Highfield RFC - Ladies

Enjoy the Summer Ladies...Highfield womens training re-commences on Wed 11th August 2010! New and old players welcome!

The Div 1 league kicks off on Sept 19th, just two weeks after the end of the Womens Rugby World Cup. The div 1 league will be run on a home and away basis this year so with 14 league fixtures it will be a busy season!

Congratulations and best wishes to Helen Brosnan, Chris Fanning and Laura Guest, our three Highfield players on the Irish Womens squad of 26 for the World Cup. We look forward to seeing them in action in London. The Irish team begin their campaign with a nice easy opener against the hosts and favourites England, before playing the US and Kazakhstan in their remaining pool games.

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Older, wiser yet strangely still here...a new season begins!

Welcome back to all, old and new, as the revised womens fixture list begins before the GAA All-Irelands are over...Wrong so wrong!
We say goodbye again to last years visitors Bex and Naomi, and welcome back Texas Heather and Noreen Fitz, both after almost a year on the sidelines...up and at em ladies!
Welcome also to the newbies: footballers Elaine and Ger to show us how its done, another refugee from Boyne (Emma) and one from Clon/shannon/bohs (ya, Guesty gets around) and a second O'Brien - as if Heather wasn't a danger enough to us without her sidekick Sarah!
And thats not all...the lure of the potatoes has finally brought Niamh English home to where she belongs - has she learnt sense during her years Down Under? We hope not!

Congratulations to our Munster representatives: Laura Guest, Chris Fanning, Karen Casey, Helen Jones, Heather O'Brien and Helen Brosnan all representing Munster on a tour to France where the squad will play two games, against Villelongue and the French womens champions Montpellier on August 28th and 29th.

Highfield's club season begins with a trip to UL Bohs on 13th Sept, nice easy one to ease us into it! Training continues on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7 and new players are welcome.
Underage/development training will recommence on fridays soon...watch this space!

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22nd Feb Munster Womens Cup Final: Highfield 22 Shannon 0.
Oh where to begin? Or whats suitable for writing about (bearing in mind Billy Duggan's many warnings about suitable website content)? Well there was much to celebrate on saturday, apart from the little matter of the Munster Cup victory, the day also marked Naomi Dillon's departure from Highfield, (hopefully) Bex's return (we have to have 1 token kiwi at all times, its a quota thing), Elaine's imminent sabattical and, most importantly, Niamh "2-try" O'Sullivan's 21st...all of which had to be celebrated...its a tough job but we're up to it!
Anyway you had to be there but the night involved Niamh's taping to the goalpost (only to be released by 21 kisses from the Good Men of Highfield), chin-ups, sprints, imprisonments, cup fills and many many pyramids...it was like Kinsale came early this year! Noddy's celebrating of her (self-styled) "fastest back" title earned her a red card from Eddie when more of the champagne reached the bar ceiling than any glasses, hopefully they're friends again now!
The Munster team made their way to town to shamelessly try to bask in some of the Highfield ladies glory, rumour has it that Mafi simply had to be photographed with his idol, the u16s Highfield Coach, and with the lovely Heather O'Brien...Sarah Jane's facebook page (for you young techhie people) has all the details!
Anyway enough frolics, its back to biz - Clonmel are the next visitors to Woodleigh park for the 3rd round of the National Cup on march 1st. This is a meeting of the two sides which contested the final of this competition last season when Clonmel emerged the victors. Will Highfield be able to turn that around this year?

15th Feb Nat Cup round 2: Youghal 0 Highfield 32
Highfield and Youghal players must surely be on first name terms at this stage of the season having faced one another four times so far. This was the first in meaningful competition however and marked the day where we saw the need to progress from friendlies and minor games, both mentally and physically and into the games at the 'business end of the season' (as a wise man once put it).
For once, Helen Jones opted to play with us rather than with Youghal and her partner in crime Karen Casey was off on a romantic weekend in Rome so things were a little easier than in previous encounters with Youghal. However as usual the Youghal pack were organised in defence and at the breakdown and their backs were full of running so the opening 20minutes was evenly matched. However eventually pressure told; a good backs move saw Fiona O Sullivan open the scoring. From a 5M scrum a few minutes later, a plan conspicuously didnt come together, but good improvisation from Frances O'Keeffe put Fiona in again . Fi then completed her hat-trick with a Gordon Darcy-esque drive for the line to put Highfield 15 ahead at the break.
In the second half, Frances and Noddy combined well to put Noddy over the line from another 5m scrum, and Dee Lynch, back in a reshuffled backline, was put through by Noddy a few minutes later. Noddy's 'boots made for running' were shown up by Helen Jones's which were obviously made for kicking as well, as she slotted over the conversion. Nic Aherne wrapped up the game with the try her industry deserved. Youghal had chances of their own and on another day might have had a few scores but Highfield has a long history in this Cup competition and want to stay in it.
Unfortunately once again the u18's fixture vs Corca Duibhne was postponed - those girls are jinxed with the curse of Amy Desmond!

Get well soon to Emma Crowther who suffered an ankle injury on sunday, and to Eilish who sustained a knee injury which meant she "couldnt run as fast as she usually does" (her words)...still pretty fast though!

Meanwhile over in Italy...Helen Brosnan was starring for Ireland's womens team as they made it their best ever start to a 6N competition with 2 wins from 2. Wales shock win over Ireland's next opponents, England, makes the next game on Feb 27th a very interesting encounter indeed.

Next Saturday is the Munster Cup Final Vs Shannon, KO 2pm, Ballincollig RFC. Its also Niamh O'Sullivan's 21st and Naomi's farewell game so no doubt it will be a quiet day all round!!

8th Feb Highfield V Ballincollig (friendly)
Walkovers from UCC and Galbally respectively in the first round of the National Cup opened the opportunity for this friendly, played at Cois Laoi. A useful runout for both teams resulted in a 15-0 victory or Highfield but it was the game rather than the result that was the important aspect with lots of players getting the opportunity to put forward their case for inclusion in the games ahead. A slightly error strewn opening from both sides improved when Highfield worked their way into the Ballincollig 22 and from a series of rucks near the line Frances O'Keeffe wriggled through a scrumhalf-sized gap to touch down and open the scoring. Eilish Foley finished off good work from Norita Duggan and Aoife Mahony to score the second, and Nicola Aherne scored what was probably the pick of the tries for the third; Ballincollig's clearing kick was blocked down by Helen Jones and a series of passes between Noddy, Fiona and Niamh O'Sullivan, finished with Nicola touching down a good team try. With lots of positional switches and a few people returning from injury (welcome back Mags and Ciara) there will be plenty of food for thought for Chunky and Stuart in the weeks ahead.

Next week its another trip to Youghal for the second round of the National Cup, followed by the Munster Cup final v Shannon on feb 22nd.
On Saturday the u18s travel to Dingle to play Corca Duibhne in the u18 league...after their last 3 games fell foul of the weather, that this one isnt rained off on them once again!

