Munster 2013/14

by **profitius** Tue 14 May 2013, 1:30 pm

First topic message reminder :

Some news of players leaving Munster.

Doug Howlett has announced his retirement.

Other departures from the current squad - besides Peter Stringer who remains with Bath, Marcus Horan who announced his retirement recently, Sean Scanlon (Rotherham Titans) and Sean Henry (Connacht) - include Wian du Preez who returns to his native South Africa, Scott Deasy and Christy Condon.

BJ Botha will continue on with Munster having signed a two year contract extension while Danny Barnes has not been re-contracted but is understood to have negotiated an opportunity to play abroad and news of that will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

by **rodders** Thu 11 Jul 2013, 9:06 am

MBTGOG wrote:I don't know rodders, I was looking at the Munster game against Ulster today from earlier in the season and they seemed to have a good grasp of it there, especially against a very strong Ulster side. It is obviously going to take time to get consistent on that front, but I think this side is capable of it, they showed enough signs to suggest that.

Anyway, if Penney was trying to bring in smash 'em, bash 'em wingers, it is odd that he signed Conway isn't it?

Yes Munster played well in the early rounds but seemed to loose their way with Penneys attacking style confusing a lot of the players, particularly the forwards...it didn't function well with ROG at 10 either.

ROG and O'Connell seemed to take over the reigns and they reverted back to a more tradional game plan which saw them reach the heino SF. It was much documented and discussed at the time.

Conway is a logical enough signing and will give Munster depth in the back 3 and will be good cover for Zebo when on Ireland duty. The fact that Penney is still recruiting suggests that the players they have don't have something he's looking for. They all lack power and the ability to break the line.

Munster were very reliant on Lualua last year in attack and I'm sure thats something Penny is looking to address.

by **profitius** Mon 15 Jul 2013, 7:41 pm

New Munster kit

Munster 2013/14 - Page 3 POC_adidasMunster13.14

by MunsterMac Tue 16 Jul 2013, 10:04 am

So what do we think of the new kit?

Good to see the return of the navy shorts which I think look much better than the anaemic white.

I don't like the blue shoulder bits though.

I think Munster is a big enough brand in rugby now that they should stop messing with the design of the jersey too much and just leave it the iconic red with the odd subtle change every couple of years to satisfy the commercial side of things.

by Thomond Tue 16 Jul 2013, 11:25 am

Like the new kit althoguh I wouldn't mind seeing the white shorts to be honest. Smilar template to the All Blacks one. Bank Of Ireland sponsor 3 of the Irish teams now I believe, that's where our money is going!

by **profitius** Fri 19 Jul 2013, 9:45 pm

Munster sign Jerry Hurley on a training contract for the season. Should be able to fill in ahead of Duncan Williams.

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/12081.php

by Jenifer McLadyboy Sat 20 Jul 2013, 12:58 am

Any relation to Denis or Gerry senior?

by Thomond Mon 22 Jul 2013, 4:39 pm

Hurley was solid enough from what I remember probably better then Williams. Van Den Heever signed arriving around November like Stander. Don't really see the need for another back 3 player myself but I guess that means there is no way in hell Earls plays there.

by rawa86 Mon 22 Jul 2013, 6:41 pm

I suppose its nice to add a back with a bit of bulk. Most of our wingers/fullbacks are light enough.

Is he just a winger or do ye think he will be moved around the back line?

by Artful_Dodger Mon 22 Jul 2013, 6:45 pm

Didn't know about this thread or I would have posted it here Rolling Eyes

He's being sold as a versatile player who covers across the back line but really hes a winger. I imagine Munster will have Van Den Heever and Zebo on the wings with Conway covering from the bench and getting game time in the Rabo, which would unfortunately mean Earls being used at centre censored

by Fergus Mon 22 Jul 2013, 7:46 pm

Rodders on the power piece, I thought they solved that with Downey....who is gonna play outside him though...Earls again?

