Clonmel Warriors

Results:

Warriors 0 - 39 UCC Pirates B

Warriors 22 - 20 Edenderry Soldiers

Warriors 0 - 14 UCC Pirates A

Warriors 0 - 20 South East Strongbows

The Clonmel Warriors played their fourth game of the season in Tralee, Co. Kerry versus theTralee Titans on the 14th of August 2010. The Warriors would eventually come out on the wrong side of a 43-35 score line, however, the Warriors were happy about their performances as the team was missing four players who would have started. The Clonmel side also racked up 35 points with just six players - the number of points were a season high. The side was let down by defence as they allowed 45 points to a high scoring Tralee offense. The Warriors had three players playing out of position although the Titans were indeed difficult to stop. What follows is a brief outline of each players’ contribution to the Clonmel side that day:

Dean O’ Regan turned in another fine performance as quarterback of the team. He worked especially well with the weapons he had and was calm in the pocket. O’ Regan completed the best part of 25 passes on the day and fired 4 touchdown passes. O’Regan was also proficient in the end zone completing passes to enable two 1 point conversions and one 2 point conversions. O’ Regan was also on the scoreboard through the ground. Backup Quarterback Kevin Cunningham threw a pass to him and O’ Regan avoided tacklers to storm into the end zone for his 1st receiving touchdown of the year. He also played well at cornerback - a departure from where he mainly plays at Safety and Linebacker.

Peter Cahill saw much more action than usual. He played at Safety and received praise for his overall influence on the game. Blitzes from the Safety position ensured that Tralee hurried passes. He covered well and made several tackles. As head coach he made use of the players he had. Cahill also called several plays and made changes that were very effective.

DeclanO’ Halloran was another potent weapon on offense. He played Center, just his second time at the position and he performed admirably. He made five catches - all over ten yards. Considered a remarkable feat due to the Center being the short option. He almost had a touchdown but the ball was overthrown and bounced off his fingertips. O’ Halloran also grabbed the ball for key 1st downs and did not make a falsesnap once. Very effective and unsung on the day.

Luke Lonergan also played well on the day. He was moved from his usual position of Center out wide to Wide Receiver. He recorded 7 receptions on his busiest day for the Warriors and got into the end zone for his 3rd touchdown of the year. He also played at Cornerback for the day covering the third receiver - again playing away from his normal position at Linebacker and recorded a deflection and a number of tackles. Played every down on the field. The author thoroughly enjoyed his stint at receiver on the day.

Kevin Cunningham showed his usual all round ability on the day. Playing at Receiver and Cornerback, he had a very successful day. On offense he caught two touchdowns passes and a one point and a two point conversion. On a brilliantly engineered trick play, he received the ball from O’ Regan and fired a pass to the latter for a long touchdown. Cunningham accounted for a massive 21 points on offense as the Warriors number one receiver had a superb day at work. On defense he was equally effective as he held down his opposing reciever, conceding no touchdown catches and had two deflections. Great day for Cunningham.

Eamon Quinlan gained his first start in just his second game for the Warriors at running back and linebacker. The rookie at just fourteen years of age played exceedingly well, to the delight of his team mates. On offense he ran well and caught a long bomb for a touchdown - his first ever. On offense he recorded two one point conversions, getting them with terrific catches. On defense, he had a solid day, getting several tackles and deflected the ball twice, one of them on 4th down. It was a great day for the rookie, much was placed on his shoulders and he responded very well scoring the second most points as a receiver. Quinlan is definitely one for the future and a nod to a possible Rookie of the Year.

As demonstrated, the Warriors had a highly successful day on offense but it was a hard outing on defense as they eventually slipped to a very capable Tralee team. Tralee have played the Warriors four times and this is their first win. The Warriors thank the Titans for their hospitality and facilities they provided. Clonmel look on to the future where more training and games await.

Luke Lonergan.

