Castlebar make Cawley cup semi final!
Cawley cup quarter final
Sligo 13 Castlebar 24
John Mulligan
This season will be remembered for many things, great wins, brilliant performances and a team that has taken ownership of itself and showed the province just what they are capable of. Last Sunday they did just that and more despite missing seven players as they overcame what used to be a bogey side with some outstanding rugby, brilliant possession and tries good enough to make any stage. Sligo may moan the fact that they too were missing players but the simple truth is that they were not able to handle this Castlebar team and will look at a season of failure.
The excitement started as early as the ninth and a wonder drop goal from Christy Cusack from almost the exact same spot as he kicked that incredible score in the league last November. Sligo responded with a try a minute later which they converted but this is a sign of this Castlebar team as they conceded a penalty to go 10-3 down that they were not worried about it and went about their business in a professional manner. On the half hour their work was rewarded. Paul Coady and Ciaran Flynn played some sublime passing rugby putting Flynn through for the try. Just nine minutes later Coady was rewarded with another brilliant try going to the left of the posts. It was all Castlebar at this stage and despite a Sligo penalty, they were never going to cause trouble despite Peter Mullin having one of his better games in the black and white. Castlebar simply moved up a gear and Coady again was accurate with the boot to keep the Castlebar domince. But the coup de grace was still to come. Damien Mcloughlin was in possession and led the Sligo a merry dance to cross over and the restinance was gone. Another Coady penalty closed the Sligo door and now a repeat of last season's epic semi final with Corrib is on the cards with a possible rematch with Westport a distinct possibility.
This performance was simply brilliant with the forwards having to come in for special mention. But there is more to this than just the fifteen. The replacements all did their bit and with a set up like what is there now. It may take some team to stop the momentum that Castlebar has built up.
Castlebar: Brian Flannery, Neill Coyle, Kevin Cox, Alex Goor, Ruari Hughes, alan Gavin, Paddy Flannelly, ger Prendegast, Christy Cusack, Robbie Cusack, Damien McLoughlin, Nigel Byrne, Paul Coady, Ciaran Flynn, Danny McGing.
Replacements (all used): Paddy Durcan, Liam Molloy, Eamon Cafferkey, Paul Yuen.
Glory Glory Castlebar!
Connacht Branch IRFU District league Final Castlebar 19 OLBC 0
Report: John Mulligan
For many years they have waited. Patient that their true reward would finally come after so much hard work. In the past they have been close, sometimes beaten by better teams, sometimes coming out the wrong side of refereeing decisions that would have made them think that it was just not to be. But the date of March 2nd 2008 will live long in the memory because it was all made worth while by bunch of lads who has worked incredibly hard all season and have put up with a lot to go on and take their and the Club's first piece of senior silverware for many years. These lads must be honoured because they not only have brought Castlebar sporting glory but they have brought a special feeling of pride in their club and their community. They have been together for a long time, some of them for many years and their friendships and togetherness have been the cement that now stands Castlebar RFC and it may just be the beginning of many great things to come.
Of course one must look to their opponents and pay tribute. OLBC were there on merit. They deserved to be there but this was one day that the sporting gods would finally give Castlebar RFC their due reward and they did in some style.
Weather conditions would play an important factor with the wind blowing in from the sea and Castlebar made the decision to go against the wind in the first half. It paid dividends in spades as Boys club struggled with the Castlebar style of defending. Castlebar had been awarded a couple of penalties but it would be the 24th minute before the first score would be put on the board with Paul Coady crossing over for the try. This settled Castlebar and the decision to continue their own style of play using the Brilliant Brian Flannery and Eugene Butterworth with Paddy Durcan in support to set up while Alex Goor and Ruairi Hughes would work like Trojans in setting up ball for the backs.
Despite this and a few if limited attacks from the Galway club, Castlebar held firm and one always got the feeling that the team to score next would take the cup. It would this time go the way of the "Bar" as Enda Murphy would break through the cover to score and send the Castlebar support into rapture. Time was now running out for Boys Club and with time almost up it seemed apt that one of the club's greatest ever servants would be on hand to score the sealer. In fact it was almost apt that the score itself would come from an old fashioned Castlebar move with the forwards driving on before the scrum half would pick and go. That is exactly what happened as Christy Cusack picked from the ruck and scored. A man who has been in the past part of so many unfortunate teams finally got his just rewards for his many years of service as he scored what certainly was the try that finally broke OLBC hearts and propelled Castlebar into the category of competition winners.
