competition at Sutton RFC Sunday the 16th Sept in a 3 way tournament, this being a quallifier for the Leinster 10's due to be played later this month
First up against the young bulls was Guinnes. It proved to be a winning start for Barnhall, producing a convincing scoreline of 30 points to 7 in a fast and physical encounter where Guinnes fielded a strong side including 3 Leinster youths players.
Second up for Barnhall were Suttonians. The Blues supplying their second win of the day with a score of 37 points to 5 and doing enough to be clear winners of the day.
This was an enjoyable afternoons rugby where the 18's got to wear their new team shirts, proudly sponsored by Sales Placemnt.
Prominent for Barnhall up front was Ben Harrison, captaining the side, and Ray Dufficy, while in the backs, Colin Smyth, Darragh O'Neill and Ray Flynn had a great afternoon with their running rugby.

Squad:
1) Ben Harrison (Capt)
2) Sam Hare
3) Ray Dufficy
4) Alan O'Reilly
5) Ben Moore
6) Colin Smyth
7) Darragh O'Neill
8) Ray Flynn
9) Diarmuid Feeney
10) Flan Brennan
11) Dan Scale
12) Kevin White
13) Rian Glynn
14) Kevin Kavanagh
15) Connor O'Sullivan
16) Eddie Delahunty

Next Match is Sunday 23rd September against Swords