Congratulations to the Tralee Titans who defeated the Clonmel Warriors 43 - 35 at Mounthawk Secondary School, Tralee. Thank you to the Titans for their great hospitality.

by Luke Lonergan

The Clonmel Warriors hosted the South-East Strongbows, based in Co. Waterford on Sunday July 11th. It was the Warriors’ third match of the year after wins over Tralee and Edenderry. The Strongbows reformed for the first time in several years to play the game. The Waterford team ran out winners over the disappointing Warriors, 26-6.

The Warriors first possession of the game didn’t advance and the ball was duly turned over on downs. The usually adept and successful Warrior offense spluttered on the day – a problem which would hurt the team. The Strongbows, using a mix of passes and runs found the end zone off the back of a long drive. Simon Whelan connected deftly with Eoin Reinhardt for six points. The extra point was successful to give the Strongbows a 7 point lead. The Warrior offense commandeered by Dean O’ Regan moved up the field on their next possession but again were stopped by the tough defense they faced. The Strongbows were stopped on their next drive but the Clonmel offense continually failed to get moving. Whelan found Cian Reinhardt for the touchdown. The extra point was no good to leave the score at 13-0. Quarterback Dean O’ Regan was intercepted on the next drive as receivers Kevin Cunningham and Adam Gillesson were covered. The ensuing drive was stalled by the Warrior defense. Linebackers Luke Lonergan and Chris Noonan stopped several runs and placed pressure on Whelan – Cunningham eventually came up with an interception. The teams broke for halftime witht Clonmel down 13-0.

The Warriors playing defense to start the second half were not able to contain the Strongbows as the points came thick and fast. Micheal Kavanagh raced into the end zone to cap off a long drive. The extra point was stopped. Quarterback O’ Regan was intercepted again by Aaron Walsh. The Strongbow offense failed to generate points off the turnover. Wide Receiver Cunningham then moved to Quarterback after O’ Regan suffered an injury. He moved the Warriors offense but was intercepted by the hawkish Strongbow defense. Whelan connected with Eoin Riendhardt again and the ensuing extra point was successful. The Strongbows now had an insurmountable 26-0 lead. Dean O’ Regan on the next drive found his receiver Cunningham for a long catch-and-run touchdown. The touchdown failed to start a scoring trend as the Warriors crashed to their first loss of the season while the Strongbows proved victorious in a tough game in Clonmel. Both teams now look ahead to the away game in Waterford with anticipation of another great flag football game.

The Clonmel Warriors on the day suffered heavily. Missing some players from their lineup – notably Declan O’ Halloran, Alan Duddley and Gary Crowe – they lost some of their offensive and defensive capabilty. The Warriors – noted for their successful and high scoring offense were held in check by tough opposition. Despite the loss, the Warriors were notable in some areas. The game was considered closer than the score suggests. Cornerback coverage and Linebacker play was considered a bright spot. The rookies Adam Gillesson and Eamon Quinlan also got a taste for the action that they’ll hopefully see throughout the season. The Warriors are looking forward with anticipation to more games this year and hopefully several tournaments.

The Clonmel Warriors hosted the South-East Strongbows, based in Co. Waterford on Sunday July 11th. It was the Warriors’ third match of the year after wins over Tralee and Edenderry. The Strongbows reformed for the first time in several years to play the game. The Waterford team ran out winners over the disappointing Warriors 26-6.

The Warriors first possession of the game did not advance and the ball was duly turned over on downs. The usually adept and successful Warrior offense spluttered on the day – a problem which would hurt the team. The Strongbows, using a mix of passes and runs found the end zone off the back of a long drive. Simon Whelan connected deftly with Eoin Reinhardt for six points. The extra point was successful to give the Strongbows a 7 point lead. The Warrior offense commandeered by Dean O’ Regan moved up the field on their next possession but again were stopped by the tough defense they faced. The Strongbows were stopped on their next drive but the Clonmel offense continually failed to get moving. Whelan found Cian Reinhardt for the touchdown. The extra point was no good to leave the score at 13-0. Quarterback Dean O’ Regan was intercepted on the next drive as receivers Kevin Cunningham and Adam Gillesson were covered. The ensuing drive was stalled by the Warrior defense. Linebackers Luke Lonergan and Chris Noonan stopped several runs and placed pressure on Whelan – Cunningham eventually came up with an interception. The teams broke for halftime with Clonmel down 13-0.