Brother Robbie was on hand to kick the conversion and this sealed the fate of the game.
It would be unfair to name individual players because this has been a team performance throughout. But everyone who played on that team deserves a special mention. Eugene Butterworth, steadfast to the cause. Paddy Durcan, a true clubman and a long serving hero, Brian Flannery, a newcomer to senior rugby but one who has not let his team down at any occasion. Alex Goor, one of the most honest players you can ever come across and truly deserving of everything that comes his way. Ruairi Hughes, The captain and one who has been at the wrong end too many times. Finally he gets his reward. Ger Prendegast, Paddy Flannelly and Enda Murphy, three of the hardest working players that one can ever come across and a true description of great clubmen. Christy and Robbie Cusack, Brothers united and for too long without winners' medals. It has finally happened. Simon O'Malley and Ciaran Flynn, wingers who have put their bodies sometimes in the worst places and all for the club. Nigel Byrne and Mark Staunton, part of the new generation of those unafraid to take on anyone and Paul Coady, a true talent who finally realises his dream at this level.
One must also not forget the subs whom all played. Eamon Cafferkey, Damien Glackin, Neil Coyle, Alan Gavin and Danny McGing. A fine mix of youth and experience who have been called on so many times in the past for their club's cause and have never let the team down.
Another special group to receive praise is the coaches and management.
Sheamie King, Fish Cunningham, Eugene Marais and Shane McElwee have worked incredibly hard with this team and this achievement is down to that and the work of many others. They must not be forgotten either.
This is a historic moment for Castlebar and one that should be taken seriously. The Cawley cup now awaits and it is a real chance that Castlebar could give that a serious go also. One thing is certain, this team will be remembered for a long time and rightly so.
Castlebar: Eugene Butterworth, Paddy Durcan, Brian Flannery, Ruairi Hughes, Alex Goor, Ger Prendegast, Enda Murphy, Paddy Flannelly, Christy Cusack, Robbie Cusack, Nigel Byrne, Mark Staunton, Ciaran Flynn, Simon O'Malley, Paul Coady, Replacements (all used): Eamon Cafferkey, Damien Glackin, Neil Coyle, Alan Gavin, Danny McGing.
Reactions:
Sheamus King (Castlebar coach): This is a wonderful thing and we have finally got rid of a setback that has been on our minds for years. We set out to get things right and we have had an incredible season. We are top four for the second season in a row, We win the district league, beat Westport and Monivea in that competition, we make the quarter final of the cup and we still have the Cawley cup to come. So yeah, it would be fair season all right. But it has been a club thing. everyone in the club have been involved and they deserve all the credit as well.
Ruairi Hughes (Captain): Incredible, That's all I can say at the moment. We have been so close before and for some reason we have been coming home beaten and to take this is a very special moment for me. But the lads were fantastic today and we have had a great support all season and I want to
thank them also. It's a wonderful feeling.
Castlebar denied by Galwegians
Connaught Junior Cup quarter final
Galwegians 23 Castlebar 18
Report: John Mulligan
In the past it has been the case that Castlebar would give it all and despite this endeavour, would go out of the Connaught junior cup in controversial circumstances. It happened in 2002 and 2003 and sadly the record books will again look to the 2008 quarter final when Castlebar let a fifteen point lead slip only to lost at the death. But such is rugby and sadly the question "what if" will be the one on their lips this week.
It was one of those games, leading by fifteen points after half an hour thanks to Nigel Byrne and Paul Coady, Castlebar looked comfortable. But the spate of Illnesses that surrounded the club in the run up to this game was certainly taking its toll and when Galwegians got in for a try in the 34th minute, one could get the feeling that this game was not over yet. In fact when Aidan Molloy kicked Galwegians first penalty three minutes later, one could feel that the bravery needed would be immense if Castlebar were to make the Semi final.
