Connacht Junior Cup (15/01/2012)
Westport 10 Castlebar 5
Castlebar travelled to near neighbours the Westport Bulls on Sunday for the first round of the Heineken Connacht Junior Cup. This was a keenly fought sometimes dour battle with both sets of forwards putting in huge efforts. The fine day had a swirling bitter breeze which affected the kicking throughout. Westport did ell to hold on for the win but Castlebar must wonder why in the closing stages they were blown up every time they threatened the Westport line.
This game started in whirlwind fashion with both teams attempting to assert themselves. Castlebar had the upper hand in the set piece while Westport were excellent in the loose making good use of any ball coming their way. As sustained period of pressure brought the ball to Kevin Corcoran after five minutes an the strong winger took off with power to the corner where he touched down for the opening score. Castlebar responded well and dominated the game for the following 15 minutes opting for scrums instead of penalties. This pressure paid off when Gavin O’Sullivan went over for the equalising try which again went unconverted to leave the half time score Westport 5 Castlebar 5.
Westport brought on Liam Scahill for the second half and he had an immediate impact with strong running and excellent tackling. He was at the heart of things when after persistent pressure the ball was again passed to Kevin Corcoran and he headed for the corner to touch down the second Westport try. Castlebar worked their way back in with excellent play from Nigel Byrne and Emmett Gill. This pressure brought them back into the Westport 22 for the final stages. However for some reason they were blown up on five occasions as the pushed the Westport pack over their line. The game finished Westport 10 Castlebar 5.
Castlebar :- M. Conlon, M.Moran, N. Byrne, E. Gill, D. Moran, L. Staunton, D. Togher, D. Staunton, G.O’Sullivan, L. Sweeney, D. Mulgrew, R. Hughes, B. Flannery, I.McDonagh, L. Molloy. Subs : M. Staunton, S. Horan, O. Foden, S. Rogan, G.Sweeney.
Westport :- D. Keane, E. Joyce, M. Gillan, B. O’Donnell, K. Corcoran, R. Cafferkey, T. Ellard, P. Corcoran, D. Conway, C. Ryan, M. Walshe, T. Dever, M. Kennedy, C. Dyra, M. Cronin. Subs :- E. Walshe, L. Scahill, M. Polak, N. O’Neill, M. Palamarczuk
Connacht J1 League (06/11/11)
Castlebar 13 Westport 17
Castlebar played host to local rivals Westport in the Connacht J1 League on Sunday afternoon. The condiyions were ideal on this sunny November afternoon. Westport have much better form of late qualifying for the quarter finals of the All Ireland Junior Cup and sitting mid table in the League. Castlebar on the other hand have struggled this season with a new look back division which will take time to develop. All this however went out the window when the teams ran out on the field for a keenly contested local derby. Best for Castlebar on the day were Gavin Sullivan, Nigel Byrne, Paddy Flannelly, Rory Hughes and Robbie Cusack. Westport had fine performers in Ryan Cafferkey, Kevin Corcoran, Tommy Ellard and Tom Dever.
Castlebar started well keeping the Westport men pinned back in their own half and testing them in all areas. This pressure brought a penalty after ten minutes which Robbie Cusack converted from just ouside the 22 metre line. Castlebar continued in this vein having the upper hand in the scrum and contesting lineouts well. Further good play allowed Robbie Cusack release Nigel Byrne for a fine try which went unconverted. Westport responded well but never threatened the Castlebar line but their workrate prevented further Castlebaar opportunities. An infringement gave them an opportunity just before half time which outhalf Ryan Cafferkey converted to leave the half time score Castlebar 8 Westport 3.
Westport started the second half in determined mood keeping the Castlebar men back in their own half defending a determined onslaught. This paid dividend when Peter Corcoran was on the end of a powerful forward move to touch down despite desperate Castlebar defending. Cafferkey was again on hand to convert. Castlebar responded well from the restart and will long wonder how a try was not awarded for their efforts. With strong forward play they scrummed down three times crossing the line twice only to see their pleas for a try waved away by Referee Joe Doyne. The effort knocked the stuffing out of the Castlebar lads and gave a great lift to Westport who worked their way upfield where Kevin Corcoran broke away for a fine individual try which Ryan Cafferkey again converted. They must have thought they had this one wrapped up when Cafferkey made a fine break down the line only to put a foot in touch under pressure from Martin Moran while in the process of laying off a pass to his centre who had the line at his mercy. Castlebar worked on and their efforts were rewarded when winger Martin Moran made a fine break before laying off to Luke Staunton with man of the match Gavin Sullivan in support. Sullivan went over unopposed to get the final try of the game leaving the final score Castlebar 13 Westport 17.
Castlebar are away to League leaders Monivea next Sunday.
Castlebar :- L. Staunton, M.Moran, N. Byrne, E. Gill, D.Moran, R. Cusack, C.Cusack, D. Staunton , G. Sullivan,P. Flannelly, R. Hughes, M.staunton, B.Flannery, I.McDonagh, L. Mulloy.
Westport :- K.Corcoran, M.Gillan, E.Joyce , P.Jennings, Jens Hellberg, R.Cafferkey, T.Ellard, P.Corcoran, C Ryan, D. Conway, T.Dever, N.O’Neill, M.Walshe, H.O’Malley, M.Polak.
Connacht J1 League (17/09/11)
Castlebar 3 Tuam 19
Castlebar slipped to their third successive defeat in the Connacht J1 League at home to Tuam on Saturday evening. The result however does not do justice to the great efforts put in by this young and inexperienced Castlebar outfit.
Castlbar started well but were soon put under pressure by the visitors. They tackled well using the swirling wind as best they could. Castlebar also held the upper hand in the scrum and lineout. Having weathered the early storm they moved upfield where Robbie Cusack converted a well won penalty for the only score of the half.
Tuam increased the pressure in the second half improving in the set piece and making ground with well placed kicks into the corner. This good work lead to a forward try after several phases which prop Barry Ruane touched down. Winger Dave Burke was on hand to convert. The second came after a fine kick ahead for which full back Robbie Lee was on hand to gather and go over in the corner for an unconverted try. Castlebar were now chasing the game and were taking risks. Colin Hegarty intercepted in midfield and delivered the killer punch with a fine score which Burke converted with ease. This left the final score Castlebar 3 Tuam 19.
Castlebar :- L. Staunton, M.Moran, E. Gill, N. Byrne, D. Moran, R. Cusack, P.O’Malley, M. Staunton, P. Flannelly, G.O’Sullivan, R. Hughes, D. Mulgrew, B. Flannery, I.McDonagh, S. Horan. Subs N. Coyle, L. Molloy, P. Conneely, C. Cusack, R. Irwin.
Tuam :- R. Lee, M. Ward, C. Hegerty, W. Brady, D. Burke, K. McDonagh, E. Cosgrove, P. Canavan, B. Ruane, S. Burke, C. Hurst , S. O’Neill, P. Cunningham, G. Connolly, B.Ruane.
Connacht J1 League (8/09/11)
OLBC 21 Castlebar 5
Castlebar travelled to the Sportsground in Galway last Thursday evening to take on local side Our Ladys Boys Club in round 2 of the Connacht J1 League. The home side were determined to make the most of the home advantage and dominated Castlebar throughout.
Boys Club attacked from the start and had Castlebar defending from early on. Their first score came when a Castlebar lineout was lost and Shane Connors went over. Dave Prior converted. Boys Club kept up the forward pressure and it paid off after 21 minutes when Rob Lennon crossed for Prior again to convert. The half time score was OLBC 14 Castlebar 0.
Castlebar tried hard in the early stages of the second half but when Boys Club winger Tom Quinn intercepted he found no defence and touched down for the third try which Prior again converted. Castlebar kept up the good fight and were rewarded with a consolation try near the end touched down by Gearoid Molloy. The final score was OLBC 21 Castlebar 5.
Castlebar have Tuam at home next Sunday at 3.00 pm. in round 3.
Castlebar :- E. Gill, M.Moran, L. Staunton, G. Molloy, S. Clancy, R. Cusack, P.O’Malley, M. Staunton, S. Horan, I.McDonagh, L. Molloy, D. Mulgrew, R. Hughes, G.O’Sullivan, P. Flannelly,
OLBC :- D. Carey, N. Faulkner, C. Mulligan, D. Dooley, T. Quinn, D. Prior, G. Faherty, R. Conlon, S. Mazoock, S. Connors, D. Berry, J. Moran, D. McHugh, D. McCreanor, J.Walsh.
Connacht J1 League (04/09/2011)
CASTLEBAR 10 MONIVEA 31
Castlebar hosted Monivea in the first round of the Connacht J1 League on Sunday. Monivea were runners up in last seasons League and are favourites to come out on top this season. Castlebar have been affected by several players moving on and injuries to the likes of Davy Staunton, Nigel Byrne and Mark Staunton who have been key players in recent seasons has taken the bite out of the back division. Castlebar will take some positives from this match with an excellent forward display and good tackling from the backline who can only improve as the season progresses.
This game started in whirlwind fashion with both teams attempting to assert themselves. Castlebar put down a marker early on with good attacking rugby which threw up a drop goal chance for Robbie Cusack after 10 minutes which he converted for an early lead. Castlebar held the upperhand in the scrum throughout and limited Monivea posession. However when they did get their own ball they moved it excellently putting the back line under immense pressure and finding the gaps. Castlebar to their credit tackled gallantly and limited the ominous threat of the Monivea men. One such gap lead to the opening Monivea try when Kevin higgins broke through after 15 minutes and Ger O’Connor converted. Excellent work from Gavin O’Sullivan prevented the second when he held up Martin King in the corner. However Rory O’Connor found a gap shortly afterwards to add the second under the post. O’Connor again converted. Monivea added another unconverted try in the corner and another converted try from O’Connor to leave the half time score Castlebar 3 Monivea 26.
The second half brought out the best in the Castlebar lads who fought gamely for long periods. The first score of the half however came to Monivea when Eoin Rooney went over in the corner after a prolonged forward battle. The try went unconverted. Castlebar had a consolation try when Robbie Cusack made a fine break from midfield to go over under the posts. He converted it himself. Further good work from Castlebar yielded nothing on the scoreboard and left the full time score Castlebar 10 Monivea 31.
Castlebar travel to Galway on Thursday evening to take on Boys Club in round 2.
Castlebar :- P. Coady, S.Clancy, L. Staunton, G. Molloy, M.Moran,R. Cusack, P.O’Malley, M. Staunton, P. Flannelly, G.O’Sullivan, R. Hughes, D. Mulgrew, B. Flannery, I.McDonagh, L. Molloy. Subs : N. Coyle, S. Horan, P. Conneely, D. Moran, R. Irwin.
Monivea :- G. Divilly, R. O’Connor, S. Fahey, K. Higgins, C.Neary, G, O’connor, D. Blade, E. Rooney, K. Concar, M. King, P.Fitzmaurice, B. Murphy, G. Fitzmaurice, R. Coughlan.
SEASON 2010/2011
Ard na Cregg Cup Final (24/04/2011)
Castlebar 10 Tuam 24
Castlebar J2 team were defeated in the final of the Ard na Cregg Cup with a spirited performance against champions Tuam at Corinthian Park in Galway on Sunday. Castlebar reached the final with a fine 13-10 win against a fancied Creggs side the previous weekend. This campaign however highlights the progress that is possible with the solid work and enthusiasm shown by manager Kevin Cox ably assisted by Jason Keane and Robbie Carson. This mixture of the young and older player as well as several first season players stands as a marker for further progress in future seasons. Castlebar had big performers in Shane Horan, Damien Glackin, Oisin Foden, Gearoid Molloy and Chris Rowland who played despite a painful injury.
Tuam applied the pressure from the kickoff with a solid scrum and ascendancy in the lineout. Castlebar failed to reciprocate although their defence was gallant with fine tackling across the field. The Tuam pressure inevitably lead to errors and on 15 minutes the door was opened for Eoin Lydon to go over for the first Tuam try. Ciaran Comer was on hand to convert. Lineout supremacy lead to the second in the 25th minute when the ball was fed out to outhalf Eugene Sharkey who did well to add the second with Comer again on hand to convert. Castlebar improved as the half progressed and pressurised the Tuam line for long periods. Penalties were kicked to the corner against the tricky wind but Chris Rowland converted a tricky one to open the Castlebar account on the 35th minute. Comer added another for Tuam shortly after which left the half time score Tuam 17 Castlebar 3.
The second half was always going to be an uphill battle for the Castlebarmen. They started brightly but just as it seemed inevitable that they would go over for the opening try of the half possession was lost and Tuam centre Damien Burke ran the length of the field to score a try which would break Castlebar hearts. Ciaran Comer again converted. Castlebar kept the good work up and were rewarded when centre Gearoid Molloy broke the line to go over for a try which Chris Rowland converted. Further pressure failed to yield the scores which Castlebar needed.
The final score was Tuam 24 Castlebar 10.
Castlebar :- R. Irwin, M. Moran, G.Molloy, S. OMalley, J. Derrig, J. Keane, P. Yeuen, S. Horan, D. Glackin, J. Hunter, P. Heverin, P. Conneely, B.Corcoran, E. Cafferkey, O. Foden.
Subs K. Devanney, L. Dever, M. Barrett, J. McGing, C. Rowland,
Heineken Connacht Junior Cup (06/03/2011)
Monivea 45 Castlebar 3
Castlebar travelled to the Castle Grounds in Monivea on Sunday for a most daunting Connacht Cup encounter . Monivea were still hurting from their failure to overcome Sligo in the League and hoping that a good Cup campaign help lift them. This was a lovely spring day with ideal conditions for open rugby. Castlebar were hampered by the absence of Paul Coady, Shane Casey and Ronan Conway through injury all of whom have been excellent all season.
Monivea made the running from the start, dominant in the set pieces and making the most of every opportunity available. Five first half tries came from Kevin Higgins, Seamie Fahey and Ger Divilly. Robbie Cusack added a fine drop goal to put Castlebar on the scoreboard. The half time score was Monivea 33 Castlebar 3.
Shane Mchugh and Ger O’Connor added second half tries to leave the final score Monivea 45 Castlebar 3.
Castlebar :- L Staunton, P O'Malley, M. Staunton, N. Byrne,E. Molloy, R. Cusack, C Cusack, D. Staunton, P. Flannelly, G Sullivan, R. Hughes, D. Mulgrew, B. Flannery, N. Coyle, L. Mulloy.
Connacht J1 League (20/02/2011)
Loughrea Castlebar 6
Castlebar travelled to Loughrea on Sunday for the penultimate round of the Connacht J1 League. A win here would assured the Castlebar lads of All Ireland Junior Cup action next season and condemn the home side to demotion from the top flight of Connacht Junior Rugby. The home side however were in no mood to facilitate the ambition of the Mayomen and fought out a dour struggle for survival. They were assisted by the terrible weather on the day which limited the options available.
Castlebar were unable to break them down with their two scores coming from the boot of Robbie Cusack. The Loughrea try came from a turnover in a ruck midway through the second half which their backline pounced on. The conversion was enought o give them a valuable win. Castlebar gained a losing bonus which brings them up to sixth in the League but Westport and Tuam have yet to play and the result of that match will probably decide the Cup places.
Castlebar travel to Sligo next Sunday for the toughest of tests against the League leaders. A win or a losing bonus point here will be vital.
Castlebar :- P. Coady, L. Staunton, J. Keane, M. Staunton, N. Byrne, R. Cusack, P. O’Malley, D. Staunton, S. Casey, P. Flannelly, R. Hughes, D. Mulgrew, B. Flannery, N. Coyle, L. Mulloy.
Connacht J1 League / Cresham Cup (11/02/11)
Castlebar 26 Ballinrobe 5
Castlebar were at home to Ballinrobe on Friday evening under the lights in the Connacht J1 League. This game also doubled as the final of the Frankie Cresham Cup. On a cool evening with no wind to speak of Castlebar soaked up all that Ballinrobe could throw at them with fine defending from the front eight especially Rory Hughes, Neil Coyle, Daire Mulgrew and Shane Casey. The ball won was well distributed and allowed Nigel Byrne to have a man of the Match performance with two tries and some excellent defensive work.
Castlebar started the game in positive mood and soaked up the early pressure. They contested the set pieces well and were soon completely on top in the scrum. As the game settled down Castlebar handled the ball well and when Jason Keane found winger Nigel Byrne on the break in midfield the first score of the game came with a fine individual try which Robbie Cusack converted. This settled Castlebar who began to control the game. Good Castlebar pressure pinned the Ballinrobe lads back in their own half for long periods and on the half hour controlled work allowed Shane Casey make a try scoring break from the 10 metre line. Cusack again converted. Ballinrobe failed to lift the siege and as the half wore on and another score looked likely. After sustained pressure and after good work from Padddy Flannelly and Davy Staunton and Paul Coady, Nigel Byrne again broke through for his second try which went unconverted to leave the half time score Castlebar 19 Ballinrobe 0.
Ballinrobe began the second half determined to get something out of the game. They kept the ball in and pressurised the Castlebarmen for long periods. Castlebar failed to lift the siege and eventually Ballinrobe worked their way towards the Castlebar line where the forwards went over for the opening score. Castlebar needed another try to secure the bonus point and as the half went on they worked their way upfield. Excellent forward play and good distribution from replacement Christy Cusack at scrum half opened the door for Mark Staunton to go over near the upright. Paul Coady was on hand to convert and leave the full time score Castlebar 26 Ballinrobe 5.
Castlebar play Loughrea away next Sunday February 20th.
Castlebar :- P. Coady, L. Staunton, J. Keane, M. Staunton, N. Byrne, R. Cusack, P. O’Malley, D. Staunton, S. Casey, P. Flannelly, R. Hughes, D. Mulgrew, B. Flannery, N. Coyle, L. Mulloy.
Ballinrobe :- D. Nestor, D. Reilly, T. McCabe, R. Holian, J. Walshe, S. Rochford, O. Gill, C. Varley, S. Kelly, M. Joyce, D. Harney, A. Coleman, C. McHugh, B. O’Toole, D. Burke.
Connacht J1 League (30/01/2011)
Castlebar 19 OLBC 12
Castlebar entertained Our Ladys Boys Club in the Connacht J1 League on Sunday. This was a cold sharp Sunday afternoon with a breeze coming from the Southwest which made kicking tricky all afternoon. Boys Club needed a good result to keep them on track for a top four finish in the League but Castlebar were also in contention and were in no mood to concede to the Galwaymen.
Castlebar were put under pressure right from the off. Boys Club used the breeze to keep them back in their own half aaaand test their defence for the first half hour. The Castlebar defence however was stout and held the Galway men at bay. The scoring opened with a Boys Club penalty from midfield which Derek Flaherty struck well. They kept the pressure up placing balls in the corner and behind the Castlebar line. Castlebar had answers for the questions posed and gallant defending from the likes of Daire Mulgrew, Shane Casey, Ronan Conway and Robbie Cusack lifted the siege on several occasions. Boys Club added another penalty from Flaherty for an infringement but this was a poor return for their efforts. Castlebar began to take the upper hand in the set pieces. As the half wore on confidence grew and Paul Coady made a fine break through midfield before laying off to winger Luke Staunton who stretched his legs to go over for the opening try of the day. Ronan Conway converted to leave the half time score Castlebar 7 Boys Club 6.
Castlebar started the second half as they finished the first running hard at the Galwaymen and using the breeze well. A good move from midfield brought the ball to Mark Staunton who went over for the second try which Robbie Cusack converted. Boys Club kept in touch with another penalty from Derek Flaherty but the hill was now steep for them. Castlebar kept the momentum up and Paul Coady was unlucky with a drop goal attempt. Moments later after an excellent break from scrum half Paudie O’Malley, Coady again got possession and scored a fine try which went unconverted. As the game wore on Boys Club worked their way upfield and managed to cross the line but the try was disallowed. Continuing pressure through the phases brought a penalty which Flaherty converted to give them the losing bonus point. The final score was Castlebar 19 Our Ladys Boys Club 12.