The Warriors playing defense to start the second half were not able to contain the Strongbows as the points came thick and fast. Micheal Kavanagh raced into the end zone to cap off a long drive. The extra point was stopped. Quarterback O’ Regan was intercepted again by Aaron Walsh. The Strongbow offense failed to generate points off the turnover. Wide Receiver Cunningham then moved to Quarterback after O’ Regan suffered an injury. He moved the Warriors offense but was intercepted by the hawkish Strongbow defense. Whelan connected with Eoin Riendhardt again and the ensuing extra point was successful. The Strongbows now had an insurmountable 26-0 lead. Dean O’ Regan on the next drive found his receiver Cunningham for a long catch-and-run touchdown. The touchdown failed to start a scoring trend as the Warriors crashed to their first loss of the season while the Strongbows proved victorious in a tough game in Clonmel. Both teams now look ahead to the away game in Waterford with anticipation of another great flag football game.

The Clonmel Warriors on the day suffered heavily. Missing some players from their lineup – notably Declan O’ Halloran, Alan Duddley and Gary Crowe – they lost some of their offensive and defensive capabilty. The Warriors – noted for their successful and high scoring offense were held in check by tough opposition. Despite the loss, the Warriors were notable in some areas. The game was considered closer than the score suggests. Cornerback coverage and Linebacker play was considered a bright spot. The rookies Adam Gillesson and Eamon Quinlan also got a taste for the action that they’ll hopefully see throughout the season. The Warriors are looking forward with anticipation to more games this year and hopefully several tournaments.

Congragulations to the Southeast Strongbows who defeated the Warriors 26 - 6 at Warrior Field on 11 July 2010.

by Luke Lonergan

The Clonmel Warriors hosted their first tournament of the Irish American Football Flag season on the 27th of February 2010. Teams taking part comprised of Ireland’s southern teams: Roscrea Falcons, Tralee Titans and the Mullingar Soldiers. It was the Warriors first home game in over a year; they took to the field to face Tralee and Mullingar.

Warriors edge Titans in close contest.

The Warriors meetings with the Titans always ended up in fiercely competitive games and each team set the standard early. The Warriors jumped out to an early lead with Centre Luke Lonergan on the receiving end of Dean O’Regan’s touchdown pass. The conversion was no good. Tralee faltered on their next drive as linebacker Kiefer Lonergan made a 4th down stop. Later, O’Regan fired a pass to wide receiver Gary Crowe who raced towards the end zone for the touchdown. It was O’Regan’s 50th touchdown pass as a player. The Titans bounced back and the score turned to 12-7. Just before halftime, O’Regan lead the team down the field and launched a huge pass to wide receiver Kevin Cunningham who grabbed the ball nicely on his way towards the end zone. The conversion failed and the score stood at 18-7.

The Titans stormed back into the game brilliantly and put up 20 points. The score was broke up by a Warriors touchdown, O’Regan fired a brilliant pass towards Cunningham to still leave the Warriors behind by 3. The Warriors got the ball back and began to work their way downfield. Upon reaching the goal line, Lonergan fumbled the snap. On the last play of the game, O’Regan dropped back and fired a pass to the corner of the end zone where Crowe reeled in the pass and won the game for the Warriors. Clonmel’s sideline and team exploded with jubilation as they snatched victory from the Titans. The final score settled at 30-27.

Warriors pull out last minute victory from the Soldiers

The Clonmel Warriors were playing their first game versus the Soldiers in a number of years and like the Titans game, it was going to prove extremely difficult. The Warriors and Soldiers had a tough defensive first half with Crowe’s receiving touchdown the only score of a physical and slow two quarters.