by **profitius** Mon 22 Jul 2013, 11:01 pm

Theres also the possibility of Earls or Zebo going to fullback.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Wed 24 Jul 2013, 7:53 am

Great read guys, could be a big year for munster rugby. Looking forward to it.
Couple of questions:

1) have the munster players (especially forwards) up-skilled enough to play penny-ball? How many knock ons did we see in the 5m channel? How many passes directly in to touch? How many times did a play remain in a 3m channel of space when a switch was cryin out to be used only to be easily pushed in to touch? For penny's style to work the team needs to be better passers, angle runners and have more awareness. Basically I am Asking has anything changed in this regard since last season?

2) keatley is much more suited to playing modern rugby than rog but are munster lads worried about goin in to a last 5 minutes 2 points down without mr.Get-out-of-jail-free-card? I always thought munster were more dangerous with keatley last season but rog is a master at those last gasp wins.

3) front row? Archer improved steadily and kilcoyne looks good if not outstanding. What do you think of your front row depth and quality?

4) why did you sign another winger!?!?!? I know many of you disagree with the signing, but can anyone rationalise it!?! Buy a centre or a prop!! Can not understand this you have overstacked an area of strength to understack two areas of weakness. Absolutely flabbergasted!

5) anyone want/able to rationalise earls at 13 for this season? When the transfer Market was open and ready?

My preferred munster team

Kilcoyne-sherry-Botha
Poc-Ryan
Stander-pom-tod
Murray-keatley
Downey-LLL
Vdh-zebo-Conway

by **profitius** Wed 24 Jul 2013, 12:54 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Great read guys, could be a big year for munster rugby. Looking forward to it.
Couple of questions:

1) have the munster players (especially forwards) up-skilled enough to play penny-ball? How many knock ons did we see in the 5m channel? How many passes directly in to touch? How many times did a play remain in a 3m channel of space when a switch was cryin out to be used only to be easily pushed in to touch? For penny's style to work the team needs to be better passers, angle runners and have more awareness. Basically I am Asking has anything changed in this regard since last season?

2) keatley is much more suited to playing modern rugby than rog but are munster lads worried about goin in to a last 5 minutes 2 points down without mr.Get-out-of-jail-free-card? I always thought munster were more dangerous with keatley last season but rog is a master at those last gasp wins.

3) front row? Archer improved steadily and kilcoyne looks good if not outstanding. What do you think of your front row depth and quality?

4) why did you sign another winger!?!?!? I know many of you disagree with the signing, but can anyone rationalise it!?! Buy a centre or a prop!! Can not understand this you have overstacked an area of strength to understack two areas of weakness. Absolutely flabbergasted!

5) anyone want/able to rationalise earls at 13 for this season? When the transfer Market was open and ready?

My preferred munster team

Kilcoyne-sherry-Botha
Poc-Ryan
Stander-pom-tod
Murray-keatley
Downey-LLL
Vdh-zebo-Conway

1) Too early to say. Last season it looked like they were confused at times. Caught in two minds. Sometimes they clicked but not very often. Some forwards like POM have good ball skills while others like DOC are have poor ball skills.

2) I agree. With Keatley or Hanrahan there Munster should be able to get more tries. If it comes down to a last minute kick it could cost them by not having ROG there but overall I'd prefer Keatley. ROG was past it for a few seasons. I think Hanrahan is better than Keatley and could force his way past Keatley this season. They won't rush him though.

3) Depth in the front row is looking better than it has done over the last few years. Archer improved a lot last season and Kilcoyne came out of nowhere. James Cronin could be one to watch too and John Ryan isn't too bad either. All the talk at the end of the season was about Hagan but overall Archer had a better season than Hagan last season. He won plenty of penalty tries and can now cope with tricks the opposition looseheads use against him because he is obviously learning from Botha.

4) They had to buy a winger because they were not left buy a center or 10 or prop. They had to get rid of Du Preez. When I say 'had to buy a winger' I mean that was the only NIQ option they had left. It probably explains why they signed that player. He is not really needed but MIGHT come in handy. I would hope to see Zebo at fullback because he has all the attributes and can be better than Kearney there for Ireland IMO.