Castlebar :- R. Conway, L. Staunton, P.Coady, M. Staunton, N. Byrne, R. Cusack, P. O’Malley, D. Staunton, S. Casey, P. Flannelly, R. Hughes, D. Mulgrew, B. Flannery, N.Coyle, L. Mulloy. Subs Chris Rogan.
OLBC :- S.Connors, D.Flaherty, C.Mulligan, G.Kirwan, J.Curran, J.McDonagh, G. Faherty, D.Reilly, P.Walshe, D.Glennan, J.Moran, D.Hansbury, D.McHugh, L.Curran, P.Curran.
Ref : Paul Jennings
Connacht J1 League (15/01/11)
Castlebar 25 Galwegians 11
Castlebar resumed their Connacht J1 League campaign when they hosted Galwegians at Cloondeash on Saturday night. This was a wet and blustery night and the strong crossfield breeze affected the play throughout. Both sides showed the effects of the long layoff due to the weather with poor handling and tactical choices. Castlebar dominated throughout in the scrum and lineout with excellent work from Rory Hughes, Daire Mulgrew and Paddy Flannelly but did not capitalise as they should have with the amount of ball they had. However a win was what they needed and there was no point during the game when the outcome was in doubt. The game was memorable for the two fine individual tries scored from midfield in the second half by Castlebar captain and man of the match Paul Coady.
Castlebar played against the wind in the first half and soaked up the early pressure from the Galwaymen. However their dominance in the scrum gave plenty of ball and on the seventh minute the ball made its way out to winger Seamus Clancy who made a fine break into the Galwegians 22. Castlebar applied pressure through the phases, which resulted in a scrum in the clubhouse corner. Castlebar pushed for the line and Davy Staunton got the touchdown in the corner. The wind took Robbie Cusacks difficult conversion attempt. Castlebar held the upper hand for the remainder of the half but only added a further penalty from under the posts by Cusack to leave the half time score Castlebar 8 Galwegians 0.
Castlebar started the second half with the aid of the strong blustery wind but early Galwegians pressure brought a penalty for offside under the posts which outhalf Darragh Mullins converted. Castlebar took the game into the Galwegians half from the restart and it was Paul Coady who lit up the game with a fine individual try from midfield. Robbie Cusack converted. However Galwegians began to assert themselves and played some fine rugby in the loose until winger Shane Thompson took off down the line to score in the corner and give hope to his team mates. Further pressure lead to a penalty which Mullins converted. Castlebar pressed on and brought the game into the Galwegians half, where further good pressure was frustrated by poor handling until the ball once again came to Coady in midfield. He once again scored a fine individual try, which Ronan Conway converted to leave the final score Castlebar 25 Galwegians 11.
Castlebar are away to Ballinrobe next weekend.
Castlebar :- R. Conway, S. Clancy, M. Staunton, P. Coady, N. Byrne, R. Cusack, C. Cusack, D. Staunton, P. Flannelly, G. Sullivan, R. Hughes, B. Flannery, N. Coyle, L. Molloy.
Galwegians :- C. O’Brien, S. Thompson, D. McCarthy, D. O’Flaherty, D. Carney, D. Mullins, M. Connolly, M. Rouse, C. Casserly, J. Perrott, D. Hogan, B. Aherne, m. Burke, J. Mackey, D. Derham.
Ref; Pete McCarthy
Calwey Cup (21/11/10)
Sligo 24 Castlebar 12
Holders Castlebar travelled to Sligo to take on last years finalists and the current joint J1 League leaders in the first round of this years Cawley Cup. Conditions were ideal for this keenly fought encounter the result of which was in doubt up to the final move.
Castlebar started brightly and took the game to the home team. Rob Cusack converted two penalties the result of good pressure to leave the visitors leading by 6 after the first quarter. Sligo upped the pressure as the half time whistle beckoned and after a fine move the ball was swept wide and recycled for flanker Cathal Culhane to touch down for the first try converted by Mark Butler.
Castlebar started the second half on the attack but when the ball was intercepted Sligo moved it up the field well and Culhane was again on hand to touch down for the second converted try giving Sligo a comfortable lead. Castlebar responded with their best period of the match yielding further penalties two of which Robbie Cusack converted to bring Castlebar back into it. As the game neared its end Castlebar had Sligo pinned back in their 22 seeking the try they needed. The ball was intercepted and cleared downfield for a Castlebar lineout on the 5 metre line. Castlebar won the lineout and as the final whistle beckoned they had to run the ball but once again the ball was intercepted and Billy Leahy went over for the killer try which was again converted to leave the final score Sligo 24 Castlebar 12.
Castlebat : Paul Coady, Luke Staunton, Jason Keane, Mark Staunton, Nigel Byrne, Robbie Cusack, Chris Cusack, Shane Casey, Paddy Flannelly, David Staunton, Daire Mulgrew, Rory Hughes, Brian Flannelly, Neil Coyle, Liam Molloy.
Sligo: D. Gerrity, J. Farrington, B. Leahy, G.Foley, R. Burrows, M. Butler, P. Pearson, P.Mullan, C. Culhane, G.Conneely, J. Bowes, J.Wilson, A.McHale, R.Mannion, A.Spring.
Connacht J2B League (21/11/10)
OLBC 24 Castlebar 16
Castlebar suffered their first defeat of this years J2 League away to Boys Club in a keenly fought encounter at the sportsground on Sunday. In a forwards dominated game the Castlebarmen accounted very well for themselves with excellent performances from Oisin Foden and Shane Horan. Damien Glackin got the try and Paul McDonagh got the rest from the boot.
Castlebar: Martin Moran, Ronan Irwin, Chris Rowland, Gearoid Molloy, Brendan Corcoran, John Derrig, Paul Yeun, Paul McDonagh, David Casey, Oisin Foden, John McGing, Paraic Conneely, Damien Glackin, Michael Barrett, Shane Horan. Subs used Paul Heverin, Frank Gannon.
Connacht J1 League (14/11/10)
Tuam 13 Castlebar 20
Castlebar travelled to to Tuam on Saturday evening this Connacht J1 League fixture. Castlebar needed the win to restart their season which has faltered in recent weeks. It is also perfect preparation for the visit to Sligo next week for the first round of the Cawley Cup.
Castlebar started the game in positive mood and brought the game into the Tuam half. This paid off after 10 minutes when a scrum was awarded near the touch line. The ball found its way out to Robbie Cusack who executed a fine cross field kick for Mark Staunton to run on to. This opened the Tuam defence for a excellent try. Cusack was on hand to convert. Tuam fought back but failed to breach the astlebar line. Castlebar reasserted themselves and the pressure lead to a penalty which Robbie Cusack converted to leave the half time score Tuam 0 Castlebar 10.
The second half was well contested by both teams. Castlebar again had the upper hand good forward pressure lead to a push over try. Daire Mulgrew got the touch down and Cusack converted. Tuam responded well and outhalf Jamie Murphy kicked two good penalties to keep the home team in touch. Robbie Cusack replied with an excellent drop goal. A missed tackle late in the game allowed Tuam winger Colin Hegarty score a fine individual try under the posts which Murphy converted to leave the final score Tuam 13 Castlebar 20.
Castlebar play Sligo in the Cawley Cup next weekend.
Castlebar :- P. Coady, N. Byrne, S. Casey, M. Staunton, L. Staunton, R. Cusack, C. Cusack, D. Staunton, Gavin O’Sullivan, P. Flannelly, R. Hughes, D. Mulgrew, B. Flannery, N. Coyle, L. Molloy.
Tuam :- D. Burke, C. Hegerty, M. Ward, K. McDonagh, A Cahill, J. Murphy, R. Kavanagh, P. Cunningham, B. Ruane, S. Burke, S. Noone, A. Lane, S. Kavanagh, E. Hegerty, G. Connolly.
Connacht J2B League (14/11/2010)
GALWEGIANS 5 CASTLEBAR 7
Castlebar travelled to Glenina on Sunday to play Galwegians in round 3 of the Connacht J2 league. Castlebar are top of this league having won their two previous games. This was a match dominated by the forwards with little separating the teams which was reflected by the 0-0 halftime score. Castlebar improved well in the second half playing long periods in the Galwegians half. The pressure paid off when Jason Keane made a break following a scrum and opened the door for scrum half Paul Yeun to touch down. Jason converted. Tired bodies conceded a pushover Galwegians try near the end which went unconverted to leave the final score Galwegians 5 Castlebar 7. Best for Castlebar were Jason Keane, Paul McDonagh and David Casey.
Castlebar :- J. Derrig, B. Corcoran, G. Molloy, M. Moran, R. Irwin, J. Keane, P. Yeun, P. McDonagh, D. Casey, J. McGing, P. Conneely, P. Heverin, J. Hunter, M. Lavelle, S. Horan.
Connacht J1 League (17/10/10)
Ballina 17 Castlebar 0
Castlebar travelled to Ballina on Sunday to play the deferred round 4 match of the Connacht J1 League. This was a damp overcast day with no wind to speak of. Ballina were hoping to add to recent good results and Castlebar were hoping to return to winning ways. Ballina however had all the answers required on this occasion and Ca\stlebar looked decidedly flat in everything they tried.
Both teams started well with strong running and tackling to with Castlebar making good ground but failing to threaten the Ballina line. Ballina absorbed the pressure and as the first quarter finished the game was being played mostly in the Castlebar half. A penalty brought them into the Caastlebar 22 where the lineout was won. The ball came to Phillip Rowe who crossed the line but was held up. Ballina won the resultant scrum and the ball made its way to fullback Stepen McCarron who would have touhed down in the corner but for a try saving tackle from Ronan Conway. This excellent defending counted for nothing as from the kickoff Ballina wingback Phillip Timony got posession ran strongly and touched down under the posts. Cory Brown converted to give Ballina a half time lead of 7 – 0.
Castlebar played the second half almost entirely in their own half where excellent defending from the likes of Daire Mulgrew, Rory Hughes and Liam Molloy kept the Ballina men at bay. The only score of the third quarter was a penalty under the posts for an infringement from Cory Brown. Castlebar did eventually nanage to get into the Ballina half with aPaul Coady penalty but lost the ball in the lineout. With a sweeping downfield move the ball again found its way to Phillip Timony who with strong running evaded the tackles and touched down for the second Ballina try which Brown converted. Indeed as the game moved towards its end he again crossed only to be called back for an infringement. The game ended Ballina 17 Castlebar 0.
Castlebar have a another difficult game at home to Monivea next weekend.
Castlebar :- R. Conway, M. Staunton, L. Staunton, P. Coady, N. Byrne, R. Cusack, C. Cusack, D. Staunton, P. Flannelly, S. Casey, R. Hughes, D. Mulgrew, B. Flannery, N. Coyle, L. Molloy.
Ballina :- S. McCarron, N. O’Malley, D. Newman, C. O’Neil, K. Rouse, C. Brown, M. Murphy, A. McNulty, P. Rowe, P. Timony, W. O’Connor, C. Forde, T. Tolan, L. Lynch, C. Melvin.
The second team are making good progress in training which takes place on Friday night at 7.30. Kevin Cox is the coach and the league will begin at the end of the month.
Connacht J1 League (3/10/2010)
Castlebar 11 Corinthians 17
Castlebar hosted Corinthians in round 3 of the Connacht J1 League on Sunday. This was a blustery day and the strong crossfield breeze affected the play all day. Castlebar had previously done well away to Corrib and were hoping to add to this win against the unbeaten Corinthians who have had the indian sign over the Castlebarmen in recent years. This was not to be the case as a more powerful and better organised Galway outfit managed to overcome the younger Castlebar outfit.
Corinthians started very strongly trying to impose their forward power on the game from the off. Castlebar defended well but failed in the early stages to put the visitors under the sane sort of pressure. Early penalties were missed by both sides before Robbie Cusack converted from near the touchline ousde the 22 with a fine effort. This lifted the Castlebarmen who had the upper hand afterwards threatening the Corinthians line with solid forward work andfine running from the Mark Staunton. As the half wore on Corinthians regained their hold on the game and following a sustained period of pressure and several phases outhalf Conor Murphy got posession. He evaded two attempted tackles to touch down for a try which he converted himself giving the Galwaymen the halftime lead 7 – 3.
Castlebar started the second half much the stronger with good rucking and mauling and gained good ground. The reward was a penalty which went unconverted. Corinthians responded and were rewarded with another penalty which Murphy struck well to widen the gap. The tempo of the game increased considerably and when Nigel Byrne came inside he made a great break which almost yielded a try with excellent support from Daire Mulgrew, Paul Coady, and man of the match Paddy Flannelly. Castlebar repeated this tactic a few minutes later as Byrne once again almost made the line, Liam Molloy added a metre and the ball made its way out to Luke Staunton who touched down for an unconverted try which brought Castlebar back into the match. The advantage was short lived as posession was conceded to Corinthians who broke from midfield for Eoin Costello to touch down. Conor Murphy converted. Castlebar added a late penalty through Ronan Conway to secure a losing bonus point. The final score was Castlebar 11 Corinthians 17.
Castlebar have a difficult game away to Ballina next weekend.
Castlebar :- P. Coady, R. Conway, M. Staunton, L. Staunton, N. Byrne, R. Cusack, C. Cusack, D. Staunton, P. Flannelly, S. Casey, C. Rogan, D. Mulgrew, R. Hughes, N. Coyle, L. Molloy.
Corinthians :- M. O’Flynn, C. Dunne, A. O’Connor, F. Gormley, K. Russell, C. Murphy, E. Flynn, D. Phelan, E. Costlello, M. Byrne, K. Williams, A. O’Toole, C. O’Shea, A. Walsh, D. Small.
Connacht J1 League (26/09/2010)
Corrib 8 Castlebar 24
Castlebar travelled to Headford on Sunday to take on Corrib in round 2 of the Connacht J1 League. This was a lovely autumn day with intermittent sunshine and a cross field breeze which made life difficult for the kickers. Castlebar were coming off a very flat performance against Westport while Corrib had a disappointing result against Tuam in the first round. Both clubs needed points to get their league campaign under way. In the circumstances it was Castlebar who sparkled with a fine display of expansive rugby taking the game to the hosts and taking 4 fine trys, two in each half.
Corrib started very well and kept Castlebar pinned back in the early exchanges. Mike Monaghan failed with two early penalty attempts which would have settled the home team. However a number of handling errors took the visitors off the hook and allowed them clear upfield. Castlebar defended gallantly in this period with excellent tackling across the field. Castlebar gained the initiative and with good running from Paul Coady and man of the match Shane Casey. They broke the Corrib line to release Mark Staunton who went over near the touch line. Robbie Cusack added the very difficult conversion. Corrib fought back with strong running from the likes of Ronan Casey, Cormac Bane and Charlie Sullivan. They had Castlebar pinned in the corner from a well struck Cormac Bane penalty but Castlebar did not wilt and excellent defensive play from Paddy Flannelly, Rory Hughes and Chris Rogan lifted the siege. Castlebar regained the initiative and brought the game closer to the Corrib line as the half wore on. This pressure was rewarded by a scrum for a handling error from which Robbie Cusack fed Luke Staunton who turned cleverly in the tackle to touch down under the posts. Robbie Cusack was on hand to convert. Corrib responded well bringing the game downfield to be rewarded with a penalty which Mike Monaghan converted to leave the half time score Corrib 3 Castlebar 14.
The wind died down in the second half as Corrib started vigorously with powerful work from forwards Conor Mylon and John McHugh they spent the early minutes camped in the Castlebar 22. However excellent Castlebar defensive work kept them out and following a handling error Robbie Cuasack cleared the lines with a fine kick. Castlebar operating with a comfortable cushion on the scoreboard began to open up and a fine sided to side passing move from Shane Casey Paul Coady to Neil Coyle found replacement Brian Flannelly free on the wing to add the third try of the game which went unconverted. Corrib responded well and Paul Coady made a try saving tackle on winger Ronan Casey to keep the home team at bay going into the last quarter. Shotly afterwards Cormac Bane cut loose with a fine run for the home team and fed winger Eoin Carey who kicked on into the Castlebar 22 where a handling error lead to a scrum which Corrib pushed over in spirited fashion for John McHugh to touch down. The conversion however was missed. In the final minutes Castlebar again put the home team back into their 22 with a lovely penalty down the line Castlebar won the lineout but a crooked in lead to a scrum and from this Chris Cusack and Paddy Flannelly pressurised the Corrib kicker who lost contrtol of the ball giving Castlebar their fourth try and the bonus point when Davy Staunton reacted first to touch down. Castlebar continued to press in the final minutes and Liam Molloy must have thought he had added the fifth only to be blown up by the referee for an infringement. The game ended Corrib 8 Castlebar 24
Castlebar are at home to Corinthians next weekend.
Castlebar :- P. Coady, R. Conway, M. Staunton, L. Staunton, N. Byrne, R. Cusack, C. Cusack, D. Staunton, P. Flannelly, S. Casey, C. Rogan, D. Mulgrew, R. Hughes, N. Coyle, L. Molloy.
Corrib :- C. Bane, E. Carey, J. Gavin, H. Creaven, R. Casey, C. Sullivan, M. Monaghan, B. McDonagh, D. O’Connor, B. Lee, B. Audley, J. McHugh, C. Mylon, M. Lee, G. Forde.
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Cawley Cup Final
Castlebar 26 Sligo 18
Castlebar travelled to Crowley Park, Glenina to play Sligo in the final of the Cawley Cup on Sunday. Castlebar were looking to achieve a historic two in a row in this competition. It was a fine sunny day with a swirling wind that would make life difficult for the kickers all afternoon. Castlebar were very much the underdogs with Sligo coming off a fine League run having also played in the final of the Connacht Cup. Castlebar on the other hand had an indifferent year with some good wins and quite a few losses. This was a great chance to claim honours for both Clubs.
The game started at a ferocious pace a sign of what was to come all afternoon. Sligo immediately put Castlebar under pressure with kicks into the corner using the wind. They lost their outhalf, Paddy Pearson, very early which unsettled them somewhat. Jordan Farrington took over kicking duties and it was he who opened the scoring with a well struck penalty in the third minute. The early pressure brought another penalty to Sligo however this one was taken by the wind to the left of the upright. Castlebar had done well to only concede one score and their play improved immensely as the half wore on. They might have felt that the game was not going their way as three penalty attempts were taken by the tricky wind from poor enough positions but that was not the case. Castlebar had kept Sligo in their own half for all of twenty minutes when a fine team move brought the first try of the game. Phase after phase was played from left to right and back again stretching the Sligo defence when Paul Coady offloaded to Man of th Match Robbie Cusack who slipped through the Sligo defence to touch down near the posts. Ronan Conway converted to give the Mayo team a four point lead going into the final minutes of the half. Sligo responded vigorously from the restart and pushed Castlebar right back into their 22 where a penalty by Farrington brought them within a point. Further pressure from the restart opened the Castlebar defence for scrum half Frank Feeney to go over. Jordan Farrington was on hand to convert. This all happened in a few minutes and thing now looked ominous for the Castlebar men, leaving the half time score Castlebar 7 Sligo 13.
The second half was just as intense and tough as the first. Both teams threatened but it was not until Tadhg Kirby made a great break that a score looked likely. He probably had enough pace to make the line but elected for safety and passed infield from 10 metres but the pass was knocked on. Castlebar were magnificent in the ensuing scrum winning it against the head and when Sligo were caught offside Robbie Cusack converted a difficult penalty to bring Castlebar back into the game. Castlebar were now regaining their confidence and pressured the Sligo defence with good kicking and chipping. Sligo were caught in possession behind their own line and conceded another penalty for not releasing which Robbie Cusack again converted to draw level at 13 points each. Sligo still had plenty of rugby left to play and a fine individual run from midfield by Jordan Farrington yielded their second try which went unconverted. Once again it looked ominous for Castlebar but they kept on playing and when Sligo failed to gather a chip ahead on their own 22 metre line winger Nigel Byrne sprang to go over for a marvellous try in the corner. The swirling wind again came into play as the conversion was missed. Castlebar kept Sligo in their own half for the remainder of the game and Robbie Cusack was unlucky not to snatch victory when he was set up for a drop goal attempt. The half ended with Castlebar and Sligo both on 18 points and extra time beckoned.
