2002 Kinsale Sevens
Fri 3rd May - Mon 6th May
The annual pilgrimidge to Kinsale set off early last Friday with mandatory pit stops in Abbeyleix and Balgooly on the way. Making good time on the roads,Kinsale was reached on schedule. The three houses were quickly snapped up.
Wa*ker of the year award |
House one was taken on by the apple gang.The main occupiers were Fergus,Niall,Bull,Kevin and Tom. The squatters were Aron and Matt.This house was allocatted to the old Kinsale veterans whose fondness is for a drink which recaptures their youth. Their strenghts were their zero volatility factor and and ability to stay the pace for the weekend. Unfortunately their weaknesses was this ability to stay the pace which was bad news for the rest of the party. House two was taken by the family pack. Main occupiers were Ross,brother Dave,Cousin John,Dave Fleming and his adopted son Hops. No squatters as no one wanted to stay with a Garda,Custom officer,two Bankers and a Pensioner. This allocation was based on the fact that blood is thicker than water and this house definitely had a thick factor to it. Their strenghts were their ability to procure after hours drink unknown to tour party. Their weakness was their inability to drink same.
House three was taken by the Balckie Connors team. Main occupiers were 'Johnny/ Dave Plunkett/Keegan, Jerry, Nigel,Thady and Richie. The squatters were Thady's "Friends". This was allocatted on the basis of rejection from the other two houses. Their strenghts were that they were the source of every good story over the weekend.Their weakness was that also they were the source of every bad story over the weekend.
With accomodation sorted, a quiet nite was had on the town as the tour party sipped a few drinks in the Sean Chai. Obviously players and supporters alike were taking the rugby seriously the next day. Conversation was exceptionally intelligient despite Dave F regalling us with his depth of medical history.
Peter Flood Memorial Trophy |
Day two started brightly with the aroma of cooking coming from each house. Fat free, low in poly-unsaturated foods were the order of the day. Unfortunately as the team togged out in the rugby grounds,one member of the party was in bed dreaming of scoring the winning try against the Kiwis in the next world cup.If Carlsbergs did bad dreams this dreamer would be playing for England and his name would be Austin Healy. What a w*nker ! The tournament started well with a Stillorgan select winning their first two games playing a mauling/rucking game suited to their limited skills. The third game was lost,primarily because the Bull wanted to watch the huns beat the Bhoys. Anyway the two wins ensured a new club record and everybody was cordially invited to the Spaniard pub to celebrate this new record. Unfortunately Dave K got lost on route but stilll managed to avail of free drink in a local brewery. Pretty useful to have that lucky break. Anyway said person came back in celebratory manner and roused the tour party into a very good sing song. A good nite had by all. One feature of the nite was Johnny 'one tug' Plunketts thank you gift to Jerry for handing the captaincy to him this season.Very touching!
Day three started promisingly, although the aroma of good food was now replaced with a different aroma coming from the houses (two day wearing of socks and jocks) .Some of the tour party went off to watch some rugby and others were on scenic vists around town but invariably the homing pigeons (what was left of them) made their way back to the Spaniard for another evening of fun and frolics....Serious environmental issues were brought to the fore by Nigel whose concern for the pollution of the Irish sea was inspiring, although this was negated somewhat by his pollution of the pub. A great sing song ended the night and everybody trouped home for a well earned sleep.
Day four saw the party pack up and leave Kinsale. Two awards were given before the party left. The Austin Healy award went to Jeeerry,Jeeerry and the Shane McGowan award went to Nigel who narrowly pipped Dave K on the line.
Well done to all for a good weekend and to Nigel for organising it.