Firsts

The firsts put in a wonderful display on Wednesday night last in beating Tuam 26-3 at Cloondeash. It was not easy by any stretch but the lads came through with tries from Paul Coady (2), Darren Claasen and an excellent score from Ger Prendegast. The win now puts Castlebar very much in contention in third place behind Westport and Monivea. There is now a two week break from the league but training is now at full power ahead of some very vital games.

Castlebar: Rayno Cockrell, Matt Connolly, Kevin Cox, Ben Cottrell, Paul Heverin, Ger Prendegast, Enda Murphy, Mike Campbell, Simon O’Malley, Robbie Cusack, Paddy Flannelly, Darren Classen, Tadgh Kirby, Mike Power, Paul Coady.

Replacements: Paddy Durcan, James McGovern, and Liam Fahy.

The ladies are continuing to train ahead of the beginning of their own season that will begin shortly. Training continues on Saturday evenings at half 6.

Castlebar’s under 16 team were very busy last week with a friendly against Ballyhaunis in Cloondeash. This was an important build up for the coming season and the lads produced some excellent rugby to win by 27 points to five. The tries were all made by solid running rugby and special tribute must go to the lads for their hard work. Fintan Casey who broke into the Ballyhaunis 22 manufactured the opening try. Owen Walsh finished off his move. Castlebar never let off and Mark Conlon dived over after Castlebar were awarded a 5 metre penalty. With twenty three minutes gone in the half, Castlebar were fifteen points ahead after Conor Walsh touched down and Damien McLoughlin’s powerful run was finished off by Liam Sweeney for try number four, converted by Casey. With the half hour approaching it was casey’s turn to score but only after Mark Conlon took off on a breathtaking run to set up the score. Ballyhaunis did pull one try back, but Castlebar were just too good on the day.

Castlebar: Gary Hayes, Conor Walsh, Darragh Irwin, Liam Sweeney, Alan Regan, Owen Walsh, Darragh Mulgrew, Damien McLoughlin, Fintan Casey, Ger O’Boyle, Darragh Carter, Alan Gill, Shane Casey, Niall O’Byrne, Mark Conlon (captain).

Replacements (all used): Terry O’Hora, Stephen Holian, Conor Douglas, Paul O’Shea, Shane Flynn, and Kevin Corcoran.

The under 18 team were in action over the weekend but were defeated by Westport. Training continues on Wednesday night.

Castlebar’s Mini rugby team travelled to Galway on Saturday to play Galwegians at under 8’s, 9’s 10’s, 11’s and 12’s. It was a wonderful occasion with over 80 players representing Castlebar. Galwegians were brilliant hosts looking after everyone very well and everyone enjoyed their day. All teams also played some excellent rugby and everyone deserves credit for their performances. After the games the players were very well treated with Galwegians providing food and refreshments for all. Training continues on Saturday next at the usual time and for those who thought that they were too late to register, there will be another chance to do so on Saturday. Registration is thirty euro and all players receive a sponsored mini rugby top. Paul Gannon will be there to look after all registrations. All players need to bring is a birth cert or a letter from a parent confirming their date of birth. Some players did not receive a top due to the amount of people a couple of weeks ago. Those players will receive tops on Saturday. For those who want to change their tops for a larger size, larger tops are also now available.

Note: all news must be given to club PRO John Mulligan on the Sunday evening/Monday morning if possible for inclusion. He can be contacted on mulliganj52@hotmail.com