Castlebar seemed to find something extra in the first half of extra time. Time and again they prodded and pressured the Sligo men. Castlebar had Sligo on the back foot while rucking on the 22 when Christy Cusack spotted a gap on the blind side. He fed Nigel Byrne who once again went over to give Castlebar a vital edge. The conversion was missed but Castlebar had the upper hand now. They continued to press and once again in the last play of the half Robbie Cusack was set up for a drop goal which was successful and gave Castlebar an 8 point lead at the end of the first period of extra time.
The pace dropped a little in the second period as both sides emptied their benches with injuries and fatigue being a major factor now. Sligo pressed for most of the period but Castlebar defended stoutly to keep them scoreless and ensure a historic second Cawley Cup victory in a row for the Club.
Sligo had fine performers in Jamie Bowes, Mataele Fafita, Frank Feeney, Jordan Farrington and Captain James Wilson. Castlebar had great games from Tom McAuliffe, Paddy Flannelly, Sean Wooton and Nigel Byrne. Enda Murphy was excellent throughout but for his excellent all round play and his ability to get scores when they were needed Robbie Cusack must emerge as the Man of the Match.
Castlebar :- R,Conway, F.Casey, P.Coady, T.Kirby, N.Byrne, R.Cusack, C.Cusack, T.McAuliffe, E.Murphy, P.Flannelly, R. Hughes, S. Wooton, K. Cox, N. Coyle, L. Molloy, Subs D. Staunton, C. Rogan, P. O'Malley, Luke Staunton, D. Casey.
Sligo :- N.O’Hara, A. Feeney, J. Farrington, G. Foley, J. Rippon, P. Pearson, F. Feeney, M. Fafita, S. Coulter, A. Spring, J. Bowes, J. Wilson, M. Feeney, G. Conneely, A. McHale. Subs R. Mannion, D. Cox, T. Sweeney, P. Mullan, B. Leahy.
Cawley Cup Semi Final
Westport 5 Castlebar 16
Castlebar played Westport in the semi final of the Cawley Cup at a sunny but bitterly cold Carrowholly on last Tuesday evening. Wesstport were coming off a fine win over Corrib while Castlebar have not had a serious game for a while. The tricky breeze off Clew Bay affected the flight of the ball and made kicking tricky for both sides.
Castlebar were put under pressure right from the off. Westport kept the game in the Castlebar half for the first twenty minutes but try as they might they were unable to break down the resolute Castlebar defence. The Westport cause was not helped by failing to win their own ball in lineouts which they had kicked for and won from Castlebar clearances. Ronan Conway took his first penalty after 25 minutes on Castlebar’s first visit to the Westport half but the wind took it. On the half hour however he opened the scoring with an excellent effort from near the 10 metre line. This must have broken Westport hearts given the huge effort they put in early on. Castlebar were seeing more of the ball now and Robbie Cusack was unlucky with a drop goal effort from well out the field. Castlebar were rucking well and pushed Westport up the field on several occasions. On the stroke of half time Castlebar got another penalty for an offside at one of these which gave Ronan Conway the perfect opportunity to extend the lead which he did.
The half time score was Castlebar 6 Westport 0.
Westport started the second half in determined mood but Castlebar’s confidence was rising and they succeeded in breaking out well with excellent running and kicking. The home team were unable to dominate the game as they had done in the first quarter. Robbie Cusack turned the game with a fine drop goal from outside the 22 to put nine points between the teams. Westport soldiered on and their efforts were rewarded when Kevin Corcoran touched down having been set up by Pat Hoban from the back of a ruck. The conversion however was missed. The pace of the game was now intense but the Castlebar defence remained strong. With 10 minutes to go the Castlebar pack was reduced to 7 when the first yellow card of the match was shown. This spurred Castlebar on and they spent most of the final minutes in the Westport half. The score of the game came just at the end. Castlebar were awarded a scrum on the Westport 22. Scrum half Chris Cusack made a dummy run and Enda Murphy broke with the ball through the gap. He drew the Westport defence before offloading to the oncoming Tadhg Kirby who went over under the posts for and excellent try. Ronan Conway converted before referee Roy Gibson blew it up to leave the final score Castlebar 16 Westport 5.
Castlebar now play Sligo in the final in Galwegians ground at Glenina on Sunday May 16th @ 15.00pm.
Castlebar :- R. Conway, N. Byrne, P.Coady, T. Kirby, F. Casey, R. Cusack, E. Murphy, T. McAuliffe, P. Flannelly, R. Hughes, S. Wooton, K. Cox, N.Coyle, L. Mulloy. Subs D. Staunton, D. Casey, P. O’Malley, L. Staunton, Chris Rogan.
Westport :- R.Cafferkey, K.Corcoran, E.Walshe, D.O’Toole, C.Southgate, L.Jones, P.Hoban, J.Walshe, C.Hastings, D. Keane, F.Corcoran, D.Mulrooney, P.Conway, J.Durkan, P.Kennedy. Subs M.Kennedy, J.O’Malley, F.Morahan, M.Palamarzucki, E.Joyce.
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Cawley Cup Semi Final
Westport 5 Castlebar 16
Castlebar played Westport in the semi final of the Cawley Cup at a sunny but bitterly cold Carrowholly on last Tuesday evening. Wesstport were coming off a fine win over Corrib while Castlebar have not had a serious game for a while. The tricky breeze off Clew Bay affected the flight of the ball and made kicking tricky for both sides.
Castlebar were put under pressure right from the off. Westport kept the game in the Castlebar half for the first twenty minutes but try as they might they were unable to break down the resolute Castlebar defence. The Westport cause was not helped by failing to win their own ball in lineouts which they had kicked for and won from Castlebar clearances. Ronan Conway took his first penalty after 25 minutes on Castlebar’s first visit to the Westport half but the wind took it. On the half hour however he opened the scoring with an excellent effort from near the 10 metre line. This must have broken Westport hearts given the huge effort they put in early on. Castlebar were seeing more of the ball now and Robbie Cusack was unlucky with a drop goal effort from well out the field. Castlebar were rucking well and pushed Westport up the field on several occasions. On the stroke of half time Castlebar got another penalty for an offside at one of these which gave Ronan Conway the perfect opportunity to extend the lead which he did.
The half time score was Castlebar 6 Westport 0.
Westport started the second half in determined mood but Castlebar’s confidence was rising and they succeeded in breaking out well with excellent running and kicking. The home team were unable to dominate the game as they had done in the first quarter. Robbie Cusack turned the game with a fine drop goal from outside the 22 to put nine points between the teams. Westport soldiered on and their efforts were rewarded when Kevin Corcoran touched down having been set up by Pat Hoban from the back of a ruck. The conversion however was missed. The pace of the game was now intense but the Castlebar defence remained strong. With 10 minutes to go the Castlebar pack was reduced to 7 when the first yellow card of the match was shown. This spurred Castlebar on and they spent most of the final minutes in the Westport half. The score of the game came just at the end. Castlebar were awarded a scrum on the Westport 22. Scrum half Chris Cusack made a dummy run and Enda Murphy broke with the ball through the gap. He drew the Westport defence before offloading to the oncoming Tadhg Kirby who went over under the posts for and excellent try. Ronan Conway converted before referee Roy Gibson blew it up to leave the final score Castlebar 16 Westport 5.
Castlebar now play Sligo in the final in Galwegians ground at Glenina on Sunday May 16th @ 15.00pm.
Castlebar :- R. Conway, N. Byrne, P.Coady, T. Kirby, F. Casey, R. Cusack, E. Murphy, T. McAuliffe, P. Flannelly, R. Hughes, S. Wooton, K. Cox, N.Coyle, L. Mulloy. Subs D. Staunton, D. Casey, P. O’Malley, L. Staunton, Chris Rogan.
Westport :- R.Cafferkey, K.Corcoran, E.Walshe, D.O’Toole, C.Southgate, L.Jones, P.Hoban, J.Walshe, C.Hastings, D. Keane, F.Corcoran, D.Mulrooney, P.Conway, J.Durkan, P.Kennedy. Subs M.Kennedy, J.O’Malley, F.Morahan, M.Palamarzucki, E.Joyce.
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Cawley Cup Semi Final (20/4/2010)
Westport 5 Castlebar 16
Castlebar played Westport in the semi final of the Cawley Cup at a sunny but bitterly cold Carrowholly on last Tuesday evening. Wesstport were coming off a fine win over Corrib while Castlebar have not had a serious game for a while. The tricky breeze off Clew Bay affected the flight of the ball and made kicking tricky for both sides.
Castlebar were put under pressure right from the off. Westport kept the game in the Castlebar half for the first twenty minutes but try as they might they were unable to break down the resolute Castlebar defence. The Westport cause was not helped by failing to win their own ball in lineouts which they had kicked for and won from Castlebar clearances. Ronan Conway took his first penalty after 25 minutes on Castlebar’s first visit to the Westport half but the wind took it. On the half hour however he opened the scoring with an excellent effort from near the 10 metre line. This must have broken Westport hearts given the huge effort they put in early on. Castlebar were seeing more of the ball now and Robbie Cusack was unlucky with a drop goal effort from well out the field. Castlebar were rucking well and pushed Westport up the field on several occasions. On the stroke of half time Castlebar got another penalty for an offside at one of these which gave Ronan Conway the perfect opportunity to extend the lead which he did.
The half time score was Castlebar 6 Westport 0.
Westport started the second half in determined mood but Castlebar’s confidence was rising and they succeeded in breaking out well with excellent running and kicking. The home team were unable to dominate the game as they had done in the first quarter. Robbie Cusack turned the game with a fine drop goal from outside the 22 to put nine points between the teams. Westport soldiered on and their efforts were rewarded when Kevin Corcoran touched down having been set up by Pat Hoban from the back of a ruck. The conversion however was missed. The pace of the game was now intense but the Castlebar defence remained strong. With 10 minutes to go the Castlebar pack was reduced to 7 when the first yellow card of the match was shown. This spurred Castlebar on and they spent most of the final minutes in the Westport half. The score of the game came just at the end. Castlebar were awarded a scrum on the Westport 22. Scrum half Chris Cusack made a dummy run and Enda Murphy broke with the ball through the gap. He drew the Westport defence before offloading to the oncoming Tadhg Kirby who went over under the posts for and excellent try. Ronan Conway converted before referee Roy Gibson blew it up to leave the final score Castlebar 16 Westport 5.
Castlebar now play Sligo in the final in Galwegians ground at Glenina on Sunday May 16th @ 15.00pm.
Castlebar :- R. Conway, N. Byrne, P.Coady, T. Kirby, F. Casey, R. Cusack, E. Murphy, T. McAuliffe, P. Flannelly, R. Hughes, S. Wooton, K. Cox, N.Coyle, L. Mulloy. Subs D. Staunton, D. Casey, P. O’Malley, L. Staunton, Chris Rogan.
Westport :- R.Cafferkey, K.Corcoran, E.Walshe, D.O’Toole, C.Southgate, L.Jones, P.Hoban, J.Walshe, C.Hastings, D. Keane, F.Corcoran, D.Mulrooney, P.Conway, J.Durkan, P.Kennedy. Subs M.Kennedy, J.O’Malley, F.Morahan, M.Palamarzucki, E.Joyce.
Cawley Cup (28/3/10)
Ballinsloe 6 Castlebar 51
Castlebar remain on course to retain the Cawley Cup after a facile win against Ballinasloe last Sunday. Ballinasloe had no answer to the power & pace of the Mayo side who appear to be shaping up well once again. Tadgh Kirby in the centre had a stand out display scoring a hat trick of trys. Nigel Byrne got two and there was one apiece from, Tom McAuliffe, Ronan Conway & Robbie Cusack who also kicked six conversions. However it came at a price as Mark Staunton suffered a broken bone in his ankle and is out for the season.
Castlebar. R Conway, N Byrne, P Coady, T Kirby, M Staunton, R Cusack, C Cusack, T McAuliffe, E Murphy, L Staunton, R Hughes, S Wooton, K Cox, N Coyle, L Molloy. Subs Used – F Casey & C Rogan.
Castlebar play Dunmore in the Qrt Final on Sunday the 11th of April @ 3.00PM in Castlebar. Please support.
Connacht J1 League / Cresham Cup (7/03/10)
CASTLEBAR 17 BALLINROBE 12
Castlebar played host to Ballinrobe on Sunday in the final round of the Connacht J1 League. The Frankie Cresham Cup, which these two sides play for annually, was also at stake on this occasion. This was a typical hard March day with the sun low in the sky and an unpredicable cold wind blowing. Castlebar are comfortably in mid table but were missing some key players while the Ballinrobe lads are fighting for their J1 status at the bottom. This result with a losing bonus point puts them in play off territory but a win would have secured their survival.
The game started at a very high tempo with both teams attempting to assert their authority. Ballinrobe looked good when they controlled the first scrum but this dominance did not last and they slowly succumbed to Castlebar in the set pieces. On 15 minutes Castlebar got the break they needed, having won a lineout cleanly Paul Coady fed Mark Staunton who took a great line from midfield to touch down under the posts for the opening score. Ronan Conway was on hand to convert. Ballinrobe responded well and fought hard to bring play into the Castlebar half. However Staunton and Coady combined again to create the second Castlebar try which Paul Coady touched down. Conway again converted. Ballinrobe continued to fight on when a well struck penalty gave them a lineout on the Castlebar 10 metre line. The ball was won cleanly and Declan Costello found a gap on the short side to touch down in the corner close to half time. Oisin Gill failed narrowly with the conversion attempt. This left the half time score Castlebar 14 Ballinrobe 5.
Ballinrobe brought the game to Castlebar in the second half and spent long periods camped in the Castlebar half. However poor decision making and a lack of creativity saw them kicking for the corners and then failing to capitalise with the lineout as Castlebar frequently won the ball and otherwise defended well. Castlebar's only score of the second half came from an excellently struck penalty from Ronan Conway following a sustained period of pressure in the Ballinrobe half. This score left enough daylight between the teams for Castlebar to take the foot off the pedal a little. Ballinrobe kept playing and were winning regular penalties which they tapped and had they gone for goal with some of the kicks they would have been in prime position when with the last move of the game they went over for a pushover try. It must be said however that Castlebar were home and hosed at this stage. Oisin Gill converted to leave the final score Castlebar 17 Ballinrobe 12.
The Cresham Cup was presented to Castlebar captain Rory Hughes in the clubhouse afterwards by Mrs Anne Cresham. President Robbie Carson said a few words recalling Frankies time as team captain and the fond memories club members have of him.
Castlebar :- R,Conway, R.Feeney, M.Staunton, T.Kirby, N.byrne, P.Coady, C.Cusack, T.McAuliffe, A.Gavin, P.Flannelly, R.Hughes, S.Wooton, K.Cox, N.Coyle, L.Molloy, Subs C.Rogan, P.O'Malley, F.casey.
Ballinrobe :-M. Mikolajewski, D. Burke, B. O'Toole, A. Coleman, P. Mylotte, D.Madden, S.Kelly, D.Costello, O.Gill, S.rochford, D.O'reilly, P.flanagan, S.Biggins, M. Grufferty, T.Nally. Subs, J.Flannery, B.Lynskey, J.Walsh.
Connacht J1 League (21/02/10)
Castlebar 6 Sligo 24
Castlebar entertained Sligo on Sunday in the Connacht Junior League. This was a hard cold day not helped by the lingering fog. The pitch was in great condition considering that this was the third match of the day and great credit for this is due to Trevor Ardill and his crew. Sligo have been going well all season having lost only once and at the start of the day had an outside chance of winning the League. This did not materialise as Monivea were crowned champions again after their win over Corrib. Castlebar were at mid table with not a lot to gain or loose from the match. They fielded an experimental team with Robbie Cusack returning to outhalf after a long layoff from injury.
The game began at a vigorous pace with both sides trying to gain the initiative. Castlebar struck first with a drop goal from Robbie Cusack after good work in the loose from Rory Hughes who set the move up from a ruck. Sligo had a penalty of their own shortly after which unusually bounced back off the top of the crossbar and nearly lead to the first try but for frantic Castlebar defending. Sligo kept the pressure on and when scrumhalf Billy Leahy broke from the base of a ruck he caught the Castlebar defence napping and went over for the first Sligo score. Outhalf Paddy Pearson was on hand to convert. Castlebar responded well and spent the last 10 minutes of the half camped in the Sligo half. This pressure brought a number of penalties one of which Ronan Conway converted to bring the half time score to Castlebar 6 Sligo 7.
The second half was much more one sided as Sligo upped the tempo and Castlebar tried different combinations around the field. The set pieces worked well but in loose play Sligo had the upper hand. Outhalf Paddy Pearson made a dazzling run from near midfield as he evaded several tackles to touch down for the second Sligo try which he failed to convert. The third was a pushover from the forwards after a long period of pressure in the Castlebar 22. Pearson converted and was prominent in the fourth when he and Niall O'Meara worked well together in a fine passing movement which Pearson finished and then converted.
This left the final score Castlebar 6 Sligo 24
Castlebar :- R.Conway, F.Casey, P.Coady, T.Kirby, M.Staunton, R.Cusack, P. O'Malley, D.Staunton, A.Gavin, P.Flannelly, T.McAuliffe, S.Wooton, K.Cox, N.Coyle, R.Hughes.
Subs :- F.Hobbs, R.Feeney, N.Byrne.
Heineken Connacht Junior Cup (14/02/2010)
Corinthians 20 Castlebar 3
Castlebar travelled to the Galway for the quarter final of the Heineken Connacht Junior Cup on Sunday. This was a cold hard dry day with the pitch in excellent condition for the time of year. There was great hope in Castlebar that they could reverse the League result from earlier in the season and make the semi finals of the Connacht Cup but this was not to be the case as a strong well balanced and organised Corinthians put their mark on this game from the start. Castlebar did have their big performers on the day and none was bigger than Neil Coyle who put in a man of the match performance at No.2. There were also good showings from Captain Rory Hughes, scrum half Christy Cusack, flankers Paddy Flannelly and Enda Murphy, with full back Ronan Conway putting in an assured performance at full back.
Castlebar started well and matched the Galway men in the set piece. There was little between them in the scrum and Castlebar were able to steal a ball or two in the lineout. Castlebar had a good share of possession but they were put under constant pressure from Corinthians, which brought errors and broke down the Castlebar rhythm. Corinthians had the better of it in the loose however and when they let the ball out wide they had Castlebar on the backfoot. This brought two tries to the Galwaymen in the first quarter when winger Ciaran Dunne crossed the Castlebar line twice after fine build up work from his team mates. Outhalf Barry O’Sullivan converted the second one to give Corinthians a 12 – 0 lead at half time.
Castlebar worked hard in the second half to get back into the game and spent most of the the first 20 minutes in the Corinthians half. This brought a penalty which Ronan Conway converted. Corinthians reasserted themselves as the game wore on and centre Stuart Cooke made a fine break which almost brought a try. The subsequent loose play yielded a penalty which Barry O’Sullivan converted to cancel out the Castlebar one earlier. Castlebar to their credit fought back gallantly but as the end of the game neared scrum half Hugh Griffin broke from the base of a ruck to go deep into Castlebar territory. The recycled ball came to winger Stuart Cooke who went over in the corner. The try went unconverted.
This left the final score Corinthians 20 Castlebar 3.
Ref :- Joe Doyne
Castlebar: Ronan Conway, Fintan Casey, Mark Staunton, Tadhg Kirby, Nigel Byrne, Paul Coady, Chris Cusack, David Staunton, Enda Murphy, Paddy Flannelly, Tom McAuliffe, Sean Wooton, Rory Hughes, Neil Coyle, Liam Molloy,
Subs : Kevin Cox, Chris Rogan, Alan Gavin, Richie Feeney, Robbie Cusack
Connacht J1 League (31/01/10)
Our Ladys Boys Club 3 Castlebar 14
Castlebar travelled to the Sportsground in Galway to play local side Our Ladys boys club in round 10 of the onnacht J1 League. Boys clu have not been going well of late but put up stubborn resistance against a Castlebar side who never seemed to get into top gear.
