Excited Ormond set for new campaign
Next Saturday might be the final day in August, which is an unusual time to be playing competitive rugby, but the new season schedule decrees it is the start of the new campaign for Nenagh Ormond.
By Shane Brophy
And off the back of last years promotion from division 2A of the All-Ireland League, Nenagh Ormond are bouncing into the new season, which begins in Cork on Saturday when they take on Highfield in the first round of the Munster Senior Challenge Cup, a competition Nenagh reached the final in two seasons ago, losing in agonising fashion to Young Munster at Thomond Park.
The start of year’s Senior Challenge Cup is two weeks earlier than last season due to the earlier start to the All-Ireland League, but it is a perfect build-up for Nenagh Ormond who start out against a Highfield side whom they will play in round 5 of division 1B, while Cork Constitution come to New Ormond Park on Saturday week, at which Nenagh Ormond will also formally open their new all-weather pitches.
The final group game will be away to Shannon in November with the group winner progressing to the semi-finals along with the other three group winners.
The fourteen senior teams in the province have been split into four groups.
Group 1 – Highfield, Nenagh Ormond, Shannon, Cork Constitution
Group 2 – Garryowen, Young Munster, UCC
Group 3 – Clonmel, Bruff, UL Bohemian, Cashel
Group 4 – Old Crescent, Dolphin, Midleton
As expected, Nenagh Ormond haven’t messed with what has worked over the last two seasons in particular with Derek Corcoran as Player/Head Coach with Backs coach – Dan Fogarty; Forwards coach – James Hickey; Player/Strength & Conditioning coach – Colm Skehan with team managers – Eoin O’Callahan & Martin Fogarty, working with Director of Rugby John Long who is also double-jobbing as Club President for the coming season.
Moving up to a higher level of club rugby, Nenagh have beefed up their squad with the additions of front rows Matt Burke (Limerick), Shane Malone (Limerick), Jack Devanney (Scariff,) second row Craig Hannon (Young Munster), and utility back Aaron Kelly (Young Munster). They have also secured the services of Australian centre Angus Blackmore.
However, the core of the squad that secured promotion still remains with Kevin O’Flaherty taking over as captain from Willie Coffey.