Skibb Rugby Photos

24/03/2026

The Munster Junior Cup first round match against Newcastle West took place at the home venue on Saturday evening 21/03/2026 under lights. It was probably always destined to be a close encounter given both sides ended up pretty close on the MJ league table – so the scene was set for the battle. Skibbereen fielded a strong team but minus a few strong players - but such is sport and you play with what you have. Over the years we have had a few strong runs in this prestigious Cup and given our powerful performances to date against the best in the J1 league, there was an expectation we might just get a good run this time round. Not to be I’m afraid – though close at the finish, the visitors literally kicked themselves to victory in the final minute of the game when the sides were level at 15 – 15. And a difficult kick it was too- on or about the 22 and about a metre or two from the touchline. A miss would have resulted in extra time having to be played, but Lady Luck was with the visitors, the kick was successful – game over 18 -15 – and the end of MJCup outing this season for Skibb. Such kicks when successful bring great joy to one team – and downright heartbreak to the other – the highs and lows of sport.
To say it was an exciting game would be a bit of an exaggeration – but it did have its moments – and given the rub of the green Skibb probably should have sailed home with points to spare- but the wheels did come off from time to time, calls went against us, and a few unintended errors at critical moments denied us points and victory.
Newcastle West got off to the better start and attacked out wide with some powerful running from their backs – choreographed by their very efficient outhalf – and together they gave the home defence a hard time for the opening 15 minutes. Persistent pounding at the opportunity door by NCW finally did yield results with a try and conversion to give the visitors a 7-0 lead. Not to be outdone Skibbereen mounted their offensive from the restart and when No.8 Conan O’Farrell took possession in midfield and bolted, he had a lot of work to do, but power, strength and determination saw him ward off defenders to score a great individual try under the posts – and nearly knocking over this poor scribe – apologies for the poor photo Conan– and not the first time. Dave Shannon added the points and the sides were level again.
Suddenly Skibb started to come alive and in the leadup to halftime played some of their best rugby and were it not for a deliberate knock-on by NCW I’m sure we were in for another try. That said the resultant penalty kick to the corner by Shannon didn’t seem to compensate one bit – or even the yellow card to the offender. At the time Skibb winger Matthew Benn had a clear path to the tryline, when the intended pass was interrupted – the referee called a penalty - a little closer and a penalty try would/should have been awarded – no question. The resultant 5 metre lineout saw Skibbereen drive for the line – and then the melee started – and took a few minutes to sort – not I might add to the satisfaction of the home side – and a penalty awarded to NCW. However, as luck would have it Skibb did win a penalty from the ensuing ruck and Dave Shannon kicked Skibb ahead by three points to leave the halftime score 10-7 to Skibb.
Into the second half, it took Skibb a while to get into their stride but they were demonstrating their offensive strength in quick breaks and smart off-loading. In one such move Skibb centre Rawiri Wereta collected a pass and wound his way through defenders with the goal line at his mercy. Support was close at hand in Dave Shannon and when Rawiri went to ground 2 metres from home, the offload was foremost in his mind and Shannon duly collected and drove on to ‘score’ – sadly no – the referee cited a forward pass – try disallowed – scrum to NCW – the pain of it.
Shortly after the end result was to be more positive for a change, when Ciaran Coombes was the centre of attention when he collected a fine pass from Tom Beare as he careered down the touchline with defenders close behind. Ciaran knew it was a do or die situation and he opted to go it alone and strive for home – which he did with distinction and touched down almost on the corner flag – for another fine individual try. And so, controversy never too far away as always, Dave Shannon lined up the difficult conversion and it seemed to sail between the posts – and the umpires raised their flags – well one did anyway – but NCW defenders said it went under rather than over the crossbar – back to the ref – conversion disallowed. Skibb were now 15 – 7 ahead and looking good.
Obviously NCW could see the momentum changing and realised the game was getting away from them and mounted a series of attacks that ultimately yielded a penalty, which brought the score to 15 -10, but were now once again within striking distance of Skibbereen. So, put it down to a better NCW ‘bench’ or a slackening off by the home side, or the belief they might weather the storm and hold the lead to the finish. It didn’t work out like that – NCW were the better team in the final quarter and they kept the pressure firmly and surely on the home side. All the activity during that time saw Skibb defending as NCW attacked through the centre channel – and then out wide on both flanks. They had the momentum and the belief and gave it just about everything – the try coming eventually – but no conversion – so the sides tied at 15 -15 into the final stages – until their penalty kick sealed victory.
Without a doubt we were unlucky on the night and if one considers the disallowed try and the ‘suspect’ conversion it seems okay to feel aggrieved. That said I question also the advantage ruling where it pertains to those ‘infamous’ knock-ons. Not the deliberate knock-on as such – that is a different issue, but there is debate on that too. No. I refer to the old common knock-on which we are all familiar with – ball spilt forward, fumbled catch etc. Ultimately advantage is at the discretion of the referee – but provision is there to allow the non-offending team get some advantage – instead of the ref just stopping the game and awarding the usual scrum to the non-offending team. I witnessed two situations at least where NCW knocked-on and Skibb continued play by instinctively booting the ball forward towards the NCW tryline – a clear advantage – but not allowed - and the ref calls play back for a scrum. Getting the put-in for a scrum falls a long way short of the distinct advantage that could have accrued if the forward in question had been allowed continue. A subject for debate - or better still an updating on the rule for referees. See below:-