Castlebar started well and good work from the forwards brought them deep into the Boys Club half. Paul Coady was on hand to open the scoring with a lovely drop goal after 5 minutes. Most of the play took place between the 22 metre lines with excellent work from Boys Club as they defended well against the Castlebar backs who had the superior service from the set pieces where Castlebar were getting most of the possession. An infringement after 20 minutes allowed Paul Coady extend the Castlebar lead to 6 points with a well struck penalty. Boys Club worked hard but failed to breach the Castlebar line and the half time score was Boys Club 0 Castlebar6.
Boys Club started the second half in determined fashion and kept the visitors pinned back in their own half until an infringement after 10 minutes gave them a penalty. Outhalf John Mcdonagh was on hand to convert and open the Boys club scoring. Castlebar responded well and pressurised the home team from the restart. This brought another penalty which Paul Coady converted to regain the initiative for Castlebar. The game was put beyond Boys Club soon afterwards when Mark Staunton intercepted a pass to go over for the only try of the game.
The game finished Boys Club 3 Castlebar 14.
Castlebar: Richie Feeney, Nigel Byrne, Mark Staunton, Tadhg Kirby, Fintan Casey, Paul Coady, Chris Cusack, David Staunton, Enda Murphy, Paddy Flannelly, Tom McAuliffe, Sean Wooton, Rory Hughes, Neil Coyle, Liam Molloy, Subs : Kevin Cox, Alan Gavin, Luke Staunton.
Our Ladys Boys Club : N Farragher, J Curran, J McSweeney, D McDonagh, S Connors, J McDonagh, C Berry, D Gannon, D Ruddy, N O’Sullivan, J O’Sullivan, R Lennon, S Lawless, M Hughes, J Barry.
Heineken Junior Cup Round One (17/01/2010)
Ballinsloe 3 Castlebar 35
Castlebar travelled to Ballinasloe to play the home side on Sunday for round 1 of the Heineken Connacht Junior Cup. Ballinasloe are currently bottom of Division 1B but had a fine preliminary round win against Gort. Castlebar were determined to rescue their season after a shaky start and there is nothing like a good cup run to do that.
Castlebar started in determined fashion and attacked the Ballinasloe line for the start. This yielded early scores as Paul Coady converted a penalty from in front of the uprights after Mark Staunton made a fine run and Ballinasloe were penalised for an infringement. The restart brought pressure back on the home side and after good work from the forwards Paul Coady broke the line before offloading to Luke staunton who touched down from close in. Coady converted to give the visitors a 10 point lead before the first scrum of the match was set. Ballinasloe fought back bravely and forced Castlebar back into their own half. Persistant pressure yielded a penalty which Ross Tyrell converted to narrow the gap. Ballinasloe continued to pressurise the Castlebarmen but their efforts failed narrowly to yield more scores. Towards the end of the half good work from the forwards allowed Mark Staunton and Tadhg Kirby combine to open the Ballinasloe defence. A penalty was awarded for an infringement and the final score of the half came again from the boot of Paul Coady.
This left the half time score Castlebar 13 Ballinasloe 3.
Ballinasloe started the second half in strongly but their efforts again failed to find reward on the scoreboard. It was the visitors who scored first after Nigel Byrne made a break and was supported by his forwards. Captain Rory Hughes touched down at the end of the move for the second try of the day which Paul Coady again converted. Ballinasloe responded well but were unlucky when Mark Staunton blocked down a kick for touch which he then gathered and with Tadhg Kirby and Alan Gavin made progress deep into the Ballinasloe 22. Paddy Flannelly got posession from the ensuing ruck and touched down for a try which broke the hearts of the Ballinasloemen. The conversion was missed. The game was now beyond Ballinasloe but Castlebar soldiered on and a good forward move allowed Enda Murphy touch down for an unconverted try. The final play of the match saw the Castlebar backs move the ball out wide with a fine passing move. Mark Staunton found himself on the end of it and touched down near the flag for the final score of the game. The final score was Castlebar 35 Ballinasloe 3.
Castlebar now face Corinthians in the quarter final.
Castlebar :- Liam Molloy, Neil Coyle, Rory Hughes, Sean Wooton, Tom McAuliffe, Paddy Flannelly, Enda Murphy, Alan Gavin, Chris Cusack, Paul Coady, Nigel Byrne, Tadhg Kirby, Mark Staunton, Luke Staunton, Ronan Conway.
Ballinasloe :- D.Fenton, K.Galvin, J.Bourke, R.Shepperd, R.Tyrell, S.Hyde, S.Hayes,A.Doorley,M.Bruce,K.Hogarty, K.Dolan, E.Courtney, T.Dolan, A.O'Hora, J.J.Carey.
Referee :- Roy Gibson.
Connacht J2 League (16/01/2010)
Castlebar 20 Corrib 10
Corrib travelled to Castlebar for a re-arranged Connacht J2 League Fixture on Saturday night at 7.30.
This was a cold night with a bitter wind coming from the West to keep everyone on their toes.
The game however was lively and keenly contested throughout with fine individual displays from several players on both sides. The most welcome event of the night was the return of Richie Feeney after a long layoff. He settled in quickly and put in a fine display as did Paul and Rory Heverin, Seamus Devanney, John Moran, John Joe Ormsby and try scorers Paraic Healy and Damien McLaughlin. Corrib had fine performances from Padraic Kennedy, Joe Murphy, John McHugh and try scorer John McCarthy.
The game started in whirlwind fashion with Corrib putting on pressure from the start. They kept the Castlebarmen back in their own 22 for several minutes until John McCarthy broke the line to go over near the posts for the opening try. Outhalf Eugene Kenny was on hand to convert. This seemed to spur on Castlebar who responded with a period of sustained pressure. This yielded a penalty which Frank Gannon converted from under the posts. Corrib responded well and were awarded a penalty from near the 10 metre line which Kenny again converted. Castlebar fought hard with excellent work from the pack and when Paraic Healy got posession in midfield he weaved his way through several tackles to score a fine individual try. Richie Feeney was on hand to convert. This left the half time score Castlebar 10 Corrib 10.
Castlebar were the more efficient and disciplined in the second half. Richie Feeney converted a fine penalty from near the touch line to give Castlebar the lead for the first time. Good posession from the forwards and quick hands from the backs gave Damien McLoughlin a chance from near the Corrib 10 Metre line. He took a great line evading several tackles to touch down for the second Castlebar try which Feeney again converted. The game was now moving beyond Corrib but it was they who finished with a spirited flourish which failed however to produce a score.
The final score was Castlebar 20 Corrib 10.
Castlebar :- Richie Feeney, JJ Ormsby, Paraic Healy, Sean Conway, Rory Heverin, Mark Llewlyn, John Moran, Ross Flynn, Cathal O'Caobhin, Damien McLaughlin, Paul Heverin, Seamus Devanney, Michael Moran, Frank Gannon, Frank Hobbs.
Corrib :- Joe Murphy, Peter Conroy, Alan horan, Mike conroy, Mark Tuffy, Eugene Kenny, John McCarthy, John McHugh, Brian Lynch, Shane Meenaghan, Paul Mearns, Cathal Cawley, Rory Bane, Padraic Kennedy, Kevin Reilly.
Connacht J1 League (13/12/09)
Galwegians 10 Castlebar 30
Castlebar travelled to Crowley Park in Galway on Sunday to face Galwagians in round 8 of the Connacht J1 League. The Castlebarmen were hoping to add to the recent fine form which has lifted them off the bottom of the League and now sees the comfortably in the top half.
This was a fine crisp winters day with no breeze to speak of and good conditions underfoot allowing the quick and well organised Castlebar backs express themselves and play the rugby they are well capable of. Galwegians have not been going so well this year but as in other years this is no indication of an easy game. The Galway outfit are always difficult opponents at home.
Castlebar started the match in whirlwind fashion putting the Galwegians defence in all sorts of bother. The forwards were going well especially flankers Enda Murphy, Chris Rogan and Davy Staunton. Their work created the opening for outhalf Paul Coady to open the scoring with a fine unconverted try. Galwegians had not settled from this blow when Castlebar again went on the offensive with Davy Staunton creating the opening for winger Nigel Byrne to cross the line for a second unconverted try. Galwegians dug deep to regain the initiative and worked hard to go ahead with a converted try and a penalty. Paul Coady recovered the situation just before half time with a well struck penalty to leave the half time score Castlebar 13 Galwegians 13.
Castlebar upped their game considerably in the second half and this was reflected in a fifteen man effort from start to finish. Galwegians offered stubborn defence but their efforts failed to add the scores necessary to register a home win. Castlebar on the other hand had that little bit extra flair on show which allowed Mark Staunton go over for the first try of the second half which Paul Coady converted. Castlebar were to score again when Davy Staunton did very well to score Castlebars fourth of the day with Coady again on hand to convert. The game was by now going away from the home team but there was still something special to come. Fullback Ronan Conway got possession near half way and decided to have a go. He dropped the sweetest of goals to leave the final score Castlebar 30 Galwegians 10.
Castlebar’s next League fixture is against Ballinrobe at Cloondeash in round 9 on Sunday January 10th.
Castlebar: Ronan Conway, Nigel Byrne, Mark Staunton, Tadhg Kirby, Fintan Casey, Paul Coady, Chris Cusack, David Staunton, Enda Murphy, Chris Rogan, Tom McAuliffe, Sean Wooton, Rory Hughes, Neil Coyle, Liam Molloy.
Connacht J1 League (29/11/09)
Castlebar 38 Buccaneers 3
Castlebar entertained Bucanneers in Cloondeash on Sunday in round 7 of the Connacht J1 League. Buccaneers however are going through a much worse patch than Castlebar leaving them with a minus point count coming in to this game. Castlebar went about their business efficiently throughout and showed enthusiasm and organisation that was absent in earlier encounters. The strong north westerly breeze was very influential on this very cold day in Castlebar.
Buccaneers had the wind advantage in the first half but were unable to take advantage of it as Castlebar pressurised them and kept them in their own half for most of the period. Buccs however opened the scoring with their only score after 20 minutes when scrumhalf Michael O’Donoghue converted a penalty from half way to give his side a 3 point lead. Buccaneers failed to capitalise on this however and spent the remainder of the half defending in their own half. Castlebar took the lead towards the end of the half when Enda Murphy broke from the base of the scrum and having made good ground he offloaded to Paul Coady. Coady had still 10 metres to cover and did so excellently by taking a good line and skipping past several attempted tackles. The conversion however was missed into the strong breeze. The half time score was Castlebar 5 Buccaneers 3.
From the kick off Castlebar took full advantage of the breeze putting good balls behind the Buccs backs and into the corners. This lead to frantic defence from the Athlone men who conceded two penalties in front of the posts which Paul Coady converted to give the home team a cushion. Castlebar grew in confidence but Buccs became more frantic and were soon on the back foot again. Neil Coyle made a fine break into the 22 where another penalty was conceded and converted to give the Castlebar men a comfortable cushion.
From the restart the much more confident Castlebar men returned the ball to corner where Castlebar contested the lineout and the ball came to Davy Staunton who went over from close in. The conversion was missed from the touch line but Castlebar now had an unassailable margin and Buccaneers were letting their heads down. The alert Mark Staunton added another try under the posts when he intercepted in midfield. Paul Coady converted.
Shortly after the half hour Chris Cusack hung a tantalising kick up which Tadhg Kirby contested and he offloaded to Mark Staunton for his second which Coady again converted. Late in the game Kirby and Staunton again worked well to release Neil Coyle for a much deserved try which went unconverted. This left the final score Castlebar 38 Buccaneers 3.
Castlebar now face Galwegians in Crowley Park for round 8 on Sunday December 13th.
Castlebar: Ronan Conway, Nigel Byrne, Mark Staunton, Tadhg Kirby, Fintan Casey, Paul Coady, Chris Cusack, David Staunton, Enda Murphy, Paddy Flannelly, Tom McAuliffe, Sean Wooton, Rory Hughes, Neil Coyle, Liam Molloy.
Connacht J2 League (29/11/09)
Castlebar 10 Sligo 23 Castlebar entertaind Sligo in the Connacht J2 League on Sunday. Castlebar playing at less than full strength were no match for the Sligo men who travelled strong as the had no first team match on Sunday. In spite of this Castlebar had some fine performances not least from the wing forward unit of Dave Casey, Paul Yeun and Johnathan Moran. Castlebar had a first half penalty from Jarlath Glynn and a late try from the excellent Damien McLaughlin which Glynn converted. However hard work from the likes of George Sweeney and Sean Conway failed to enhace the scoreline.
This loss puts paid to Castlebars ambition of winning this section of the league.
Castlebar: Jarlath Glynn, Sean Brugay, George Sweeney, Sean Conway, Mark Heverin, Liam fahey, Paudy O’Malley, Dave Casey, Paul Yeun, Jonathan Moran, Ronan Irwin, Cathal O’Caoibhin, James Hunter, Frank Gannon, Damien McLaughlin
CONNACHT J1 LEAGUE (13/11/09)
Castlebar fight hard for first league win of the season.
Tuam 10 Castlebar 11
Castlebar travelled to Tuam on Friday evening for round 6 of the Connacht J1 League. The Castlebarmen have accumulated just 3 bonus points from narrow defeats and were without a win so far this season. The Castlebar cause has been greatly helped by the return of Seamus King to the sideline but this victory was fashioned from old fashioned determination and resiliance.
The game had been postponed last week at Castlebar’s request and the Mayo side had to concede home advantage to the Galwaymen. The wintry conditions affected the game throughout with progress difficult into the teeth of a gale force wind. Tuam had this at their backs in the first half. These two teams have little between them and had drawn 9-9 in the corresponding fixture last season. This fixture will not be remembered for wide expansive rugby but for the amount of forward effort and defensive tackling that was required.
Tuam had the wind advantage in the first half and kept the Castlebarmen on the back foot throughout. They were however unable to cross the Castlebar line for a major score in the opening quarter and converted only one of their three penalty chances.
Castlebar defended well and when after 30 minutes Christy Cusack intercepted at the back of a Tuam Scrum in the Castlebat 22 the game was about to take a twist. Cusack offloaded to Man of the Match Enda Murphy who took off up the pitch and offloaded expertly to the speedy Nigel Byrne who did well to score the first try of the game. This however went unconverted in the tricky conditions.
From the kick off Castlebar got posession but a careless kick for touch gave the ball and the initiative to Tuam winger Stephen Burke. Burke evaded several tackles to touch down for a fine individual try. Tuam outhalf Eoin Cosgrave was on hand to convert and leave the half time score Tuam 10 Castlebar 5.
Castlebar had wind advantage in the second half and employed a kicking game attempting to put pressure on the Tuam lads. This worked to a certain degree and had Tuam using all their energy defending high balls. Following good pressure Castlebar were awarded a penalty for an offside incursion which allowed Paul Coady bring Castlebar back to within two points.
The game was at the death however before he got another and in dramatic fashion Castlebar took the lead and the points with an 80th minute penalty.
Castlebar now face Buccaneers in round 7 next weekend at Cloondeash.
Castlebar: Ronan Conway, Fintan Casey, Mark Staunton, Tadhg Kirby, Paul Coady, Chris Cusack, David Staunton, Enda Murphy, Paddy Flannelly, Tom McAuliffe, Sean Wooton, Rory Hughes, Neil Coyle, Liam Molloy,
Replacements : Alan Gavin, Chris Rogan, Robbie Cusack,
Tuam: D Burke; D Blake, K McDonagh, N Burke, S Burke; E Cosgrove, R Kavanagh; S Kavanagh, M Ward, D Kavanagh; S Noone, A Lane; D Noone, F O'Neill, M O'Connor.
Referee : Joe Doyne
Castlebar R.F.C. Report (12/10/09)
Castlebar 5 Ballina 12
Castlebar entertained a resurgent Ballina in Cloondeash on Sunday for round 4 of the Connacht J1 League. The Castlebarmen having failed to register a win in their previous outings were hoping for improvement throughout the field and in fairness they upped their game considerably in an effort to take the first scalp of the league.
Playing conditions were excellent with only a westerly breeze to contend with. This however made the kicking tricky with poor results from both sides.
The first half started in a full blooded manner with every ball and set piece contested with vigour. Ballina put on the early pressure but Castlebar responded well and worked their way upfield. Excellent forward play forced an error from which a scrum was awarded. The ball was moved quickly along the line to the wing where Fintan Casey was on hand to go over in the corner for an excellent try after 10 minutes. Ronan Conway failed to convert from the touchline. Castlebar kept the pressure up and looked the more likely to score as time passed. However Conway missed a penalty from the 10 metre line and Robbie Cusack was just wide with a well worked drop goal attempt after 25 minutes.
As the half wore on Ballina worked their way into the Castlebar half and had the Castlebarmen in all sorts of bother. A knockon brought a scrum from which the ball was worked quickly out the line. Stephen McCarron seemed to be closed down but he threw a clever reverse pass to Cormac Quinn who went over untouched through the gap. Andrew Moynihan was wide with conversion attempt. Castlebar must have felt they deserved more from the half which ended 5 points each.
Ballina started the second half in much the same way that they finished the first. They spent the first 10 minutes pressurising the Castlebar line. Castlebar defended stoutly and cleared the ball on several occasions. Ballina however kept coming back and when Stephen McCarron took advantage of a Castlebar handling error he went over under the posts for the second Ballina try of the day which Andrew Moynihan had no trouble converting.
Castlebar were now behind for the first time as the game entered the final quarter. Excellent forward work brought them upfiel where they competed well and forced a penalty which Ronan Conway was just short with. They kept the work rate up and were now causing Ballina lots of problems in the scrum and lineout. Ballina defended well and did not concede a score. The final scoring attempt fell to them which was a drop goal attempt which Moynihan sent to the left. Castlebar had great performers in Rory Hughes, Tom McAuliffe, Paddy Flannelly and Paul Coady while Ballina had big games from Daniel Carrabine, Mike Murphy, Shane Loftus, Cormac Quinn and Stephen McCarron.
The game ended Castlebar 5 Ballina 12.
Castlebar play Monivea away in round 5 next Sunday.
Castlebar: Ronan Conway, Luke Staunton, Mark Staunton, Paul Coady, Fintan Casey, Robbie Cusack, Chris Cusack, David Staunton, Enda Murphy, Paddy Flannelly, Ger Prendergast, Tom McAuliffe, Rory Hughes, Neil Coyle, Liam Molloy, Replacements :- Ross Flynn, Sean Wooton, David Casey.
Ballina : Robert Forbes, Michael Clarke, Stephen McCarron, David Newman, Cormac Quinn, Andrew Moynihan, Michael Murphy, Aiden McNulty, Shane Loftus, Orrie Collins, Daniel Carrabine, Conor Forde, Tom Tolan, Richard Kelly, James O’Connor. Replacements :- Paul Newell, Marc Healy, Ciaran Rouse.
Referee : Joe Doyne
Seconds friendly match
Castlebar 5 Ballina 24 Castlebar played Ballina second in Cloondeash on Sunday at 1.30pm. This was a one sided affair with Ballina having the upper hand throughout. They had try scorers in Alex Corduff, Arthur West, James Cawley and Philip Thornton. Stephen Lacken converted twice. Damien McLoughlin scored an unconverted try for Castlebar who had good performances from Paudie O’Malley, Paul Heverin, Alan Gavin and Paul Yeuen
Castlebar R.F.C Club Report (05/10/09)
Corinthians 22 Castlebar 5
Castebar travelled to Corinthians on Sunday more in hope than expectation. Poor result and a long list of injuries have seen the Castlebar panel decimated in recent weeks. Corinthians were always going to be tough opponents given the resources of the Galway side.
The first half started well for Castlebar with early pressure yielding a try for Davy Staunton after an excellent forward build up. Fullback Ronan Conway was on hand to convert. The Castlebar men maintained the 7 point lead until the end of the half when Corinthians scored an unconverted try.
The second half was a disaster for Castlebar with Paul Coady, Fintan Casey and Paddy Flannelly going off injured early on to be replaced by Chris Rogan, David Casey and Ross Flynn giving Castlebar a very U-19 look.. Corinthians made hay while the sun shone to score two converted trys and a penalty to leave the final score Corinthians 22 Castlebar 7.
Castlebar now face an increasingly difficult round 4 assignment at home to Ballina next weekend.