5) Don't want to get into another Earls debate. I just hope he has an injury free run and is back to his best. I'd have him on the wing or fullback but playing at 13, he isn't half as bad as some people try to make out.

My stronger team

Kilcoyne Sherry Botha
Ryan POC
POM TOD Stander
Murray Hanrahan
Earls LLL Downey Conway
Zebo

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Wed 24 Jul 2013, 8:45 pm

Class act Profitius

thanks bru

by debaters1 Thu 25 Jul 2013, 9:29 am

profitius wrote:
pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Great read guys, could be a big year for munster rugby. Looking forward to it.
Couple of questions:

1) have the munster players (especially forwards) up-skilled enough to play penny-ball? How many knock ons did we see in the 5m channel? How many passes directly in to touch? How many times did a play remain in a 3m channel of space when a switch was cryin out to be used only to be easily pushed in to touch? For penny's style to work the team needs to be better passers, angle runners and have more awareness. Basically I am Asking has anything changed in this regard since last season?

2) keatley is much more suited to playing modern rugby than rog but are munster lads worried about goin in to a last 5 minutes 2 points down without mr.Get-out-of-jail-free-card? I always thought munster were more dangerous with keatley last season but rog is a master at those last gasp wins.

3) front row? Archer improved steadily and kilcoyne looks good if not outstanding. What do you think of your front row depth and quality?

4) why did you sign another winger!?!?!? I know many of you disagree with the signing, but can anyone rationalise it!?! Buy a centre or a prop!! Can not understand this you have overstacked an area of strength to understack two areas of weakness. Absolutely flabbergasted!

5) anyone want/able to rationalise earls at 13 for this season? When the transfer Market was open and ready?

My preferred munster team

Kilcoyne-sherry-Botha
Poc-Ryan
Stander-pom-tod
Murray-keatley
Downey-LLL
Vdh-zebo-Conway

1) Too early to say. Last season it looked like they were confused at times. Caught in two minds. Sometimes they clicked but not very often. Some forwards like POM have good ball skills while others like DOC are have poor ball skills.

2) I agree. With Keatley or Hanrahan there Munster should be able to get more tries. If it comes down to a last minute kick it could cost them by not having ROG there but overall I'd prefer Keatley. ROG was past it for a few seasons. I think Hanrahan is better than Keatley and could force his way past Keatley this season. They won't rush him though.

3) Depth in the front row is looking better than it has done over the last few years. Archer improved a lot last season and Kilcoyne came out of nowhere. James Cronin could be one to watch too and John Ryan isn't too bad either. All the talk at the end of the season was about Hagan but overall Archer had a better season than Hagan last season. He won plenty of penalty tries and can now cope with tricks the opposition looseheads use against him because he is obviously learning from Botha.

4) They had to buy a winger because they were not left buy a center or 10 or prop. They had to get rid of Du Preez. When I say 'had to buy a winger' I mean that was the only NIQ option they had left. It probably explains why they signed that player. He is not really needed but MIGHT come in handy. I would hope to see Zebo at fullback because he has all the attributes and can be better than Kearney there for Ireland IMO.

5) Don't want to get into another Earls debate. I just hope he has an injury free run and is back to his best. I'd have him on the wing or fullback but playing at 13, he isn't half as bad as some people try to make out.

My stronger team

Kilcoyne Sherry Botha
Ryan POC
POM TOD Stander
Murray Hanrahan
Earls LLL Downey Conway
Zebo

On that point in bold Profitus, I see your logic and the logic behind it, but I still don't understand signing a guy quite literally for the sake of it. If the rumours are true that Staggy mentioned on another thread regarding the decision by the MB to cease employing a specialist scrum coach at a time when a) the scrum had been improving and b) when new engagement laws are being introduced, due to financial contrainsts, why blow money on a journey man winger when we actually have reasonable if not quite amazing depth there?

