From Castlebar - County Mayo -
Castlebar Rugby News 19 Feb 2007
By John Mulligan
21, Feb 2007 - 09:14
Firsts
The Firsts finished their league campaign last Sunday against Sligo at Hamilton Park. Despite leading 15-10 going into the final minutes, Sligo scored a late try to force the draw. The points are important though as it virtually confirms our top four position and qualifies us for next seasons All Ireland Junior Cup which is a fantastic achievement. However the season is far from over as we have the Cawley cup coming up soon. The first round of this takes place on the weekend of the 11th of March at home to the winners of Ballyhaunis or Tuam.
Firsts
The Firsts finished their league campaign last Sunday against Sligo at Hamilton Park. Despite leading 15-10 going into the final minutes, Sligo scored a late try to force the draw. The points are important though as it virtually confirms our top four position and qualifies us for next seasons All Ireland Junior Cup which is a fantastic achievement. However the season is far from over as we have the Cawley cup coming up soon. The first round of this takes place on the weekend of the 11th of March at home to the winners of Ballyhaunis or Tuam.
The Firsts finished their league campaign last Sunday against Sligo at Hamilton Park. Despite leading 15-10 going into the final minutes, Sligo scored a late try to force the draw. The points are important though as it virtually confirms our top four position and qualifies us for next seasons All Ireland Junior Cup which is a fantastic achievement. However the season is far from over as we have the Cawley cup coming up soon. The first round of this takes place on the weekend of the 11th of March at home to the winners of Ballyhaunis or Tuam.
Seconds
The Seconds were in action on Sunday last against Ballina’s second XV in a friendly and had to come out second best on a score of 13-11. The Castlebar Scores coming from Richard Mullahey with a try and Robert Cusack with two penalties. Incredibly the game was decided by two drop goals, a fate rarely seen at this level. Next up is the Ard Na Cregg competition and our first game we face the winners of the tie between Loughrea and OLBC. The Mayo cup is also soon approaching and the club hopes to go one step further that last year.
The Seconds were in action on Sunday last against Ballina’s second XV in a friendly and had to come out second best on a score of 13-11. The Castlebar Scores coming from Richard Mullahey with a try and Robert Cusack with two penalties. Incredibly the game was decided by two drop goals, a fate rarely seen at this level. Next up is the Ard Na Cregg competition and our first game we face the winners of the tie between Loughrea and OLBC. The Mayo cup is also soon approaching and the club hopes to go one step further that last year.
Castlebar Panel: Brian Flannery, Neil Coyle, Owen O’Neil, Sheamus Devaney, Paul Heverin, Gavin Sullivan, Eamon Cafferkey, Andrew Verity, Padraig Healy, Conor O’Malley, Shane Davis, Stewart McLoughlin, Brian Gannon, Liam Molloy, Danny McGing, Damien Glackin, David Staunton, Paudie O’Malley, Richie Moylette, Chris Jordan, Cathal O’Ciobhain, Mike Moran, Sean Hynes, Chris Rogan, Barry Barnacle, Colm Gallagher, JJ Ormsby, Tom Murphy, Noel Cusack, John Derrig.
Brian Flannery, Neil Coyle, Owen O’Neil, Sheamus Devaney, Paul Heverin, Gavin Sullivan, Eamon Cafferkey, Andrew Verity, Padraig Healy, Conor O’Malley, Shane Davis, Stewart McLoughlin, Brian Gannon, Liam Molloy, Danny McGing, Damien Glackin, David Staunton, Paudie O’Malley, Richie Moylette, Chris Jordan, Cathal O’Ciobhain, Mike Moran, Sean Hynes, Chris Rogan, Barry Barnacle, Colm Gallagher, JJ Ormsby, Tom Murphy, Noel Cusack, John Derrig.
Under 18
Connacht U-18 League
Brian Flannery, Neil Coyle, Owen O’Neil, Sheamus Devaney, Paul Heverin, Gavin Sullivan, Eamon Cafferkey, Andrew Verity, Padraig Healy, Conor O’Malley, Shane Davis, Stewart McLoughlin, Brian Gannon, Liam Molloy, Danny McGing, Damien Glackin, David Staunton, Paudie O’Malley, Richie Moylette, Chris Jordan, Cathal O’Ciobhain, Mike Moran, Sean Hynes, Chris Rogan, Barry Barnacle, Colm Gallagher, JJ Ormsby, Tom Murphy, Noel Cusack, John Derrig.