Waving an arm forward and calling "advantage
Referees should apply the advantage rule in rugby when a knock-on infringement occurs, allowing play to continue until the non-offending team gains territory or a try-scoring chance. The referee signals advantage by waving an arm forward and calling "advantage!" and may keep an arm raised to show the players and supporters that the team is still playing under the advantage rule. If the non-offending team gains enough territory or a chance to score, the referee will call "advantage over," which means the original infringement has been cancelled, and play will restart as normal.

A big Congrats to the Boys U16 – a great win in Cork – well done lads.
1Kieran Shannon, 2Donnchadh Maguire, 3James Williams, 4Adam Sheehan, 5Kevin Coombes, 6Jack Kent, 7Christopher Benn, 8Conan Farrell, 9Oisín Dinan, 10Will Canavan, 11Ciarán Coombes, 12Rawiri Wereta, 13Thomas Beare, 14Matthew Benn, 15David Shannon, 16Cathal Mccarthy, 17Lorcan Carey, 18Tomek Lechtanski, 19Eric O'Brien, 20scott fuller, 21Callum Hurley, 22Matthew Sheehan

24/03/2026

13/03/2026

The High’s and Low’s of Relegation.
So, the 2025-2026 MJL Div.1 season has come to a close and the ‘winners and losers’ are now very much old news. I was disappointed to have missed the final home game against Clanwilliam RFC – but prior arrangements dictated I was not going to be there, and apologies also that I don’t have a few photos to upload. That said, I kept in touch with the match as best I could, but the result when it came was a bit of a disappointment I must admit. Even now I’m not sure what exactly went wrong – other than a comment I received that there was a lack of interest shown by our side on the day. Understandably, we had nothing to lose – other than some pride – and the opposition were clearly the ones under pressure, and the prospect of relegation facing them, were they to lose. So, the visiting Clanwilliam team had more than enough motivation to drive them on and secure the win – and so it turned out. Mindful too, they were playing an away fixture – so it’s probably fair to say they needed to be even more ‘wound-up’ and better prepared physically and mentally over the previous week – and so should be congratulated on achieving their goal.
On the other hand, we were safe and sound from the Muskerry match the previous week, and realistically had nothing much to lose – other than that bit of pride mentioned, and I suppose a higher position on the final League table – which would have been a big plus too. Water under the bridge now – we will look forward to doing battle with the 13 opponent’s again next season. If there is a plus in the final outcome of all this, perhaps it’s the avoidance of at least one long trip to Thurlas next season.
But give a thought also to how finely tuned the relegation battle evolved – down to the wire stuff - based on the results of the final two matches – Thurlas V Old Christians and Skibbereen V Clanwilliam, and how the bonus points were to play such a significant role in the final outcome. Spare a thought here for Thurlas who won their home match on the day against Christians, and may have felt somewhat secure – but those two losing bonus points for Christians – and the Clanwilliam result in Skibbereen dictated it was to be match winners Thurlas were relegated in the end – heartbreak surely to win and lose at the same time. Worth remembering that every point is worth fighting for.
In any event Skibb J1 take a well-earned rest from the rugby pitch for a few months - but you’ll find what appears to be in the ‘blink of an eye’ you will be summoned once again for training.
It’s been a while since we had a bit of silverware at J1 level, and it would be nice to capture a cup-or maybe two- at some point in the future. Keep that ambition in mind as you relax and enjoy a well-earned rest – and by the way, well done lads – you have done yourself, your family, and the Club proud – Skibb RFC Abú.