The coach at the minimum can improve the set piece enhance the skill levels of 8 or 9 players between the senior squad and academy, one more winger might bring in a few ideas and such, but he isn't someone like Dougie whowas & is worth the investment. Imho anyway.

Sorry if this has come across as shooting the messenger, no aiming to do that at all!

by Sin é Thu 25 Jul 2013, 10:06 am

debaters, VDH is meant to be a utility player and was probably taken this year because a) he is available now (and not next year) when Casey Laulala will have to leave. You can see how all the NIQ spots can be taken up by the other provinces and how strict the IRFU are being about it (Wian had to leave, no replacement for ROG etc).

by Thomond Thu 25 Jul 2013, 10:40 am

VDH covers the back three I know but does he cover anywhere else? I think he is a good player and could help out but smacks of a signing for the ake of it really.

I would also say that there is no chance Earls plays anywhere but 13 now which depending on what camp you're in is a good or bad thing. All I will say is that despite being shote for nearly all the season. Laulala and Downey finally started looking like a cohesive partnership towards the end not solely reliant on bashing it up all the time either. Competition is never a bad thing but Earls should have to fight for his spot back.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu 25 Jul 2013, 10:57 am

1 Botha
2
3 Afoa
4 Roux
5 Muller
6 Stander
7
8 Williams
9 Pienaar
10 Gopperth
11 Van den Heever
12 Goodman
13 Laulala
14 Kirchner
15 Payne

That's my take on in. 2 gaps where Leinster and Munster have not used all their slots.

by MBTGOG Thu 25 Jul 2013, 11:20 pm

I read Van den Heever can fill in at 13 if needed, which might explain his signing a little more, though it's one that will be questioned until a satisfactory answer is given in his performance!

by **profitius** Fri 26 Jul 2013, 2:42 am

Interesting there with the NIQ list. I wonder will Connacht be included in that list in years to come? They've a fair few NIQ's now which when added to the NIQ's in the 3 other provinces means theres over 20 potential positions which could open up for Irish players and the Ireland coach in the future.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Class act Profitius thanks bru

You're welcome, pete. thumbsup

by Sin é Tue 30 Jul 2013, 1:30 pm

Good to read that JP McManus & his wife were at POC's wedding in France Smile

by Sin é Tue 30 Jul 2013, 4:56 pm

Peter O'Mahony is new Munster Captain.

O'Mahony Named Squad Captain
30 July 2013, 4:01 pmBy The Editor
Munster Rugby today confirmed that Peter O'Mahony will captain the squad for the 2013/14 season.
Following on from his recent captaincy of the Ireland touring squad to North America, the 23 year old has been selected to captain Munster for the upcoming season.
Taking over from Doug Howlett who retired in June, O’Mahony is no stranger to the role and previously captained Munster during the 2011/12 season in Paul O’Connell’s absence, and in doing so claimed the Munster Rugby Young Player of the Year award.

O’Mahony also captained Munster A to the inaugural British and Irish Cup Final in 2010 and has previously captained Ireland U20s and U18s.

With 46 Munster caps to his name Peter made his league debut in January 2010 as a replacement against Ulster. He then put in a Man of the Match performance on his Heineken Cup debut against Northampton Saints in November 2011 and scored his first Munster try a week later against Castres Olympique. He has represented Ireland on sixteen occasions.

On news of the announcement Peter had the following to say “It is the biggest honour of my career so far and it is very special to me. When I was asked by Rob initially I was just shocked and my first instinct was to jump at it, but I had time to go away and think about it and I wanted to talk to people to get their thoughts.

Fellas like Paulie are very important guys in this squad and hopefully he and the other guys will be behind me for the year and I’m really looking forward to it. I’m not going to try and fill Paulie’s boots, Axel’s boots or Dougie’s, I’m going to try and be my own captain, look after the lads and figure out the way I’m going to do things.