Some may also feel that the penalty count against Castlebar was certainly not in their favour. In fact the count of 14 against and 4 for certainly puts light on that issue. But that is to be discussed again. What mattered is that Castlebar lead 15-8 at half time and had this game firmly in their grasp at this stage of the game.
As the game progressed, both teams added a penalty and the tension rose as the questions were asked. Alas, it would be one such question as Galwegians took possession of a lost ball an crossed over the line for the try that levelled matters. Molloy's conversion gave wegians the lead and suddenly Castlebar were behind. Despite their bravery in trying to comeback, Galwegians again took advantage and a drop goal from Molloy finally broke Castlebar hearts.
Castlebar coach Seamus king was a disappointed man after the game but his anger was clear at some of the refereeing decision that he felt went against his team. "when you look at the penalty count you have to ask what is going on. The lads have been battling sickness with some of them even unable to tog today, I am still very proud of them and they gave everything".
Galwegians now go to the final four while Castlebar again must wait another year for that glorious chance of emulating the team of 1996 in making the final. Disappointment is a factor that will surround them for a couple of days. However this team is still in the hunt in two competitions and the possibility of silverware is very true yet.
Castlebar: Eugene Butterworth, Paddy Durcan, Brian Flannery, Ger Prendegast.
Rory Hughes, Mark Staunton, Paddy Flannery, Enda Murphy. Christy Cusack, Paul Coady, Nigel Byrne, Marry McNicholas, Richie Feeney, Simon O'Malley, Danny McGing.
Subs: Neil Coyle, Damien Glackin, Eamon CAfferkey, Ciaran Flynn and Robbie Cusack.
Heineken Connaught junior cup quarter finals review John Mulligan The quarter finals of the 2008 Connaught junior cup was as expected with tough tight games and high drama in all. However one team will be looking at this as one that got away. Castlebar have in recent years been knocking on the door of greatness only to fall short at the death. Sadly they will look at last Sunday as one of those. Despite suffering injuries and illnesses in the run up to this game, the visitors were leading 15-0 after half an hour courtesy of tries from Nigel Byrne and Paul Coady before a late Galwegians try before the break changed things on the score board. In the end a late Aidan Molloy drop goal ended the Castlebar dream for another year.
Tuam had shocked several people with their results in the build up to this game but found themselves a man down after just ten minutes and this set the tone as Monivea cruised to a comfortable win. Corinthians defeated buccaneers by just seven points while two Kevin Corcoran tries were the basis for Westport's qualification for the Semi finals as they defeated Ballinrobe.
Connacht Junior Cup Round 1 (27/02/2008)
Creggs 6 Castlebar 30
Castlebar First's progressed to the second round of the Connacht Junior Cup overcoming Creggs 30 - 6 on Sunday, Tries from Marty McNicholas, Enda Murphy, Richie Feeney, Robbie Cusack and Danny McGing along with a penalty and conversion from Paul Coady secured the victory for Castlebar. The visitors first try came after just two minutes when the Castlebar back moved the ball from right to left across the width of the pitch before Marty McNicholas crossed in the corner to put the visitors a five point lead. The home side replied with two penalties to put them in front before Enda Murphy toched down for Castlebar's second try just to the left of the uprights following a well rehersed move out of touch. The score line remained the same to the interval and well into the second half until Paul Coady split the uprights from a penalty to add a further three points to Castlebar's tally. The final few minutes saw three impressive tries in succession in a matter of minutes, the first in the sequence saw Richie Feeney cross in the left corner, then outhalf Robbie Cusack touched down just to the left of the posts, which Coady converted and the final play of the game saw a superb individual effort from winger Danny McGing who touched down between the posts. Castlebar are away to Galwegians in the second round of the cup on February 10th.
CONNACHT JUNIOR LEAGUE DIVISON 1A (20/1/08)
Brilliant Castlebar defeat Corinthians
Castlebar 9 Corinthians 6
Report: John Mulligan
It was a win that they needed in a big way and at Cloondeash on Sunday last they banished the nightmare of previous defeats in overcoming a tough Corinthians outfit and in doing so closed the gap on the top two teams in the division.
