Firsts

The Firsts travelled to Loughrea on Sunday last slight favourites to defeat Loughrea in the first round of the Cawley cup. However it was not going to be as they were beaten 21-15. This is bitterly disappointing as there were strong hopes that we were going to be a force in this competition. The game itself was one of containment as Loughrea’s pack controlled most of the game. However Castlebar gave as much as they got and the backs once again were outstanding with Paul Coady and Jason Keane scoring tries, one of which was converted by Robbie Cusack who added a penalty. Nigel Byrne, promoted to the firsts last Sunday had an excellent game and deserves a special mention. It is now a welcome break for the Christmas with vital league games coming up afterwards against Buccaneers, Monivea and Westport.

Team: Alan Gavin, Paddy Durcan, Kevin Cox, Paul Heverin, Alex Goor, Mike Campbell, Ger Prendegast, Tadgh Kirby, Christy Cusack, Robbie Cusack, Darren Claasen, Jason Keane, Nigel Byrne, Mike Power, Paul Coady.

The ladies are continuing to train ahead of the beginning of their own season that will begin shortly. Training has changed to Wednesday evenings. All players are asked to be at the courthouse at 6.30. Contact Nicola for more information. All new players are welcome.

The under 16 team were in action on Sunday against Monivea and beat the visitors 13-12. Tries from Alan Regan and Ger O’Boyle with a penalty from O’Boyle were Castlebar’s scores with Monivea scoring two breakaway tries with one converted. Castlebar’s pack dominated throughout and this is a great win going into the Christmas Break

Team: Shane Flynn, Conor Walsh, Darragh Irwin, Alan Regan, Darragh Mulgrew, Owen Walsh, Liam Sweeney, Damien McLoughlin, Fintan Casey, Ger O’Boyle, Neil Douglas, Shane Casey, Conor Douglas, Alan Gill, Mark Conlon,

Subs: Paul O Shea, Darragh Carter, Gary Hayes, Kevin Corcoran and Martin McNicholas

Man of the Match: Liam Sweeney.

There was great news for Castlebar’s underage system with Enda Murphy being called up for trials for the Irish under 19 team over the weekend. This also proves that players are being recognised in Connacht and Enda has been one of our star players throughout the season. The Club wishes him well and hopefully Enda will be wearing the Irish jersey for the forthcoming under 19 world cup, which takes place next year in Argentina.

Training continues at the usual times for all under 14 and 18 Teams with the Under 16 team finished until after Christmas.

Mini rugby News

The under 8,9,10,11,12 travelled to Dunmore for a blitz on Saturday last. All teams played twice with a good deal of success for all teams. Over 80 players took part from Castlebar with a good turn out of coaches. Dunmore looked after us very well and everyone had a great day. Next weekend will see the final training sessions before the Christmas break with a little party for all players, coaches and parents taking place afterwards.

The under 12 team will be playing Tuam at half time of the Connacht v Munster game on the 27th of December. In preparation for that game we played Tuam in a pre match friendly, which finished 5-5. This was great preparation for the game will be played in front of a full house in the Sportsground.

Castlebar RFC will be holding their annual St Stephen’s day party at the clubhouse with proceedings getting underway at 2.30pm with the Annual Presidents XV v Captains XV clash at Cloondeash. This will be followed by the Tommy Staunton Memorial game in which the elder statesmen (?) of the club will take to the field in a game that will be entertaining and exciting. However the rumour that a certain try scorer from last year’s encounter will be playing are sadly untrue. As for which try scorer that remains to be seen. This kicks off at approximately 4pm followed by a party at the clubhouse with refreshments and music and the odd sing song. All players, past and present and everyone are invited to attend one of the biggest nights in the club’s year.