Surprise!! Bet you werent expecting an update? (well thats what a cancelled flight gets you but thats another story...)
OK, so the new year resolutions (drink water, be a better person, update the website) went south for a while but from now on I promise. Hopefully as we approach the "business end of the season" there will be plenty to report!
Not that there hasnt been so far...
The post-Christmas period signals the start of Cup season, a traditionally busy (and muddy) time for Highfield Ladies. The opening Munster Cup fixture was given extra spice by drawing us against local first division rivals Ballincollig. Unfortunately the blizzard conditions made the encounter a drab affair; although Highfield owned the ball playing against the strong wind, a bit of post-Christmas handling meant we failed to register that dominance on the scoresheet. About 15min into the second half however, the passes finally came together and a sweeping backs movement from Noddy's tapped penalty saw Niamh O'Sullivan (extravagantly) touch down in the corner. The control Highfield were showing at that stage was likely to have led to more scores but the game was called up a few minutes later when a Ballincollig injury necessitated a game delay. The game was significant however in welcoming captain Donna back from injury...just before she heads off to the NZ sunshine!
Waterpark requested a postponement of the league fixture on Jan 18th but the day was put to good use with a friendly against our seaside friends in Youghal. Again, as always this was a tough encounter, with Highfield having to work hard for scores. Helen Jones seems to be getting very fond of the black and yellow, once again lining out with Youghal; this time joined by Karen Casey (what fun they had causing trouble at rucks).
Galbally were the next opponents in the Munster Cup, a game that seemed in doubt right up to the last minute and gave stand-in captain Denise much angst. But, thanks to Dave Oliver (and the Shannon juniors for cancelling) we were able to go ahead in CIT. And after experiencing their warm dressing rooms we're keen to do so again! Galbally belied their development league status by putting up a real battle, particularly in the forwards where their organisation, particularly at set piece time, was a credit to them and their coaches. However this was the day our backs returned to form. They had set themselves an aim to run straight and run straight they did. Eilish Foley (loving life back on the wing) scored first from a terrific solo effort and was heavily involved in the second, a quick lineout from Noddy which saw Fiona O Sullivan make the line. Heather O'Brien's first try for Highfield also came before the break, and two from Niamh O Sullivan and another from Fiona came in the second half. Mary Batterbury made her hooking debut and both Orlaith and Emma Crowther made their competitive Highfield appearances together...Emma just 2 days after her long-awaited 18th birthday!
An administrative mix-up meant that the Munster Cup final, scheduled for Feb 1st is put back to 22nd, however given the pitch conditions it is unlikely it would have gone ahead in any case.
Congratulations to Chris Fanning, Helen Jones and Helen Brosnan who have been training with the extended Irish squad through January. Both Helens have made it to the 28man squad so hopefully they will be involved in the 6N games over the coming weeks.

Pre Christmas update:
Cooke were the visitors to Highfield on Nov 2nd. The final scoreline of 29-17 was a far cry from the usual 3-0 or 5-0s between our teams! Full report is in the results section (its too long ago for me to remember!).
The eagerly awaited league fixture against Ballincollig on Nov 9th was disappointingly called off at the last minute so Galwegians were the next opponents at Crowley park. As always this was aa stern test up front with Galwegians bolstered by the arrival of Irish no 8 Carol Staunton. However their outside players had no answer to the Highfield backs and Nicola Ahern and Eilish Foley both ran in tries in the first half. Our coach Stuart's assertion that forwards only score tries by accident was enough to help Dee Lynch get on the end of the two second half tries and so a valuable bonus point was secured.
The visit of div 1 newcomers Navan rounded up the pre-christmas fixtures on Nov 29th. Navan looked to have the better of the early exchanges and Highfield were just starting to look rattled when Helen Brosnan swooped to intercept a navan movement and score under the posts. Karen Casey secured a fine second from good support play and Breda Kenny made it a second row double. Chris Fanning also added to her total scoring the fourth for another bonus point win to leave Highfield second in the league table at the mid-season break. Well done all round to the entire squad and in particular to Chunky and Stuart for the work put in to achieve the results so far.

Congrats also to Chris, Helen Brosnan and Helen Jones who lined out in an Irish Selecton against England on Dec 21st. Helen Brosnan was voted Irish player of the game while Chris scored Irelands try in a blood sub appearance. Helen Jones also made her first showing in the green jersey as a 2nd half substitute. Its the first tme Highfield has had 3 players in an Irish squad and we are very proud of their achievements.

So what’s been happening during the 'rest' weeks??

Bag packing in Mahon Point: well done to all involved, a great effort should help defray gear costs and other expenses for the season ahead as well as providing some unexpected weight training (some of those bags were HEAVY I don’t mind telling ya). Special mention to Noreen for whom Halloween came a week early when she apparently got landed at the 'freaks and geeks' counter... and to Orlaith who was all ready for packing action - but at Tesco in Wilton...at least Breda got the venue right but arrived after everybody had headed home!

Amy's birthday...merited another trip to Reardens as if an excuse was needed. (Also merited post-training chocolate cake but nobody tell Chunky we undid all that training).

New coach: Welcome to Stuart with whom our munchkins are to be entrusted...treat em gently!

Oh and some rugby...Cooke travel from Belfast to Cork next Sunday for the resumption of league action. KO 1pm at Woodleigh Park.

We're all jealous of...Aoife, currently soaking up the sun and yachting in Capetown at the moment...life is a bea-atch for her right now...

Get well soon to...the injuries - Donna, Ciera, and of course Heather, facing the knife next week...wishing you well girls!

Highfield 0 Blackrock 15

Blackrock signalled their clear intentions of defending their AIL crown when they travelled to Highfield for the second week of AIL fixtures. Highfield spent mush of the opening half defending their territory and the lack of a significant kicker to win field position meant much of the team’s best work was defensive. Under significant pressure it was a credit to Highfield to hold the visitors out until 5mins before the break; succumbing then to a dubious try when the referee failed to see a knock-on before Louise Austin had grounded the ball. However it was probably the least Blackrock deserved after their pressure; Chris Fanning had held a ball up over the line previously and Fiona O Sullivan had done very well to prevent their outside centre Amy Davis from grounding the ball when she was tackled over the line by Helen Brosnan.
Blackrock continued their set piece dominance into the second half and the lack of clean ball gave the Highfield backs very few chances to get going. Helen Jones had a few forward forays from no 8 and Eilish Foley had some good runs, mainly from Blackrock kicks, but again field position was conceded for much of the half and the pressure eventually led to Blackrock's scrumhalf scoring from a blindside pick on 60minutes. Blackrock centre Grace Davitt made it 15-0 soon after but Highfield were unlucky not to pick up a score of their own before the end when Bex Cox's good break and ensuing follow up was stopped just short of the line.
Recent year’s history suggests this is unlikely to be the last time Blackrock and Highfield meet this season so we will have plenty to redress if the opportunity does present later in the season.