Under 18
Connacht U-18 League
Connacht U-18 League
Castlebar 15 Creggs 0
At last it appears as if this Under 18 team is coming together. This was the best performance so far this season. Powered on by their excellent pack, the half backs of Stephen Keane and Mark Conlon steered this team to victory. Creggs played well and refused to die, but the Castlebar lads had too much firepower for them. By half time, Castlebar were 2 tries up – Mark Conlon getting the first after great work by the pack and movement all across the backline. 5 mins before halftime, scrumhalf Stephen Keane burrowed his way over in the corner, after some fine rucking by the Castlebar forwards. Neither try was converted.
At last it appears as if this Under 18 team is coming together. This was the best performance so far this season. Powered on by their excellent pack, the half backs of Stephen Keane and Mark Conlon steered this team to victory. Creggs played well and refused to die, but the Castlebar lads had too much firepower for them. By half time, Castlebar were 2 tries up – Mark Conlon getting the first after great work by the pack and movement all across the backline. 5 mins before halftime, scrumhalf Stephen Keane burrowed his way over in the corner, after some fine rucking by the Castlebar forwards. Neither try was converted.
At this stage, Castlebar were dominating all of the mini-battles – the front row of Thomas McHugh, Michael Moran, Damien McLoughlin had control of the scrums.
Daire Mulgrew, Alan Regan, and Padraig O’ Hora (very impressive in his first match) were ruling the lineouts, and Creggs had no answer to Castlebar’s lineout maul. Resulting from this hard work was a platform for the Castlebar back row of Shane Casey, Daire Mulgrew and David Casey to launch attack after attack. Unfortunately, the excellent David Casey was lost to the cause after a head injury at the start of the second half.
The centre pairing of Fintan Casey and Luke Staunton tackled very well, and stole lots of loose ball, and the back three of Darragh Loftus, David Langan and Joe O Neill all played their part in a wonderful Castlebar victory.
Castlebar are now starting to climb the league table, and with a cup draw against Ballinrobe in the coming few weeks, there is plenty to work for.
Training continues at 7.00 on the pitch on Wednesday, and to repeat, new members are very welcome.
Team – Thomas McHugh, Michael Moran, Damien McLoughlin, Padraig O Hora, Alan Regan, David Casey, Daire Mulgrew, Shane Casey, Stephen Keane, Mark Conlon, Fintan Casey, Luke Staunton, David Langan, Joe O Neill, Darragh Loftus
Scorers –Mark Conlon (try), Stephen Keane (try), Damien McLoughlin (try)
Mini Rugby
(In Association with Shaws Department Stores Castlebar)
Another Brilliant Saturday morning was held by all last Saturday with Connemara and Creggs visiting Cloondeash. Games were held at under 8,9,10,11 and 12 level and all teams played two games. One of the scores of the day happened at under 8’s level with Robert Carson junior keeping that well known rugby name alive and kicking with an excellent try against Connemara. Well done to all teams involved and training is now in full swing for the Connaught Blitzes that get underway in March.
Annual Dress Dance
The dress dance will be held on Saturday 21st April.
The dress dance will be held on Saturday 21st April.
Coaching Courses
The Connacht Branch is holding the Mini Coaching Course in Castlebar RFC (us being a very central location with good facilities)
The Connacht Branch is holding the Mini Coaching Course in Castlebar RFC (us being a very central location with good facilities)
In the coming weeks, they plan to run the following:
Monday 26th Feb - Level One Update
The same starting time 7.00 is proposed and would all coaches attend on these nights.
Lotto
Next lotto will take place on March 2nd in The Castle Inn with a jackpot of 8,200 Euro. There are new selling teams in place and all support would be appreciated.
Next lotto will take place on March 2nd in The Castle Inn with a jackpot of 8,200 Euro. There are new selling teams in place and all support would be appreciated.
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