It’s Been Emotional
A topsy, turvey competition ends with tears and laughter, joy and heartbreak. And that’s just the F6NF!
On the pitch we saw tears from Irish tough guy Peter O’Mahoney and Welsh wizard George North on their final appearances. Joy from the Italian squad on concluding their best ever 6 nations with 2 wins which should have been 3, and nervous laughter from Fabien Galthie after finally wining a match on French soil.
A lacklustre performance from Ireland was enough to clinch the win over Scotland and the 6 Nations title, setting up a never been done before challenge for next year of 3 in a row. Farewell to O’Mahoney, Connor Murray and presumably Cian Healy, warriors all. A summer tour and autumn series comprising tests against the Boks (2), ABs, Argentina, Fiji and Australia will give plenty of opportunity for fresh legs to stake their claims for these hallowed jerseys.
A much relieved Steve Borthwick will enjoy the break, despite losing in France, England continued to show adventure and try scoring capability. Both sides still have sieve like defences, and the French squad will be delighted to be released and escape from Shaun Edwards, following his statement that that was the worst ever French defensive performance.
Landmark for the F6NF
For the first time in the history of the F6NF we have not just one, but two lady winners of the competition. Both Emma Quinn and Molly Corcoran went joint top on the final day with 123 points, an exceptional score.
“I can’t believe it” said Quinn from the champagne bar atop the Linesight offices. “I knew I had gone well on Saturday with the 3 results the right way around, but didn’t realise how well”.
“Well that cements my position in our house as the top rugby pundit” said Molly Corcoran, fresh back from her champagne tasting trip to Cheltenham. “Winners last week and a winner today, that’s brilliant news. I shall pool my winnings and use them for something sensible, like a heated towel rail for the new house. There’ll be no frivolous spending!”
Quinn and Corcoran split the €1,000 jackpot, receiving €500 each.
| Final Table | ||
| Name | Total | |
| 1 | Emma Quinn | 123 |
| 2 | Molly Corcoran | 123 |
| 3 | Fergus McNamara | 121 |
| 4 | Damien Coffey | 120 |
| 5 | Alan O Brien | 111 |
| 6 | Eifion Lewis | 102 |
| 7 | Catherine Curran | 101 |
| 8 | Bobby Reynolds | 97 |
| 9 | Eoin Dennehy | 97 |
| 10 | Rose Reynolds | 96 |
| 11 | Dominic O’Kelly | 92 |
| 12 | Joe Leddin | 90 |
| 13 | Martin Doyle | 90 |
| 14 | Vincent Brady | 90 |
Fergus McNamara and Damien Coffey were so close, but no cigar unfortunately. Eifion Lewis takes a top ten slot as consolation for Wales’s wooden spoon, and Bobby Reynolds comes in a the youngest player in the top 10.
Team Winners
Carried by Molly Corcoran, team Williamsville made the final leap up the table to top it with 57 points, drawing ahead of Reynolds Number on 48.
| Team | Score |
| Williamsville | 57 |
| Reynolds Number | 48 |
| Rum Pointless | 30 |
| Kennad | 29 |
| Busted flush | 23 |
| McNabbed | 21 |
| LA Rockets | 10 |
| Tavira 2 | 8 |
| Leinster Ladyboys | 7 |
| Brendans Bombers | 5 |
| WalMarDun | 2 |
| Wrong Direction | 0 |
| Duffy | -8 |
| Malahidians | -9 |
| JJ Bowles on tour | -23 |
| Jascom | -25 |
| Moor Hausen | -33 |
| Obyrne Orbits | -43 |
| Thacks | -58 |
| Kaned | -60 |
| Connolly Clan | -73 |
Team captain Matt Williams Jnr was laconic about their victory, and winning the team prize of €500. “OK thanks” was his response from GAA training yesterday. “I suppose my Dad will keep it all safe for a rainy day”
Weekend Prizes
The final weekend brings with it the Ethos Wooden Spoon Award for the lowest credible score – credibility had to be introduced some years ago as it became clear that some entrants were fixing their entries to garner big negative results. To that end Michael Moran and Piyush Chaudhary have been eliminated, leaving another battle of the ladies, between Jackie Burke and Sinead Vaughan for the coveted prize, which Burke wins by a tablespoonful of points. A hundred euros is winging its way to her.
| Wooden Spoon Contenders | ||
| 334 | Tom Costello | -101 |
| 335 | Geraldine Kelly | -113 |
| 336 | Terence Woulfe-Flanagan | -121 |
| 337 | Brendan Murray-Byrne | -124 |
| 338 | Marco Vimercati | -137 |
| 339 | Declan Holmes | -159 |
| 340 | Dave Darcy | -167 |
| 341 | Jack Mulcahy | -167 |
| 342 | Sinead Vaughan | -177 |
| 343 | Jackie Burke | -202 |
| 344 | Micheal Moran | -468 |
| 345 | Piyush Chaudhary | -569 |
Kevin Cleary top scored for the weekend, and picks up The Asset Recruitment Strongest in the Pack Award. “Flabergasted” said Cleary. “Who knew that these prizes were real? I’m delighted with my result, and look forward to a top ten position next year”
Well Done Everyone
Well another year, another Championship. Congratulations to our winners, and heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, who contribute the prize money. To all of you, our entrants that keep the competition vibrant, and contribute every year to LauraLynn, respect and thanks. We hope we have made a small difference to the staff and families of LauraLynn, who look after the needy children of Ireland, and their families, 365 days a year. Or 366 in this case.
Thanks to everyone – see you next year!