But nothing stops the dancing...Once again the team baby (Niamh) led a posse towards town, this time including most of the junior team as well; an introduction to the off-field side of rugby for our GAA recruit. Cloyne had never taught him how to deal with the Kiwi women - a scary experience!

Next up...a break for a few weeks for the second part of the interpro series...Best of luck to Heather, Chris, Helen and Nicola, our Munster representatives and of course Helen Jones, our brave Connacht soldier!

AIL begins!
5th Oct: Clonmel 3 - Highfield 8
(Match report in results section)

After losing twice to Clonmel last season this was a tough opener and Highfield were indeed grateful for the last minute try to secure all four points in this league opener. After Niamh Briggs and Noddy exchanged first half penalties the game was deadlocked at a thrilling 3-3 scoreline, and looked to be heading that way to fulltime. Highfield however always seemed confident that a try was there and so it proved, Helen Brosnan getting the final touchdown in almost the last play of the game.

Great defence across the team was key to the win, Bex, Naomi and Helen formed an impenetrable midfield while Aoife appeared to be everywhere on the pitch, often at once. The front five could be proud of a fine scrum performance given that they conceded a significant weight disadvantage to their rivals and the rucks and mauls, while allowing room for improvement, were much improved from our previous meetings with the same opposition. And welcome back Ms Jones...Helen returns from her sabbatical to remind us of what we'd been missing without her!

Man of the Day...this prestigious award returns...without a doubt goes to Chunky, who managed to keep us all calm beforehand, wound up when we had to be, and seemed to kick every ball and make every tackle from the sideline while at the same time taking his (nervously awaited) stats...who ever said men cant multi-task? We were happy too to welcome back the dedicated supporters; the O'Sullivans travelled to see their girls, in particular Niamh's league debut (not a bother to her) and Michael Schubert who put his videoing skills to the test...we'll be listening out for commentary Mick!

Next week we welcome Blackrock to Woodleigh Park - the games just keep getting tougher! KO Sunday 1pm at Woodleigh Park.

* Inspirational quotation *

"I was disappointed that some of the [Experimental Law Variation] suggestions I emailed to the IRB appear not to have been considered worthy of even a trial in the Welsh fourth division. These include scrums instead of kick-offs, scrums instead of lineouts, scrums instead of backs moves and the outlawing of any hair product. I don't know where our game is heading but I'm sure it's going to be a place that doesn't welcome fat, slow, old people with no hair. I'll get my coat." (George Chuter, Leicester and England hooker).

28th Sept: Rivalries renewed with Youghal:
Since nobody else seems to want to play either ourselves or Youghal we've been seeing rather a lot of one another lately! Another competitive encounter which should hopefully stand to both teams when league action begins next week. Highfield took the opportunity to start Heather O'Brien, our new recruit from Boyne and she showed up well, carrying ball with real intent. Niamh O'Sullivan and Aoife Mahony seem to be battling for the top try scorer awards with 2 apiece while Helen Brosnan and Chris Fanning also got in on the act with one apiece. Helen Jones, in Youghal colours caused lots of problems for Highfield, particularly at lineouts, with a number of steals and the battle between herself and Aoife Mahony at the scrum was one of the more interesting aspects of the game. All in all, the games were of great benefit to both teams in view of the tough challenges ahead.

21st Sept: Pre-season friendly: Youghal Vs Highfield.

The meeting of Youghal and Highfield has almost become a pre-season regular for the teams and another enjoyable and competitive encounter resulted last Sunday. Highfield fielded a relatively settled pack; however the front row combination of Mary Batterbery, Donna Hughes and Laura Ankettel was certainly an unfamiliar one, although they didnt display any uncertainty on the day. Indeed Laura was very unfortunate to be forced off with an injury after 20 mins as she had started the game with some excellent ball carries.

The backline had a number of changes due to injuries and unavailabilities; Becs Cox and Naomi Dillon made their 15s debut for Highfield and Ita Walsh made a welcome return after a few years. Niamh O'Sullivan and Amy Desmond (D&D) filled the wing positions while Eilish Foley was outstanding at fullback, positioning herself perfectly to make a number of last ditch tackles on Youghal runners and also joining the back line effectively.

After a see-saw opening quarter, Aoife Mahony, working tirelessly throughout the game, scored the first try on one of her trademark support moves, soon after, Norita Duggan scored a second from a scrum move, while the third was scored in almost an identical spot to the first two by Niamh O'Sullivan after one of the better series of passes of the day. Brave Youghal defending as well as inevitable first game rustiness meant no further scores until the second half when Becs Cox announced her arrival with two tries. Youghal fought back determinedly and were rewarded with a try of their own when Highfield were down to 14. The game ended with both sides and coaches pleased with what they had gained in match time and experience for the competitive games ahead.

Niamh O'Sullivan was 'rewarded' by Donna for the series of knocks she sustained during the game, as was Becs, both for her tries and her transgressions, although she insists the referee was keen to hear her point of view!!

** Sincere and abject apologies to Denise Hickey for trying, once again, to deprive her of her try-scoring credit in the Cup final last year!

Well done to Helen Brosnan, Chris Fanning, Heather O'Brien and Nicola Aherne who were involved in Munster's wins over Ulster and Leinster recently as well as to Helen Jones who was a key player for Connacht in their less successful encounters against the same opposition.

1st Sept: Meteor 7s Championes are we are we are we!

Although we traveled to the Munster Meteor 7s with a strong squad of players, it wasn’t with any particular aims other than getting a bit of match practice and having a good day out to kick the season off. And after a few fairly inauspicious matches in the group stages there seemed little reason to revise those expectations upwards. Perhaps it was Chunky's pre-season or the improved conditions or the big game atmosphere but whatever it was, it all came right in the final and against the odds Bohs were swept aside on a scoreline of 29-14. What we wouldn’t give for a similar scoreline in the league! Credit to the newbies, the Kiwis who played like some sort of demolition tag team, tackling everything in sight and linking together like they'd played together since cradle days. How is it they cant win the World Cup??!!

So that just kicked off the real story of the day which was the aftermath and the bus journey home, but as usual you had to be there! There were some awards however, as usual Niamh picked up the slut award for playing for the most teams, Noreen's refusal to be budged from her hydration duties (Paul O'Connell has nothing on her) also got a mention, Ali's defection to the yellow and black buzzing things was rewarded, as was Naomi's valued position amongst the Spar family with her 'employee of the week' award. Helen Jones was also re-united with a long-lost playmate and treasured her dearly...heaven help the real thing because the kiwis seem to be ganging up already!

So...hands up with the answer...which Highfield lady seems to need to travel with a medical entourage...a physio on standby to 'rub out' her injuries and a nurse to tend to her when the celebrations get too much? First prize is a dry cleaning voucher which she may want to pass onto Martin Gately...

And how many people got 3am phone calls from another lady on her moneyless keyless long walk home?