Castlebar: Ronan Conway, Luke Staunton, Mark Staunton, Paul Coady, Fintan Casey, Robbie Cusack, Chris Cusack, David Staunton, Enda Murphy, Paddy Flannelly, Tom McAuliffe, Sean Wooton, Rory Hughes, Neil Coyle, Liam Molloy,
Replacements :David Casey, Ross Flynn, Chris Rogan
Seconds Match.
Castlebar played Westport thirds inn Cloondeash on Sunday. Westport attempting to field three teams on the same day conceded as they were a few lads short. Castlebar gave a few players to Westport so that a match could be played for the benefit of all. Castlebar dominated the game running in four tries. Best for Castlebar were Paudie O’Malley, Ger Prendergast, Mick Moran and Cathal O’Caoimhin.
CASTLEBAR RUGBY CLUB REPORT (28/09/09)
Castlebar 13 Corrib 15
Castlebar denied at the death in tough encounter.
Corrib travelled to Cloondeash on Sunday for round 2 of the Connacht J1 League . While the rain held off the blustery cross wind affected the game throughout. There has been a keen rivalry between these two sides in recent years and this was evident from the intensity of the exchanges. Corrib with a heavier pack were held well by Castlebar for most of the game but it was in the lineout that Corrib excelled with well timed throws and poweful work in the loose. The vital score fell to Corrib deep in injury time with a well worked try which gave them a narrow win.
Castlebar began the first half on the front foot attacking from the kick off. After good forward work Neil Coyle breached the Corrib line to go over for the first try of the day. The tricky wind put paid to Paul Coady’s conversion attempt. Corrib began to settle and by the 15th minute were awarded a penalty from a handling error which Mike Monahan converted from the left hand side of goal. Much of the play for the remainder of the half was in cenre field with neither side able make a breakthrough. There was good work from Tom McAuliffe, Davy Staunton and Robbie Cusack of Castlebar and Dara O’Connor, Bryan Mcdonagh and Cormac Bane of Corrib.
The half ended Castlebar 5 Corrib 3.
Ross Flynn replaced the injured Neil Coyle at half time. Castlebar started the second half much as the first on the offensive. Good kicking brought them into the Corrib half where they won a lineout. Enda Murphy won the ball and made good ground before offloading to Paddy Flannery who continued and found the no.8 Davy Staunton in some space. Davy went over untouched for the second try of the day. Once again Paul Coady’s conversion attempt failed but the momentum was now with the Castlebarmen. However they failed to add points when for this period they were dominating the game. Corrib regrouped and helped by handling errors from the home side slowly made their way downfield. From the lineout they began a slow but purposeful shove which was blown up for an infringement just as they got over the line. From the subsequent tap the resumed and this time pushed their way over for a fine forwards try with Martin Lee touching down. Mike Monahan was on hand to convert from his favourite left side of goal. This brought the visitors level as the game entered the final 10 minutes. Castlebar responded well and with improved handling and determination forced their way upfield and back into the match. This pressure brought an infringement and a penalty just outside the Corrib 22 which Robbie Cusack missed narrowly. Castlebar kept the pressure up and when an attempted clearance brought another infringement Ronan Conway stepped up and converted to give Castlebar back the lead. As the game entered the final minutes a penalty awarded to Corrib gave them the opening they needed. Just as previously they went for the corner and at the second attempt pushed over for the final score of the game which Dara O’Connor touched down. Mike Monahan missed the conversion from the right. The final whistle blew with Corrib taking the points on a scoreline of Castlebar 13 Corrib 15.
Having played much better than last week Castlebar must once again be content with a bonus point. Castlebar had fine performers in Davy Staunton, Paddy Flannelly, Ronan Conway and Liam Molloy. Corrib were well served by Cormac Bane, Bryan McDonagh,Dara Higgins and Shane Walshe.
Castlebar now face a difficult round 3 assignment away to Corinthians next weekend.
Castlebar: Ronan Conway, Damien McLoughlin, Paul Coady, Mark Staunton, Fintan Casey, Robbie Cusack, Chris Cusack, David Staunton, Enda Murphy, Paddy Flannelly, Daire Mulgrew, Tom McAuliffe, Rory Hughes, Neil Coyle, Liam Molloy,
Replacements :David Casey, Sean Wooton, Ross Flynn
Corrib: Cormac Bane, Eoin Craddock, David O’Connor, Dara O’Connor, Ronan Casey, Charles Sullivan, Mike Monahan, Bryan McDonagh, Dara Higgins, Martin Lee, Shane Walshe, Bryan Audley, Conor Moylan, Bryan Lynch. Replacements : Joe Murphy, Cathal Cawley John McCarthy.
Referee : Pete McCarthy
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CAWLEY CUP FINAL Castlebar are Connacht Cawley Cup champions after enthralling final with Ballina
Castlebar 30 Ballina14
Castlebar and Ballina travelled to Crowley Park in Galway, home of Galwegians RFC who sponsored the competition, to play one another in the final of the Cawley Cup. The scene was set with a breeze coming in off the bay and temperatures almost touching 20 degrees celcius at times. A large contingent travelled from both towns to lend support to their local teams. The game was played in an excellent spirit with fine displays from both teams. The one sided result does not properly indicate the intensity and closeness of the game for long periods. Castlebar had a huge team performance with fine individual displays from Daire Mulgrew, Enda Murphy, Alex Goor, Paul Coady, Davy Staunton, Tadhg Kirby and Richie Feeney. Ballina were also depending on a top class team effort but nonetheless had fine individual displays from Andrew Moynihan, Michael Murphy, Aiden McNulty and Kieran Melvin.
Ballina started the game with the help of the lively sea breeze and used it well to place kicks behind the Castlebar defence and into touch on several occasions. From the kickoff Castlebar put the Ballina lads under pressure in their own 22. Several phases passed but Castlebar failed to reap any reward from a disciplined Ballina defence. Ballina broke upfield and were awarded a penalty for and infringement in the loose which Andy Moynihan converted from near the 22 metre line. This seemed to spur the Castlebar lads on as they worked their way upfield and into the danger zone where they were awarded a scrum for a Ballina knock on. The ball was moved quickly from the base of the scrum by Christy Cusack to Paul Coady who showed real class in looped movement with Mark Staunton and Tadhg Kirby to go over under the posts for the opening try of the game. Richie Feeney was on hand to convert. Castlebar failed to hold on in the Ballina half and slowly conceded ground until Ballina were again in a scoring position . Again an infringement gave them a penalty and again Andy Moynihan was on hand to convert and leave the minimum between the teams. This was perhaps Ballina’s best period of the game as they kept Castlebar on the defensive for several minutes. Ballina had great performances during this period from Danny Carrabine, Conor Forde, Aiden McNulty, David Newman and Michael Clarke. The pressure paid off when on the stroke of half time Andy Moynihan converted hid third penalty to give Ballina a 9 – 7 lead at the break.
The second half saw Castlebar having the benefit of the breeze but at this stage the heat of the day was rising to its height and was affecting everyone on the pitch. Water bottles were regularly brought on as the Trojan efforts of both sides took their toll. Ballina attacked from the kick off and must have thought they were going over in the corner when Enda Murphy intercepted a Ballina ball and stormed out of the corner. As he was being tackled he fed the ball to Fintan Casey who took off along the touch line. When he could go no further he offloaded to Richie Feeney who stretched his long legs making great ground before feeding Davy Staunton who was now on his shoulder. Davy continued up towards the 22 where he found Tadhg Kirby in support. Tadhg returned the pass to Davy who finished the move evading a tackle attempt to touch down near the upright for a classic team try. Richie Feeney was again on hand to convert. Injuries brought the first replacements of the day when Brian Flannery replaced Alex Goor for Castlebar and Paul Neary replaced Aiden McNulty for Ballina. Ballina were not finished yet and subjected Castlebar to a sustained period of pressure trying both forward and backs movwements to break down the Castlebarmen. Their efforts were rewarded when from the foot of a scrum on the Castlebar 22 Michael Murphy broke powerfully. When he looked up he found fullback Andy Moynihan coming like a stem train through the middle. He offloaded to Andy who touched down for a fine Ballina try. This effort must have drained him as he missed the conversion. Castlebar fought back gallantly and found themselves in the Ballina 22 where Paul Coady and Tadhg Kirby were causing huge problems for Ballina. An offside offence gave Richie Feeney the chance to stretch the lead with a well struck penalty from near the touch line. There was once again daylight between the teams. Ballina decided to have a go from the kick off but disaster struck for them when Mark Staunton intercepted a pass on the 22 metre line. The tall Castlebarman took off with several Ballina lads in pursuit. There was to be no stopping him however and he touched down near the posts to give Castlebar their third try and Ballina a mountain to climb. Richie Feeney was again on hand to convert. Ballina to their credit fought on making good progress upfield and were it not for a bone crunching tackle from Nigel Byrne on Paul Neary they would surely have scored in the corner shortly afterwards. The Castlebar pack were now controlling affairs and kept play near the middle of the field. Both teams introduced their replacements as the game entered the final 10 minutes and legs became increasingly weary. It was one of these Robbie Cusack who provided the final score of the match when with his first touch he scored a lovely drop goal from just outside the 22. This left the final score of the 2009 Cawley Cup Final Castlebar 30 Ballina 14.
Castlebar: Richie Feeney; Fintan Casey, Nigel Byrne, Tadhg Kirby, Mark Staunton, Paul Coady, Chris Cusack, Kevin Cox, Neil Coyle, Rory Hughes, Daire Mulgrew, Alex Goor, Ger Prendergast, Enda Murphy, David Staunton. Replacements : Paddy durcan, Paddy Flannelly, Chris Rogan, Brian Flannery, Robbie Cusack.
Ballina :- Andrew Moynihan, Pat Hackett, Cormac Quinn, Michael Clarke, Niall O’Malley, David Newman, Michael Murphy, Kieran Melvin, Richard Kelly, Tom Tolan, Danny Carrabine, Conor Forde, Shane Loftus, Philip Timony, Aiden Mcnulty. Replacements : James O’Connor, Paul Neary, Mark Healy, Arthur West, Desmond Hooley.
Referee Peter McCarthy.
CAWLEY CUP SEMI - FINAL (11/04/2009)
Castlebar into Cawley Cup Final with spirited display in Carrowholly
Westport 11 Castlebar 13
Castlebar travelled to Carrowholly on Easter Saturday afternoon for a Cawley Cup semi-final showdown with near neighbours Westport. The Cawley Cup is a Connacht Cup competition reserved for Junior teams. The lovely April afternoon with the smell of the sea air gave a pleasant backdrop for this keenly contested fixture.
Westport at home has always been a huge ask for Castlebar teams in the past with the Westport men always putting up the stiffest of opposition. However on this occasion Castlebar had the measure of the seasiders with a huge team performance and a man of the match display from fullback Richie Feeney.
Castlebar now go on to play Ballina in the final at the Sportsground in Galway next Sunday.
Castlebar Rugby Club are asking for a big turnout in Galway to cheer on the team.
Castlebar played against the wind in the opening half. There was a huge physical contest during this period with most of the play between the two 10 metre lines. Castlebar had great performances from Alex Goor, Enda Murphy, Neil Coyle and Daire Mulgrew. Richie Feeney broke the deadlock after an infringement with a well struck penalty from near half way. This left the half time score Castlebar 3 Westport 0.
The second half was a very well contested affair and the necessity to get scores opened the game up with both sides attempting to get the ball wide without leaving themselves open. It was Westport who started the stronger with attacking play which would eventually bring rewards. They equalised with a penalty from Ryan Cafferkey. They kept up the pressure and when the opportunity presented itself Kevin Corcoran went over for a well taken try the result of fine play from the forwards. Ryan Cafferkey was unlucky with the conversion which came off the upright. Castlebar responded well and moved the ball upfield through several phases of strong forward play. Paul Coady was going well at scrumhalf making the best of his opportunities. The ball was presented and moved quickly out along the backline where winger Fintan Casey went over in the corner. Richie Feeney was on hand to convert and restore the Castlebar lead. However as the game edged towards the final stages Cafferkey was again on hand to give the Westport men the narrowest of leads with a well taken penalty into the wind. The game was almost up for Castlebar when they were awarded a penalty in midfield for an infringement. Richie Feeney again stepped up striking the ball sweetly over the middle of the bar to give Castlebar a 2 point lead going into the final minute which they held to the whistle.
The final score was Castlebar 13 Westport 11.
Referee Paul Jennings.
Castlebar: Richie Feeney; Fintan Casey, Nigel Byrne, Tadhg Kirby, Ronan Conway, Paul Coady, Chris Cusack, Kevin Cox, Neil Coyle, Rory Hughes, Daire Mulgrew, Alex Goor, Ger Prendergast, Enda Murphy, David Staunton. Replacements: Brian Flannery, Paddy Durcan, Paddy Flannelly, Chris Rogan, Sean Faulkner.
Cawley Cup Quarter Final (29/03/09)
Castlebar 10 - Sligo 5
Castlebar played Sligo at Cloondeash in the quarter final of the Cawley Cup on Sunday March 29th. This was a tough assignment for the Castlebar men who were overrun by their opponent in the league. The weather was of no assistance and strong swirling winds and at times heavy squals threatened to spoil this most intense of encounters. Castlebar to their credit met the physical presence and power of Sligo head on and with a man of the match performance from second row Daire Mulgrew and solid work from the likes of Ger Prendergast, Kevin Cox, Rory Hughes, Paul Coady, Richie Feeney and replacement Sean Faulkner eked out a victory which seemed unlikely before the match.
Castlebar played against the wind in the first half. This brought a plethora of long testing kicks down on top of fullback Richie Feeney who caught well and cleared everything thrown at him over the heads of the Sligo men. The resultant linouts were well contested and Sligo were well on top here early on. The resultant loose play brought infringements and penalties to Sligo. Julian Rippon and Liam Foley failed to open the Sligo account from placed balls not helped by the tricky wind. These failures gave Castlebar heart and slowly and surely they made their way up the field and ito the Sligo 22. From the base of a scrum Christy Cusack fed Paul Coady who passed to the on running Nigel Byrne. Byrne excellently rounded winger Matt Drury to come in and touch down under the posts. Robbie Cusack was on hand to convert and give Castlebar a 7 point lead. Credit for the score must also be shared by the forwards who created the opportunity such as Daire Mulgrey, Paddy Flannelly and Brian Flannery. Sligo regained the initiative and in the closing 10 minutes of the half had Castlebar pinned back in their 22. Hard work and good defending kept them at bay but the Castlebar defence was breached when scrum half Billy Leahy broke from the base of a Sligo scrum to cross the line untouched. They failed to convert but kept Castlebar defending to the end of the half. Half time score Casstlebar 7 Sligo 5.
The weather softened a little in the second half but the pace and intensity of the fare on offer remained intense and well contested. However much of the play was in the midfield area without threat to either end line. Great defensive work from replacement Sean Faulkner and Fintan Casey was crucial as several Sligo attacks from the likes of Mata Fafita, Adrian McHale, Daire Cox and Andre Taureweha threatend to swing the game in Sligo’s favour. Great work in the lineout from Daire Mulgrew and Ger Prendergast gave Castlebar the edge throughout the half. This good defencive work was repeated in the scrum and the loose where Castlebar did well against a bigger and more powerful Sligo pack. It took something special to break the deadlock and when a fine Sean Faulkner move brought the ball to Paul Coady in midfield he took his chance with a fine dropkick. Castlebar defended well for the remainder of the match to deny Sligo the try they needed and leave the final score Castlebar 10 Sligo 5.
Castlebar now face Westport in the semi-final of the competition.
Castlebar: Richie Feeney; Nigel Byrne, Tadhg Kirby, Paul Coady, Ronan Conway, Robbie Cusack, Chris Cusack; Kevin Cox; Neil Coyle, Brian Flannery, Daire Mulgrew, Rory Hughes; Ger Prendergast, Paddy Flannelly, David Staunton.
Replacement: Paddy Durcan, Sean Faulkner, Martin Gill, Chris Rogan, Fintan Casey.
Sligo :- Julian Rippon, Donal Finneran, Mata Fafita, Andre Taureweha, Matt Drury, Kevin foley, Billy Leahy, Adrian McHale, Ross O’Boyle, Daire Cox, James Wilson, Jamie Bowes, Ross Mannion, Gary Conneally, Simon Coulter.
Cawley Cup (08/03/09)
Castlebar 63 Ballinasloe 0
Castlebar hosted Ballinasloe in the Cawley Cup at Cloondeash on Sunday 8th March. The day was wet, cold and windy with sporadic showers of sleet and rain to keep everyone on their toes. Castlebar had previously met Ballinasloe in Ballinasloe in the Connacht Cup where a 48-0 victory was achieved. All in attendance were hoping for a better showing this time but it was not to be.
Castlebar capitalised on the shortcomings of their visitors right from the kick off where bad handling gave possession to Castlebar and the gates opened for Enda Murphy to touch down in the first minute. The wind put paid to the conversion from near the left wing. Castlebar moved forward from the kickoff and Murphy was again on hand to touch down under the posts. Ronan Conway converted. The game settled a little but Castlebar pressed on and after 10 minutes Enda Murphy had his third following several phases on the Ballinasloe line. Mark Staunton added another when good lineout ball was moved to the backs. There was no response from Ballinasloe who were bereft of ideas both in defence and attack. Chris Cusack added the fifth try when he broke from the base of a ruck near the line. Ronan Conway converted. The backs again came to the fore when Richie Feeney made a break which opened the defence for Tadhg Kirby to touch down. Conway again converted. Ballinasloe hearts must surely have been broken when from their lineout Alex Goor gained possession and went over just before halftime to leave the score Castlebar 41 Ballinasloe 0.
The pace dropped considerably in the second half not helped by the inclement weather. Sean Faulkner went over almost immediately but was called back by referee Roy Gibson for a forward pass. From the resultant scrum Castlebar gained possession and swift hands from Christy Cusack to Ronan Conway to Mark Staunton brought the first try of the second half which Ronan Conway converted. Ballinasloe were unable to get out of their own half and poor handling gave possession to Daire Mulgrew outside the 10 metre line and the young second row made great ground to touch down for his first try at this level. Mark Staunton added his third and Enda Murphy his fourth before the final whistle sounded to leave the score Castlebar 63 Ballinasloe 0.
Castlebar: Richie Feeney; Fintan Casey, Mark Staunton, Tadhg Kirby, Nigel Byrne, Ronan Conway, Chris Cusack; Brian Flannery, Neil Coyle, Kevin Cox; Daire Mulgrew, Rory Hughes; Ger Prendergast, Enda Murphy, Alex Goor.
Replacement: Paddy Durcan, Robbie Cusack, Liam Molloy, Sean Faulkner.
Ballinasloe : N. Corkery, J Roche, R Shepperd, L Feerick, M Gibbons, D Fenton, S Dolan, A O’Hara, G Sheridan, T Dolan, E Courtney, J Creegan, M Bruce, S Walshe, A Naughton.
Replacemants : K Fogarty, G Reynolds, F Galvin, J Kelly
Ref, Roy Gibson
Connacht Junior Cup (01/03/09)
Castlebar 16 Galwegians 27
Castlebar hosted Galwegians in the Quarter Final of the Connacht Cup at Cloondeash on Sunday 1st March. This was an lovely spring day with the pitch dry and an awkward crossfield wind to contend with. This was a game Castlebar needed to win to redeem their season after a series of indifferent results in the league.
Both teams started confidently and cautiously intent on achieving the desired result. From the start the Castlebar pack were on top and made lots of ground in the loose and were solid in the scrum. However they failed to deal with the towering Brian McClaren in the lineout where several plays were lost early on. The early encounters were careful and measured and it took 20 minutes for the first score to come following an infringement. This was a penalty to Galwegians outside the 22 and in spite of the tricky wind Ross Shaughnessy gave Galwegians an early lead. Castlebar responded well and brought play right down to the Galwegians line where a 5 metre scrum was awarded. Galwegians No. 8 Richie Dodd broke away from the base of the scrum and made great ground to the midfield area where he transferred to his backs who moved well and cut through the Castlebar defence for winger Tom Quinn to go over in the corner for a fine team try. The conversion was missed to leave Castlebar 8 points down. Richie Feeney gave Castlebar hope when he put over a tricky penalty from outside the 10 metre line to leave the half time score Castlebar 3 Galwegians 8.
