Blast From The Past John Styles was an abrasive blind side flanker for Highfield rugby club from the mid-1980’s, we recently interviewed him. What are your memories of your early rugby career? I started rugby at under-thirteen as a first year at Colasite Spriod Naoimh. My first coach was Ger Spillane (Spanks) brother of Cork singer John Spillane who arrived for training on his Honda 50. I immediately warmed to Ger’s coaching and enthusiasm for the game. From 14 to 18, Paddy Coughlan took over as coach and he adopted a more abrasive approach which toughened us up. I was selected for the Munster under-18 club side, where I appeared alongside Mick Galwey and Ger Earls. When did you get your first senior break? I first appeared for Highfield Seniors, in September 1986 in a friendly against UCC, the same season I won a Dennehy Cup medal with the club. The senior 15 was strong at this time with George O’Sullivan, Paul Collins, Alex O’Regan, all starring and going on to win the Munster Senior league in 1989. Ray Coughlan, a highly qualified coach helped my transition from second row to flanker. What were the highlights of your playing career? Beating Cork Con in Templehill in 1989, in front of 5,000 spectators, we came back from 10-0 down to beat Con 11-10 which was very significant considering the Con team was full of Munster and International players. Additionally, I won two junior league medals in 1989 and 1991. Unfortunately, I severed my cruciate ligament which required reconstruction and I managed to line out in Highfield’s first All-Ireland league game against Bective but shortly after that I retired, aged twenty-five. Who was your most difficult opponent and who did you enjoy playing with? My most difficult opponent was Ger Clohessey of Young Munster, who was an intimidating opponent and part of a successful Young Munster team. The player I enjoyed playing with the most was Greystones and Highfields Pierce Power, who commanded massive respect within the club. Have you been involved in the game since you stopped playing? I began coaching Highfield Juniors 2001-2004, with Tony Quinlan taking the backs. I then moved to the youth section four years ago starting at under-fifteen, but am presently part of the under-nineteen setup who have just qualified for the semi-final of the Munster under-nineteen completion.
Transcript
Blast From The Past
John Styles was an abrasive blind side flanker for Highfield rugby club from the mid-1980’s, we recently
interviewed him.
What are your memories of your early rugby career?
I started rugby at under-thirteen as a first year at Colasite Spriod Naoimh. My first coach was Ger Spillane
(Spanks) brother of Cork singer John Spillane who arrived for training on his Honda 50. I immediately warmed
to Ger’s coaching and enthusiasm for the game. From 14 to 18, Paddy Coughlan took over as coach and he
adopted a more abrasive approach which toughened us up. I was selected for the Munster under-18 club side,
where I appeared alongside Mick Galwey and Ger Earls.
When did you get your first senior break?
I first appeared for Highfield Seniors, in September 1986 in a friendly against UCC, the same season I won a
Dennehy Cup medal with the club. The senior 15 was strong at this time with George O’Sullivan, Paul Collins,
Alex O’Regan, all starring and going on to win the Munster Senior league in 1989. Ray Coughlan, a highly
qualified coach helped my transition from second row to flanker.
What were the highlights of your playing career?
Beating Cork Con in Templehill in 1989, in front of 5,000 spectators, we came back from 10-0 down to beat
Con 11-10 which was very significant considering the Con team was full of Munster and International players.
Additionally, I won two junior league medals in 1989 and 1991. Unfortunately, I severed my cruciate ligament
which required reconstruction and I managed to line out in Highfield’s first All-Ireland league game against
Bective but shortly after that I retired, aged twenty-five.
Who was your most difficult opponent and who did you enjoy playing with?
My most difficult opponent was Ger Clohessey of Young Munster, who was an intimidating opponent and part
of a successful Young Munster team. The player I enjoyed playing with the most was Greystones and
Highfields Pierce Power, who commanded massive respect within the club.
Have you been involved in the game since you stopped playing?
I began coaching Highfield Juniors 2001-2004, with Tony Quinlan taking the backs. I then moved to the youth
section four years ago starting at under-fifteen, but am presently part of the under-nineteen setup who have
just qualified for the semi-final of the Munster under-nineteen completion.
John Mac’s Rugby Angle
At this point of the season UCC Rugby Club can still win promotion from Division 2A. However, they are
fighting it out with Terenure and Corinthians. The clubs recent 56-16 victory over Banbridge keeps them
firmly in contention as they are on 47 points, 1 point behind the two leading teams.
In Division 1A, Dolphin have lost by 2 point margins to St. Mary’s and Lansdowne and 3 points to Young
Munster. Cork Con have recently lost to St. Mary’s, Lansdowne and Shannon and it is rumoured that the club
will freshen up their coaching team next season. Their current head coach Brian Walsh is the longest serving
coach in the division and won the title in 2008. In Midleton, former Munster centre Jason Holland is moving
home to coach Canterbury in the NPC in New Zealand. He will be massively missed in Midleton, where he has
been the heartbeat of the club on and off the pitch for over a decade. Additionally, veteran full-back Gary
Colbert and second-row Aidan McCarthy have been outstanding this season and will be missed if they opt to
retire.