04/03/2026

Who Up – Who Down 4th March 2026
As the Rugby season clock winds down and we are left with just one game to play – it is hoped by all Skibb supporters that we finish on a high note on Sunday next – home venue – 2.30pm start – pencil it in , support is vital. Another match scheduled for the same date and time in Thurlas – is also of significant interest to us – and how things will play out on the final day of the League. The Old Christians side travel to take on Thurlas in what is destined to be an epic battle, and the results of which will finally decide the relegation issue at Div.1 Level.
Thankfully ‘dear old Skibb’ are out of the dreaded relegation zone – for this year – but we fully understand and sympathise with those involved in the battles to come. We have come close on a few occasions but always somehow managed to escape the drop – but it must be said – and with a bit of pride, we have held our J1 status for the last 22 years – when other teams have dropped down, came back up, and maybe dropped back down again in some cases.
Yes, a difficult situation to be in surely – but there’s nothing to be done but get out there on the field and play your heart out – and even then someone must take the drop. A cruel position to be in – but such is life – there will always be winners but so too must there be losers.

The following scenario assumes Muskerry + another team will drop to Div.2 next season – and that Crosshaven and Kinsale are already destined for promotion to Div.1. If that assumption is wrong and it is a 1 up 1 down and only Muskerry drop, then the relegation battle is over even now. But if it is to be 2 teams up – then 2 teams will go down – hence the importance of next Sunday’s fixtures – read on.

The game in Thurlas is attracting more interest generally, on the understanding that a Thurlas win against Old Christians will sound the death knell of Clanwilliam – and on the face of it that should follow – but that is assuming Skibbereen will also overcome Clanwilliam. Make no mistake Skibb will be going for the win and bonus win at that – but ponder for a minute a possibility that Clanwilliam were to beat Skibb – perish the thought – and Thurlas to win against Christians – that combination of ‘straightforward’ results would now put Christians bottom of the table on 24 points and duly relegated – and both Thurlas and Clanwilliam on 25 points would live to fight another J1 season. So, a lot of interesting battles this coming weekend and the ultimate end will not be known until approximately 4.00pm on Sunday.
As mentioned, Skibbereen are safe no matter what happens – and we should be determined to finish in style and work hard for a bonus point win and come to rest in that mid-table position we were entitled to be. But do not underestimate the Clanwilliam side – they have been a formidable team right through and have beaten beat Thurlas 29-27, Newcastle West 38-27, destroyed Muskerry 59-15, lost to Clonakilty 17-18 by a single point, and to Bandon 19-22 etc. etc. the point I’m making is to respect this team – they will be no pushover – disregard at your peril.
Nothing but the very best we can put out on the field will be good enough to overcome Clanwilliam – so no let-up – even if we’re lucky enough to get off to a blistering start – don’t take the foot off the pedal, until you hear that final ‘bell’. Skibb RFC Abú

