29 June 2004 Heineken European Cup Draw 2004-2005 Pool 1: London Wasps, Calvisano, Biarritz , Leicester Pool 2: Benettoen Treviso, Leinster, Bath, Bourgoin  Pool 3: LLanelli,Glasgow , Northampton, Toulouse Pool 4: Munster, Neath-Swansea, Castres, NEC Harlequins Pool 5: Edinburgh, Perignan, Newport Gwent Dragons, Newcastle Pool 6: Stade Francais, Ulster, Cardiff, Gloucester   27 June 2004 Ireland succumb to the Magic of the "Baby Blacks" In the end the scoreline showed a 28 point deficit but in truth while New Zealand were fully deserving of such an emphatic verdict, that final scoreline scarcely does justice to the Irish effort. Let it it be laid out plain and simple, that New Zealand were simply awesome in almost every aspect of their play and totally worthy of the mantle they wear this night. But let is also be said that anything less would not have done against an Irish side who refused to roll over in the face of an awful onslaught that lasted the entire game. To this observer, Ireland were never going to win this game against a Kiwi side that had speedsters even in the front row. A side who were prepared to run ball from every and any angle. They drove at Ireland in waves and when they swept the ball wide the after-burners their backs possesed threatened to scorch the heather in the far-away hills. Yet, despite the weaving runs of Glen Horton and the explosive pace of Ben Atiga, on the 20 minute mark, they led by just three points, 6-3, and were then denied a try when Richie Lane turned and manged a lunging kick to deny Rudolffe Wulf a try. Minutes later the first Baby Blacks try arrived courtesy of flanker Jonathan Poff and when the metronomic Luke McAllister added the points to Anthony Koonwaiyou's - first of three - try minutes later, one feared that this Irish side were about to be put to the sword. Gareth Steenson quite rightly opted for goal in the 30th minute (20-6), Koonwaiyou, scored his second after that, and when the Kiwis were pinged again seven minutes later, us wise heads looking on, would have looked to Steenson to reduce the deficit with another three pointer and get to the sanctuary of the dressing-room for a welcome respite and the rejuvenating words of the management - Dream On. Instead, Steenson, after a quick glance at his captain David Gannon, fired the penalty into touch and from the line-out, Ireland mashed the Kiwi defence to score on the right. It was an audacious move which led to a simple try and if it raised Irish spirit's, it probably frightened the life out of the Kiwis. If not quite that then it certainly made them aware that this side were not for killing that easy. In the opening minute of the restart, when Ireland infringed on the half way, Blacks captain Ben Atiga immediately summoned McAllister for a pot at goal. Get points (more) on the board. There was to be no mucking around with this Irish side, the message read. Steenson cancelled out that score (28-14) and when Koonwaiyou went in for his third try in the 60th minute, the Irish might has been forgiven if they'd buckled. But they didn't. Instead they replicated the try of the opening half - a Steenson touch-find, line-out take and drive and a try wide on the left. Two scores separating the sides with ten minutes to go and then reduced to 14 when John Heaarty was binned for throwing a box. No malice, just frustration, disappoinment. But in those closing ten, New Zealand ran in two more tries, from replacements, Tii Paulo and Hosia Gear, both scores converted by McAllister. New Zealand the better side, no question. But the final table shows Ireland ranked number two in the world and no-one can have any quibble whatsoever with that.

