Enniscorthy make AIL debut

Midleton visit Ross Road for historic first round clash

ENNISCORTHY OPEN their All-Ireland League campaign at home in Alcast Park, Ross Road, next Saturday, October 5, at 2.30 p.m. versus Midleton.

This is an historic occasion for the club, as the last sojourn as a Senior club was from 1928 to 1931, so no doubt it’s a long overdue return.

The achievement of elevation to the AIL is testament to the dedication and skill level of the present squad under the leadership of captain Tom Ryan and the expert tuition from coaches Declan O’Brien and Kieran Hurrell, ably assisted by the backroom team of Stellah Sinnott, Liam Walsh, John ‘Spud’ Murphy and Dave Wrafter.

This is augmented by the seconds’ management team of Terry Kavanagh, Andrew Kelly and Craig Blythe, and the numerous volunteers at under-age and minis level.

The under-age girls’ teams under the leadership of co-ordinator Myra Kelly are having a fundraiser on the big day.

Barbeques will be providing tasty delights, as well as confectionery and coffees. Come early and enjoy al fresco lunch while supporting this worthy fundraiser and have a look around our new gym, shop and indoor training area in the Tom Hastings Centre.

Hopefully Enniscorthy can start their AIL campaign with a home win on an important day for all connected with club and community.

It will be a tough opening game for the home team, with Midleton finishing second to Ballina with 13 wins and just five defeats in the last campaign, and they are already pre-season favourites to win the division.

Enniscorthy will again look to the experience within the team, particularly Ivan Poole, Richard Dunne and Ivan Jacob in the backs, and up front they will be hoping that Paddy Waters’ legs will last another season.

Also key up front will be the arrow-like throws of hooker Davy Murphy. Thomas Stamp missed most of the second half of last season, and his return is a big boost.

M.J. Doyle had outstanding success with the club at under-age but has not played with the seniors, and his addition to the team is a major asset as he can play front row or back row and he has featured well in the opening games of the season.

There is a possibility that his younger brother, the versatile Nick, might line up in the backs which would be interesting, but that is known territory for him as he played most of his under-age rugby at number 10.

He currently plays with Carlow I.T. in the centre.

Killlian Lett’s retirement will certainly leave a hole in the team, but Doyle night just be the ideal replacement.