Castlebar were rampant in the early stages of the second half putting all sorts of pressure on Galwegians. An early penalty was missed but Castlebar kept the effort up and Richie Feeney broke the line and made ground into the Galwegians 22 where Tadhg Kirby took over and went for the line to be held up 5 metres out. The pack took over and after several phases of crash ball Nigel Byrne went over in the corner for a hard earned try to level the scores. Castlebar continued to dominate helped by some fine tactical kicking. The effort paid off when they won a penalty inside the Galwegians 22 which Robbie Cusack converted to give Castlebar the lead for the first time. However the handling had become careless and the patient Galwegians were to benefit when Ross Shaughnesy intercepted in midfield to go over for a fine individual try under the posts which Paraic Molloy converted. This was cruel from a Castlebar point of view but the same player repeated the medicine when a ball was dropped in midfield some minutes later and the try was again converted to give Galwegians a 22 -11 lead. Castlebar were now on the back foot while Galwegians worked hard to defend the lead. Quick thinking by Robbie Cusack from a penalty put substitute Ronan Conway clear on the wing where Conway excellently rounded the winger to go over in the corner and give Castlebar hope in the last 10 minutes. This however was Castlebars last score and when flanker Nick McCarthy intercepted another Castlebar ball and went over in the corner he brought the final score to Galwegians 27 Castlebar16.
Castlebar: Richie Feeney; Fintan Casey, Nigel Byrne, Tadhg Kirby,Damien McLoughlin, Robbie Cusack, Chris Cusack; Brian Flannery, Neil Coyle, Kevin Cox; Alex Goor, Rory Hughes; Ger Prendergast, Enda Murphy, David Staunton.
Replacement: Daire Mulgrew, Paddy Durcan, Mark Staunton, Ronan Conway, Martin Gill.
Galwegians : P Molloy, E Dowling, M O’Flaherty, I Cullinane, T Quinn, R Shaughnessy, B Draper, R Dodd, N McCarthy, J Moran, B McClarren, J Perrott, D McHugh, R Fitzgerald, J Naughton,
Replacements ; A O’Sullivan, S Perkins, M Mulkerrins.
Ref, Joe Doyle
Connacht J1A League (22/02/09)
Corinthians 28 Castlebar 7
Castlebar travelled to Corinthians for a crucial Connacht Junior League fixture knowing that they needed a win to claim a top four place and AIB Cup Rugby next year. Corinthians on the other hand needed a Bonus point win to capture the Junior League title for themselves as they are hotly pursued by a revitalised Monivea team. This would have been their first title in over 30 years. The mild spring day was ideal for rugby with a lively breeze helping Castlebar in the first half.
The first half was dominated by Castlebar with an excellent performance from the entire pack. They competed well with Corinthians in all aspects from lineout and scrum to the loose. Castlebar however did not make best use of the posession won and a series of wayward kicks let Corinthians off the hook and brought resultant pressure back on themselves. A scrum under the Corinthians posts offered Castlebar an excellent chance of a score. This came when after a great set piece scrumhalf Christy Cusack stormed over for the opening score of the day. Robbie Cusack converted to give Castlebar a 7-0 lead midway through the half which was a true reflection of the game so far. Corinthians responded well and broke upfield where a foot in touch denied them a certain try. Barry Sullivan converted a penalty to leave the half time score Castlebar 7 Corinthians 3.
Corinthians had the benefit of the breeze in the second half and after 10 minutes Sullivan used it well to convert another penalty to leave just the minimum between the teams. Castlebar were competing well and looked comfortable when two carding incidents left them a man short in the pack for the remainder of the game. Corinthians began to take advantage and gradually got the upper hand. Ciaran Dunne went over for Corinthians first try. Castlebar responded well with a breakaway attempt but the game had begun to turn. Kieran Dolan made his mark on the game with two excellent trys at the end of fine play from the home side. Barry Sullivan added another on 80 minutes to give Corinthians the bonus point they needed and the League title.
Castlebar have Galwegians at home in Cloondeash next Sunday in the Connacht Junior Cup Quarter Final.
Corinthians: R Ferguson; C Dunne, J Buckley, D Sullivan, K Dunne; B Sullivan, G Flaherty; M Kelly, D Barber, C O’Shea; J Dileen, G Ward; T Linane, C McGuckian, B McCann.
Replacement: D Murphy, K Diffenthal and S McInearney.
Castlebar: R Feeney; D McLoughlin, M Staunton, N Byrne, F Casey; R Cusack, C Cusack; B Flannery, N Coyle, K Cox; A Gorr, R Hughes; P Flannery, E Murphy, D Staunton.
Replacement: G Prendergast for Staunton, R Conway for Casey, Daire Mulgrew.
Ref N Crowley.
Connacht J1A League (15/02/09)
Castlebar 12 Corrib 11
Castlebar played Corrib in the J1 Connacht League at Headford on Sunday February 15th at 12.00 pm. On a cool sunny day with a lively breeze the scene was set for an intense encounter. The last time Castlebar visited this ground they had their bubble well and truly burst by a proud Corrib side. Corrib were missing some of their stalwarts this time but home advantage with passionate support from the sideline would give them a great lift. Castlebar also have changes recently but were coming off a good win in the cup away to Ballinasloe are beginning to show some promise again after an indifferent midseason period. This was a game which both Corrib and Castlebar needed to win to keep up their challenge for a top four place in the league which would have ensured AIB Junior Cup rugby in 2010. Just as expected there was a huge forward struggle with scores few and far between.
The game began intensely with Castlebar defending their line from the start. Their defence was resolute and it took 35 minutes for the first score to come which was a penalty to Corrrib for an infringement which Charlie Sullivan converted. Castlebar had big games in this period from Rory Hughes, Alex Goor, Enda Murphy and Paddy Flannelly. Corrib were well served by Steve Walshe, John Newell, Ray Colleran and Alan Bane. The tide began to turn in Castlebars favour and they found themselves close to the Corrib line. Quick hands from the base of a ruck put Damien McLoughlin through in the corner for the opening try and Castlebars first score. Richie Feeney converted to leave Castlebar 7 – 3 ahead at half time.
The intensity and forward battles continued into the second half with Corrib putting in a huge effort. The star of the Corrib comeback was Barry Lee who took an excellent drop goal to bring the margin back to the minimum. It was Lee who was again on hand to touch down after an excellent Corrib period. The try went unconverted and this was to prove crucial in the end. Castlebar responded well and spent most of the last quarter camped in the Corrib half, attempting to rescue the game and their season. The effort eventually paid off in the 80th minute and the last play of the game when winger Fintan Casey went over for the crucial score giving Castlebar the narrowest of victories and a final score of Castlebar 12, Corrib 11.
Castlebar face the unbeaten Corinthians away next week in the same competition.
Castlebar :- Richie Feeney, Damien McLoughlin, Tadhg Kirby, Nigel Byrne, Fintan Casey, Robbie Cusack, Chris Cusack, Liam Molloy, Niall Coyle, Brian Flannery, Rory Hughes, Alex Goor, Paddy Flannelly, Enda Murphy, Davy Staunton. Subs : Daire Mulgrew, Ronan Conway, Kevin Cox.
Corrib :- Cillian Bane, Mike Monaghan, James gavin, Dara O’Connor, Ronan Casey, Charlie Sullivan, Barry Lee, Alan Bane, Martin Newell, Kevin Reilly, Shane Walshe, Ray Colleran, John Newell, Brian McDonagh, Cathal Reddington. Replacements : Conor Moylan, Dara Higgins, Eric Flynn.
Connacht J2 League (15/02/2009)
CASTLEBAR 19 WESTPORT 0
Castlebar played host to Westport in the Connacht J2 League at Cloondeash on Sunday February 15th at 12.30pm. This match took place in ideal conditions with the pitch holding up well in spite of the recent severe weather. Both teams had several changes from their last encounters which made the form hard to judge. Castlebar continued the excellent form of recent weeks with a win which left their own line intact and excellent performances from several of their younger players. Westport will wonder how they did not manage a score or two having dominated for long periods.
Castlebar started strongly and kept Westport on the back foot for much of the first quarter. Great work from the resurgent Seamus Devanney and flankers Cathal O’Caoimhin and Alan Gavin helped the Castlebar cause greatly. Paul Yeun playing his first game at scrum half was excellent for Castlebar. However it was in the back division that Castlebar had the superiority they needed. The scoring opened when winger Donal Conway went over after a lively back movement which saw good work from Mark Staunton, Tom Murphy and Sean Faulkner. The try went unconverted however. Westport responded well and penned Castlebar back for long periods with great work from Owen Hughes, Joe Sheridan and Des Keane. Their efforts however failed to find the sore which would have launched their challenge. Castlebar kept cool with great work from the pack and it was Mark Staunton who profited when he went over for the second Castlebar try of the day. Sean Faulkner converted to leave the half time score Castlebar 12 Westport 0.
Westport began the second half in a positive fashion and spent most of it in the Castlebar half. Castlebar to their credit defended excellently and conceded only a few penalties which Westport failed to take advantage of. Westport had great servants in forward Simon Fabby, Des Keane and Pat Staunton while the half back combination of Tom Conway and Mark Gallan worked well all day. Castlebar however had answers for all the Westport questions and midway through the half broke away with a fine backs move in which Sean Faulkner Chris Rogan and Mark Staunton combined well for Mark Staunton to touch down under the Westport posts. Sean Faulkner was on hand to convert. Westport pressed on for the remainder of the game but failed to breach the Castlebar line. The game finished Castlebar 19 Westport 0.
C astlebar :- Sean Faulkner, John Joe Ormsby, Tom Murphy, Ciaran Flynn, Donal Conway, Mark Staunton, Paul Yeun, , Frank Hobbs, Paddy Durcan, James Hunter, Chris Rogan, Seamus Devanney, Cathal O’Caoibhin, Alan Gavin, Gavin O’Sullivan. Replacements : Martin Gill.
Westport :- Martin Polak, Steve Hutchinson, Pat Staunton, Pat Coonan, Kevin Kilker, Mark Gallon, Tom Conway, Joe Sheridan, Charlie Reilly, Declan Wever, Ian Dever, Owen Hughes, Simon Fabby, Des Keane, Pat McCormack. Replacements : Des Reidy, Matty Bourke, Ryan Cafferkey, Redmond Cabot, Alan Cusack.
Connacht Junior Cup (01/02/09)
CASTLEBAR 48 BALLINASLOE 0
Castlebar played Ballinasloe in Ballinasloe on Sunday afternoon in the Heineken Connacht Cup first round. This was an ideal day for rugby with the dry day adding enormously to the occasion. Ballinasloe have regrouped in recent years and are now playing in in division J1B of the Connacht League where they have just two wins so far this season. Castlebar are coming off the back of a disappointing loss to Buccanneers in the league and are determined to prove their worth. This match verified the gap between the two teams in terms of league position but it was good to see Castlebar playing such open and positive rugby with superiority in most positions on the field.
Castlebar began the game in determined mood and moved the ball well keeping Ballinasloe on the back foot for long periods. The Castlebar pack were on top throughout with Alex Goor and Rory Hughes prominent at all times. The first score of the game came after 12 minutes when Nigel Byrne touched down after great ground was gained by strong forward play. The lead was stretched a few minutes later when Richie Feeney kicked a fine penalty from near the 10 metre line. Castlebar now had a firm hold on the game and when Feeney opened up after a good back move there was nothing to stop him as he touched down for the second try of the day. He converted it himself to leave the half time score Castlebar 15 Ballinasloe 0.
The second half continued with Castlebar having the wind at their back and no apparent threat from the home team who wilted as the game progressed. Eight minutes into the half Nigel Byrne was again on hand to score at the end of a fine team effort from Castlebar. Richie Feeney converted to leave Castlebar 22-0 up. Castlebar kept the pressure up and the game was now being played mostly in the Ballinasloe half. After strong forward play Paddy Flannelly got over the line. Feeney again converted. The backs were also going well and Robbie Cusack went over to stretch the lead to 34-0. Richie Feeney added another and converted as the home effort evaporated. The forwards finished the scoring when Alex Goor touched down for the seventh try of the day. Robbie Cusack converted to leave the full time score Castlebar 48 Ballinasloe 0 Castlebar play Galwegians at home in the next round on March 1st.
Castlebar :- Richie Feeney, Fintan Casey, Damien McLoughlin, Nigel Byrne, Tadhg Kirby, Robbie Cusack, Chris Cusack, Brian Flannery, Neil Coyle, Liam Molloy, Rory Hughes, Alex Goor, Paddy Flannelly, Ger Prendergast, David Staunton .Subs, Ronan Conway, Enda Murphy, Daire Mulgrew, Paddy Durcan,Chris Rogan.
Ballinasloe :- Niall Lockery, Kevin Galvin, John Kelly, Ross Tyrell, Mark Gibbons, Richard Shepperd, Sean Daly, John Creegan, Andy O’Hara, Sean Warde, Kevin Dolan, Owen Courtney, Malcom Bruce, Gary Sheridan, Subs : Kevin Hegarty, Harry Reynolds, Mark Halligan.
Connacht J1A League (25/01/09)
Castlebar 9 Buccaneers 25
Castlebar played Buccaneers in the J1 Connacht League at Cloondeash on Sunday January 25th at 2.00 pm. On a rare sunny day with a lively breeze from the southwest the scene was set for an intense encounter. This was a game Castlebar needed to win to keep up their challenge for a top four place in the league which would have ensured AIB Junior Cup rugby for the club in 2010. Buccaneers having had a dismal season so far arrived with their strongest squad of the season and had every intention of leaving Cloondeash with a win. This they did in emphatic fashion leaving the Castlebar lads pondering what might have been.
The game began in whirlwind fashion with Castlebar defending their line form the start. Their defence was resolute and time and again they broke out of the 22. Buccaneers kept the pressure up and got the first penalty of the day which Marcus Madden missed narrowly. From the restart Castlebar broke up upfield and were awarded a penalty inside the 22 for an infringement . Richie Feeney converted to give Castlebar an early lead. Buccaneeers pressurised from the restart with good work from Niall O’Hara and Paul Harte. Castlebar were caught offside near the 10 metre line and once again the resultant penalty was missed narrowly. Buccaneers were showing the greater desire and their back moves were menacing but great work fom Alex Goor Rory Hughes and Davy Staunton in the loose brought Castlebar upfield where another penalty was awarded for offside. Feeney again obliged to stretch the Castlebar lead. Buccaneers stayed calm and concentrated on setting up back moves which stretched the Castlebar defence again and again. Another infringement gave Marcus Madden a chance to open his account which he did. Castlebar again worked their way upfield with the likes of Kevin Cox, Rory Hughes and Brian Flannery doing well and being rewarded again with a penalty. Feeney stretched the Castlebar score to 9. Buccs kept the pressure on Castlebar from the restart and as half time approached Cormac Shehee was on the end of a fine move to touch down in the corner. Madden was on hand to convert and give the lead to Buccaneers. Castlebar replied well and Chris Rogan made a break along the wing before offloading to Rory Hughes who came to ground just inches short but the resultant phases failed to breach the Buccs line. Referee Paul Jennings sounded the half time whistle with the half time score Castlebar 9 Buccaneers 10.
As the second half got under way it became obvious that Buccaneers meant business and continued to pressurise the home team. This brought a penalty for an infringement, which Marcus Madden converted with growing confidence. They were causing all sorts of problems for Castlebar out wide with a stronger and well drilled back division. Castlebar to their credit did not give up and won a penalty near half way which went unconverted. The strong running of Paul Harte opened the Castlebar defence where he offloaded to scrum half Mark Bruce for a fine try under the posts. The excellent Marcus Madden was on hand to convert. The game was now slipping away from Castlebar and when Mark Bruce broke the line again and put Marcus Madden in under the posts there was only going to be one winner. Madden converted to leave the final score Castlebar 9 Buccaneers 25
Castlebar :- Richie Feeney, Mark Stauntom, Nigel Byrne, Enda Murphy, Fintan Casey, Robbie Cusack, Chris Cusack, Kevin Cox, Niall Coyle, Brian Flannery, Rory Hughes, Alex Goor, Ger Prendergast, Paddy Flannelly, Davy Staunton. Subs : Liam Molloy, Daire Mulgrew, Chris Rogan.
Buccaneers :- Conor Lavelle, Cormac Shehee, Paul Harte, Karl Turle, Ian Kilbride, Niall O’Hara, Mark Bruce, Brendan Gilligan, Marcus Madden, Greg McGill, David Dunning, Eddie Brady, Colin Waters, Stephen Woods, Sean Stapleton. Subs : Anthony Hughes, John Stery.
Connacht J2 League
CASTLEBAR 46 - Corrib 12
Castlebar played host to Corrib in the Connacht J2 League at Cloondeash on Sunday January 25th at 2.30pm. On a day when the sun shone so did the rugby of the Castlebar development squad who put on a show which was a joy to behold. Corrib it must be said travelled with a depleted squad which did not help their cause as the scoreline suggests. Great credit is due to Ivor Gilmartin and David Flannelly for the efforts they are putting in with this squad and for consistently getting the best out of the resources available.
Castlebar started very strongly and kept the Corrib on the back foot with back play which was of the highest order. The elusive Ciaran Flynn opened the Castlebar account with a well worked try which Ronan Conway converted. Conway marshalled the game from outhalf and his kicking and passing helped the Castlebar cause enormously. Corrib responded with fine attacking football of their own which resulted in a try under the posts which they converted. Sean Faulkner at full back was enjoying his game and made a dazzling run from his own 22 to touch down in the corner for the second Castlebar try of the day. Castlebar were now turning the screw and this resulted in two penalties for infringements which Conway converted with style. Ronan Moran was having a great game at flanker and crossed the Corrib line for the third try which was again converted. As half time approached the talented Tadhg Kirby joined in with a particularly impressive touch down which Conway converted to leave the half time score Castlebar 32 Corrib 7.
The second half saw Castlebar having the benefit of the wind and Corrib realising that this was going to be a hard one to win. To their credit they defended stoutly and made a game of it. The Castlebar pack was solid all day with big games from Gavin Sullivan, Paddy Durcan, Alan Gavin and Damien Glackin. Damien McLoughlin returning from injury and Tadhg Kirby added two more tries each of which Ronan Conway converted. Corrib added a converted consolation try before the full time whistle sounded to leave the score Castlebar 46 Corrib 12.
C astlebar :- Sean Faulkner, Damien McLoughlin, Ciaran Flynn, Tadhg Kirby, Gary Redmond, Ronan Conway, Paudie O’Malley, James Hunter, Paddy Durcan, Frank Hobbs, Damien Glackin , Paul Heverin, Ronan Moran, Alan Gavin, Gavin Sullivan,. Replacements : Martin Gill.
AIB ALL IRELAND CUP 03/01/09
Castlebar 17 Richmond 23
Castlebar Played Richmond of Limerick in the first round of the AIB Junior Cup at Cloondeash on Saturday January 3rd at 2.00 pm. This was Castlebar’s second year in the competition and all at the club knew that this was a big game against formidable Munster opposition. The conditions were ideal on a cool crisp January day with the pitch in fine order due to the dry weather. The game turned out to be a fine advertisement for Rugby Football with all the passion and excitement associated with the AIB Junior Cup.
The game started at a frantic pace with both sides attempting to gain the upper hand. Castlebar were superior throughout in the scrums and this gave them an early advantage and brought them into the Richmond 22 after 10 minutes. The opening score came as a direct result of a well worked lineout where Ger Prendergast tapped down to the on running Eugene Butterworth who went over powerfully for the try. Robbie Cusack converted to give Castlebar a 7 – 0 lead. This sparked the Richmond team into action and they kept Castlebar under pressure for the remainder of the half. This pressure forced penalties and the first from the right for crossing was missed by Jeffrey McNamara. Two more were awarded on the left for infringements at the breakdown one of which was converted by Darragh Clancy to leave it 7 – 3 after 20 minutes. Richmond got the break they needed soon after when James Willis who was brilliant throughout intercepted a Castlebar pass near the 10 metre line to go over under the posts for Richmonds first try. Darragh Clancy converted to leave the score 10 – 3 to Richmond. Richmond were growing in confidence with every move and added another try with a fine passing move from a lineout near midfield which fullback Stephen Clancy touched down under the posts just before half time. Darragh Clancy was again on hand to convert and leave the halftime score at 17 – 7 to Richmond.