Honestly, it’s just as well we don’t win often!! But all the celebrations were deserved girls, a great start to what promises to be an exciting season ahead.

25th Aug: White Smoke...

On the coaching front - finally! Donna claims blood, sweat and tears were shed in the search for coaches over the summer months, we're not quite sure whose! But when the fighting stopped and the smoke cleared the last men standing were Dave Oliver and John Canavan, the lucky guys entrusted with Highfield's finest (of the female variety) for the season and hopefully beyond.

Even after a relatively short time in Highfield Dave is well known, both on the pitch and off of it! His coaching credentials are highly regarded in both Highfield and CIT and we are delighted he has come on board with us. Likewise John, aka Chunky, who has been a close observer of the womens team for a few seasons now, and no doubt has quite a few ideas and areas of improvment he intends to work on...he has already started that over recent weeks with his conditioning and skills sessions. We are very much looking forward to the season with these two at the helm, as well as new ladies captain Donna Hughes of course! Donna has many plans for the season herself, including extra-curricular training sessions in and around Havana's...'Train Hard, Play Hard, Party Hard' is her motto!

The season begins with the Meteor Sevens tomorrow - bus leaves 10am - be on it!

A new season begins...

Join a host of faces, old, new, youngsters and returnees at Chunky's pre-season sessions, every monday and wednesday 7pm.

Every season sees some change but happily this year the balance seems to be more incoming than outgoing; a few kiwis (Bex, Naomi) are promising to liven up the nights out, some making the crossover from tag (Ciara), old faces making a return from sabatical (Ita, Ms Jones) and the u18s (Ciara and Sarah) reminding us that the future of Highfield ladies is safe for another generation. With a few more faces in the offing the season ahead looks like an exciting one again for Highfield ladies!

We sadly say goodbye to the last of our founder members Rachel Healy who claims to have retired (although we're hoping she may change her mind).

Congratulations to Helen Brosnan, Heather McLaughlin, Chris Fanning, Frances O'Keeffe and Nicola Aherne on making the Munster womens squad as well as our new member Heather O'Brien who has also made the squad, even in advance of her transfer to Cork and Highfield! Commiserations however to texan Heather who suffered a nasty knee injury on the first night of training and will be out of action for a few weeks. We hope to see you back in Munster and Highfield action very soon Heather!

Kinsale sevens: Sorry people - y'all know about what goes on tour...!

Congrats to: Helen Brosnan on winning her first caps while helping the Irish women to 3rd place at the European Championships.

6th April League Semi final: Blackrock 17 Highfield 0

Facing Blackrock with the return of their 6 international first xv was always going to be a struggle, particularly in view of the strong performance they had put up in their absence in Cork a few weeks before. However we had our own ghosts to exorcise after the Cup final and this proved to be the day we did just that. With Eilish Foley absent, Frances O'Keeffe started at scrumhalf and Norita Duggan reverted to outhalf allowing Helen Brosnan avail of the relative(!) freedom of the centres. Highfield again started strongly and were well able to live with Blackrock defensively without ever really threatening them offensively. However Blackrock's speed of thought was ultimately what won the game; two tap penalties and a quickly taken lineout all resulting in tries.
There was no question but that the better team progressed to the final but we took a lot of heart from the performance; a fine way to finish off what was always going to be a re-building season.
Our frequent meetings has done much to build cordiality between Blackrock and Highfield and Norita Duggan wished Blackrock the very best of luck for the final on behalf of the entire team.

A quick round of 22 baby guinnesses later (Nicola Aherne is such a bad influence) and we were off for the last bus trip of another memorable season!

Congratulations to...Breda Kenny the winner of the impromptu 'Rose of Tralee' competition on the way home, romping home with her agricultural party piece.

23rd March: National Cup Final: Highfield 5 Clonmel 21.

It had been hoped that the Cup final venue, Navan RFC was to prove a happy hunting ground for Highfield Ladies as it had in 2005, but this time it was not to be. A disappointing performance allied with some bad luck, questionable refereeing and a strong Clonmel showing meant that the better team took the Cup title. Losing the toss and playing with the strong wind, Highfield had the better of the possession in the first 20mins and were first over the Clonmel line. However the ball was judged to be held up and a penalty awarded against Highfield in the resulting 5m scrum gave Clonmel the opportunity to clear their line. From there to the break Clonmel played the better tactical game, using their strong pack to inch their way up to the 22, and only some brave defending held them out continually. However the pressure told, and while both Breda Kenny and Norita Duggan were fielding injuries, Clonmel took the opportunity to crash over the line on the stroke of halftime.
Clonmel could feel confident taking the lead and the wind into the second half and their excellent kicker Niamh Briggs secured them good field position at every opportunity. Two more tries for Clonmel were followed by 2 kickable penalties and although DENISE HICKEY'S try gave Highfield a glimmer of hope, it was not to be.

Thanks to Helen Brosnan who travelled to the game despite suffering an extreme personal bereavement; her bravery in playing under such circumstances cannot be underestimated. Thanks also to Marie Barrett for driving Helen to and from Navan, no doubt adhering to all speeed limits as she always does. Thanks also to Louise Duggan and Karen Casey who both cut short holidays in order to make the game. Its that sort of commitment from all players that ensures we'll return to finals time and again.
With the league semifinal only 2 weeks away there is little time for introspection, onwards and upwards!

9th March: National Cup Semifinal: Highfield 15 Blackrock 10

Black eyes, sore bodies, aching limbs...

Never was a storm heralding a cancellation of training greeted with such relief as Monday evening following Sunday's Cup semi-final victory over Blackrock. Although without their international starters, Blackrock put up a stern resistance and proved themselves to be not just a formidable team but a squad to be reckoned with. An intensely physical battle saw no break in the deadlock before Blackrock scored with 20mins to go and Highfield were faced with the possibility of going out of the National Cup, the competition which has been so dear to us over recent years. The full match report is in the results section but credit again to Nicola Ahern for seizing the initiative to squeeze through the Blackrock defence for the equalising score to set us on our way.

So planning for the Cup Final is on in earnest...Saturday 22nd March, Navan RFC, KO 3pm...all support welcome! The team will be travelling by bus that morning and some seats are available, contact Noddy for details!

The division 3 team played Clanwilliam on Sunday following the Cup semi; in a hugely entertaining game the visitors squeezed out a deserved 15-14 win. Congrats to Laura Ankettell on her first try for Highfield and also to our newest US recruit Mary Conroy, who also scored on her debut. Kudos to Nicola Ahern (again!) for playing 2 full games to help out, as well as Mags Finn and Louise Duggan who played most of both games as well, all three embodying the squad spirit within Highfield.