02/03/2026

Skibb V Muskerry 280226
It is generally accepted that a win away from home is a bonus in itself - and if a side is lucky enough to get a winning bonus point as well, it’s the icing on the cake. And so it was on Saturday evening last 27th February in our second last game of the season, against an already relegated side Muskerry RFC. As I mentioned last week and despite their relegation status, you would write any team off at your peril and Skibb should not be in anyway complacent about this fixture. Muskerry had quite a high scoring record against tough opposition throughout the season but were a little unlucky to come out on the wrong side of some encounters.
And so, the setting was perfect and the rain was to hold off for the duration – so we were indeed grateful for small mercies. The game started at a slow enough pace with little infringements that slowed the game up even more – but after the initial ‘getting-to-know-you’ stage the game came alive and started to flow much better. After 6 minutes Skibb won a penalty on the 10 metre line and Dave Shannon opted to kick for goal and was successful to put Skibb first on the board at 3-0. Some few minutes later came a repeat performance from much the same spot and Dave added three more points to make it 6 – 0.
The next ten minutes belonged to Muskerry and they very impressively mounted wave after wave of fine attacking rugby that would test the Skibb defence, but the Skibb defence remained solid – however a penalty was conceded which the Muskerry No.10 converted, so now 6- 3 to Skibb. More open running developed from there and Skibbereen began attacking in earnest with fine running from Conan Farrell, Tom Beare and Rawiri Wereta constantly making ground. The first try was hard fought and Muskerry defended their lines with vigour – but finally Skibb power overcame the resistance and Kieran Shannon secured the points and brother Dave added the bonus – to put Skibb 13 – 3 ahead after twenty-five minutes.
Just five minutes later an intercept by Skibb No.8 Conan Farrell produced the try of the night when he ran from deep – gave a dummy pass and took off like a greyhound leaving the entire Muskerry defence in his wake – and had support if needed but it wasn’t – and he touched down with a smile on his face. No conversion from Dave Shannon but Skibb were now in the driving seat and holding a comfortable lead at 18 - 3 after thirty minutes. And there would be no resting on the laurels for Skibb, and almost from the restart Skibb were once again in attacking mode - Muskerry were at sixes and sevens and just couldn’t contain the Skibb momentum – suddenly another gap appeared in the defence and Dave Shannon with ball in hand powered through and under the posts for another try – no problem with the conversion this time and Skibb were 25 – 3 ahead as half time approached.
At the start of the second half Skibb brough on some fresh legs and rested a few others but there was to be no let-up in the momentum as Skibb were now in complete control and demonstrated their attacking skills at every opportunity and were able to create opportunities with slick passing routines that exploited the Muskerry defence. Just eight minutes in Skibb would strike again with some delightful passing skills involving Eric O’Brien and Rawiri Wereta down the touchline to finally release flanker Jack Kent who made himself available to power over and score a fine try. No conversion to follow but Skibb now 30-3 ahead and counting. Just another five minutes would elapse and Skibb would strike again – this time Matt Sheehan who