We were up against teams from Abbeyfeale, Newport and UL Bohemians. We played a strong Abbeyfeale team in the first match and despite being behind for long periods of the match we won 4 tries to 3. It was a very physical game and we were delighted to come away with a win. In our second match we played Newport. This turned out to be an easier match and despite Newport’s best efforts we were too strong and won 6 tries to 1. Our last match was a very exciting affair against a strong UL Bohs team. We managed to win this match by 2 tries to 1 with our tries coming from George Keely and Cian O’Donnell. Well done to all the players and especially Paul, Dylan and Rowan who taking part in their first blitz. Let’s hope this is a good omen for the rest of the season.

Nevertheless, a large crowd of swimmers braved the icy waters on 1st January 2010 to raise funds for Ballina Killaloe RFC.

Many thanks to the Killaloe Coast Guard Unit for organising the event and for all the volunteers who helped make it a safe and enjoyable day.

2010 New Year’s Day Swim at Two Mile Gate, Killaloe from Llyr Jones on Vimeo.

Our lads capped a fantastic evening with a hard fought 2-0 win, with two wonderfully taken tries by Jack O’Mahony.

This was a once in a lifetime experience and the occasion will live long in the memories of all players involved.

Many thanks to all the U11s coaches for organising this wonderful event – Niall Tuite, Ger O’Mahony, Joe Gilmartin, David Dalton & Jonathan Walsh.

Take a look at some pictures of this unforgettable evening, kindly provided by Stephen McKeogh:

The first game began very brightly for Bohemians who went all out for attack from the first whistle and our boys had to be alert and strong in the tackle. After weathering the early storm the team began to put some fine running and passing moves together and were rewarded with a fine try. This was quickly followed by three more. Bohemians then began to exert some more pressure but with the Ballina/Killaloe boys putting in some super tackles we managed to keep the Bohs lads down to only two scores. Later in the game, some strong running produced some excellent attacking play and rewarded us with a final try. Ballina/Killaloe victorious by five tries to two.

The second game was also played in a very sporting manner by both teams. Ballina/Killaloe started with great purpose and this led to two superb scores early on in the game. There followed then a very good period for Bohemians, who responded with two well taken tries after a great defensive effort by our boys. Well into the second half the sides were still level, both sides committing everything and some great tackling and strong mauling features of the game. Our lads managed to eventually breach their defenses and put together a fine team effort which was finished in the corner. In the final minutes Bohemians threw everything at our lads in a last effort to tie up the game but we defended very well and managed to hold out for victory in a very close contest. Ballina/Killaloe winners three to two. Both teams congratulated each other at the end of two mighty contests and now look forward to meeting again in the future.

View some more pics of the blitz below:

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