Castlebar emeged from the halftime break in a determined mood putting Richmond under all sorts of pressure from the start. They were rewarded when Richmond No.8 Ian Madden put in a dangerously high tacke at the 10 metre line. Richie Feeney who was excellent throughout stepped up and converted with a fine kick to bring the score back to 17 – 10. Richmond replied by increasing the pressure themselves and were awarded a penalty for offside which Darragh Clancy converted to stretch the Richmond lead to 20 – 10. They looked to have the game wrapped up soon after when they unleashed a sweeping backline move which floundered when Mike O’Friel knocked on with the line at his mercy. They kept the pressure up and won a penalty which Jeffrey McNamara converted to leave the score 23 – 10. Castlebar’s fate seemed to be sealed with 12 minutes to go. However the Castlebar lads had other ideas and again seized the initiative attacking the Richnond line from all angles. The breakthrough came when the excellent Nigel Byrne broke through after several phases to touch down under the posts. Richie Feeney converted to leave the score 23 – 17 to Richmond. Castlebar kept the pressure up for the final 6 minutes as a converted try would have given them a historic win but it was not to be and when referee Michael Patten sounded the final whistle Richmond had won 23 – 17.
Castlebar had big games from Eugene Butterworth, Alex Goor, Ger Prendergast, Paddy Flannelly, Brian Flannery, Nigel Byrne, Robbie Cusack, Richie Feeney and Davy Staunton. Richmond have fine players in James Willis, James McDermott , Darragh Clancy, Adrian Browne, Jeffrey McNamara and John O’Driscoll.
Castlebar :- Richie Feeney, Mark Stauntom, Nigel Byrne, Enda Murphy, Fintan Casey, Robbie Cusack, Chris Cusack, Brian Flannery, Niall Coyle, Eugene Butterworth, Rory Hughes, Alex Goor, Ger Prendergast, Paddy Flannelly, Davy Staunton. Subs : Kevin Cox, Paddy Durcan, Daire Mulgrew, Jason Keane, Chris Rogan.
Richmond :- Stephen Clancy, Jody O’Sullivan, James McDermott, John O’Driscoll, Mike O’Friel, Darragh Clancy, Jeffrey McNamara, Alex Simpson, Thomas Aherne, Paul Wallace, Adrian Browne, Barry Woods, James Willis, Gearoid Phelan, Ian Madden. Subs : Keith Reynolds, Mike Mannion, Mautice O’Connor, Cliften Markham, Darren Gallagher.
Match Report Castlebar Rugby Cub
Captains 15 V Presidents 15
Castlebar Rugby Club players and visitors shook down the Christmas dinner on St.Stephens Day at 2.30 when the Captains selection took on the Presidents selection at Cloondeash. This was as nice a St.Stephens day as anyone could remember and the spirit enthusiasm and quality of the football on view was a joy to behold in this Mick Byrne sponsored fixture. Great old warriors and young pretenders mixed and tested themselves under the winter sun on a surface which is a credit to grounds manager Trevor Ardhill. Refereeing duties were shared between Shane McElwee and Daithi Flood each doing a half. Players were out to impress as starting places in next Saturday’s AIB Junior Cup match with Richnond of Limerick were up for grabs
The game opened with gusto as the Captains pack struggled to come to terms with the enthusiasm and cuteness of the Presidents seasoned warriors. The first quarter was played in the Captains half mostly around the 22. Quality line jumping from Shane Casey and resilient scrumming from the likes of Gerry Casey, Gary Redmond and Eugene Butterworth ensured an advantage from the start. The Captains 15 began to settle but could still not emerge from their own half as it became apparent that something special would be needed to get the advantage and so it happened.
The excellent Davey Staunton at no.8 passed long to Nigel Byrne who opened up powerfully and passed to the on running Danny McGing now operating on the wing. McGing gave it everything from inside his own half to touch down unopposed for the opening try of the game. These three conspired again five minutes later to end the game as a contest when Davey Staunton gave a long looping pass towards the wing where Danny McGing was waiting and the cover moved towards him. He tapped back to Nigel Byrne who raced over from near the 10 metre line to touch down near the posts. Richie Feeney converted to leave the score 12 – 0 to the Captains 15.
The opposition were visibly flagging at this stage but still had a sting in them when the Casey brothers Shane and Fintan combined with a quick pass from Fintan from which Shane made the hard yards to offload back to Fintan who touched down for a fine try which Robbie Cusack converted.
In keeping with the spirit of the season both teams swopped back lines in the second half to keep the game interesting. All players got a run and some starters were glad to get to the shower early. Shane Casey was increasing in stature as the game progressed and it was he who got the first score of the second half when he made a powerful run from the base of a ruck on the 22 and touch down to restore parity at 12 points each. Brian Flannery with skillful handling added another to give the Presidents men victory 17 points to 12. This will give the selectors plenty to ponder when they sit down to pick their team for Saturday.
Captains 15 from :- Kevin Cox, Paddy Durcan, Liam Molloy, Daire Mulgrew, Rory Hughes, Ger Prendergast, Luke Staunton, David Staunton, Chris Cusack, Jason Keane, Enda Murphy, Nigel Byrne, Simon O’Malley, Ciaran Flynn, Danny McGing, Richie Feeney, Tom Murphy.
Presidents 15 from :- Brian Flattery, Ian McDonagh, Eugene Butterworth, Gary Redmond, Gerry Casey, David Casey, Gavin O’Sullivan, Shane Casey, Fintan Casey, Robbie Cusack, Paraic Healey, Tadhg Kirby, Sean Faulkner, Paraic McDonnell, Ronan Moran, John Joe Ormsby, Paudie O Malley.
Connacht J1A Round 9
CASTLEBAR 19 GALWEGIANS 5
Castlebar played Galwegians in Cloondeash on Sunday afternoon in round 9 of the Connacht J1 League. This was a typical winter day with a sharp southwest breeze keeping everyone on their toes. The rugby reflected this with a very intense and lively game. Both teams are mid table but Galwegians had the better of Castlebar in the corresponding fixture last season. Unusually they arrived without a viable front row and referee Paul Jennings decreed that the scrums would be uncontested.
The game started at a dynamic pace with play moving from end to end without any great threat of a score. Galwegians were playing the better rugby through fine work from Colin Flannery and Alex O’Sullivan when at the end of the first quarter they were awarded a penalty for an infringement outside the Castlebar 22. The Galwegians scrumhalf Ben Draper took it quickly then broke on the blindside before offloading to Tom Quinn who went over in the corner for the opening try of the game. Ross Shaughnessy however missed the conversion. This seemed to spur on Castlebar who moved upfield with purpose through powerful running from Eugene Butterworth, Ger Prendergast and Alex Goor. Tadhg Kirby made a fine break through the Galwegians defence which lead to Mark Staunton crossing the Galwegians line under severe pressure only to have a 5 metre scrum awarded as the ball was not visible. Christy Cusack broke from the base of the resultant scrum to touch down and level the match. Fintan Casey was unsuccesful with the conversion attempt. Castlebar continued to pressure Galwegians resulting in a penalty for a high tackle on Tadhg Kirby. Richie Feeney was unsuccessful however. As the game stayed in the Galwegians half Martin Mulkerring misjudged a ball to knockon and give Castlebar a scrum and a chance of another score. This resulted in a penalty for offside which was taken quickly and the ball fed to Eugene Butterworth who burst through the Galwegians defence and offloaded to Tadhg Kirby who touched down under the posts. Richie Feeney converted to leave the halftime score 12 - 5 to Castlebar.
The second half was as intense as the first. For Castlebar Ger Prendergast, David Staunton and Paddy Flannelly were putting in great performances while Jason Keane was working well and combined well with the resurgent Christy Cusack at scrum half. Their good work released Eugene Butterworth for Castlebar’s third try when the powerful South African touched down under the posts. Fullback Richie Feeney again converted. Castlebar were now looking for the fourth try and bonus point but the Galwegians effort did not wane and when Daire Mulgrew made a great break everyone thought it had come but for great tackling from Lloyd Cole and Terry O’Donnell who kept him out. The game ended Castlebar 19 Galwegians 5.
Castlebar :- Richie Feeney, Fintan Casey, Tadhg Kirby, Mark Staunton, Chris Rogan, Jason Keane, Chris Cusack, Eugene Butterworth, Paddy Durcan, Liam Molloy, Rory Hughes, Alex Goor, Paddy Flannelly, Ger Prendergast, David Staunton .Subs Simon O’Malley, Daire Mulgrew, Brian Flannery.
Galwagians :- Ciaran O’Beirne, Martin Mulkerring, Terry O’Donnell, Lloyd Cole, John Corcoran, Ross Shaughnessy, Ben Draper, Colin Flannery, Ross Fitzgerald, Doran McHugh, Spencer Perkins, Dave Rogers, Tom Quinn, Liam Griffin, Alex O’Sullivan, Subs :- Paddy O’Malley, Denis McCarthy, Eamonn Molloy.
Castlebar will be away to Creggs next week in a round 7 refixture at 2.30.
MAYO CUP FINAL
CASTLEBAR 0 - BALLYHAUNIS 8
Castlebar played Ballyhaunis in the final of the Mayo Cup in Cloondeash on Sunday November 16th .This competition is confined to Mayo Junior sides. The conditions during this match were mild, wet and overcast with a westerly breeze to contend with. Ballyhaunis arrived intent on having a successful afternoon and worked hard to achieve their aim. Castlebar fielded a mixed team of experience and youth which failed to dent the enthusiastic Ballyhaunis mens ambition on the day.
The first half was an intense affair with play moving from end to end. Defence play from both teams was excellent. Gavin O’sullivan and Cathal O’Caoibhin worked hard for Castlebar in defence. The deadlock was broken when Ballyhaunis scored a fine try from a maul after a line out. Paddy Gallagher touched down for Ballyhaunis but the conversion was missed. Vinny Moran and Mick Macken were excellent for Ballyhaunis during this period. The half ended Ballyhaunis 5 Castlebar 0.
The second half continued as intensely as the first with little yielded by either side. Handling errors on the Castlebar side spoiled chances to get back in the game. Ballyhaunis sealed the issue when they were awarded a penalty for handling in the ruck. Ballyhaunis tagged on their second score and the only score of the second half when Ian Cunnane slotted over the penalty. The Castlebar pack responded well and put Ballyhaunis under severe pressure. Vigorous efforts from Ciaran Flynn and Richard Feeney however failed to breach the Ballyhaunis line. The game ended Ballyhaunis 8 Castlebar 0.
Castlebar :- Richie Feeney, Paul Yuen, Paraic Healy, Ciaran Flynn, Sean Faulkner, Ronan Conway, Paudie O’Malley, Gavin Sullivan, Paddy Flannelly, Cathal O’Caoibhin, Damien Glackin, Seamus Devanney, Frank Hobbs, Martin Gill, Brian Flannery, . Subs :- Paul heverin, Fintan Casey.
Ballyhaunis :- Martin finnegan, Seamus Horan, Ian Cunnane, Brendan Collery, Robert Duff, Declan Warde, Christy Gallagher, Ciaran Costello, Paddy Gallagher, O. Jordan, Vinny Moran, Mick Macken, David Lilly, Robert Morley, Noel Kelly. Subs :- G. Delaney, D. Hannon, D. Gallagher, D. Murphy.
CONNACHT J1A LEAGUE 02/11/08
CASTLEBAR 15 LOUGHREA 3
Castlebar played Loughrea in Cloondeash on Sunday afternoon in round 6 of the Connacht J1 League. This was an ideal day for rugby with the recent dry weather giving ideal conditions with only a light soutwesterly breeze to contend with. Castlebar playing without regular outhalf Robbie Cusack were attempting to salvage their season having recently had a series of poor results and being docked a point by the Connacht Branch. Loughrea arrived having been promoted last year and awaiting their first League win of the season. The game however turned out to be a scrappy affair not helped by the lack of power, guile and penetrative running from the visitors who struggled throughout to get to the pace of the game.
Loughrea started brightly enough and in the opening minutes had Castlebar under all sorts of pressure. This yielded a penalty near the 10 metre line which Greg Glynn was short with. Castlebar replied with a good break, yielding a penalty for a handling error which Jason Keane was unlucky with. There followed from the kick off 10 minutes of Loughrea pressure and even though they were camped in the Castlebar 22 they were unable open the scoring. Castlebar defended steadfastly and when the opportunity presented itself they broke up field and into the 22 on the left hand side. Christy Cusack cleared the ball from the base of a ruck to Jason Keane whose inspired kick put Mark Staunton through for a touch down in the other corner with Loughreas cover absent. Jason however failed with the conversion. Loughrea came upfield from the restart and were reorganising themselves well and putting pressure on Castlebar but failing to get within scoring distance when a handling error resulted in a penalty for them. When Greg Glynn converted they looked to be back in the game but failed to make use of the possession they got. Castlebar turned the screw as half time approached and found themselves again in Loughreas 22 with a scrum to build from. Christy Cusack cleared to Jason Keane who set up Nigel Byrne on the break. Nigel rode three attempted tackles to touch down for the second Castlebar try. The half time whistle sounded with the score 10 - 3 to Castlebar.
The second half was an error ridden affair and did not do justice to the fine conditions prevailing. The visitors offered little and midfield penalties were common in spite of good work from Loughreas Mark Mullins and TJ Lowrey. Castlebar were rarely pressurised or stretched. For Castlebar Ger Prendergast and Paddy Flannelly were outstanding while Jason Keane bossed the game well when it opened up. The second row of Alex Goor and Rory Hughes however got through an enormous amount of graft and their power was evident in every scrum. The only score of the half again involved Jason Keane who set up Eugene Butterworth for a powerful run into the 22 and a touch down near the posts. The conversion however vered wide. The game ended Castlebar 15 Loughrea 3.
Castlebar :- Fintan Casey, Nigel Byrne, Tadhg Kirby, Mark Staunton, Chris Rogan, Jason Keane, Chris Cusack, Liam Molloy, Paddy Durcan, Eugene Butterworth, Rory Hughes, Alex Goor, Paddy Flannelly, Ger Prendergast, David Staunton .Subs Simon O’Malley, Daire Mulgrew, Brian Flannery.
Loughrea :- James O’Dea, Alan Flynn, Paul Wilson, Raymond Cullinane, T.J. Lowrey, David O’Loughlin, Greg Glynn, Pat Mullins, Alan Wade, Pat Lyons, William Cullinane, Seamus Clancy, Peter Fallon, Brian Ryan, Mark Mullins. Subs Michael Larkin, Sean Naughton, Brian Murphy.
Castlebar will be away to Creggs next week in round 7 of the J1 League.
CONNACHT J1A LEAGUE 19/10/08
CASTLEBAR 16 SLIGO 20
Castlebar played Sligo in Cloonseash on Sunday afternoon in round 5 of the Connacht J1 League. This was not an ideal day for rugby with heavy rainfall in the morning and a swirling crosswind from the southwest to contend with. Castlebar were attempting to get their league campaign back on track having lost to Boys Club last week. Sligo sporting many new faces this year are top the league and unbeaten so far this season. This was indeed a big ask for the Castlebarmen.
Castlebar started brightly and attacked from the kickoff. A handling error gave a tricky penalty chance to Robbie Cusack left of goals and outside the 22. He opened the scoring and gave Castlebar the early lead they needed. Sligo began to play and when fullback Mick Reynolds made a fine break the backs ran well to allow scrumhalf Billy Leahy touch down in the corner for their first try. Paddy Pearson however was unsuccessful with the conversion. Castlebar responded well and forced Sligo well back into their own half. This resulted in another penalty for Caslebar taken by Robbie Cusack. This one came off the post and in the loose play that followed Castlebar were awarded another which Robbie this time converted. Castlebar maintained the pressure and the game was now largely being played in the Sligo half. In loose play Nigel Byrne gathered the ball and having broken the line touched down under the posts for Castlebars only try. Robbie converted but Sligo improved again and forced a penalty of their own for a handling error in front of the Castlebar posts which Paddy Pearson converted to leave the half time score Castlebar 13 Sligo 8.
Castlebar started the second half strongly attempting to get the try which would surely put this match beyond Sligo. Their reward however was a penalty which Cusack converted despite the tricky wind to extend the Castlebar lead. Sligo however were upping their game and great work from the likes of Taurerea and Foley complemented the good work being done by the forwards in the loose. Paddy Pearson was put through for a fine try after a period of sustained pressure which he converted to leave the minimum between the teams. It then appeared as the game went into the last quarter that the next team to have a major score would be successful and so it happened. With Castlebar visibly tiring the Sligo pack at last got on top to push over in the corner where Cathal Culhane touched down. Pearson was unsuccessful with the conversion. Castlebar brought on Daire Mulgrew and Brian Flannery to freshen up the forwards but in spite of this they failed to cross the Sligo line before the final whistle. The game ended Castlebar 16 Sligo 20.
Castlebar :- Ronan Conway, Chris Rogan, Nigel Byrne, Mark Staunton, Fintan Casey, Robbie Cusack, Chris Cusack, Liam Molloy, Paddy Durcan, Eugene Butterworth, Rory Hughes, Alex Goor, Paddy Flannelly, Ger Prendergast, David Staunton .Subs Simon O’Malley, Daire Mulgrew, Brian Flannery.
Sligo :- Mick Reynolds, Andrew Feeney, Ardrea Tourarea, Gavin Foley, Ted Mulvanney, Paddy Pearson, Billy Leahy, Adrian McHale, Ross Mannion, Martin Feeney, Jamie Rowes, Peter Mullan, Joe Sweeney, Cathal Culhane, Matalele Fafita. Subs Ross O’Boyle, Trevor Sweeney, Andrew Williams.
There is no game next week and Castlebar will play Loughrea in Cloondeash on Sunday 2nd November.
CONNACHT J2 LEAGUE 19/10/08
CASTLEBAR 45 - WESTPORT 0
Castlebar seconds played Westport in Corrowholly at 13.00 on Sunday in the J2 league. The conditions during this match were quite terrible with rain and strong winds throughout. This was the third team for Westport and the livelier Castlebar team brought off another one sided win. They scored seven tries in all, two each from Ciaran Flynn and Paraic Healy who again were outstanding for Castlebar. Sean Faulkner, Gavin Sullivan and Jason Keane had one each. Paraic Healy converted four and Ciaran Flynn one. None of this would have been possible without great work from the forwards where Seamus Devanney was outstanding for the winners.
Castlebar :- Richie Feeney, Sean Faulkner, Paraic Healy, Ciaran Flynn, Paul Yuen , Jason Keane, Paudie O’Malley, , Declan Hughes, Paddy Durcan, Alan Gavin, Seamus Devanney, Damien Glackin, Cathal O’Caoibhin, Tadhg Kirby, Gavin Sullivan. Subs :-M. Moran, M. Gill, J. Hunter, T.Murphy.
CONNACHT J1A LEAGUE 12/10/08
OUR LADYS BOYS CLUB 15 CASTLEBAR 5
Castlebar played Boys Club at the Sportsground on Sunday October 12th . Castlebar were unbeaten so far this season and had beaten Boys Club twice last year and expected a good result again. Boys Club however were in no mood to oblige this time and presented stern opposition with their pack in especially good form. Castlebars only chance of scoring fell to Robbie Cusack who was unlucky with his penalty attempt. Boys Club lead 5 – 0 at half time.
Castlebar responded well as the second half resumed. Good work from Robbie Cusack who made a break and kicked ahead for his winger Fintan Casey who gathered to go over for a fine try. Boys Club ground their way back and added two more tries in a powerful display. Boys Club centre Dave Prior scored all of their tries. Unusually no try was converted on the day.