replaced Will Canavan as out-half at the halfway stage was the one to power his way through the now weakening Muskerry defence to touch down easily and this time Dave Shannon added the points to extend the lead to 37 – 3. Around this time powerful second-row Jonathan Benn picked up a nasty injury and earlier team-mate Kevin Coombes had to go off injured – so it was time to bring on more fresh legs and introduce new blood to the squad. Skibb were coasting comfortably and had secured the winning bonus points at this stage so effectively it was very much mission accomplished – just to see the game out to the end. Understandably too that Skibb would take the foot off the pedal as the game was over as such and just a coast to the finish – one might say. And so it turned out and as a result Muskerry now found a ‘second-wind’ and were back in the game and found their attacking rhythm returning and gaps opening in the Skibb defence that wasn’t there before. And so Muskerry began to enjoy those final minutes and who could deny them their ‘for the sake of the little village’ moment as they ran in a few late tries.
But Skibb were not done yet and our powerful second centre Tom Beare upset Musketry’s ‘run’ with five minutes to go to score a fine individual try out wide – which made for a difficult conversion – but brought our final score of the night to 42 points. Have no fear that the final Muskerry score of 31 points might suggest they were seriously closing the gap towards the end – not true – Skibb were not in trouble. It was a fine performance worthy of a fine team and provided an opportunity and the occasion to introduce ‘new blood’ at the deep end and experience Div.1 level rugby – and the lead we had built allowed for that.
Another battle royale next week against Clanwilliam – and make no mistake Clanwilliam are fighting to retain their Div. 1 status – and are coming for the win – keep that foremost in your mind. No complacency – a win is a must for Skibb – preferably with a bonus point. We want to finish this season with a bang – get ready for an epic battle.
As things stand just now in the promotion/relegation battle Muskerry are already relegated to Div.2 and either Crosshaven or Kinsale – or both it would appear, will get promoted from Div.2. If two teams are to be promoted, it follows two will be relegated from Div.1 – and with Muskerry already down it looks like a battle between Thurlas and Clanwilliam – or is it? Thurlas have a home fixture against Old Christians next Sunday, as we take on Clanwilliam here at home. If Clanwilliam were to beat Skibbereen next Sunday – don’t even think about it - and Thurlas were to succeed against Old Christians – it would leave Old Christians in serious relegation trouble. So, all yet to play for -
From the AIL perspective and the 2C section in particular, Malahide are in the relegation zone and Belfast Harlequins are second from the bottom. It’s the Munster perspective that is of interest to us and at present Midleton are third from the bottom with a few points to spare - but looking safe – all teams still have 4 games to play. If Midleton remain safe in AIL 2C, any relegation move from 2C won’t affect the Munster Junior Div.1 League.
1 Kieran Shannon 2 Donnchadh Maguire 3 James Williams 4 Jonathan Benn 5 Kevin Coombes 6 Jack Kent 7 Christopher Benn 8 Conan Farrell 9 Oisín Dinan 10 Will Canavan 11 Ciarán Coombes 12 Rawiri Wereta 13 Thomas Beare 14 Callum Hurley 15 David Shannon 16 Cathal Mccarthy 17 Lorcan Carey 18 Thomas Hurley 19 Daniel Duggan 20 Eric O'Brien 21 Matthew Sheehan 22 Tadhg Ó Treasaigh.