3rd March
Since the national Cup fixtures were announced many people had been looking forward to renewing acquaintances with local rivals Ballincollig so it was disappointing to receive a walkover at the last minute. Apologies also to the spectators who turned up for the battle. However the day was far from wasted, a 'full-on' training game gave Paul Mac plenty of food for thought with players such as Rachel Healy, Deirdre Kelleher, Mary Batterbery and Mags Finn giving him plenty of options to ponder while we waited news of the semi-final opposition and venue. The news, when it came, was almost the inevitable; it seems that Highfield and Blackrock just cannot avoid one another over the last number of years and so the trend continues. Blackrock will be the visitors to Woodleigh Park on Sunday for the Cup semi-final while the sides are more than likely to meet again in the league semi-final also, in Dublin in April. Cooke and Clonmel meet in the other semi so at least there will be a new pairing in the Cup final in Navan on Easter Saturday. Let’s hope we continue our strong tradition and make it a 5th Cup final appearance in a row!
Following the Cup semi on Sunday Highfield's division 3 team will take on Clanwilliam in the Munster development league. This is another opportunity for many players to gain further match experience and show-case their abilities ahead of the tough games ahead. So we look forward to a great day of women's rugby at Highfield on Sunday!

25th Feb: First Cup of the Season!
Highfield 19 Galwegians 0.
In a repeat of last year's Munster Cup final, Highfield defeated invitees Galwegians to remain the only names engraved on the Munster Women's Cup in its short history. The full match report is in the results section but thankfully this doesn’t cover the celebrations which started early in Highfield and continued into the night. In our defence, we don’t often get a free Saturday night! A great evening in the club was helped out by a number of kilted visitors, Niamh's birthday hairdressing kit and the band cranking out the tunes, helped on by Amy Desmond (whether they needed it or not!). Some pictures of the general mayhem are available with the match report in the results section!

Cups cups cups cups cups...
The Cup season continues, last Sunday it was National Cup action with Highfield travelling to Clanwilliam for the 2nd round of fixtures. Clanwilliam put up a resistance that belied their development league status and it took us some time to get sufficient posession to the wide areas where the difference between the teams was greatest. Nicola Aherne cleared up all doubts about her recovery from injury with a hat-trick of tries, and Jean Lucey, Fi O'Sullivan, Helen Brosnan and Louise Duggan also added scores from the munchkin sector before Aoife Mahony claimed one on behalf of the pack.

Its a family affair...as well as Fiona and Niamh wreaking havoc on the pitch the O'Sullivans also contributed Dave to coaching and warm-up duties and the very welcome return of Mossie to touch judge duties as well as acting as a general mentor to the back three. Mossie you've been missed! Mrs O'Sullivan also made the trip, watching her daughters from the comfort and safety of the car. She's offered to do physio duty for next week though...

Best news of the day however was the successful rehabilitation of Breda Kenny, Louise Duggan and Nicola Aherne from recent injuries, with Eilish Foley's knee injury the main current cause of concern. We wish Eilish all the best in getting back as soon as possible for the important matches ahead.

Speaking of which...next Saturday sees the Ladies first final of the season in their defence of the Munster Womens Cup (thanks to Denise Hickey for her single-handed hard work in organising this), and the week after, the 3rd round of the National Cup sees Highfield hosting Ballincollig in a local derby; the winners progressing to the National Cup semifinal a further week later. The season is certainly gathering momentum!

Best wishes to Marie Barrett when the Irish women take on Scotland on friday night at St Mary's RFC, and also to Martin Gately, the other Highfield prop wearing the green this weekend, in the Club international on friday evening at Donnybrook.
Also best wishes to the u14s and their coaches on their semifinal on saturday, Coach Damian Ryan cut his teeth with the Ladies in a former life but finds the u14s less trouble! or maybe its to maintain domestic bliss??

20th feb
Congratulations to Aoife Twomey and Claire Aherne from the Highfield u18 girls, who have been selected for the Munster u18 provincial squad.
Aoife lines out as hooker for the u18s but is equally adept as a flanker or as a centre and is eye-catching for her deceptive pace and side-step. Claire is a wonderfully hard-working loose forward, who again is blessed with pace as well as endurance and tenacity. Both of these girls and indeed many of the Highfield u18s have a big future in rugby if they maintain their interest and commitment.
This is a massive achievement for a team which has only been in existence for less than a season and is a credit to the work of Dave and John O'Hea, Karen Casey and Ali Donnelly, as well as the hard work of the girls and their team-mates themselves. We wish them all the best in making the matchday team for the interpro series.

10th Feb
Highfield gratefully siezed upon Waterpark's generous offer to replay our weather affected Munster cup fixture and showed none of their hosts generosity in snatching a last minute victory in Ballinakill on sunday. The game was poised at 12 points apiece with tries from waterpark's Clara Bracken and Ger Kinnane cancelling out scores from Helen Brosnan and Jean Lucey's debut try. But cometh the hour cometh the (wo)man...following hooker Chris Fanning's withdrawal through injury, Donna Hughes faced her first throw-in, in Waterpark's 22 with time running out. Small bother to her, a perfect throw found Aoife Mahony and the resulting drive ended with Donna touching down with the injury-time try to snatch the victory and give the ladies their first sniff of silverware of the season.
Well done, not only to Jean Lucey for her impact on her first ever rugby match, but also to Amy Desmond and Niamh O'Sullivan, both continuing to make waves out wide. Special mention for Noreen Fitzgerald who missed her 2nd row partner, Breda in the dark environs of the ruck but was ably assisted by Denise Hickey and Karen Casey in repelling the strong Waterpark challenge at the break-down.
The final takes place in Fermoy RFC on Saturday 23rd at 1.30pm with a night out to follow up in Highfield club-house! Galwegians (invitees to the Munster cup due to the lack of Connacht teams) are the opponents in a repeat of last years final.

8th Feb
Mud, rain and more mud & rain!

But the action continued - a trip to Youghal for the third round of the Munster Cup. Highfield travelled in fairly depleted numbers due to injuries and unavailabilities and an early injury to Nicola Aherne didnt help the cause. However after some early forays and brave defending of their line by Youghal to keep out Fiona O'Sullivan and Donna Hughes in particular, Norita Duggan demonstrated how to execute a draw and pass, putting Helen Brosnan into a space where nobody would catch her. Fiona and Donna were both rewarded for their earlier industry with further tries before the break, Donna's much admired (we hope) by her sideline mentor! Mike discovered new sides to Ms Hughes he hadnt known existed!

An effective forwards maul resulted in a touchdown for Chris Fanning shortly after the break and Aoife Mahony showed that anything Noddy could do she could do better with consecutive draw and passes to put Deirdre Lynch away for the two last tries. Special mention for Rachel Healy who kept Youghal on the back foot all day and to Aoife who also had a very effective game and might be coming around to enjoying this No 8 lark. The watching Helen Jones might have a few tips for her as well!

Best of luck to Breda & Nic recovering from injuries at the moment, as well as Mags of course in her on-going battle with her right leg.

Nearly forgot to mention...happy 21st birthday Lisa! Our little girl, all growed up! And what a great party...to the early hours it is rumoured...