26 June 2004
Ireland U21s Name an Unchanged side for Final against N. Zealand
The Ireland Under 21 team to play New Zealand Under 21 in the IRB World Championship Final on Sunday, 27th June, in Hughenden, Glasgow, 4.15pm is as follows: 
15 - Andrew Finn (Dolphin) 
14 - Richard Lane (UCC)
13 - John Hearty (Blackrock College)
12 - Glen Telford (Dungannon)
11 - Paul McKenzie (Loughborough Uni)
10 - Gareth Steenson (Queens University)
9 - Tomas O'Leary (Cork Constitution)
1 - John Wickham (Clontarf)
2 - Denis Fogarty (Cork Constitution)
3 - Declan Fitzpatrick (Belfast Harlequins)
4 - David Gannon (Blackrock College) capt
5 - Shane O'Connor (Cork Constitution)
6 - Brendan O'Connor (Cork Constitution)
7 - David O'Brien (Old Belvedere)
8 - Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University) 
 

 25 June 2004
Ireland Under 21's advance to World Cup Final
Ireland became the first northern hemisphere side to qualify for the final of the IRB World Championship when they defeated Australia 26-13 yesterday in rain soaked Glasgow, to go through to Sunday's showdown with New Zealand. 
It was quite an extraordinary display from an Irish side because the final scoreline did not reflect their dominance. They out-scored the Aussies three tries to one -and it might quite easily been 6-1 - and in the second half never allowed a side laced with players who have Super 12 experience, into the Irish half. 
The real damage was done with a two-try salvo in the second quarter started when Ulster's Glen Telford, and Man of the Match, scored to give Ireland an 8-6 lead in the 26th minute. 
Two minutes later, the superb Jamie Heaslip set off from the Irish 10 metre line and threw a pass for Richard Lane to coast in from 30 metres. 
The Aussies clawed their way back and levelled with a converted try in the 32nd minute but penalties from out-half, Gareth Steenson either side of half time, effectivbely sealed the outcome. 
Twice in the second half the Irish drove over the Aussie line from line-outs but the referee was unsure about the grounding. However, in the 70th minute they were finally rewarded when Denis Fogarty was driven over and Steenson added the points. 
Ireland now face New Zealand in the U21 World Cup Final on Sunday at Hughenden in Glasgow, kick off 4.15pm. 
Ireland: A Finn (Dolphin); R Lane (UCC), J Hearty (Blackrock), G Telford (Dungannon), P McKenzie (Loughborough University); G Steenson (QUB), T O'Leary (Cork Con); J Wickham (Clontarf), D Fogarty (Cork Con), D Fitzpatrick (Belfast Harlequins); D Gannon (Blackrock, capt), S O'Connor (Cork Con); B O'Connor (Cork Con), J Heaslip (Dublin University), D O'Brien (Old Belvedere). 
Replacements: O Hennessy (Dungannon) for Heaslip (11 to 16 mins). 
Australia: D Mitchell (capt); C Shepherd, J Graham, C Siale, H Veratu; D Halangahu, J Valentine; H Hunt, S Moore, R Blake; S Hockings, A Kanaar; R Brown, M Chapman, L Tomiki. 
Replacements: L Burgess for Valentine (12-17) mins; J Fuimaoano for Kanaar (12 to 16 mins); G Holmes for Hunt (half-time); A Ashley Cooper for Graham (45 mins); C Lyons for Halangahu (48 mins); T Egan for Kanaar (51 mins); Burgess for Valentine (68 mins); Fuimaoano for Brown (61 mins); L Holmes for Moore (71 mins). 

19 June 2004

Ireland 27 France 19
The Ireland Under 21s created history today when they qualified for the World Championship semi-final for the first time in the history of the competition after defeating France 27-19 in Edinburgh. 
The Irish went behind early in the first half and again just before the break, but just as they'd done against Argentina, this side dug deep and again just as against the Pumitas, they had this victory and their place in the semi secured well before the final whistle sounded. In fact the final scoreline flattered the French because their final score came when the game was virtually over. 
Ireland went 7-0 down before Gareth Steenson opened their account with a penalty and his conversion of Thomas O'Leary's try gave the Irish a lead they fully deserved. 
A simple error allowed the French take a four point lead (14-10) into the break, but Ireland came out for the second half in determined mode and scored 17 points without reply before the French registered their only score of the game when the outcome was beyond doubt. 
Afterwards a delighted team manager lavished praise on his side," They were simply magnificent. It was a truly memorable performance. 
"Once again the boys showed tremendous courage and character. They conceded an early try which was down to a simple error but they came back from that and did so again when they gave up the lead just before the break. They didn't panic and the pack in particular were really superb in the second half." 
Ireland have qualified for the semi-final and now meet Australia next Wednesday --KO 7:30 pm. 
Haslett, the rest of the management and the squad will now sit down and re-set their targets. "At the outset, our target was to win our three Pool games. We've achieved that and now it's a question of sitting down to re-set our targets. It's a great position to be in. 