24/02/2026

Skibbereen V Mallow 22nd February 2026

On Sunday last 22nd February Skibbereen entertained North Cork side Mallow in what was their second visit for this fixture – an icy pitch put a stop to it going ahead a few weeks back – but it was all systems go on Sunday, and the pitch was in excellent condition despite the very wet weather of late.
Mallow, being top four contenders, were out to consolidate their position with a win while the home side were equally determined to better their lowly position on the League table and get out of the dreaded relegation zone – and so the scene was set for great battle. Mallow had a brilliant start and went five points up in the very first minute when their speedy winger Sam Glynn touched down without a hand placed on him – a great boost for the visitors and a horror start for the home side. Then, to add to Skibb’s woes, Dave Shannon’s wind assisted restart went all the way over the dead-ball line – so a scrum back to Mallow on the half-way line– not the ideal start for Skibb – but that was to change for the better from then on, and Skibb got their game together and out-smarted, outran, out-kicked and out-manoeuvred the opposition and romped home on a magnificent scoreline of 31 – 10 to take the plaudits and try bonus to boot. Have no doubt this was an emphatic win and well deserved one at that – the Mallow side just were not able to keep up with the pace the home side set throughout the remaining 75 minutes – and if the truth be told Skibb left at least two further tries out there put for minor handling errors at the crucial moment – and the line beckoning. That aside Mallow were not really a match for Skibbereen on the day and the home side were superb right throughout the field, and delivering a performance likened, in spirit at least, to Ireland’s annihilation of England at both U20 and Senior level in Bath and Twickenham over the weekend. So, if this performance can be repeated over the next few weeks with the two remaining fixtures, it auger’s well for a boost to a mid-table position at least – where we deserve to be.
So five minutes onto the game Skibb got their act together and began paying the kind of rugby they are very capable of – and perhaps the conceding of that that early try was the best wake-up call any team needed. That said Mallow were in jubilant mode in those early stages and certainly brought the game to Skibbereen with quite expansive running rugby, and testing the Skibb defence for good periods of time. However fifteen minutes in Skibbereen saw an exchange of passes along the touch-line between Jack Kent and Rawiri Wereta which saw Wereta speeding his way goalwards. Falling in to support the effort came Jonathan Benn who took the pass well and showed a clean pair of heels to score a fine try – out wide. The conversion proved difficult but Skibb were back in the game and making a statement. Shortly after a powerful burst from young Matthew Benn out of defence, almost yielded another try but support was a little lacking at the vital moment. Just a few minutes later Skibb managed a delightful rob as Mallow were pressing hard inside the Skibb 22, which saw scrum half Oisin Dinan feeding Conan Farrell - and setting up a fine break out of defence and involving Wereta and Dave Shannon attacking along the touch line. Running alongside in support Oisin Dinan took the final pass which saw the scrum-half drive to the try-line and finish a well worked move – Shannon failed to convert and Skibb were now 10 – 5 and beginning to take control.
Coming up to the half-hour mark Skibb were awarded a scrum around the ten metre mark and Oisin Dinan set up winger Matthew Benn who made a B-line to the corner flag and almost made it – but was pushed into touch on the five metre line. The resultant lineout from the Mallow ho**er probably typified their by now lack lustre performance of the day – and the ball never did find its marker – but an alert Donnchadh Maguire was in the right place at the right time, grabbed the opportunity with both hands and piled over for a fine try. This time Dave Shannon was successful with the conversion and Skibb were ahead 17 – 5 with ten minutes to go to half-time.
Hardly five minutes had elapsed when some powerful running saw Skibbereen’s Tom Beare and Matthew Sheehan bearing down on goal as Mallow tried in vain to contain the attack – and then a perfectly timely intervention saw Dave Shannon collect a final pass from Sheehan and power over the line and under the posts for yet another perfectly worked try. No problem with the conversion this time and Skibb carried the lead of 24 – 5 to the half-time whistle. Mallow did not know what hit them.
Mallow came out of the blocks at the start of the second-half knowing they had an uphill battle to climb, and a resolute and determined opposition to contend with. Try,they certainly did but the momentum was most definitely with the home team and the match was effectively over as a contest – and Mallow seemed to be out on their feet. With just five minutes on the clock for the second-half, Skibbereen were to strike again and the attack came from deep in defence that saw powerful No. 8 Conan Farrell drive through the opposition with ball in hand then off-loading to supporting players Matthew Benn and Oisin Dinan, Rawiri Wereta and in an almost a repeat performance saw team captain Dave Shannon take the final pass and again complete a fine move to score under the posts – and convert as well. Now leading 31 – 5 there was still plenty of time for Mallow to get back in the game – but it was not to be – and a final try in the closing minutes was to be the best they could manage – on a day they will wish to forget. Skibbereen perhaps should have added a few extra tries but the attacks broke down at the last minute – but they still retired to the Clubhouse very happy after a good day’s work. Some would say it was Skibbereen’s best performance of the season and I would go along with that. What was a big contributing factor for this scribe was the high tackling rate – and Mallow were just pulverised every time they had possession – sometimes a double hit – it was unbelievable to see the commitment and determination in every tackle, and then get up and go again – no let-up. That, coupled with the attacking phases which worked a dream and the off-loading and passing just fell into place – well bar a few – but otherwise a truly great performance from every player on the field. Well done everyone.
So, the count-down is on and we now have just two fixtures left and the hope from all the Skibbereen supporters, is that the team can and will muster repeat performances to see us finish the season on a high, and achieve a mid-table position to rest the weary bones - until next year again. Remember lads – strive for another full-team turnout and embrace that commitment to succeed – and with another emphatic win over Muskerry on Saturday night – 18.30pm start – away, don’t underestimate this mid-Cork side – you will do so at your peril - they will be out to prove something too.
And finally the last game of the season is against Clanwilliam on Sunday the 8th March – and this is a home fixture with a 2.30pm start – yet another epic battle against an formidable side.

