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Castlebar Rugby Club
Castebar Rugby News 6 April 2004
By John Mulligan
6, Apr 2004 - 14:47

Castlebar RFC commends young stars

Report John Mulligan.

Tomorrow night (Thursday 7th April 2004) will be a very special night for the young players of Castlebar RFC as they host a presentation night for its under 14, under 16 and under 18 players. To say that this season was successful is an understatement. Despite no silverware at this particular time, it must be stressed that Castlebar are still very much in the hunt as regards the under 16 plate while the under 14’s and under 18’s seasons have just concluded. What is important to note is that these young stars did not just distinguish themselves on the playing field but laid a marker that Castlebar teams plan to be here for quite some time.

The under 18 award is wide open, every one of the players have given time and time again and their placing of second in the league was no fluke such was the dedication of the team and coaches. This year, players like Enda Murphy (who was a Connacht under 18 and schools cap), Danny McGing and Andrew Verity just to name three, were in outstanding form. But it unfair just to name three players. Such was the determination of the squad as a whole.

The under 16 team are still in the hunt for silverware, having qualified for the plate final. Their walkover against Creggs seen by some as a surprise. But do not tell the lads that. Players like Fintan Casey, David Staunton, Brendan Redmond, Danny Cunningham and Shane Cunnane gave time and time again in the quest for glory and without doubt have put the under 16 team on the map.

The under 14 team have played and learned together. This journalist was actually out there on a wet afternoon when they played Sligo, and was very impressed with what he saw. Players like Neil Douglas, Damien McLoughlin, Kevin Redmond, Shane Casey and Prop Mike McNicholas have improved with every game and given time and the possibility to gel, this will be a very solid, fluent team in a couple of years. Credit must go to their coaches again who have worked tirelessly every Wednesday night to bring the best out of their teams and have done so, time and time again.

A special invite has gone out to all rugby fans in the Castlebar area to attend this very special occasion in which the players of the year will be announced. It is also a great chance for parents who may not have gone out to Cloondeash before to view the wonderful facilities that are there and enjoy what will be a very special occasion. The event starts at 8pm sharp.

 


Castlebar RFC News

Firsts

The firsts had a quiet weekend but are preparing for their final game of the season when they face Gort in their final game of the season. Training continues as usual.

Mini Rugby

Castlebar hosted the u 8 and 9 Connacht blitz with Westport on Saturday last. Athlone, Corinthians, Ballina, Gort, Tuam, and Castlebar all locked horns with some excellent rugby played all afternoon. There were seven pitches in use and everyone enjoyed themselves. The under 10’s, under 11’s and under 12 teams were also in action as they travelled to Creggs to face Creggs and Monivea. As usual the lads gave it everything and came away with some wins and losses. But the big day for these guys will be on the 17th of April when the under 10 blitz takes place in Ballina. There will be no mini rugby training on Saturday next. The next big event takes place on the 17th of April when Castlebar host a special presentation day for the under 8’s and 9’s who have had a very good year and everyone is looking forward to it. There will be training on that day for the under 11’s and under 12 teams.

Under 16

The under 16 team have made it to the final of the Plate after receiving a walkover from Creggs. This means that they now face the winners of Westport or Tuam who drew their semi final 10-10 at the weekend. The replay will take place on Good Friday. With the final fixed for the following week.

Under 18

Sadly the under 18 season came to a close with defeat to Ballinrobe in the plate on a score of 3-0. It is bitterly disappointing for the lads who gave it all but was just not enough. However, the lads want to than everyone who supported them during the season and these guys will be back for more next season so watch this space!

Presentation night

A very special night takes place next Thursday night in the clubhouse in Cloondeash when the players of the year for under 14, under 16 and under 18 are announced. This year has been an especially memorable one with great performances across the board. Parents are especially asked to come out and be part of the celebration and everyone is invited to take part. The nominations will not be announced until the night itself. The event starts at 8pm and refreshments will be served.

Important notice

Members are asked to stay tuned to MWR and CRC for details on upcoming games as at the time of writing certain games may not go ahead.



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