McSWEENEY (Cork): On February 9, 2019, unexpectedly but peacefully at home in Popes Quay, PADDY, husband of Lynne, dear brother of Mary, Jerry and Terry. Sadly missed by his loving family, nephews, nieces, aunt Maura, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives and a large circle of friends.  Lying in repose at the Coburg Street, Funeral Home of Jerh. O’Connor Ltd. Removal on (Wednesday) evening at 6.00pm to St. Mary’s Cathedral. Requiem Mass at 11.00am on (Thursday) followed by Cremation at the Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy Co. Cork. Family flowers only, please.

Paddy McSweeney, (Paddy Mac), has passed away. Just a couple of weeks after hooker Peter Bell passed on, prop Paddy has joined him in the great scrum in the sky.

Paddy had not been well for a while, but to those of us of a certain age, Paddy was a genial helpful character.

When I joined in the 72/73 season, Paddy was already part of the Carrigmore furniture. To someone like me, Paddy represented the heart of Old Christians.

He was ever helpful, always available to assist in any job to be done in the club. More that once came to my rescue, in my “Biker” days, when my bike had broken down. Paddy and the truck would arrive to save the day.

Paddy was an “old fashioned” prop, who preferred a “tight” game.

How many times did I hear Paddy say, “I’m dying man”, as he emerged red-faced from a ruck or maul.

In the days of the Club fancy dress, which used to take place on St. Stevens Day, Paddy would belt out the Rolling Stones, “I cant get no satisfaction”, with the Club Band, while turning redder by the minute.

Paddy’s brother, Gerry, also played with Old Christians, while Club Legend, Rodger, “Rody” Kickam was a cousin and I think Dave Waldock was also related.

Ní beidh a leitheád arís ann.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílís.

“OCRFC Adult Rugby Review:

All adult players shall be contacted over the coming week to ten days with a view to having their say on the rugby activities at adult level in the club. There is an in-depth review of adult rugby in motion, with a view to making definitive recommendations and a proposed improvement plan to the committee, to enhance the adult playing activities of Old Christians RFC.

Your frank and honest opinions are welcomed (you can voice your opinion anonymously, if you wish), as we simply want to find out your views on how we can progress the adult rugby of Old Christians to bigger and better things with more professional standards of on-and-off field resources, equipment, coaching, management and facilities.

Your opinions matter and will shape what we have to do in the club to achieve what the players want, by providing what the players need.”

Any comments would be more than welcome.

The lucky winner from the club draw Ciaran, collected his tickets Thursday night at u11 training.  Big thanks from the minis to Barry Hill and the club.  Ciaran had a fantastic day out despite the result.  He can’t wait to get back into a old Christian shirt next Sat!

The Munster Junior Cup game v Shannon in Rathcooney and the Under 16 trip to Bruff, both now off.

Our under 18.5 game v Nenagh Ormond fell victim to the weather this morning, as the Tipperary outfit were unable to travel because of the weather conditions.

Likewise, the visitors from Kavanagh’s Kountry, (i.e. Cashel), were unable to make the trip.

This did not stop our lads from having training sessions,and below are some pictures.

Just as a point of interest, in the last two weeks, I have been contacted from, South Africa, Germany and Argentina, are we on the right road ?

While the Junior Cup game v Shannon is the main event on Sunday, (K.O. at 2 by the way), there are other vital games on this week-end, including a do or die one, U18.5 vs Nenagh Ormond at 12.00.

Full list on main page.

We had three players in a Munster Under 16 side which took on CBC junior Cup team. Here are a few photos of the boys. Oscar and Josh were played on the wings and Connor was played as flanker they all did well hopefully this will be the first time of many that we see them in the Munster colours.

It was a busy time at the club this morning as the Munster development coaches came to help our u7 u8 u9 teams and coaches. The weather was miserable, but well worth it.