This game was never going to be a display of flair and quality, the conditions dictated that. But what happened was a kicking display under pressure by the brilliant Robbie Cusack which will be pointed to as an important part of the season.
The first came after fifteen minutes when Corinthians were penalised for Offside at the Ruck thirty five metres from their own line. Cusack’s kick rang through and Castlebar were now in front. There was not much time to dwell on the lead as three minutes later Corinthians equalised with a penalty twenty metres out. The pattern that had formed would be the same as past games between these two sides have shown. Both teams having chances but in the end coming down to the kickers.
Castlebar had opportunities to score tries when Enda Murphy intercepted a Corinthians move only to be denied short of the line and again when Richie Feeney’s kick on was fumbled. However, Feeney nudged the ball on as he tried to collect leading to groans from the sideline. This summed up castlebar’s dominance as Corinthians struggled to get out of their 22 at this stage. Cusack added another penalty before the break from thirty five metres and castlebar went in the happier three points up.
On the restart, Corinthians dominated the opening ten minutes and this was rewarded with a penalty that was duly converted to level matters.
As the half progressed both teams looked for an opening that would change the game in their favour but the defending of both sets of backs was commendable and no score was forthcoming. With time almost up and moving into injury time, castlebar had one more chance. Cusack taking the ball thirty yards out and in front of the posts. His drop kick was perfect and rang true to give the home side the lead. But the drama did not stop there in the five minutes of injury that was played. Corinthians threw the kitchen sink but could not get the score while Marty McNicholas was desperately unlucky not to have added a try when caught short of the line near the end. The ultimate result came with castlebar celebrating a very important win over a solid Corinthians team.
There were many heroes inn the castlebar team but three who stood out were Paddy Flannery, Robbie Cusack and the brilliant Nigel Byrne. Castlebar now look forward to next Sunday’s cup clash with Creggs at the Green knowing that they have a team good enough to do well in this competition. The league is now back on again and the dream lives on.
Castlebar: Eugene Butterworth, Paddy Durcan, Kevin Cox, Alex Goor, Ruairi Hughes, Damien Glackin, Enda Murphy, Paddy Flannery, Christy Cusack, Robbie Cusack, Ciaran Flynn, Nigel Byrne, Marty McNicholas, Richie Feeney, Danny McGing.
Replacements: Neil Coyle, Brian Flannery, Eamon Cafferkey.
Castlebar seconds go top of Division Two
Castlebar 13 Galwegians 5
Report: John Mulligan
This team are impressing with every game and on Sunday last in Cloondeash, Castlebar’s seconds produced on of the performances of the season so far in defeating a strong Galwegians side and in doing so went top of the division and now are strong contenders for the league.
After an opening quarter that saw Castlebar take the lead with a penalty from Ronan Conway, it always looked like the first try would come from Castlebar. It did when hard work and a patient build up led to Tom Murphy touching down and extending castlebar’s lead. Galwegians to their credit never looked like they would roll over and at times gave the home defence something to9n think about. But that was as far as it went as Castlebar defended well. More scores were to come and Ronan Conway Obliged with two penalties in the second half to add to his conversion and penalty in the first. Galwegians got some rewarded for their work with a late try but it never looked like castlebar were going to be in any trouble. This win puts castlebar clear at the top of the table. However, the business end of the competition starts now with all the big guns playing each other from here on.
To pick one would be unfair, such was the team performance. But one thing must be made very clear. This is a team to follow and a sure sign of the strength of the club at the moment. With a little bit of luck and if this team keeps its focus then what was a dream at the start of the season will become a distinct possibility. Something this brilliant team and their coaching staff, headed by Ivor Gilmartin, truly deserve.
Castlebar: Brian Flannery, Neil Coyle, Liam Molloy, Chris Rogan, Paul Heverin, Cathal O’Caomhin, David Staunton, Alan Gavin, Paudie O’Malley, Ronan Conway, Tom Murphy (capt), Chris Jordan, Stephen Cusack, James Armstrong, Fintan Casey.
Replacements: Peter Gaughan, Mike Moran, Ray Blake.
AIB ALL IRELAND JUNIOR CUP
FIRST ROUND
WESTPORT 10 CASTLEBAR 3
John Mulligan Reports from Cloondeash.