Turning to Munster, recent defeats to Llanelli and Traviso and a draw against Osprey’s have put pressure on
Rob Penney and Simon Mannix. But Harlequins, our Heineken cup opponents have struggled without their
English Internationals and could be vulnerable in the stoop on Sunday April 7th.
Switching to Ireland, the defeat in Scotland was extremely disappointing and head coach Declan kidney’s
decision to entrust the captaincy to Jamie Heaslip seems to have backfired. A change at the top now seems
inevitable, regards of the French and Italian results.
Book Review:
The recent biography of Geordan Murphy (The Outsider), is a must read for all rugby fans. As despite
Geordan’s denials, he is the George Best of English rugby (full of flair and innovation in his play), as titled by
former Leicester Tigers head coach, Dean Richards. As you queue outside Welford Road and the Tigers fans
wondering “Is Murphy playing today?” you see how revered he is, among the Leicester faithful. His story is
well written, beginning with Newbridge reaching a Leinster schools cup final. But Geordan being rejected by
selecters for a place on the Ireland schoolboy fifteen, opting to play Junior 1 rugby with Naas, rather than
under twenty toughens him up from an early age. A letter by his coach Kevin West secures a trial with the
Tigers. He quickly established himself with Leicester under Bob Dwyer but is paid a small salary even up to the
time they win the Heineken Cup in 2002. In the book, Geordan deals with the continuous questions marks
over his capabilities in an Irish jersey, mostly due to a badly missed tackle against France in 2007.
His poor relationship with Eddie O’Sullivan, who seemed to dislike Geordans flair game reaches its peak in
2007. At the tournament, Geordan receives little game time and the teams accommodation is poor. Loyal to
the Tigers and proud of the great club, Geordan is proud of his Irish nationality additionally and many Irish
players have joined the Tigers due to his recommendations.
This book is well worth reading for rugby fans in both Ireland and England.
Coffees of Distinction since 1925
Call Ciaran Cashman, on 086-8137940
Editorial
Hello Folks,
Thank you for your positive reaction to the first edition of “Any Craic” Magazine which most of you seem to
have enjoyed. I took a trip into the city centre on the Saturday night of St. Valentine’s weekend and was
pleasantly surprised to see most venues in the city rammed. I began in Sober Lane and a DJ entertained a
large crowd as part of their February Jamaican Month Theme. I followed on with a trip to “Electric” which
reminds me of a central European venue with a sophisticated crowd and river side setting. My final port of
call was the “Oliver Plunkett” which is a superb venue focusing on live music every night.
Looking ahead there are many reasonable family days out to enjoy such as the Mallow Racing Festival over
the Easter Weekend which is part of the gathering.
Finally, Munster’s Heineken Quarter Final against Harlequins in the stoop should see a large travelling support
from Munster. A cheap route into the UK could be Cork-Liverpool with Ryanair approximately €70.00 and
Liverpool South Park to Twickenham by train for £80.00 sterling.
Music Review
Damien Dempsey’s recent gigs in Clonakility were sold out on both nights and I attended the first gig on the
Thursday night. Dempsey who I have been aware of but not fully conversant with is a singer with a social
agenda. Beginning his set with a song about a Donaghmeade school mate “Steve” who ends up on the wrong
side of the law, Dempsey continues with” busting out” which also has a criminal undertone. He reminds me
of Paul Weller as he strums away occasionally changing guitars throughout the night. He counters the West
Cork Mockers “Howya Damien” with “Go Raibh Mile Maith Agat” which illicits aloud laugh. He seems to
switch musical genre as “negative vibes” has a definite reggae feel and the crowd sign back to create a great
effect. This sing along with “Almighty Love” and the colony or the focal points of the gig with the crowd
humming along and adding to the occasion. I recommend Damien Dempsey and must buy his album to
become more familiar with his songs and enjoy the next gig more.
A fireman came home from work one day and told his wife, “You know we have a wonderful system at the fire station. Bell one rings and we all put
on our jackets. Bell two rings and we all slide down the pole. Bell three rings and we’re ready to go on the trucks.” “From now on he said we’re going
to run this house the same way.” “When I say bell one I want you to strip naked. When I say bell two I want you to jump into bed. When I say bell three
we’re going to make love all night.” The next night the fireman came home from work and yelled, “Bell one!” And his wife took off her clothes, “Bell
two!” And his wife jumped into bed, “Bell three!” and they began to make love. After two minutes his wife yelled, “Bell four!” “What the hell is bell
four?” The husband asks, “Roll out more hose.” She replied, “You’re nowhere near the fire!”