A late change of plan for the weekend sees the ladies travelling to Waterpark to play the fixture that was postponed some weeks ago. This promises to be a very competitive encounter against one of the best Div 2 sides in the country. A place in the Munster Cup on 24th Feb awaits the winners.

Next game: Waterpark V Highfield Sun 10th Feb, KO 2.30pm.

28th Jan
Ah the dubious pleasure of post-match aches and pains...it’s been too long...

Finally a return to action yesterday with a game against Shannon and a fine return it was too. The game was the thing, both teams having had prolonged lay-offs in recent weeks.
The match saw debuts for Laura Ankettel, Mags Finn (finally!) and Niamh O'Sullivan, who has had an accelerated career since starting div 1 training a few short weeks ago. All three acquitted themselves admirably and no doubt benefited from the opportunity. Niamh in particular was involved in a free running backline outside her sister Fiona and Heather McLaughlin, who look to be forging a beautiful partnership in the centre. Amy Desmond also made her debut when she came on in the second half.

Player unavailability for Shannon meant that 2 Highfield players donned the blue and black for them for each half, further contributing to the competitiveness of the fixture. First to cross the line were Denise Hickey and Karen Casey in some obvious anti-Janssen Highfield bias. Karen soon found out that one doesn’t mess with Rachel 'Rocky' Healy when wearing opposition colours. It’s always the quiet ones you can’t trust! Worse was to follow for Karen (and the rest of us) when Breda Kenny became Shannon's newest recruit at halftime. The only comfort in having to face up to Breda on Monday and Wednesday training sessions is the knowledge that she is with rather than against us on Sundays. We all learned quickly yesterday what a nuisance she can prove to the opposition and offer up a silent prayer that she is usually our nuisance rather than somebody else’s!
The match details are on the results page but highlights included some neat interplay particularly in midfield where Heather and Fiona used their speed all day, Nicola Ahern's excellent crash ball which resulted in a fine support try for Aoife Mahony, and Louise Duggan's try following another midfield break by Heather McLaughlin and offload from Helen Brosnan. All in all everybody was happy to have finally got back to playing rugby after almost a 2 month layoff and the hope is for some continuity in the season over the weeks ahead.

The under 18s had a tough outing against an experienced Mallow team who have been together for a season or two at this stage. However they continue to learn from every outing and we expect them to be well able to compete with these teams next season if they continue to show the progress they have in their few short months together.

Next Sunday sees a trip to Youghal for the first round of the National Cup. Highfield will be bidding to maintain our proud record in this competition, reaching the final for the last four years and winning it in 2005. This year’s format will make it more of a challenge than ever to maintain that record, and that challenge starts in Youghal next Sunday at 2pm.

We have three Division 3 games outstanding as well and it is hoped to organise these over coming weeks.

23rd Jan

Another week that would drive one to badminton...

Once again Highfield ladies prepared for Sunday's game by taking it easy on the celebrations for both Highfield and Munster on Saturday, and once again, it was to no avail. Boyne let us down this time, employing Mystic Meg from 200 miles away to inform us on Sunday morning that our pitches weren't playable. This must have come as news to both the Highfield u20s and Douglas RFC who played games on our scheduled pitch in Cois Laoi over the weekend.
So once again the efforts and anxieties of Noddy and our very own club Nostradamus (he has asked to remain nameless this week) went to waste. Here's hoping that Shannon will fulfil next Sunday's fixture, in Coonagh, the second round of the Munster Cup. As we lost points due to our enforced cancellation with Waterpark the game matters little except as an actual game, our first after 3 successive last minute cancellations. Credit to the squad and coach Paul Mac to keep training in numbers in such frustrating circumstances.

The Munster u18 trials will be held on Saturday 26th Jan, and 7 of the Highfield girls have been nominated to go forward. We wish them the best of luck in following players like current Highfield seniors Fiona O'Sullivan and Clare Rigney to success in underage representative rugby.

Man of the Week... A new contender! We were profuse in our apologies to Ger over the amount of mud deposited in the showers and dressing room after training on Monday night but he had it restored to normal pristine order for us by Wed again. Thanks again Ger!
And Tony Eiffe also comes into the reckoning for this prestigous award...stepping into the breach to take Wed night's session when Paul was delayed at a funeral. A great time was had by all - I think even Tony enjoyed it!

Best of luck too to our other auxillary coach, Phil Rees, and the Munster Youths vs Ulster this weekend. Belated but sincerest thanks for your input Phil, much enjoyed by all.

So next game (hopefully!) Vs Shannon in Coonagh, Limerick on Sunday 27th. KO details etc TBC.

U18 girls Vs Mallow 12noon on Sunday in Highfield. Mallow are another of the strong teams in the u18 league so the girls will have to be at their best again against experienced opposition. Best of luck girls, we wont be there to support you but we know you'll do well!

14th January

More disappointment on Sunday 13th Jan when Highfield's first fixture in the Munster women’s cup was cancelled at the last minute due to pitch conditions at Cois Laoi. Having spent the week chasing referees (Tony Quinlan was very close to getting the gig!), checking on players wellbeing and availability, and anxiously monitoring the weather like 2 Gerald Flemings, it was a cruel blow to Sarah Jane and Noddy in particular, as well as for a number of players who were due to make their debuts or returns for Highfield. Karen Casey and Mags, God is obviously not an East Cork fan! Laura Ankettel not only missed out on her debut but also saw her cooking efforts go to waste...well not entirely...it provided a tasty addition to watching the Munster game in the clubhouse on Sunday!

But onwards and upwards...Boyne travel to Highfield next Sunday for the final AIL Div 1 league fixture. Boyne and Highfield have a history of single score fixtures, most notably in the 2004 National Cup final when only Alison Donnelly's extra time drop goal separated the sides and won Highfield's main national title. Both sides build their teams on formidable packs and the up-front encounter is generally bruising. Hopefully the weather will be a little more clement this week and the fixture will go ahead as planned.

The U18 girls had another outing on Jan 5th, acquitting themselves admirably in going down to a very much more experienced Fermoy side. Special mention for Ciara Bridgman who suffered a very nasty cut in a clash of heads with her teammate, Claire Ahern. After getting 6 stitches, (neatly inserted coincidentally by former Highfield player and Plastic Surgery Registrar Ann McKenna), Ciara showed up for training on Friday as if nothing had happened. We won’t get rid of her too easily! The girls are due to play at home in their next fixture on Saturday but pitch availability has necessitated a postponement of this fixture. Watch this space for details.

Congratulations to Highfield's Nichola de Paor and hubby Cathal on the birth of baby Caoimhe. She says childbirth was far easier than hooking in the front row between Barrett and Niamh!!

Once again this week the ladies want to thank John O'Hea for his help in securing a venue for our game on Sunday as well as his efforts on our behalf looking for a referee on the busiest Sunday in the Munster rugby calendar.