The third quarter exploded into life as the Soldiers scored and added the conversion to make it 7-6 to the visitors. The Warriors got back down the field and along with the running of Chris Noonan they were able to get back on the board making it 12-7. The game’s back and forth contest continued Linebackers Lonergan and brother, Kiefer Lonergan worked well against the Soldiers running game, and the Soldiers QB Brennan passed for another touchdown to be just one point behind the Warriors. The Warriors ball was turned over due to an interception by Brennan. The quarterback and receiver Beglan scored on a long reception. The Clonmel Warriors were down by a score with just a couple of minutes left on the clock. Making an impressive fourth down stop helped by Chris Noonan’s deflection, O’Regan again went to work and using the entire team got down to the goal line. With just a chance of a few plays possible in the dying seconds he found centre Lonergan in the right side of the end zone for the go ahead score. Noonan deftly received the two point conversion to make the score 25-19 and complete a furious rally.

Both games proved some of the toughest the team has taken part in and the tournament was a huge success both for teams travelling and for giving the Warriors an excellent start to the season. Commendations to O’Regan, Crowe, Cunningham, Noonan, O’Halloran, Cahill and Lonergan for an excellent performance. The Warriors are hugely grateful for the teams travelling and are looking ahead to the next tournament in the south.

Warriors 44 – Roscrea 33

The Clonmel Warriors travelled up to Roscrea in North Tipperary to take part in a friendly tournament involving three other teams from the Munster region; The Tralee Titans, Midland Soldiers and the Roscrea Falcons. The Warriors sprits were high after a convincing 51-13 victory over the Titans to open the season and were now ready to take on a team that had beaten them twice previously: The Roscrea Falcons. The Warriors offense commanded by Quarterback Dean O’ Regan got into action early with two long runs by Chris Noonan and a reception by Kevin Cunningham to set up O’ Regan’s first touchdown pass of the day to Wide Receiver Gary Crowe in the corner of the end zone. Cunningham tacked on the extra point with a grab to make it 7-0. The Falcons clawed back however on their next drive. The Warriors defence fractured and Neville Welwood was able to break through for a long gain which resulted in a touchdown. The extra point was no good.

The Warriors on their next drive hit back in blazing fashion as Running Back Christopher Noonan tore up the field on his way towards a magnificent touchdown. The 1 point conversion was no good. The first half was a see-sawing battle as Roscrea scored on a long drive that culminated in a Dean Kennedy touchdown pass. His conversion was also successful putting the score at 13-13.

O’ Regan got back under centre and directed a terrific drive down the field. A mixture of runs by Cunningham and catches by Centre Luke Lonergan set up O’ Regan’s second touchdown of the day to Receiver Kevin Cunningham. The conversion was no good. The Warriors defence was the downfall on the next drive as the Falcons eased their way up the field using a mixture of passes and runs to score another touchdown however the extra point failed. The game was again tied at 19-19.

The Warriors on their next two drives needed a couple of scores to stay ahead and did just that. Noonan ripped off another custom long gain and Lonergan set up his second burst of running which would end several yards from the goal line. On the next play, O’ Regan admirably evaded a heavy pass rush and found Crowe in the end zone who was wide open to reel in his second touchdown of the day. Lonergan caught the extra point to make the score 26-19. With 40 seconds left in the half, Roscrea were driving for a score and were threatening Clonmel but Kennedy was intercepted by Crowe with just three seconds left. O’ Regan gathered his team and decided to attempt for a score. Dropping back, his star receiver on the day, Crowe, broke through tough double coverage to haul in a huge pass; he bobbled the catch and raced away from the defending safety and into the end zone. Despite the conversion being no good the Warriors were up 32-19. The first half was called on a tough and high scoring affair.

The high scoring drama of the first half settled into a defensive battle as the Roscrea Falcons were unable to move the ball and the ball was turned over to the Warriors. Clonmel’s offense was unable to move the ball and Roscrea got back on offence and badly needed a score. The Falcons offenses, under Kennedy moved the ball and were perilously close to scoring; Kennedy took off with the ball and was racing towards the first down marker until Kevin Cunningham blazed from nowhere to tear the flag off Kennedy to stop the Falcons from scoring. On the next Clonmel possession, O’ Regan was picked off as he tried to squeeze a tight ball to Lonergan. The Quarterback made an outstanding diving tackle to stop Jason Rowe from scoring. The defensive unit as a whole failed to stop Roscrea’s next touchdown due to its great field position. Clonmel were unable to do anything on their next possession and the Falcons got another chance at scoring. Using a mix of runs and passes the scored to make the game a very close one at 38-33.