Captaining Ireland and your country is huge, and obviously that experience will stand to me but I’m just delighted with this opportunity now.”

Head Coach Rob Penney added “Peter is a naturally gifted leader and is still very young but has a lot of the attributes that are special and intrinsic to Munster. He will grow in to being a special leader of this group of men. I have spoken to players including Paul O’Connell who was extremely supportive of Pete’s appointment.

We went through a process last year to appoint Dougie via the players and this year Peter’s name was to the forefront of that list so taking all that information on board it was a no brainer that Pete would be appointed.”

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/12108.php#.UffhVa4WmzI

by GunsGerms Tue 30 Jul 2013, 5:18 pm

Really!! Guess this means he wont be getting much game time with Ireland. Fair enough I spose.

by Sin é Tue 30 Jul 2013, 5:21 pm

GunsGerms wrote:Really!! Guess this means he wont be getting much game time with Ireland. Fair enough I spose.

It never stopped POC getting gametime with Ireland when he was Munster captain, why should it stop POM?

edit: the difficulty is being Provincial & Ireland captain Wink

by GunsGerms Tue 30 Jul 2013, 5:25 pm

Then why not apoint POC as captain now?

by Sin é Tue 30 Jul 2013, 5:33 pm

Because POC has said its time to let the next generation take over at Munster. POM captained Munster when POC was away with Ireland. This will give someone else a chance to step up when he is away (possibly Sherry) - that way you are developing a group of leaders.

by Rory_Gallagher Tue 30 Jul 2013, 5:34 pm

Great news that POM is the new Munster captain.

by GunsGerms Tue 30 Jul 2013, 5:34 pm

Who were the other options?

by Sin é Tue 30 Jul 2013, 5:47 pm

James Coughlan, Donnacha Ryan , BJ Botha.

edit: obviously POC (if he didn't think he wasn't up to it he would have stuck with it).

Fairly impressive for a 23 year old.

by **Notch** Tue 30 Jul 2013, 8:02 pm

Think Paul O'Connell isn't Captain for the same reason O'Driscoll isn't Captain for Leinster and Rory Best isn't Captain for Ulster. To free him up to concentrate on Ireland duty and because he won't be available during international windows.

Of course, unlike Leo Cullen and Johann Muller Peter O'Mahony will probably be on international duty with Ireland too so it'll be interesting who is Vice-Captain to take over when he's gone.

by MBTGOG Tue 30 Jul 2013, 10:03 pm

Sin é wrote:Good to read that JP McManus & his wife were at POC's wedding in France

Why?

by Sin é Wed 31 Jul 2013, 9:57 am

MBTGOG wrote:
Sin é wrote:Good to read that JP McManus & his wife were at POC's wedding in France

Why?

Because he is worth about half a billion Euro and he is extremely generous to sporting organisations, particularly the GAA in Limerick. Good to see he is fairly friendly with the rugby lads as well in case his help is needed (i.e., he might pay off the rest of the stadium if the IRFU get aggressive about wanting their 10m back).

by GunsGerms Wed 31 Jul 2013, 9:59 am

Anyone see POCs awesome electricity ad? He really is a legend.

JP already pumps money into horse racing, GAA and golf doesnt he? Also I think he was involved with Celtic at some point too. Bout time he took some interest in Munster rugby.

by Sin é Wed 31 Jul 2013, 11:30 am

GunsGerms wrote:Anyone see POCs awesome electricity ad? He really is a legend.

JP already pumps money into horse racing, GAA and golf doesnt he? Also I think he was involved with Celtic at some point too. Bout time he took some interest in Munster rugby.

He is very generous. The facilities of his local (tiny) GAA club are meant to be unbelievable. Got the Kilkenny team down to play an exhibition match against Limerick for the opening and a sit-down meal for about 400 afterwards!

Tiger always turns up for his Pro-am (raised 20m+ last time). He did own Manchester United (and made a fortune selling it), not Celtic which is owned by Dermot Desmond.