1 Kieran Shannon; 2 Donnchadh Maguire; 3 James Williams; 4 Jonathan Benn; 5 Kevin Coombes; 6 Jack Kent; 7 Christopher Benn; 8 Conan Farrell; 9 Oisín Dinan; 10 Matthew Sheehan; 11 Ciarán Coombes; 12 Rawiri Wereta; 13 Thomas Beare; 14 Matthew Benn; 15 David Shannon; 16 Cathal McCarthy; 17 Adam Sheehan; 18 Lorcan Carey; 19 Eric O'Brien; 20 Will Canavan; 21 Callum Hurley; 22 Scott Fuller.

09/02/2026

MJLeague Div. 1 Clonakilty RFC V Skibbereen RFC.

The scoreboard at the end read 20-18 and a win to hosts Clonakilty, yet most spectators, would have conceded the win to visitors Skibbereen with a few minutes to go. Without a doubt Skibb played the better rugby over the eighty minutes and carried an impressive lead into the final quarter and looked like they were coasting to the final whistle – but ‘it ain’t over till its over’ as the saying goes, and hosts Clonakilty somehow conjured up a few nice moves in those closing minutes – helped somewhat by a bit of indiscipline in the Skibb camp – plus a reverse penalty – and that was enough to turn the tide and give momentum to Clon and arrange for that ten point lead to disappear. The final Clon try only to be bettered by a fine conversion by Eoin Downey and the Clon victory was complete – but if the Clon supporters were truthful – an unexpected result but an absolutely delightful result too.
Skibbereen had the better start at the Vale but it was Clon were first on the scoreboard with a try out wide by Ben Lovell – not converted – after about seven minutes, but not to be outdone Skibbereen were awarded a kickable penalty on the 22 which Dave Shannon successfully converted – so a 5 – 3 lead for the host club. The outfield play in that first half was totally dominated by Skibbereen as they mounted wave after wave of attacks on the Clon defence – primarily from the boot of Dave Shannon and he continued to launch high threatening ‘garryowens’ at the defence – and proved very effective for the visitors – and loads of problems for the Clon defence. On numerous occasions Clon were defending for their lives on the try line as Skibbereen piled on the pressure – but credit here to Clon as they defended their lines well, helped no doubt by the inevitable knock-on or penalty conceded by Skibb in what was a highly volatile goalmouth environment and not helped by a combination of greasy ball and very slippery surface. As in all these situations the ball is constantly recycled to try to find a gap in the defence and success usually stands a better chance out wide, as in this case when the mighty Conan Farrell powered over to get the touchdown. No conversion this time but the visitors now edging ahead 8 - 5 in what was shaping up to be a very close fought encounter but also a very physically exhausting contest for both sides - which inevitably takes its toal on players, and for Skibb it would be the loss of prop Michael Veale midway through that first half. Approaching the end of the half Clon did win a penalty which was converted by Eoin Downey to leave the sides tied at 8 – 8 on the half-time whistle.
Skibbereen started the second half as they finished the first half bringing the game to Clon from the off and very shortly after a stroke of luck for Skibbereen when centre Tom Beare intercepted a pass and ran like a greyhound from the halfway line to score a great try, and Shannon added the bonus to propel Skibb 15 – 8 ahead and looking comfortable. As in the first half Skibbereen attacking phases were putting the opposition constantly on the back foot defending their lines and while coming close to scoring on a few occasions they just could not finish it off. On one such occasion a penalty did come as welcome relief which Dave Shannon again converted to stretch the lead to 18 – 8 and a lead they held into the final quarter. Spurred on by their supporters Clonakilty never did give up the fight and continued to run the ball at every opportunity and realising time was running out it became a now or never effort. With the intensity of the battle the physical interaction became a bit fractious from both sides and the referee had to step on occasion as tempers flared. Unlucky for Skibbereen on one such occasion, having been awarded a penalty, well within Dave Shannon’s range – and at a time when three additional points would possibly have closed out the game – the referee reversed his decision and Clon were given a lifeline which they grabbed with open arms – and resulted in an attack down the spectator’s side of the pitch and Niall Barrett getting over for a try – no conversion, and close the gap to 18 – 13, but still work to do.
At the restart Skibb had Clon pinned back once again in their own half and attacking every conceivable opening as they strove to consolidate their position and even stretch the lead. However, Clon persevered and fought their way down field once again -and somehow there was an inevitability about the outcome at this stage and momentum was certainly with the home side. Their eventual try came from Jim Twomey and the conversion followed by Eoin Downey. Lights out.
Skibb will be kicking their ass for letting it slip – never really should have happened – and in hindsight in those closing minutes while still 5 points ahead, had they considered batting down the hatches, holding possession, and operate the pick and drive option. Giving away possession was not to be an option.
For anyone who may have previously witnessed the drama that unfolded between these fine teams on Saturday evening - will understand Clon’s unbridled level of elation at the finish, having fought back from the brink of defeat - and then on the other hand, spare a thought for the absolute despair and depression on the Skibb side, having given it everything, and to let victory slip through their hands – heart-breaking stuff. A singular losing bonus point doesn’t come anywhere close to compensate.