Not all cup games are free flowing, high scoring classics. The same could be said about last Sunday’s encounter at Cloondeash when Westport used their guile and experience against a castlebar team who deserve great credit for their hard work and determination but unfortunately lacked that final spark that would have got them the significant score that they so richly deserved.
From the word go Castlebar took the game to their opponents, rewarded with a penalty that was converted by Robbie Cusack after just a minute and a half. With the strong wind blowing across field, kicking was sometimes reduced to a lottery with the touch judge on the clubhouse side certainly the busier of the two.
Westport had a chance to equalise when a penalty was brought forward to well inside kickable distance. But Ryan Cafferkey’s effort edged to the left and wide. It was obvious something was not right as Cafferkey was replaced injured just two minutes later. The result of an earlier knock. Lyndon jones came in with Mark Walsh moving to full back.
From here it was Westport who put up the sterner challenge. But this is not to say that castlebar were just there, in fact their defence at this stage was incredible. Kevin Cox, Eugene Butterworth and Paddy Durcan were excellent in the loose and the pack held up to everything that was now thrown at them. This led to slight frustration but to both teams credit, the game was all that was being played and when castlebar were awarded a penalty, it was no more than they deserved. Cusack’s kick arched in the wind but narrowly missed the target.
While this game was no classic there were some incredible moments and Danny McGing would produce one of the tackles of the season in denying Westport what looked like a certain try. The play was now moving end to end and both teams were working hard to make the breakthrough. But even they could not defeat the conditions that conspired to make even the basic clearance difficult.
With time running out at the end of the half Westport has another glorious chance to get over the castlebar line but this time found Kevin Cox and Christy Cusack standing firm and when Richie Feeney cleared from behind his line the chance was lost as the referee blew for half time. It was outstanding defence under pressure and left the home side certainly the happier at the break.
The half time team talks from both sides certainly made their point and with six minutes gone in the second half the breakthrough try finally came as Westport used their scrum and line out to feed John Paul Walsh who touched down in the Corner. Eddie Walsh had the more difficult conversion from the touchline but experience here certainly played its part as he made no mistake and Westport now lead by four points and having whatever advantage the wind was now holding.
Both teams worked hard from here but with conditions deteriorating and a nasty hail show peppering the large crowd at this stage, no major move of note was forthcoming. A slight bit of controversy happened when Michael Heneghan and Nigel Byrne were sin binned but it did little to change the status quo and Castlebar now started to lift their game. It looked as though Castlebar got the score to put them back into the game when Enda Murphy ran on to a kicked ball to touch down but the referee deemed that James Gill had somehow touched the ball first leaving referee Jude Quinn no option but to award a 22 drop out instead. This deflated castlebar and the final nail came from Eddie Walsh’s late penalty which effectively ended the game as a contest.
It was never going to be a classic but Westport’s experience and guile won out on a day that may not have impressed the purists but would have pleased fans of old fashioned rugby. Westport was served well by Eddie and John Paul Walsh, Paul Jennings and Marias Boseman had an excellent game in the second row. Castlebar’s forwards also deserve special mention for their performance with Nigel Byrne, Enda Murphy and Jason Keane also coming in for mention. Westport move on while Castlebar now know what they have to do with the Junior cup and their long awaited District league final still to come.
Castlebar: Eugene Butterworth, Paddy Durcan, Kevin Cox, Alex Goor, Rory Hughes, Mark Staunton, Paddy Flannelly, Enda Murphy, Christy Cusack, Robbie Cusack, Simon O’Malley, Nigel Byrne, Tadgh Kirby, Danny McGing, Richie Feeney.
Replacements: Damien Glackin, Ger Prendegast, Ciaran Flynn, Neil Coyle, Jason Keane.
Westport: Matthew Walsh, Stephen Keane, Micheal O’Brien, Marias Bosman, Roger Martin, Sean O’Boyle, David Keane, John Paul Walsh, Paul Jennings, Eddie Walsh, Kevin Corcoran, Michael Heneghan, George Visser, Mark Walsh, Ryan Cafferkey.