O’ Regan and his offense needed to put a dangerous game away and he began tearing holes in the Roscrea’s defence with passes to Lonergan and Crowe. A solid run by Cunningham closed the distance between the team and the endzone. Crowe caught another pass to set up the Warriors on the goaline. Receiver Kevin Cunningham caught a well thrown pass from O’ Regan to put the Warriors ahead by 11 points with the game all but won. The Falcons attempted to score but the Warriors locked down and forced the ball to go nowhere. Time expired and Clonmel emerged out of the battle, winners with a convincing score line of 44-33.

by Luke Lonergan

Warriors 51 – Titans 34

The Clonmel Warriors travelled to Roscrea to take part in the later titled ‘Roscrea Bowl’ - a friendly match up versus the dominant teams in the Munster region: The Roscrea Falcons, Midland Soldiers, Tralee Titans and the Clonmel Warriors. The Warriors were pitted versus the team they opened their 2009/10 campaign against – The Tralee Titans.

The Warriors won the coin toss and elected to go on the offence first. Solid all round play defined the first drive of the game. Chris Noonan had a good run to open the game. Centre Luke Lonergan made his first catch of the season to set up the ball near the first down line, which Running Back Chris Noonan promptly converted. Wide Receiver Kevin Cunningham took a reverse run and broke off a damaging run which led to Dean O’ Regan finding a wide open Gary Crowe for the first touchdown of the game. The conversion slipped through Lonergan’s hands and was no good. On the Titans next drive a strange sense of déjà vu passed over the field as the Titans scored on their first play of the game, the same happened the last time these teams met. The conversion failed to leave the teams at 7-6.

The Warriors got the ball back but were unable to move it and Tralee were given the chance to get a potential score until Safety Gary Crowe intercepted a Tralee pass and returned it all the way back to the five yard line. On the next play, Quarterback O’ Regan fired a pass towards Cunningham, the receiver caught it well and the Warriors went up 12-7. On the conversion, O’ Regan’s pass was intercepted by a Titan defender and returned all the way. Tralee gained two points off the rare occurrence. Tralee, then were to go on offense. Two plays later, Crowe intercepted yet another pass this time taking it to the house for a score. The conversion was no good. Tralee came back on to the field with a vengeance. Two runs set them up in good field position and a long pass was hauled in for a great score.

The second quarter opened with a dangerous start as the Warriors fell into a 4th down. Facing a two man rush, O’ Regan dumped the ball off to Chris Noonan who raced for a 1st down. On the very next play, Noonan again took the ball and sped away from all Tralee defenders and scored. Centre Luke Lonergan caught a well thrown ball to tack on the conversion. Tralee being very resilient broke down the Warriors defence, fought back and scored again. The Warriors on offense added another touchdown onto the board. Dean O’ Regan flipped a pass across the middle to Noonan who took off towards the end zone cutting Tralee’s defence in half. It was O’ Regan’s third touchdown of the day. Crowe snagged the one point conversion on the left corner of the end zone.

Kevin Cunningham picked off an overthrown pass to end Tralee’s next drive but the Warriors couldn’t advance anywhere. The Titans failed to capitalize on their next possession. On the Warriors next drive, RB Noonan exploded. He had five carries on the drive, one for a first down and another he stepped in for a touchdown to finish off his great performance; it was Noonan’s 3 overall touchdown on the day. The conversion failed as Receiver Peter Cahill was hit by contact before breaching the end zone. Tralee on their next possession used a good mix of passes and runs to set up another touchdown to add to their total of the day. The score stood at 38-28 going into the fourth quarter.