A man went to the doctor and said. ‘Doctor I suffer from terrible wind. It happens whenever I bend
over.” Very well” said the doctor. “I’d like you to bend over that chair” The man bent over and as he
did so he let out a loud farting sound accompanied by the most awful stench. The doctor then
reached for a long pole that was propped against the wall and said “Right, this should do the trick”.
The man looked horrified. “What are you going to do with that?” he asked. The doctor said “ I’m
going to open the window to let some air into the room”.
Catering for all customers. Available for all parties inclusive
of free Champagne and nibbles A special atmosphere for Munster
and Ireland Rugby Matches. Weekend Music Sunday 6-8 pm. Reduced Prices.
Hope To See You At Our St. Patricks Day Party
And Over The Easter Weekend
Your guy for quality commercial coffee machines, Cork.
New and reconditioned Coffee machines. Segafredo coffee
Call Michael Cronin – 086-4142400
Any craic – March 2013Free Issue
How many Scotsmen does it take to change a light bulb?
Och, it isnae not that dark!
Why did the boy computer mouse like the girl computer mouse?
They just seemed to click!
The Ovens Bar, 16/17 Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork Telephone: 021-4271345 Lunch Menu served all day until 7.00 pm. Function room available to hire. Trad sessions Sunday 7.30 PM.
A cosy place to come on a Winter’s night.
VERY HEALTHY FOOD,
72 DOUGLAS STREET, CORK ORGANIC, VEGAN, DELICIOUS, AND ALMOST RAW! Telephone: 087-6212881 e-mail: [email protected] Opening Everyday 11.00 AM – 09.30 PM Corks only organic vegan Café serving the healthiest Food. Eat Well, Sleep Well, Dream Well, Be Well. Raw Smoothies, Organic Salads, Raw Pizza.
Tel: 00353214905895 A great pub in the centre of Cork with an upstairs smoking area.
Club classic night club
DJs
Private function room to hire
Hen parties and stags welcome Open Friday 4pm-11pm, Saturday 4pm-2am, Sunday 4pm-1am.
The Top of the Hill Pub
Gurranabraher, Cork Tel: 021 4303045
Proprietor Barry Howell
Bingo Thursday Huge Jackpot
Live Music Fri & Sat
Function Room available Free
Fionnbarras 73 Douglas street Tel: 021 4847543
Great pints
Great food
Great bar
Heated beer garden
Open Monday to Sunday 10:30am-11pm
The Courthouse Tavern Cross street, Cork Tel: 021 4276472
A small pub with a big crowd
Popular sports bar
Good music
Lively atmosphere
A fireman came home from work one day and told his wife, “You know we have a wonderful system at the fire station. Bell one rings and we all put
on our jackets. Bell two rings and we all slide down the pole. Bell three rings and we’re ready to go on the trucks.” “From now on he said we’re going
to run this house the same way.” “When I say bell one I want you to strip naked. When I say bell two I want you to jump into bed. When I say bell
three we’re going to make love all night.” The next night the fireman came home from work and yelled, “Bell one!” And his wife took off her clothes,
“Bell two!” And his wife jumped into bed, “Bell three!” and they began to make love. After two minutes his wife yelled, “Bell four!” “What the hell is
bell four?” The husband asks, “Roll out more hose.” She replied, “You’re nowhere near the fire!”
A fireman came home from work one day and told his wife, “You know we have a wonderful system at the fire station. Bell one rings and we all put
on our jackets. Bell two rings and we all slide down the pole. Bell three rings and we’re ready to go on the trucks.” “From now on he said we’re going
to run this house the same way.” “When I say bell one I want you to strip naked. When I say bell two I want you to jump into bed. When I say bell
three we’re going to make love all night.” The next night the fireman came home from work and yelled, “Bell one!” And his wife took off her clothes,
“Bell two!” And his wife jumped into bed, “Bell three!” and they began to make love. After two minutes his wife yelled, “Bell four!” “What the hell is
bell four?” The husband asks, “Roll out more hose.” She replied, “You’re nowhere near the fire!”
Arriving home drunk one night, a husband cut himself when he walked into a cupboard door in the kitchen.
With blood trickling down his face, he went straight upstairs to the bathroom to tend to his wounds. The next
morning his wife said “You came home drunk last night, didn’t you?” “No” he replied, lying through his teeth.
“Then perhaps” she said “You can explain to me, why there are plasters all over the bathroom mirror”
The Sextant Albert Quay. Cork Tel: 021 4840667
1st Friday Every Month o Spit Roast Firday
DJ’s & Live Music at the weekend
Lunch served daily
www.thesextant.ie
The Rob Roy Cook St., Cork
Located in the heart of Cork City
Munster’s No.1 Sports Bar
A warm and friendly atmosphere
Function room available for hire
Weekdays all pints €3 till 5pm
The Mill Wheel Bar & Bistro Mill Rd., Middleton Tel: 021 4632127
o Come on down and enjoy a drink and
a meal.
o Meals now available all day and evenings.