Replacements: Hugh O’Malley, Conor Hastings, Paddy Kennedy, Lyndon Jones, James Gill.
Referee: Jude Quinn (Munster)
Connaught Junior League Division one A
Life’s a beach for Sligo as Cusack kicks Castlebar winner.
Sligo 13 Castlebar 16
Report: John Mulligan
It had not happened for a while, Castlebar travelled with confidence to Strandhill on Sunday last to take on a Sligo side that have had the upper hand in recent years. However, it would not be the case this time as brave forwards and disciplined backs lay the foundation for a famous victory. One that will be remembered for many a day to come.
But even before the game one could sense that this could be castlebar’s day. Traditionally weather conditions would suit the home side, making Strandhill second only to the monastery field in Clifden as most hated places to play. But something was different. Perfect weather conditions greeted both sides as they prepared for kickoff, something that Sligo was not happy with.
Castlebar were delighted however and it showed after just five minutes when Marty McNicholas took advantage of the space available to score after just five minutes. Robbie Cusack added the Conversion and Castlebar had the Ultimate start. The score was just a small bit of Castlebar’s start who was inspired from the start. Captain Ruairi Hughes and Second Row Alex Goor leading from the front as the Forwards to a man gave everything and hot everything that moved. Sligo may not have been ready for this kind of onslaught but they still showed their class and skill in getting in while the Castlebar guard was briefly down for what looked a soft try. However the conversion attempt was not successful and the lead stayed intact. Step forward Robbie Cusack who showed nerve to kick two penalties in the space of twelve minutes to give Castlebar a comfortable lead going in at the break.
Anyone who might have thought that Sligo would lie down and take this continuous pressure would be forgiven for thinking so, but it is a foolish person that believes it as Sligo lifted their game again only to face the castlebar defence again and again. A penalty after twenty minutes their reward. But the score of the day was yet to come and from the unlikeliest of sources as Scrum Half Christy Cusack took possession. One look and despite calls for the ball to be passed went forward and attempted the drop goal. The kick was perfect as it sailed between the posts and Castlebar’s lead extended once more, a wonderful kick that will show more significance as the season goes on.
But the game was not over as Sligo threw everything and the kitchen sink at Castlebar, coming close in the final minutes. This is where the forwards deserve very special mention. Their defense was top class and their work rate incredible as they held on and when the referee blew for full time, the sense of delight was palpable. This was one of Castlebar’s best team performances in quite some time.
It would be unfair to single out individual performances as this was a true team display. But Ruairi Hughes and Alex Goor were immense as were the whole pack with Marty McNicholas taking his try well and Christy Cusack’s drop goal memorable. But castlebar know it will count for nothing if they don’t keep the run going with a win over OLBC next weekend in Cloondeash. This game now has added importance with the league so closely balanced so it is there to be played for.
Castlebar: Eugene Butterworth, Paddy Durcan, Kevin Cox, Ruairi Hughes[c]Alex Goor, Enda Murphy, Ger Prendegast, Tadgh Kirby, Christy Cusack, Robbie Cusack, Nigel Byrne, Marty McNicholas, Simon O’Malley, Ciaran Flynn, Danny McGing.
Subs: Mark Staunton for O’Malley, Damien Glackin for Goor, Vincent Moran for Kirby.
Sligo: R. Burrows, M. Boland, S. Doran, C. Culhane, T. Darcel, G. Foley, B. Leahy, R. Gillespie, R. O’Boyle, A. McHale, P. Mullan, A. Williams, S. Coulter, J. Livingstone[c], J. Sweeney.
Referee:DavidO’Brien.
District league and Cresham Cup
Castlebar 15 Ballinrobe 15
Match Report: John Mulligan
Played with a spirit and commitment that the great Frankie Cresham would have been proud of, Castlebar and Ballinrobe gave an old fashioned cracking game on Sunday last which doubled as the annual Cresham cup fixture as well as a district league game. In the end the draw was probably the fairest result but there is no doubt that Castlebar coach Sheamus King and Ballinrobe Coach Ciaran Biggins would have looked on this as work well done.
Ballinrobe went in front early with a try before a Robbie Cusack Penalty narrowed the gap to two points. With both teams working hard, neither could add to the scoreboard and it stayed like that at the Break.