Entering the fourth quarter, the game was very much alive with only 10 points separating the teams. It had been a tough and physical game to this point but whoever would emerge with a strong game in the early minutes of the 4th quarter would decide the outcome. The Warriors struck first. O’ Regan went to work with his trio of receivers. Noonan grabbed a short pass and Cunningham gained solid yards on the ground. O’ Regan, under heavy pressure all day stood tall and found Gary Crowe in the end zone for another touchdown for O’ Regan. The conversion was good to Cunningham to put the Warriors ahead 45-28. The Warriors defence held and O’ Regan got the ball back. Slot Receiver Declan O’ Halloran was open, made the reception and displayed a great burst of speed to tear into the end zone. Tight End Kiefer Lonergan fell just short of the conversion. The score gave the Warriors the go-ahead in the game with the score at 51-28. A late score by Tralee never threatened and the Warriors held out to leave the field winners at 51-34.

by Luke Lonergan

Warriors 51 – Titans 13

The Clonmel Warriors 2009 campaign of non-contact American Football began with a friendly matchup versus the newly-established Tralee Titans. Despite three players playing in their first or second games and missing long-time starter Luke Lonergan to an injury, the Warriors were able to pull out a resounding 51-13 victory.

The first quarter of football exploded wide open when Tralee broke off a long run for a touchdown, shell shocking the Warriors defence. The one point conversion failed putting the score at 6-0. The Warriors offence went into action, using a mix of runs and passes the drive culminated in a Dean O’Regan pass to Wide Receiver Kevin Cunningham for the touchdown. Cunningham grabbed the one point conversion for the Warriors to lead it 7-6. The Warriors would open a floodgate of scoring for the next three quarters. On the ensuing Titans drive, Safety Gary Crowe picked off a pass for the interception. O’ Regan pounced on the opportunity handed to him and flipped a touchdown pass to centre Declan O’Halloran. O’Halloran was playing in just his first game in place of injured Lonergan. The conversion was no good putting the Warriors up 13-7.

Tralee, hampered by inexperience turned over the ball on downs into Clonmel’s hands. Running Back Christopher Noonan in his second game broke off a run that ended in a Warrior score. O’Regan found Crowe in the right corner of the endzone for an admirable one-point conversion. The game broke for half, the Warriors leading with a comfortable lead of 20-6. The Warriors exploded at the beginning of the second half - O’Regan facing heavy pressure from the Titan defence dumped the ball off into the waiting hands of Chris Noonan who raced his way through the field and into the endzone for the score. Tralee continued to turn the ball over - Crowe being the nuisance for the Titans offence picking off his second pass of the day. O’Regan, cool and calm in the pocket fired his fourth touchdown to receiver Kevin Cunningham to increase the scoreboard to 32-6. The extra point was no good. Gary Crowe continued to terrorize the Tralee offense, intercepting his third pass of the day which he took back to the house for a score. Warriors are up 38-6.

At the beginning of the 4th Quarter, the Titans moved well on their next possession - advancing deep into Warriors territory but were unable to convert their good gains into a result turning the ball over to the Warriors. Clonmel worked their way up the field, taking advantage of the Titans inexperience. Cunningham, playing in relief of O’Regan found said player in the open field and scampered into the endzone for his first receiving touchdown of the year. The Titans offense got into gear late in the game, scoring a touchdown versus the Warrior offense. The Warriors continued to pile on the pressure. Methodically O’Regan stormed up the field, clinically calm under ever-present blitzes from the Tralee defence. The Quarterback passed for his fifth touchdown of the day to Cunningham, himself grabbing three scores. Kiefer Lonergan, playing in his first ever game made a great catch of the ball to round out the scoring at 51-13.

The Warriors entered the game with the same plan that garnered them success last season: A high scoring and well balanced offense coupled with a strong and well rounded defence. The Tralee Titans were playing in their first ever game vs. The Warriors and had a tough game on their hands. They’re advancing to the IAFL league and the Warriors wish them nothing but the best. A repeat game will be played in the coming months in Tralee, Co. Kerry.

Gary Crowe was awarded Most Valuable Player for his outstanding efforts on the football field. Three huge interceptions - one for a touchdown, coupled with long clutch catches and a one point conversion made him the autonomous selection for the award.

by Luke Lonergan