 
 
15 June 2004
Ireland 26, Argentina 22
Ireland scored a dramatic victory against the more favoured Argentina at Dumbreck this afternoon, with Gareth Steenson kicking 16 valuable points in the gusty conditions.

None of his goals were more vital than two penalties in the second half. The first of those regained the lead at 23-22, and the second secured the win with the last kick of the match.

Ireland looked like making the most of wind advantage in the first half when they led 20-5 after 38 minutes. But try by Marcos Ayerza, converted by Alfredo Cordone, cut the half-time margin to eight points.

Glen Telford opened the scoring in seven minutes with an Irish try from drive by the forwards and Steenson’s half-break and slip pass. Steenson converted. But Argentina struck back. After Cordone had missed a penalty, kicking into the semi-gale, Roman Miralles weaved and jinked from five metres inside his own half to score a memorable individual try.

Two Steenson penalty goals then eased Ireland to 13-5 after 26 minutes, and as the first half was drawing to a close John Hearty ran in for the second Irish try. Tomas O’Leary and Steenson made that score, and Steenson converted it.

But Argentina still had time to strike back before the interval, the loose head scoring after a series of forward drives and a couple of penalties. Cordone converted that one, and he added a penalty goal nine minutes after the interval.

Midway in the second half, after strong Argentinian pressure. Added by the wind advantage, Ireland conceded a penalty try. The referee judged that an Irish foot had kicked the ball out of a turning scrummage on the goal-line, and Cordone converted for a 22-20 lead.

Almost immediately, however, Steenson responded with his third penalty goal, and that roused the Irish to battle more strongly against both wind and the opposition. Jamie Heaslip, who was eventually named man of the match, went close to scoring, as did Tommy Bowe. But it was left to Steenson to ensure victory with the last-kick goal.

Ireland – Andrew Finn (Munster); Richard Lane (Munster), John Hearty (Leinster), Glen Telford (Ulster), Tommy Bowe (Ulster); Gareth Steenson (Ulster), Tomas O’Leary (Munster); John Wickham (Leinster), Denis Fogarty (Munster), Declan Fitzpatrick (Ulster), David Gannon (Leinster) captain, Shane O’Connor (Munster), Brendan O’Connor (Munster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster), David O’Brien (Leinster). Substitutes – Conor Geoghan (Leinster), Keith Doyle (Leinster), Neil McComb (Dundee HSFP and Ulster), Anthony Kavanagh (Munster), Robbie Shaw (London Wasps), Michael Glancy (Ulster), Breiffne O’Donnell (Munster).

Argentina – Roman Miralles; Agustin Gosio, Javier Irazusta, Mariano Lecot, Mauro Comuzzi; Alfredo Cordone (captain), Alfredo Lalanne; Marcos Ayerza, Mathias Perez Guimili, Juan Francisco Gomez, Manuel Carizza, Felipe Aranguren, Facundo Barni, Leonardi Lardieri, Gonzalo Padro. Substitutes – Ariel Hevia, Osvaldo Acosta, Carlos Caceres, Patricio Figueroa, Nicolas Vergallo, Santiago Bottini, Francisco Merello.

Referee – Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand). 