Light under a bushel award goes this week to Niamh O'Sullivan (yes, one of those O'Sullivans) who, after years of refusing to have anything to do with Div 1 rugby, trained tonight, and, in one of the hardest contact training games we've had proved to be absolutely outstanding. Big sis Fiona had to work hard not to be outshone! Niamh, where have you been hiding all your life?

At the risk of repetition...Welcome back once again to Karen Casey, who followed up her 2 collarbone fractures by tearing her calf in the warm-up of the UL game on Dec 2nd. Hopefully that’s Karen's lifetime quota of injuries over with now!

And finally a Happy New Year to all of our Highfield players scattered around the globe...to Karen Kenny & Niamh English enjoying the sunshine and probably the beer in Melbourne Oz, Meaghan enjoying the snow in Colorado, Jeanette, currently in Borneo, Mari currently somewhere (Canada?), and to Martha and Ali, reunited in rugby playing for Teddington in London. You're only on loan girls...all of you!!

17th Dec '07
Happy Christmas to all - players and supporters (all three of you...only joking).
Have neglected this page lately so lots of news to report on, starting with the upwards trajectory of our u18s. Since our last update, they've played against two other new teams similar to themselves, beating Crosshaven 71-17 and overcoming Helen Jones's Bandon team 32-10. Full reports on both games are in the results section. Well done also to new manager Karen Casey, ably assisted by Niamh O'Sullivan and Lisa O'Hea and of course to the coaches, John and Dave O'Hea.
The girl’s next outing is on Jan 5th (so go easy on the Christmas pud girls) away to the very experienced Fermoy side. Anybody interested in checking out the future of Highfield ladies rugby will not find their day wasted by traveling to support them.

On NOv 25th, the Division 3 team had an equally comprehensive victory over the newly formed Young Munster team, winning 72-0. This game saw a number of rehabilitating players return to action, Karen Casey who had not played since breaking her collarbone in March (and then managing to repeat the feat in August), Alison Donnelly who has had a hole in her leg (for full gory details consult her bebo page) from an injury in April, and the Yellow Rose of Texas, Heather McLaughlin, last seen dramatically exiting the field in a pre-season friendly. It was a farewell game also for Jeanette & Ali, both skipping the country in the near future to increase the Highfield diaspora. The game marked a few debuts also; Amy Desmond and Deirdre Morley making their first appearances in the colours, with Deirdre scoring the final try of the game. A full report on the game is in the results section.

The Division 1 team faced league champions UL Bohs in Anacotty on 2nd December. The squad had done a lot of hard analysing and training since the defeats by Blackrock and Clonmel and while the Bohs game ended in a 12-7 defeat also, the performance and the spirit shown meant that we could take a lot of positives from this particular outing. The return of Marie Barrett from illness bolstered the pack both physically and mentally and the blatant disregard for personal safety shown by wingers Eilish Foley and Nicola Aherne meant there was very little opportunity for the normally dangerous UL backs.
This game had filled the squad with confidence for the fixture against Shannon on the following week, Dec 9th, so there was general disappointment when we received a walkover from this opposition, concluding the pre-Christmas programme earlier than expected.

Well done to our International representatives, Helen Brosnan joined Marie Barrett in the 26-person 6N squad and we have every confidence in her going on to make the 22 or 15 for the 6N games in the spring.

We sadly had to say goodbye to the yank, Meaghan Vanderpol, who returned to San Fran and Colarado, despite our begging and pleading her to stay. In her 6 game Highfield career Meaghan appeared at hooker, prop, no 6 and no 7, filling all with her 100% commitment and enthusiasm and wrapping up the position slut award before October finished. Our loss is Colarado University's gain and we wish her all the very best for the future.

The post-Christmas and 6N season means the focus moves to the Cup competitions. First up is the Munster Women's Cup, with Highfield drawing Waterpark, Shannon and Youghal in the group stages. The National Cup draw has yet to be announced.

Training is taking a break for the festive season so best place to find the team is probably around Washington Street, until Jan 7th when it starts all over again! Training times Mon at 7 and Wed at 7.30, and Development/underage training on Fridays at 6.30. As always, new or returning players welcome so put rugby on that New Year Resolution list!

22nd Nov.

Undoubtedly the event of the week was the debut of the Highfield under 18 girls who played Ballincollig last Saturday, in their first ever fixture. Few teams can have made a more impressive debut, winning 40-5 and keeping Ballincollig scoreless until almost the last minute of the game. Full details of the game are on the news and results section but it is worth again mentioning the handling and off-loading skills demonstrated, indeed by both teams. Their adult counterparts could probably learn from them! Thanks also again to Lisa O'Hea and Niamh O'Sullivan who took charge of the girls on the day as their coaches were unavailable: Dave O'Hea was on senior duty and Ali Donnelly was out of the country. Lisa and Niamh are continuing their families traditions of coaching/managerial careers!
U18 training continues on friday evenings alongside Division 3 training. The girls team only need numbers to maintain their good start so please encourage any girls you know to join this very promising group of players.

On Sunday the ladies division 3 team are hosting Young Munster, a new team to the Ladies league, for their first league fixture of the season. KO is at 12.30 and, judging by the Division 3 outing vs Clanwilliam recently, some fine rugby should be in store from both teams.

We wish our International representatives Marie Barrett, Aoife Mahony and Helen Brosnan all the best in their second squad weekend and Deirdre Scannell all the best as she continues to recover from a knee injury sustained a few weeks ago. Hopefully all four will make the 26-man squad for the upcoming 6N.

Next Division 1 fixture: Dec 2nd Vs UL Bohs (Annacotty).

14th Nov.

Disappointment again this week following our 10-3 loss to Clonmel on Sunday. The team was rocked by a number of withdrawals, particularly in the pack, which necessitated a lot of re-shuffling in the later stages of the week. However the losses proved too much to bear against a well-organised Clonmel team who played a territorial game to keep Highfield pinned back all day and never allowed decent ball reach the dangerous outside runners like Helen Brosnan or Nicola Aherne all day. On a positive note, starts for Carlota Gil-Arribas, Nicola Aherne and Elaine Langley, and a first start this season for Denise Hickey (happily returned from retirement) underlines the squad's strength in depth, something that will be tested to the full this season, with an on-going crippling run of injuries and defections.

It was very much Ladies Day in Highfield on Sunday, with a second adult ladies team taking the field in a Div 3 friendly fixture vs Clanwilliam after the Div 1 game. This match was an extremely entertaining one, a more experienced Clanwilliam side just overcoming the spirited Highfield challenge for a 12-7 victory. However rugby was the winner for the Highfield side, many of whom were taking part in their first ever game. Newcomers Laura Ankettel, Mary Batterbery, Deirdre Kelleher, Vicky O'Grady, Niamh O'Sullivan, Aoife O'Neill and Mags Finn all acquitted themselves very well, and many put down a challenge to their colleagues on the Div 1 team. Mags's fielding and runs as well as Laura's ball-carrying and Mary's tackling were particular highlights and showed the work they've put in on the training ground over the last number of months. The positive spirit of the game was maintained by the referee Kate McCarthy who put her coaching and playing background as well as her Garda training to good use in maintaining discipline throughout the game!