As far as I know, it was JP who covered the cost so as not to sell the naming rights of Thomond Park (7/8 million). He was certainly very prominent on the night of the opening with the game against the ABs.

by debaters1 Wed 31 Jul 2013, 1:04 pm

Yes Indeed, Guns he has already put his hand in his pocket regarding Munster before. However, saying things like:
"Bout time he took some interest in Munster rugby."
Smacks of that mix of entitlment and bitterness.

JP has earned his money and is free to spend it as he sees fit. Given Munster's debt due to the Thomond development I'd be farking delighted for him to write a cheque but as a fan I cannot & should not begrudge him if he didn't. Especially in light of the fact that he is the reason it is officially called Thomond Park.

Now don't get me wrong, if i won Euromillions there'd be an annymous donation via a 3rd party solicitor with some strings attached (ie, this money is to pay the IRFU back and cover any other debts, not to be spent of anything that the MB cannot afford currently themselves) but until such time I can but hope that JP or some other kind benefactor puts his or her hand in their pocket. Smile

by GunsGerms Wed 31 Jul 2013, 1:32 pm

debaters1 wrote:Yes Indeed, Guns he has already put his hand in his pocket regarding Munster before. However, saying things like:
"Bout time he took some interest in Munster rugby."
Smacks of that mix of entitlment and bitterness.

JP has earned his money and is free to spend it as he sees fit. Given Munster's debt due to the Thomond development I'd be farking delighted for him to write a cheque but as a fan I cannot & should not begrudge him if he didn't. Especially in light of the fact that he is the reason it is officially called Thomond Park.

Now don't get me wrong, if i won Euromillions there'd be an annymous donation via a 3rd party solicitor with some strings attached (ie, this money is to pay the IRFU back and cover any other debts, not to be spent of anything that the MB cannot afford currently themselves) but until such time I can but hope that JP or some other kind benefactor puts his or her hand in their pocket.

Relax it was a joke. Im not a Munster fan so it means nothing to me if he does or doesnt Id just like to see rugby attract the interest in Ireland that other sports traditionally do. I went to college with his daughter and have a lot of respect for her and her dad/family.

by debaters1 Wed 31 Jul 2013, 1:51 pm

Sorry, my bad Guns. Knew you weren't a Munster fan so did think what you had said was odd & should have thought about it a bit more. They aul tone of voice not being conveyed in txt. Unreserved apology. Smile

by GunsGerms Wed 31 Jul 2013, 1:57 pm

No need to apologise at all.

by **rodders** Wed 31 Jul 2013, 3:19 pm

Sin é wrote:
MBTGOG wrote:
Sin é wrote:Good to read that JP McManus & his wife were at POC's wedding in France

Why?

Because he is worth about half a billion Euro and he is extremely generous to sporting organisations,

Well I suppose if you don't pay taxes then you can afford to be ..... Cool

by Sin é Wed 31 Jul 2013, 3:46 pm

rodders wrote:
Sin é wrote:
MBTGOG wrote:
Sin é wrote:Good to read that JP McManus & his wife were at POC's wedding in France

Why?

Because he is worth about half a billion Euro and he is extremely generous to sporting organisations,

Well I suppose if you don't pay taxes then you can afford to be .....

I'd say he pays his tax where he is resident (just like Rory McIlroy will pay his tax in the US and not in the UK). Wonder will Rory pump as much cash into NI as JP does into Ireland?

by **rodders** Wed 31 Jul 2013, 3:48 pm

JP would be a Cayman Island resident then I suppose ..... Whistle

by **profitius** Wed 31 Jul 2013, 3:56 pm

Sin é wrote:
GunsGerms wrote:Anyone see POCs awesome electricity ad? He really is a legend.

JP already pumps money into horse racing, GAA and golf doesnt he? Also I think he was involved with Celtic at some point too. Bout time he took some interest in Munster rugby.