13 June 2004 
Tag Tugby Results Week 3                                            
                                   Social League A 
Charlies Angels
27 
Randy Lovers
5  
Deramore Druths
17  
'E 'Why (Are we here?)
10  
PWC
5  
The Tag Heurs
12  
Rash Machines and Rejects
13  
Team X
19  

                                    Social League B
Beat Da Opposition                  
14    
Blood, Sweat & Beers          
7      
Grafton Alickadonts
2  
Pen Pushers
7  
Wooden Wonders
9  
Tele Tubbies
21  
Technology Tags
5  
The Purely Socials
10  

                                      Super League
Grosvenor Stags                      
12    
Once Were Warriors             
11    
Irish Renegades
0  
Maulers
10  
Ophir 
10  
Queens Lads
0  
Possibles
9  
Watching Brazil
9  
                                       

12 June 2004
Tonga 5, Ireland 43

Ireland’s wings, Tommy Bowe and Richard Lane, each scored two tries as their country opened with a comfortable victory against Tonga at New Anniesland this evening in the IRB Under 21 World Championship in association with Intelligent Finance.

But they Irish had an early scare as Tanginoa Fosita opened the scoring for Tonga after only four minutes. A long pass from stand-off Sione Taukapo allowed the lock to finish off.

Ireland, however, immediately responded. Off a scrum on the left Lane scored on the right. Gareth Steenson missed the conversion, but he soon added a penalty goal on his way to scoring 16 points in the match.

Brendan O’Connor, who was to be the official man of the match, provided the pass for Bowe’s first try, and after 14 minutes Ireland led 13-5. Steenson again missed, but before half-time he kicked a couple of penalty goals as well as converting a second try by Bowe, who squeezed in at the left corner with little space to work in.

Steenson’s fourth penalty goal stretched the lead to 29-5 after 15 minutes of the second half, and almost on the hour a goal-line maul opened the blind side for Tomas O’Leary to score on the right. Steenson again converted.

But it was into injury time before the Irish again broke the Tongans’ often forceful defence, with Breiffne O’Donnell sending captain David Gannon over. Michael Glancy converted with the last kick of the match.

Tonga – Kilifi Latu; ‘Alipate Fatafehi, Salesi Kaufusi, Kosilio Tonga’uiha, 
Peni Teisina; Sione Taukapo, Kitione Halapio; Peni Fakalelu, Makoni Finau 
(captain), Saiosi Nginingini, Tanginoa Fosita, Sione Timani, ‘Otulea Fifita, 
Sione ‘Onesi, Sione ‘Ofa. Replacements – Tovo Folaumoetao, Viliami ‘Akimeta, 
Simi Motu’apuka, Nomani Tonga, Tevita Toumohuni, Alasika Taufa, Sione Lavaka.



Ireland – Andrew Finn; Richard Lane, John Hearty, Glen Telford, Tommy Bowe; 
Gareth Steenson, Tomas O’Leary; John Wickham, Denis Fogarty, Declan 
Fitzpatrick, David Gannon (captain), Shane O’Connor, Brendan O’Connor, David 
O’Brien, Jamie Heaslip. Replacements – Conor Geoghan, Keith Doyle, Neil McComb, 
Oisin Hennessy, Robbie Shaw, Michael Glancy, Breiffne O’Donnell.

Referee – Shinichi Iwashita (Japan).

 

7 June 2004
The founding coach of Belfast Harlequins, Willie Gribben, now Director of Rugby at Portadown has been joined by former Harlequins and Ulster player Sheldon Coulter. Shelly will be acting as backs coach and player while former Dungannon lock, Keith Walker, will coach the forwards. 
Two former Quins captains also featured in the news lately. David Scott, recently at Cooke has retired from rugby and Michael Higginson, recently at Donaghadee has joined Malone.