The growth in Highfield ladies rugby continues next weekend with our u18s girls team taking to the field for the very first time in the u18 South Munster league. They are be playing Ballincollig at 12.30 next Saturday so please come along to support! We wish the girls and coaches Alison Donnelly and Dave O'Hea the very best of luck on another historic first for Highfield ladies rugby.

6th Nov.

A chastening 30-0 defeat by Blackrock has left us with plenty to think about and work on for the weeks ahead. The score was even a fair reflection of the match, with Blackrock dominant in most facets of the game, using their strength up front to tie in players and create space for their free-running backs to create overlaps which they eventually converted for 4 second half tries. However we learnt a lot about ourselves in the process, and the measure of the team will be how we respond to those lessons and apply them for the rest of the campaign.

However it wasnt all doom and gloom...the Irish 35-person squad announced this week sees an unprecedented 5 Highfield names present...Marie Barrett, Aoife Mahony, Eimear O'Sullivan, Deirdre Scannell and Helen Brosnan. Congratulations and best wishes to all 5, but especially to Aoife and Helen, the new-comers to the squad. Helen in particular has been unfortunate to miss out on the squad previously through injury but it really appears that this is her year and hopefully the injury gods will continue to smile on her throughout the campaign. Both Aoife and herself have put in tremendous work on all aspects of their game and are reaping their just rewards. We wish them all well.
Congratulations also to Donna, proud winner of the tayto taste challenge on the bus from Dublin, despite Eilish's best efforts to cheat.

U18s update: 4 of our newly formed u18s team attended the Munster skills camp at the weekend and did very well. They are all invited back to the next camp in December. They will play their first game in Highfield colours on November 17th; another historic day for Highfield Ladies rugby. U18 training continues on Fridays at 6.30 and all are welcome.

Next sunday sees Clonmel ladies visit Highfield for the first time as a Division 1 club. We will also have a Division 3 ladies game on the same day. The scheduled opposition, Tralee have been forced to pull out but manager Sarah Jane applied her charm to persuade Clanwilliam to play a friendly fixture. Playing two 15-a side ladies fixtures on the same day will be unprecedented for any club and is a measure of the numbers and committment of the squad, coaches and managers. Some of the future of Highfield Ladies rugby will be playing in this fixture so we would welcome as much support as possible.

Highfield V Clonmel KO: 1pm
Highfield V Clanwilliam KO: 2.45pm

Games are now listed on the fixtures of the website. Results and match reports are on the results section of the site.
Also check out the functions page for some upcoming events in Highfield! Our own Aoife Mahony is actively involved in the Highfield social committee which means that all events tie in very nicely with the Ladies fixtures calendar. Co-incidence? I think not!

1st Nov.
No game last week so apologies to Karen Kenny, eagerly tuned in from afar to hear our news! Karen will never learn that she wasnt designed for other sports, nor to at least attempt them in a reasonable degree of sobriety - she's currently nursing a broken bone in her foot after an unfortunate incident on the netball court. Our thoughts are with her victim.
Less abuse too about the tardiness of the updates Karen, not my fault you do nothing in work...

Well done to Martha too who apparently starred in her first game for London University. Remember its a Loan Deal only Martha...

Congrats to our Munster girls who were involved in the nailbiting 11-10 victory over Leinster in the Interpro final last weekend. Special mention for Munster Captain Marie Barrett who unfortunately missed the final due to illness. Winning the game for Marie gave her team the motivation they needed and it was a proud moment for Munster and Highfield to see her raise the cup. Well done also to Aoife, Helen, Deirdre and Eimear, and indeed all that were involved with the squad over the series. Also of course to former coach Donal O'Driscoll who coached the squad on their unbeaten campaign.

21st October: Cooke 8 - Highfield 29
(Full match report on the results page)
The most difficult away trip of the league was undertaken successfully at the weekend with Highfield securing a bonus point victory in Belfast for the first time.

The difficult encounter looked to be made even more challenging with the late withdrawl of Marie Barrett following injury at Munster training on Saturday. However Paul MacDonald had prepared well in having a number of alternative options available, and his decision to move Meaghan Vanderpol from her successful berth at no 6 the week before proved the right one. Along with Chris Fanning and Donna Hughes, she faced down the challenge of the Cooke front 3 from the start, and the scrum again became the focal point for Highfield's eventual dominance of the game. Not that it was an easy victory by any means; Cooke were the better team for the opening quarter and much satisfaction comes from the fact that we had to win the game from 8-3 behind shortly before the break.
As was the case last week, set-pieces proved the winner for Highfield, Chris Fanning once again overturned a number of Cooke scrums and Highfield also dominated the lineouts, Aoife Mahony and Breda Kenny not only winning their own at ease but also disrupting the opposition, Meaghan Vanderpol also capitalised on a number of overthrows to attack the Cooke line with vigour.
Norita Duggan and Deirdre Scannell appear to be on the verge of a beautiful friendship, with two breaks from Deirdre resulting in tries for Norita. Thats how to become the Captain's favourite Dee! Claire Rigney dominated her opposite scrum-half and Eilish Foley & Fiona O'Sullivan also did well out wide with Fiona unlucky not to be on the score sheet herself on at least 2 occasions. Gillian Morrissey also looked composed standing in for Helen Brosnan at 13. It was most satisfying too, to introduce 5 substitutes at various stages of the game with no drop in pace or intensity to the end.

Well done to...the organisers, Norita Duggan, Aoife Mahony and Sarah Jane Hennessy for organising this most difficult of trips. Particularly Norita who is now on first name terms with almost every hotel and B&B in Dundalk and whose 'little black book' was filled with various lists which seemed to change on an hourly basis. All that and 19 points too Nod! Special mention also for Manager Sarah Jane, who had an early start on Sunday to collect Ali and Gillian from their flight. And of course to Ali; anybody who has ever witnessed her white-knuckled demeanour on flights will know what it cost her to fly on a small Aer Arann plane to Dublin...the things you'll do for Highfield, Ali! Poor Gillian lost her collection of shampoos, shower gel etc to the Cork Airport officials...at least they didnt take the make-up Gill!!

Aoife's award this week...for Grace under Duress. Sharing a room with the coughing yank Meaghan resulted in a sleepless night for all concerned. Meaghan will probably never know how close she came to strangulation, nor Paul Mac to even more front row problems. Good practice if you marry a snorer Aoifs!

Good luck to our Munster Representatives in the Interpro final vs Leinster in Galway this weekend. Marie Barrett will hopefully recover to lead Munster and Deirdre Scannell, Aoife Mahony, Eimear O'Sullivan, Helen Brosna