He is very generous. The facilities of his local (tiny) GAA club are meant to be unbelievable. Got the Kilkenny team down to play an exhibition match against Limerick for the opening and a sit-down meal for about 400 afterwards!

Tiger always turns up for his Pro-am (raised 20m+ last time). He did own Manchester United (and made a fortune selling it), not Celtic which is owned by Dermot Desmond.

As far as I know, it was JP who covered the cost so as not to sell the naming rights of Thomond Park (7/8 million). He was certainly very prominent on the night of the opening with the game against the ABs.

Isn't he a tax exile though? In fairness to him at least he pumps money into his local community unlike most multi millionaires.

by Sin é Wed 31 Jul 2013, 4:04 pm

He isn't an Irish tax exile (he lives in Switzerland) Most, if not all his business interests are outside Ireland - Standard Chartered Bank, Man Utd., Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados. His main interest in Ireland is in horse breeding/racing which is tax exempt.

You never hear anyone going on about him being a tax exile like they go on about Denis O'Brien (who earned his money here and moved abroad to avoid paying tax on it).

by MBTGOG Wed 31 Jul 2013, 7:39 pm

Sin é wrote:
MBTGOG wrote:
Sin é wrote:Good to read that JP McManus & his wife were at POC's wedding in France

Why?

Because he is worth about half a billion Euro and he is extremely generous to sporting organisations, particularly the GAA in Limerick. Good to see he is fairly friendly with the rugby lads as well in case his help is needed (i.e., he might pay off the rest of the stadium if the IRFU get aggressive about wanting their 10m back).

Yup, I am sure that is why Paul invited him to the wedding alright, definitely with that in mind and an encouragement from the Blazers in the IRFU...

by Sin é Wed 31 Jul 2013, 7:53 pm

I'm not sure how you could interpret what I posted as the reason why JP was at the wedding was because he is rich. He is obviously fairly friendly with POC (as he is with a lot of sports people both amateur and professional).

by MBTGOG Wed 31 Jul 2013, 8:15 pm

Sin é wrote:I'm not sure how you could interpret what I posted as the reason why JP was at the wedding was because he is rich. He is obviously fairly friendly with POC (as he is with a lot of sports people both amateur and professional).

Not questioning the reason why he was at the wedding, just why you thought it was worth remarking on.

by Sin é Wed 31 Jul 2013, 9:32 pm

I'm pleased that he was there because he obviously has friendships in Munster Rugby and if things do get financially more difficult for Munster, he is likely to help out.

by Mickado Thu 01 Aug 2013, 3:53 pm

Sin é wrote:I'm pleased that he was there because he obviously has friendships in Munster Rugby and if things do get financially more difficult for Munster, he is likely to help out.

I can see why, I'd love to hear of the like of Tony O'Reilly throwing Leinster a few bob, we did have a fella who donated a good bit of cash for the new UCD facility but he's a bit of a shady lad afaik.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Thu 01 Aug 2013, 4:24 pm

Don't think he is shady. He is just a silent benefactor who does not want to make a fuss.
He used to work with Mick Dawson in a previous existance.

by Sin é Fri 02 Aug 2013, 2:21 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Don't think he is shady. He is just a silent benefactor who does not want to make a fuss.
He used to work with Mick Dawson in a previous existance.

David Shubotham - named in the Mahon Tribunal. There is a reason as to why Leinster probably doesn't want a fuss!

Mr Dunlop said he was introduced by the late Liam Lawlor to David Shubotham, one of the partners in Davy Hickey Properties, who wanted to develop land at Newlands in Saggart which became known as Citywest.

He said the vote to rezone lands at Citywest took place on March 11th, 1991 and was the first time he had been involved in lobbying councillors.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/trial-hears-frank-dunlop-say-he-told-big-lies-about-important-matters-29404108.html

He said Mr Hickey and his partner David Shubotham were also directors of Citywest who got rezoning in March 1991 and paid a total of £30,000 to Mr Dunlop for political payments to politicians.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1128/83035-mahon/

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