4 June 2004
Tag Rugby Results Week 2

Super League

 Grosvenor Stags  7
 Maulers  13
 Irish Renegades 0
 Once Were Warriors  10
 Ophir  4
 Watching Brazil  22
 Queens Lads 14
 Possibles  13
Social League A
 Randy Lovers  13
 Deramore Druths  18
 E Why (are we here)  4
 Charlies Angels  18
 PWC  3
 Team X  29
 The Tag Heurs  20
 Rash Machines & Rejects  15
Social League B
Beat Da Opposition  10
 Pen Pushers  4
Grafton Alikadont's  1
 Blood Sweat & Beers  12         
Wooden Wonders  7
 The Purely Socials  8
Teletubbies  15
 The Technology Tags  1
 

June 1 2004. 

Club Movements

Today is the deadline for inter-club transfers for the All Ireland League for next season. 3 senior squad players have transfered away from Grafton Belfast Harlequins. They are Ajay Derwin who has moved to Ards, Sean Clancy and Andy Dougan who have transferred to Armagh. We want to thank all the guys for their contribution to the success of Harlequins over the past 3 seasons and assure them of a warm welcome to Deramore at any time.
Simon Shawe has been re-allocated to Ballymena as we are not allowed to have 2 tight head props both with development contracts. (Declan is the other) Again we wish Simon all success in his future career (except against us).
Transfering in to GBH are 4 quality players
Ian Humphreys - out half - from Ballymena. Ian was the out half in this season's AIB/Irish Times AIL div 1 Team of the Year.
Michael Swetman - centre - from Co Carlow. Michael is an English born player who has been with Carlow for 2 seasons. He was also in the AIB/Irish Times AIL div 1 Team of the Year
Johnny Poole - Second row - from Banbridge. Johnny is a formewr captain of Banbridge and one of the best second rowers in Ulster in the last few seasons.
Gary Brown - from Portadown. Gary won schools and U21 honours and represented the Ulster Development squad. 
Other players will return to us from University and there will be school signings. 
Ireland U21 Rugby World Cup Squad announced
The Irish Under 21 Squad to take part in the IRB Under 21 World Cup in Scotland is as follows: 
Forwards (15): Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon), Niall Conlon (Dublin University), Keith Doyle (UCD), Declan Fitzpatrick (Belfast Harlequins), Denis Fogarty (Cork Constitution), David Gannon (Blackrock College) capt Conor Geoghegan (UCD), Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University), Oisin Hennessy (Dungannon), Anthony Kavanagh (Garryowen), Neil McComb (Dundee HSFP), David O’Brien (Old Belvedere), Brendan O’Connor (Cork Constitution), Shane O’Connor (Cork Constitution), John Wickham (Clontarf). 
Backs (11): Tommy Bowe (Queens University), Andrew Finn (Dolphin), Michael Glancy (Loughborough University), John Hearty (Blackrock College), Richard Lane (UCC), Paul McKenzie (Loughborough University), Breiffne O’Donnell (UL Bohemians), Tomas O’Leary (Cork Constitution), Gareth Steenson (QUB), Robbie Shaw (Wasps), Glen Telford (Dungannon). 
Manager – David Haslett
Coach – Mark McDermott
Assistant Coach – Pat Murray 
· Ireland plays their opening match against Tonga on 11/06/04 in New Anniesland at 17.00hrs. 
Pool A: New Zealand, Wales, Scotland
Pool B: Australia, Ireland, Italy
Pool C: Argentina, France, Tonga
Pool D: South Africa, England, Russia 

Super League 

 Grosvenor Stags   10
 Irish Renegades  0
 Maulers  9
 Once Were Warriors  5
 Ophir  8
 Possibles 14
 Queens Lads  5
 Watching Brazil  10

Social League A

 Charlies Angels  31
 Deramore Druths  7
 E Why (are we here)  4  
 Randy Lovers  9
 PWC  1
 Rash Machines & Rejects 29
 The Tag Heurs  4
 Team X  9

Social League B

 Beat Da Opposition  16
 Grafton Alikadont's  9
 Pen Pushers  7
 Blood Sweat & Beers  5  
 Wooden Wonders  15
 Technology Tags  3
 Teletubbies  10
 The Purely Socials  3