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Castlebar RFC News
Cloondeash, Castlebar Co Mayo
Christmas Edition
Firsts News
Overall it has been a good year for the club, League semi final before defeat to Buccaneers. THAT game against Corinthians put us out of the cup but congrats to our neighbours Ballinrobe for making the cup final. This season has been mixed, a good start and then defeat to Monivea but lately the lads have been finding form and the win over Creggs was one of the performances of the season. Sadly we didn’t get to play Buccaneers last Sunday but everyone is reminded (and I will remind you all again before the date) that we face Monivea on Sunday the 11th of January. Training resumes the sixth of January. Kind wishes go to Andy, Dale, Mike and Leon who head home for the holidays. Hopefully Leon will be working on his handling over the break! Also everyone is reminded that lotto tickets have to be sold ahead of the draw on St Stephens’s day in the clubhouse. Anyone who is looking for more can get them off Paddy. This is important, as tickets need to be sold so please, everyone give it a serious lash!
Seconds News
Finally up and running and a lot of heart can be taken from recent performances. The importance of the seconds is to play good rugby, enjoy ourselves and make sure a solid back up is available for the firsts. The seconds would like to wish everyone a happy Christmas and a cool Yule and remember lads; training has now stopped for the Christmas break and will resume on the sixth of January.
Ladies news
The Ladies made history this year, taking part in the AIL. A true reward for all the hard work that was done throughout the previous year. While the first game did not exactly go to plan, there is true talent and potential there and could provide a shock or two before the end of the season. Keep it up girls.
Mini Rugby
Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant. The under 8’s, under 9’s, under 10’s, under 11’s and under 12’s gave great accounts of themselves all season and the future is very bright as regards these guys are concerned. The New Year is going to be busy so we will need all the help that is there. The players would like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and we will see you all early in January!
Overall underage rugby was very successful. With the season up and running, the underage teams are doing well and will bring success over the next couple of years. Some excellent players have been uncovered and with the proper training, Castlebar will be a force to be reckoned with.
Under 16
Castlebar 32 Ballina 12
Castlebar U-16’s were rewarded for some hard work and true team spirit with a good win over a competitive Ballina side. The game was very entertaining with great skill on show from both teams.
The Castlebar domination started up front with the front row of Darragh Irwin, Shane Cunnane, Alan Casey and Richie Staunton in control of the scrum. All were very keen to take the ball to the opposition and made great yardage. The second rows of Liam Sweeney and Ronan Moran also made some powerful drives into the heart of the opposition. The back row trio of Eoghan Walsh, David Staunton and Craig Naughton competed well and carried the ball from the solid scrum. Castlebar lineouts were not as well contested, and need some work.
The sustained Castlebar pressure eventually told with Shane Cunnane crashing over after another powerful Castlebar scrum-five. Ballina hit back with a fine try of their own, and converted it to go 5-7 in front. However, just before half-time, after a massive tackle from Sean O Beirn, Padraig Healy intercepted a Ballina pass and ran in from halfway to give Castlebar a 10-7 halftime lead.
Fintan Casey had a good match at scrumhalf, and out half Padraig Healy was "man-of-the-match" with 3 tries. Danny Cunningham and Ronan Conway played well in the centre, as did Cathal Foy, Stephen Mohan, Darragh Loftus, Mark Conlon, Simon Dey, Alan Gill, Jarlath Sweeney and Michael Ruane.
Fullback Paudie O’ Malley was solid in defence throughout the game.
Ronan Moran drove through a ruck to crash over for a late Castlebar try, and Ballina pegged on another try in the dying minutes.
This was a valuable workout for the Castlebar lads who are now playing some very good rugby. The lineouts need some work, as does the organisation of the defence. But there is a wonderful work ethic and team spirit in this team. 2004 could bring some rewards for all the hard work.
Scorers – Padraig Healy (3 tries), Ronan Moran (try), Shane Cunnane (try), Ronan Conway (conversion)
Training resumes on Wednesday evening 5th Jan, on the pitch at 7.00 as usual. Next scheduled match is home to Loughrea on Saturday 17th Jan, but there may be a friendly organised before that.
Lotto
Castlebar’s lotto now lies at 3,200 euro and the next draw will take place in the clubhouse as part of out St Stephens’s day celebrations. All members are asked to make a special effort this year to get tickets sold and be part of a big celebration. Tickets are on sale now!
St Stephens’s day
Everyone is invited to come out to the clubhouse on St Stephens’s day for our annual Captain's XV v President’s XV game. This is always one to remember with present and past players making an appearance. So you never know who will tog out. The word in the grapevine is that some of the elder statesmen of the club are tempted to take the boots out of the cupboard and wipe the cobwebs off and give the young guns a lesson in rugby. The game kicks off about 2pm with entertainment afterwards in the clubhouse. A great day is assured for everyone and will be exciting and dramatic!
Don’t Forget, for all the latest on Castlebar RFC we now have a website! For all the up to date news on your club go to our website www.castlebarrfc.com
Are you interested in playing rugby but thought that you lived too far from Castlebar? Well if you live outside of the Castlebar town area but are interested, then Castlebar RFC would like to hear from you. Training takes place for all mini rugby players on Saturday Mornings at 11am and there is training for all under 14, under 16 and under 18 players on Wednesday night at 7pm. We have best coaches around, all IRFU trained and approved and you become part of one of the fastest growing clubs in Connacht. If you are interested you can contact Castlebar RFC in Cloondeash and buses can be arranged if we have enough numbers making it easier on parents and taking the hassle out of attending training and games, so come on…,WHAT are you waiting for?? Get involved! New players are always welcome!
The Players, Management, Staff and Board of Castlebar RFC would like to wish all their supporters, Families and many many friends a very happy Christmas and the very best for 2004. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! (Roll on St Stephens’s day!)
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