Next Sunday we meet Clanwilliam RFC at home – and please take note - this formidable side have an impressive scoring record against some of the best teams in the J1 league to date e.g., Clon just beat them by a single point 18 – 17, and Clanwilliam have already beaten Thurlas, Muskerry, and NCW – so these boys will be no pushover. Be prepared for another ding d**g battle.

1 Michael Veale; 2 Donnchadh Maguire; 3 James Williams; 4 Kieran Shannon; 5 Kevin Coombes; 6 Jonathan Benn; 7 Christopher Benn; 8 Conan Farrell; 9 Oisín Dinan; 10 Matthew Sheehan; 11 Ciarán Coombes; 12 Thomas Beare; 13 Matthew Benn; 14 Callum Hurley; 15 David Shannon; 16 Jack Kent; 17 Cathal Mccarthy; 18 Lorcan Carey; 19 Tomek Lechtanski; 20 Eric O'Brien; 21 Rawiri Wereta; 22 Joseph Hickey.

MJL Div 1 Team standings as of 9th Feb, 2026

TEAM PLD W D L BP L BPT PTS
1 Kilfeacle 10 9 1 0 0 7 45
2 Clonakilty 11 8 0 3 1 5 38
3 Richmond 11 8 0 3 1 4 37
4 Sundays W 11 6 1 4 4 4 34
5 Mallow 10 7 0 3 1 4 33
6 Bandon 11 6 0 5 2 5 31
7 Kanturk 10 5 1 4 3 5 30
8 St. Marys 10 6 0 4 2 2 28
9 New C W 11 5 0 6 4 4 28
10 Old Christians 11 4 0 7 4 4 24
11 Clanwilliam 11 3 0 8 4 4 20
12 Skibbereen 10 2 1 7 5 4 19
13 Thurles 10 2 0 8 5 3 16
14 Muskerry 11 1 0 10 5 2 11