Eight minutes had passed before Castlebar took the lead and did so with an excellent try. Hooker Paddy Durcan took advantage of space afforded to him and with a sprint from the 22, got past the defensive cover for an excellent score. This turned the game somewhat in Castlebar’s favour and Robbie Cusack’s Conversion extended things further before Danny McGing, having an excellent match, dived over in the right Corner and scored Castlebar’s second try to put ten points between the sides as the second half moved on.
Both Coaches used this time to try new things and Ballinrobe’s dominance in the forwards told as they scored two push over tries taking advantage of Castlebar’s changes.
They would be the final scores of the game. Given the occasion was a double header and played in the memory of Frankie Cresham, both teams gave great displays of heart and played some excellent rugby in spots. Castlebar Coach Sheamus king paid tribute to the younger players who have really come into their own this season. Players like Paudi O’Malley Danny McGing, Nigel Byrne, Paddy Flannelly, Enda Murphy, Fintan Casey, Davy Staunton and Damien McLoughlin Deserve Special Mention. For what they have done this season already and hopes are high of a good run this season. Next up for Castlebar is the Clash with Ballina before a possible winner take all tie with Westport to see who makes the knock out stages.
Castlebar: Danny McGing, Ciaran Flynn, Paddy Flannelly, Nigel Byrne, Damien McLoughlin, R Cusack, Paudi O’Malley, Eamon Cafferkey, Mark Staunton, T Kirby, R Hughes (Capt), Sheamus Devaney, E Butterworth, P Durcan, Brian Flannery.
Subs: Tom Murphy, Fintan Casey, Alan Gavin, Chris Rogan, Neil Coyle, David Staunton, Kevin Cox, Gary Redmond, Paul Yuen.
Castlebar given good workout by Tullamore
Tullamore 24 Castlebar 7
Report: John Mulligan
If Castlebar RFC ever wondered what the standard of rugby in the AIL Junior cup was like then they found out on Saturday as they faced one of the biggest sides in Leinster Junior Rugby. Tullamore’s reputation in Junior rugby is feared, the former provincial towns cup winners came to Cloondeash on Saturday afternoon last determined to begin their own season with a win and while Castlebar came out the wrong side of a 24-7 defeat. Much could be taken from a performance of a relatively young team who are learning with every game.
The format of the game was like many other pre season friendlies with both teams opting for three periods of thirty minutes instead of the usual two halves of 40. This gave their coaches chances to try new things and while some worked, some will be brought back to the drawing board as the new season approaches.
The opening period was even enough with chances at both ends before Tullamore opened the scoring right on the stroke of the end of the first period. As the second period began and castlebar began to settle, they added another try and a penalty to take a commanding lead. But changes were starting to take effect from the castlebar perspective and Danny McGing got in for a well deserved try mid way through the period. This was converted and suddenly castlebar were back in the game.
But is the case with preseason friendlies both teams made changes and played around with systems and the final 30 minutes truly had a beginning of season feel to it as Tullamore added two more tries to the scoreboard to put a gloss on the board.
To be honest no truly cared about the score but Castlebar Coach Sheamus King was very forthright in his thoughts about the game. “It was a good game, there were many things that we brought from last season that we still have today which is good. But there are some things that we have to bring to the game that we have done in training but have just got there. We do know now what to expect from the AIL Junior cup now and there is a gap. But we are getting there and that is the important thing.”
For Castlebar this was an important workout and also shows that the gap between Connaught and Leinster Junior clubs is narrowing with every game. But the work has only begun and it will be very exciting to see what happens on the 5th December.
Castlebar: Tom Murphy, C Jordan, Paddy Flannelly, N Byrne, D McLoughlin, R Cusack, C Cusack, Eamon Cafferkey, Enda Murphy, T Kirby, R Hughes (Capt), Mark Staunton, E Butterworth, P Durcan, Brian Flannery.
Subs: Danny McGing for T Murphy, Fintan Casey for T Kirby, Ciaran Flynn for C Jordan, Alan Gavin for E Cafferkey, Chris Rogan for M Staunton, Liam Molloy for P Durcan.
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