Powell Properties 48 Grand Parade,
Cork Tel: 021 4279729
Sales
Lettings
Student Accommodation o Arcadia Hall o Beckett Hall
Valuations Property Management
A fireman came home from work one day and told his wife, “You know we have a wonderful system at the fire station. Bell one rings and we all put
on our jackets. Bell two rings and we all slide down the pole. Bell three rings and we’re ready to go on the trucks.” “From now on he said we’re going
to run this house the same way.” “When I say bell one I want you to strip naked. When I say bell two I want you to jump into bed. When I say bell
three we’re going to make love all night.” The next night the fireman came home from work and yelled, “Bell one!” And his wife took off her clothes,
“Bell two!” And his wife jumped into bed, “Bell three!” and they began to make love. After two minutes his wife yelled, “Bell four!” “What the hell is
bell four?” The husband asks, “Roll out more hose.” She replied, “You’re nowhere near the fire!”
A fireman came home from work one day and told his wife, “You know we have a wonderful system at the fire station. Bell one rings and we all put
on our jackets. Bell two rings and we all slide down the pole. Bell three rings and we’re ready to go on the trucks.” “From now on he said we’re going
to run this house the same way.” “When I say bell one I want you to strip naked. When I say bell two I want you to jump into bed. When I say bell
three we’re going to make love all night.” The next night the fireman came home from work and yelled, “Bell one!” And his wife took off her clothes,
“Bell two!” And his wife jumped into bed, “Bell three!” and they began to make love. After two minutes his wife yelled, “Bell four!” “What the hell is
bell four?” The husband asks, “Roll out more hose.” She replied, “You’re nowhere near the fire!”
A man was crossing the road when he was hit by a car which then sped off. A Garda asked the injured man ‘Did you get a look at the driver?’ ‘No’ he said ‘but I can tell you it was my ex-wife’. ‘How do you know?’ asked the Garda. ‘I’d recognise her laugh anywhere’
The Washington Inn 31 Washington St. Cork
Tel: 021 42733336
Corks most famous student pub Get the party started at The
Wash Friendly staff DJ’s nightly Reduced prices
The Rock bar Gillabbey St., Cork Tel: 021 4312996
Monday: Darts
Tuesday: Quiz
Wednesday: Poker
Thursday: Live Music
Friday: Darts Saturday: Live Music
Expresso Coffee Shop MacCurtain St. Cork
Range of coffees, teas and sandwiches
Breakfast available all day Eat in or take out Open till midnight daily
The Maple 5 Main St. Middleton
Tel: 021 4631568
Lunches served daily
All major sports events shown on big screens
A fireman came home from work one day and told his wife, “You know we have a wonderful system at the fire station. Bell one rings and we all put
on our jackets. Bell two rings and we all slide down the pole. Bell three rings and we’re ready to go on the trucks.” “From now on he said we’re going
to run this house the same way.” “When I say bell one I want you to strip naked. When I say bell two I want you to jump into bed. When I say bell
three we’re going to make love all night.” The next night the fireman came home from work and yelled, “Bell one!” And his wife took off her clothes,
“Bell two!” And his wife jumped into bed, “Bell three!” and they began to make love. After two minutes his wife yelled, “Bell four!” “What the hell is
bell four?” The husband asks, “Roll out more hose.” She replied, “You’re nowhere near the fire!”
A fireman came home from work one day and told his wife, “You know we have a wonderful system at the fire station. Bell one rings and we all put
on our jackets. Bell two rings and we all slide down the pole. Bell three rings and we’re ready to go on the trucks.” “From now on he said we’re going
to run this house the same way.” “When I say bell one I want you to strip naked. When I say bell two I want you to jump into bed. When I say bell
three we’re going to make love all night.” The next night the fireman came home from work and yelled, “Bell one!” And his wife took off her clothes,
“Bell two!” And his wife jumped into bed, “Bell three!” and they began to make love. After two minutes his wife yelled, “Bell four!” “What the hell is
bell four?” The husband asks, “Roll out more hose.” She replied, “You’re nowhere near the fire!”
A young man was introduced to a girl at a party and immediately started paying her outrageous compliments and telling her that he
hoped this would be the start of a beautiful relationship. He was such a fast mover that within twenty-five minutes of meeting her, he
was proposing marriage. ‘Hold on’ she said, taken aback by the speed of it all. ‘We met less than half an hour ago. How can you be
sure that I’m the one for you? We hardly know each other.’ ‘Oh, I’m absolutely sure you’re the girl for me’ he said ‘You see, for the
past five years I’ve been working in the bank where your father has his account.’
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