A selection of first and second team players made the trip down to Clanwilliam in Tipperary on Saturday last to take on the Munster junior league side. This was part of a training weekend in which the team trained in Shannon on the Saturday morning and then travelled to Thomond Park to watch Ireland defeat Italy. From there it was off to Clanwilliam where we were greeted and shown great hospitality by our hosts. The team enjoyed their stay that included an early morning training session on the Sunday before breakfast and the long drive back to Castlebar. The game was played in front of a large attendance on Clanwilliam’s main pitch. In what was an experimental line up, Castlebar played some excellent rugby and given another day could have beaten what is one of the strongest teams in the Munster junior league. With the beginning of the season just s few short weeks away, this was a wonderful opportunity to check out the progress of the side. Next up is a friendly against Dunmore and Garryowen who travel to Castlebar in two weeks time. Players will be notified at training.

The call has gone out to all players to get out and start training as the seconds season is starting very soon. This could be a great year for the seconds with a strong panel being put together. New members are always welcome.

Castlebar Ladies are resuming training shortly in preparation for the new season; any ladies interested in joining are welcome. This is one of the success stories in recent years and hopes are high that it will be a successful season. The team will be playing in the northern section of AIL ladies division 3 and will be up against some good teams, but they have showed that they are not afraid of anyone in previous games. News on their fixtures will be available in the next couple of weeks.

Just to remind everyone that tickets for the monthly lotto are available from committee members and everyone is asked to sell tickets and attend the draw night that is always a fun night in town. Tickets are available from committee members.

Keep September the fifth free in your diary as that is the night that Castlebar RFC are hosting a club night with the highlight being that wonderful play Alone It stands by John Breen. The play begins at 8pm and tickets are thirty euro that includes entry to the entertainment afterwards. And don’t forget to remind your friends too!

Training continues for all senior players on Tuesday and Thursday nights.