There was more heartbreak for Castlebar’s first team on Sunday last when, despite playing the best rugby in a very long time and showing great heart and determination, they went down to a Corinthians team who had gotten off to a great start scoring two tries and a penalty in the opening ten minutes minutes. This did not deter Castlebar as they responded with an excellent try by Paul Coady. Another score from Dale Jones combined with the kicking of Diarmuid Byrne and Robbie Cusack put Castlebar ahead with six minutes to go. However with just three minutes to go, a fortunate drop goal from Andrew McLean stole the game and the points. Next up is the keenly awaited local derby against Westport in Westport at 2.30. This is always one of the highlights of the season with a hard fought physical encounter that has the large attendance on their feet. This is certainly going to be one of those. All Castlebar fans are urged to come out and support their team in what will certainly be the game of the day.

Castlebar Seconds are now up and running and training hard for their first game of the season. There may be a game next Sunday against Westport as a curtain raiser to the main event. However this has not been confirmed and players must attend training on Thursday night at 7.30 to be notified of this.

The Ladies were due to play Armagh on Sunday last. However the game was postponed on Friday evening, as some of the girls were not available to travel. Training continues on Wednesday night with the bus leaving the courthouse at 6.30pm.

Castlebar RFC held their monthly lotto on Friday night last in Bar One and the numbers drawn were as follows:

There was no winner and the jackpot now stands at 3,000 euro.

The next draw will take place in Paddy Moran’s on the 21^st of November at 10pm as part of the world cup final weekend.

Tickets are two euro each and are available from any committee member.

As part of their celebration of the world cup 2003, Castlebar RFC will be opening its doors on Saturday morning for anyone who would like the Ireland V Australia in comfortable surroundings with a big game atmosphere and a big screen to enjoy it. Entry is just ten euro and includes one of the best seats in the house. Don’t be afraid of missing breakfast either, as a full and delicious breakfast that would fill the belly of a prop (or the PRO!) is also included in the admission. If anyone is interested tickets can be obtained from any member of the committee or by calling PRO John Mulligan on 094-9025555 during office hours.

Castlebar’s under 18 team performed magnificently to overcome local rivals Westport last weekend in the league. There were many heroes with Enda Murphy scoring three tries, Tadgh Kirby scoring two and Gavin Sullivan and Shane Heffernan scoring one each. Kirby and Danny McGing scored three conversions between them to give a final score of Castlebar 41 Westport 32 in a thrilling contest. The team was as follows:

Next up is Ballyhaunis in Ballyhaunis. Players will be notified at training on Wednesday night.

A special word of Congratulations to Enda Murphy who played an excellent game for Connacht’s under 18 team that made it to the final of the interprovincial championship on Saturday last. Connacht were denied a try in the closing minutes and were beaten by just three points. But that should not take away from the performance of Enda and his team mates who showed the whole country how talented they are. The future of Connacht and Irish rugby is certainly safe after their performance last weekend.

The under 16 team traveled to Creggs on Saturday last to take on the Roscommon side who have a great pedigree in this competition. It didn’t show however as Castlebar brought the game to them at every opportunity and scored a try form David Staunton that was converted by Ronan Conway. However Creggs came out on top on a score of 17 points to 7. The Castlebar team was:

The under 8, under 10 and under 12 teams are busy preparing for their trip to Tuam on November the 8^th for the blitz. All players must attend training this Saturday for information and what to bring etc. training is as usual at 11am and players must be out on the pitch at 10.45.

Training for all under 14,16 and 18 teams continue on Wednesday nights at 7pm with the bus leaving the courthouse at 6.30.