The game finished 15 – 5 to Boys Club
Castlebar from :- Ronan Conway, Fintan Casey, Nigel Byrne, Mark Staunton, Enda Murphy, Robbie Cusack, Chris Cusack, Brian Flannery, Neil Coyle, Eugene Butterworth, Rory Hughes, Alex Goor, Paddy Flannelly, Ger Prendergast, David Staunton .Sub Simon O’malley for Nigel Byrne
Castlebar will need a much improved performance next Sunday when they entertain Sligo at Cloondeash.
GOOD START FOR CASTLEBAR SECONDS IN LEAGUE 12/10/08
CASTLEBAR 22 - CORRIB 0
Castlebar seconds played Corrib seconds in the first round of the League on Sunday 12th October at Cloondeash. This was an enjoyable game with some very good and entertaining rugby to complement the beautiful day. Corrib travelled with a mixture of youth and experience. They were well marshalled and encouraged by Joe Murphy but even his enthusiasm could not help on this occasion. It was Castlebar however who prevailed with patient and persistent work from the forwards and strong running and tackling from the backs.
Castlebar opened the scoring after 5 minutes when Paraic Healy went over in the corner after loose ball became available which was quickly moved to the wing. Jason Keane however was unfortunate with the conversion attempt. Corrib worked hard to get back in the game and after a period of strong forward play were rewarded with a penalty near the 10 metre line. Declan Lee was unfortunate not to convert. Castlebar went back on the attack and but for poor handling would have touched down once more if Gavin Sullivan had held on. The Half Time score was Castlebar 5 Corrib 0.
Castlebar were much more composed in the second half and the passes began to come off and the errors reduced considerably. The pack were stronger in the set piece with Alan Gavin and Kevin Cox excellent and the half back combination of Paudie O’Malley and Jason Keane gelled much better. Sean Faulkner was excellent at full back. Gavin Sullivan was rewarded with a fine try when he broke off the side of a ruck and with typical strong running made the line to touch down. Paraic Healy was successful with the conversion. Castlebar kept the pressure up from the kick off and pounded the Corrib line for several minutes. They were awarded a penalty outside the 22 which Paraic Healy again converted. The game was slipping from Corrib now but with typical determination they hauled themselved back into the Castlebar half where they once again won a penalty. Declan Lee was again unsuccessful. The game was now in the last quarter when Castlebar again broke upfield. Jason Keane was now controlling affairs and kicked a fine effort into the corner for a 5 metre lineout. Castlebar won the ball and Paul Yeun gathered to touch down unopposed under the posts. Healy obliged with the conversion to leave Castlebar ahead 22 - 0 at the final whistle.
Castlebar play Westport away next Sunday.
Castlebar :- Sean Faulkner, JJ Ormsby, Paraic Healy, David Flannelly, Paul Yuen , Jason Keane, Paudie O’Malley, , Declan Hughes, Paddy Durcan, Kevin Cox, Alan Gavin, Damien Glackin, Conor Byrne, Cathal O’Caoibhin, Gavin Sullivan. Subs :-Seamus Devanney , and Mike Moran
Corrib :- Barry McCabe, David Joyce, Brendan Murphy, Declan Lee, Padraig Kennedy, James Gavin, Rory Glynn, David Fahy, David Lee, Padraig Moran, Cathal Cawley, Paul Mearns, David O’Connor, Joe Murphy, Mike Conroy. Sub Colin Lee
CONNACHT JUNIOR LEAGUE DIVSION 1A 05/10/08
BALLINA 12 CASTLEBAR 14
Castlebar travelled to Ballina for the third round of the league, and conditions could not have being better at Creggs Road. This was always going to be a close contest with the two Mayo sides unbeaten so far in the league. Castlebar opened the scoring early with two penalties from the boot of outhalf Robbie Cusack. Ballina replied converting a penalty midway through the first half and drew level on the half hour mark.
Both teams were evenly matched both in the forwards and in the backs and every ball was contested fiercely in an extremely physical encounter highlighted by the number of cards produced throughout the game with both sides reduced to 14 men for ten minute periods in each half.
At the half time whistle both sides where level. It was Ballina who drew first blood in the second half adding to their two earlier penalties with a third to pull 3 points ahead of the visitors and shortly after extended that lead to 6 points with another penalty to bring the score line to 12 – 6 in the homeside’s favour. Strong running from Castlebar forwards Eugene Butterworth and Alex Goor helped the visitors get back up the pitch. Cusack was again on target converting a penalty to bring his side within 3 points. Close to the hour mark saw the only try of the contest, a clearance kick from Castlebar winger Chris Rogan bounced fortunately for the oncoming Castlebar centre Enda Murphy, Murphy collected just inside the Ballina half before starting off on a fine individual run which saw him bet 4 Ballina defenders and bring play deep into the Ballina 22 before the defence finally caught up with the number 12 who was able to offload to openside flanker Paddy Flannelly. Castlebar now had the defence outnumbered and Flannelly showed his experience to draw in the two remaining defenders before passing out to outhalf Cusack who had a clear run over the line to touch down and give his side a two point lead. The scoreline now at 14 – 12 to the visitors it remained unchanged until the final whistle was blown. The last 15 minutes being a very tense affair with both sides giving it their all to hold on to their own unbeaten run. Tensions were high and again cards were shown to both sides. Both sides had unsuccessful attempts at goal before the 80 minutes elapsed.
Castlebar travel to the Sportsground next Sunday to take on Our Lady’s Boys Club in Round 4. Kick off in Galway is at 3 p.m.
Castlebar: Fintan Casey, Nigel Byrne, Enda Murphy, Simon O’Malley, Chris Rogan; Christy Cusack, Robbie Cusack; Brian Flannery, Neil Coyle, Eugene Butterworth, Alex Goor, Ruairi Hughes, Ger Prendergast, Paddy Flannelly, David Stauntons. Replacements: Liam Molloy, Daire Mulgrew, Ronan Conway.
Connacht J1 League 28/09/2008
CASTLEBAR 18 - MONIVEA 14
Castlebar played host to Monivea in round 2 of the league at Cloondeash on Sunday 28th September. Monivea overpowered Castlebar in the corresponding fixture last year in Monivea, but a lot of water has gone under the bridge since then for both teams. On a cool blustery day in Castlebar these teams served up a hugely intense match whose outcome was in doubt right up to the final whistle.
Castlebar struck right from the kick off when Christy Cusack blocked down the Monivea clearance to gather and touch down in the corner. Robert Cusack was on hand to convert from near the touch line giving Castlebar a 7-0 lead from the start. Monivea moved upfield with purpose and put Castlebar in all sorts of trouble but great work from Eugene Butterworth and Alex Goor held them at bay. Monivea were awarded a penalty for an infringement just inside the Castlebar half which was converted by Gerard O’Connor keeping Monivea in touch. They continued their assault on the Castlebar line and were rewarded after a fine forward push when Patrick Devane touched down for a well earned try. However O’Connor failed in his attempt to convert. Castlebar responded well and were making good progress when the half time whistle blew leaving Monivea ahead 8 – 7.
The second half was a very intense affair. Penalties were awarded frequently for infringements at the scrum and at the breakdown by referee Dave O’Brien. It looked as if Castlebar would rue the missed penalties and the drop kick from Paul Coady, which went wide off the upright. Fergal O’Neill was making incisive runs and gaining good ground but the Castlebar defence stood solid. Gerard O’Connor put daylight between the teams when he added 3 points to the Monivea total but within 2 minutes Robbie Cusack brought the margin back to the minimum. When O’Connor hit back with another the hill seemed very steep for Castlebar. The move of the game however was just about to be unleashed as Nigel Byrne gathered a Monivea clearance on his own 22 and decided to have a go. He took the ball with strength and speed through the Monivea defence to touch down in the corner for a fine individual try. Castlebar had crucially retrieved the lead and even though Robbie Cusack failed to convert for the first time Castlebar believed they could win this one. A period of huge Monivea pressure from the forwards of which Shane McHugh and William Parker were excellent followed but Castlebar withstood it with increasing belief and huge work from the forwards where Rory Hughes , Paddy Flannelly, David Staunton and Ger Prendergast, who were inspired. Monivea began to tire and Castlebar moved upfield and out of danger having defended their one point lead gallantly. A Monivea infringement in midfield as the game moved into injury time gave Robbie Cusack the chance to extend the lead and with a fine effort he did just that. There were in excess of six minutes of injury time added but try as they may Monivea were unable to haul back Castlebar who finished 18 – 14 ahead at the final whistle.
Castlebar from :- Fintan Casey, Nigel Byrne, Paul Coady, Enda Murphy, Chris Rogan, Robbie Cusack, Chris Cusack, Brian Flannery, Neil Coyle, Eugene Butterworth, Rory Hughes, Alex Goor, Paddy Flannelly, Ger Prendergast, David Staunton Subs :- Simon O’Malley for Nigel Byrne,
Monivea :- Gerard Divilly, Richie Murray, Michael Concarr, Felim Cloonan, Fergal O’Neill, Gerard O’Connor, Darren Blade, Gerard Fitzmaurice, Patrick Devane, Fergus Farrell, William Parker, Shane McHugh, Martin King, Eoin Rooney, Sub :- Noel Burke for Ger Fitzmaurice.
Connacht J1 League 21/08/08
CASTLEBAR 9 - TUAM 9
Castlebar played host to Tuam in the first round of the league at Cloondeash on Sunday 20th September. Both sides tied 12 points each in Tuam last year and after a full blooded contest they drew again this year. Tuam started brightly and held their own with a smaller and more mobile pack than Castlebar. It was a measure of how well they played when Castlebar failed to threaten the Tuam line once in the first half. That said Castlebar defended well even though they were playing into a stiff breeze. Robbie Cusack was on hand to open the scoring with a well struck penalty 30 metres out on the left wing after a Tuam infringement. Tuam responded well with honest and graft and forced three penalties themselves two of which Eoin Cosgrove converted. This left Tuam ahead at half time 6 – 3
The second half was played at a much higher tempo with Castlebar going all out for the win. Paddy Flannelly crossed the line only to be denied as Robbie Cusack put a foot in touch as he laid the ball off. Robbie levelled the game in the 75th minute with a well taken penalty but Castlebar must have felt it was going away from them when Tuam regained the lead on the 78th minute after Killian McDonagh score from near the touch line 40 metres out. Sustained pressure from Castlebar brought an infringement which allowed Robbie Cusack a pressure kick to draw the match. He struck his kick well and it had a bit to spare in spite of the tricky breeze. The final score was Castlebar 9 Tuam 9
Castlebar from :- Paul Coady, Chris Rogan, Nigel Byrne, Mark Staunton, Ciaran Flynn, Robbie Cusack, Chris Cusack, Liam Molloy, Neil Coyle, Brian Flannery, Rory Hughes, Alex Goor, Paddy Flannelly, Ger Prendergast, Enda Murphy, Subs :- David Staunton for Enda Murphy, Simon O’Malley for Mark Staunton.
Ballina :- Jamie Murphy, Dave Burke, Killian McDonagh, Jimmy Maughan, Stephen Burke, Eoin Cosgrove, Robbie Kavanaugh, Niall Higgins, Mike Warde, Stephen Kavanagh, Declan Slattery, Joe Kelly, Brian Ruane, Kieran Durand, Johnny Tierney. Sub Gearoid Connolly for Joe Kelly.
Mayo Cup 20/08/08
CASTLEBAR 27 - BALLINA 15
Castlebar seconds played Ballina seconds in the County Cup at Cloondeash on Saturday 20th September. This was an evenly matched game with some very good and entertaining rugby to complement the beautiful day. It was Castlebar however who prevailed thanks in no small way to the skill of Ronan Conway and the excellence of Paraic Healy both returning for their first match of the season.
Castlebar opened the scoring after 15 minutes when Ronan Conway went ove after a period of sustained forward pressure. However he failed in his conversion attempt. Paraic Healy scored the second five minutes later after good work from Gavin Sullivan who passed to Ronan Conway who popped the ball up for the inrushing Healy. This time Ronan Conway was successful with the conversion. Ballina were not wilting however and after sustained forward pressure Arthur West went over in the corner to open Ballina’s account. Rory Collins however missed the conversion. They kept this pressure up and would have scored again but for a try saving tackle from Fintan Casey who put Des Howley into touch. The half time score was Castlebar 12 Ballina 5
Ballina started the second half brightly and were rewarded when David Lynn broke upfield to score an excellent try. Rory Collins was again unsuccessful with the conversion. Mark Healy put Castlebar in all sorts of trouble with strong running from midfield into the Castlebar 22. Castlebar responded well and Ronan Conway scored an excellent penalty after a Ballina infringement. The try of the game followed when Paraic Healy broke from his own 22 with Castlebar under pressure to touch down under the posts. Ronan Conway converted. Ballina were not finished and after a fine attack Rory Collins touched down in the corner. He failed however to convert. Paraic Healy added his third and the final score of the game when he touched down in the corner after strong running for the backline. The game finished Castlebar 27 Ballina 15.
Castlebar :- Richie Feeney, Brian Fox, Stephen Cusack, Paraic Healy, John Joe Ormsby, Ronan Conway, Paudie O’Malley, Mike Moran, Paddy Durcan, Frank Hobbs, Alan Gavin, Damien Glackin, Fintan Casey, Cathal O’Caoibhin, Gavin Sullivan. Subs :-Seamus Devanney for Alan Gavin and Paul Yuen for J.J.Ormsby
Ballina :- Patrich Lacken, Des Howley, Rory Collins, Stephen Lacken, Morgan Foley, David Lynn, Robert Melody, Brian Dunleavy, Kenneth Forde, James O’Connor, James Cawley, Mark Healy, Judd Ruane, Arthur West, Greg Culkeen.
BOURKE CUP
CASTLEBAR 60 - CAVAN 0
Castlebar played Cavan in the Bourke Cup at Cloondeash on Saturday 13th September.
This was not the kind of game Castlebar needed within a week of the league starting. The opposition never mounted a real challenge and added to their recent poor results. The game was played in damp mild conditions with a light breeze to contend with. Cavan travelled with a mixture of first and second team players. Castlebar started in whirlwind fashion with a penalty two tries score within 15 minutes. Robbie Cusack assumed kicking duties on the day and Ciaran Flynn had the first try after a fine passing movement. Liam Molloy added another within minutes to effectively end the game as a contest. Enda Murphy scored a great individual try when he got posession in his own 22 and broke away for an 80 metre dash to the line. Chris Rogan added the fourth of the half to leave Castlebar 19-0 up at half time.
Castlebar made several changes after half time. This however did not affect their dominance as Cavan had wilted by now. Castlebar added five more tries, of which four were converted by Robbie Cusack. Paddy Flannelly went over having received the ball from Kevin Cox in an excellent forwards move. Chris Rogan was in again in the corner after Robbie Cusack split the defence with fine kick ahead. Alex Goor went over twice under the posts having made huge ground with assured forward play. Nigel Byrne got a well deserved touch down when he avoided the tackle and broke for a 40 metre dash. This left the game Castlebar 60 Corrib 0.
Castlebar from :- Liam Molloy, Mark Staunton, Paul Coady, Dara Mulgrew, Ger Prendergast, Nigel Byrne, Christy Cusack, Rory Hughes, Ciaran Flynn, Neil Coyle, Enda Murphy, Chris Rogan, Alex Goor, Paddy Durcan, David Staunton, Danny McGing, Paul Yoen, Simon O’Malley, Fintan Casey, Tadhg Kirby, Kevin Cox, damien Glackin,Brian Fox, Damien McLoughlin, Jason Keane.Next Game
Castlebar play Tuam next Sunday in the first round of the Connacht Junior A League. The form in recent weeks has been excellent and a good show is expected against a Tuam side that Castlebar could only draw with last season. The game kicks off at 3.00pm
CASTLEBAR 34 - CORRIB 5 (05/09/2008)
Castlebar played Corrib in Cloondeash on Friday night 5th September. The biggest factor on the evening was the gale force winds and torrential rain which threatened to ruin the game. Castlebar however had other ideas and produced great open moves bringing all parts of the team into play. Corrib travelled with a mixture of young and experienced players who struggled to gel on the night and found themselves in all sorts of trouble as the game developed. There is no doubt that we will see a different Corrib team before the season is out.
Castlebar started strongly and laid out their stall as they put their less organised opponents under pressure from the start. The strength of the Castlebar scrum allowed good ball time and again to be fed to the back division and after only 12 minutes David Staunton crossed for the first of six tries. Paul Coady obliged with a difficult conversion from the left in spite of the strong wind. Poor handling shortly afterwards allowed Enda Murphy break upfield and touched down after a sixty metre sprint. The wind this time spoiled the conversion attempt. Castlebar were well on top at this stage as Corrib struggled to put a shape on their game. Ciaran Flynn added another try after the best passing move of the game allowed him to touch down in the corner. Mark Staunton added another before half time. Neither of these was converted. The half time score was Castlebar 22 Corrib 0
Both sides made several changes after half time. Castlebar were now playing into the teeth of a fierce gale with sheets of rain impairing visibility and threatening to spoil the game. They started with purpose and continued to move the ball about when a Munster style possession game seemed wisest. Corrib played much better with the wind but were again caught by poor handling and a fine upfield break saw Chris Rogan touch down in the corner for Castlebar. Paul Coady converted with a great attempt. Corrib were now throwing everything at the game and poor move by Castlebar saw Corrib break and although they did not make the line they scored from their five metre scrum in the corner. Castlebar kept working and when prop Liam Molloy got the ball in hand with space in front of him nothing was going to stop him and he touched down Castlebar’s sixth try under the posts. Paul Coady again obliged with the two pointer
The game ended Castlebar 34 Corrib 5.
Castlebar from :- Liam Molloy, Mark Staunton, Paul Coady, Dara Mulgrew, Ger Prendergast, Nigel Byrne, Christy Cusack, Rory Hughes, Ciaran Flynn, Neil Coyle, Enda Murphy, Chris Rogan, Alex Goor, Paddy Durcan, David Staunton, Danny McGing, Paul Yoen, Simon O’Malley, Fintan Casey, Tadhg Kirby, Kevin Cox, Damien McLoughlin, Jason Keane.
Next Game
Castlebar play Cavan next Saturday afternoon in Cloondeash in the Larry Burke Cup. This cup commemorates Larry Burke of Springfield a member of a long established Castlebar family who played for Cavan. He worked in the Inland Fisheries in Cavan and after his untimely death this competition was launched in his memory and is played alternatively each year in Cavan and Castlebar as a pre season fixture. Larry’s son also named Larry still plays for Cavan and a large crowd is expected in Cloondeash for this fixture. Kick off is a 3p.m.
CASTLEBAR 22 - OMAGH 5 (30/08/2008)
Castlebar played Omagh in Cloondeash on Saturday 30th August.
The visitors travelled down that morning and brought a young and experimental side. The day was ideal with only a light breeze from the South to influence matters. As a result a fast open game was played using all areas of the pitch which allowing the backs to stretch their legs. Both sides had a chance to vary their game and excellent refereeing from Branch Ref Peter McCarthy helped adapt to the new rule changes.
Castlebar started very strongly as their opposition settled and had their first try after 10 minutes from Paul Coady who was fed by Christy Cusack from the base of the scrum. Coady also converted. The lineout for Castlebar worked well and possession was won there on the Omagh ball several times thanks to good work from Paddy Flannelly and Ger Prendergast.. Omagh rose their game considerably and put Castlebar under all sorts of pressure. Mark Staunton and Nigel Byrne were very strong in the centre and made several fine tackles and breaks. Their handling skills however let Omagh down and they conceded three penalties before half time one of which Paul Coady converted.
The half time score was Castlebar 10 Omagh 0
Both sides made several changes at half time but this did not affect the Castlebar dominance on the day. In a set piece move Liam Molloy received the ball at second centre and used his power and speed to touch down after 5 minutes. Paul Coady was again on hand to convert. On fifteen minutes Mark Staunton latched on to a loose ball after an Omagh error to win the race for the line and touch down a third try for Castlebar adding a further five points as the conversion was missed. Both sides were guilty of poor handling and lots of work is needed on the training pitch if Castlebar are to pose a serious threat in this years league. A long and persistent period of pressure paid off for Omagh in the final few minutes when they touched down in the corner after strong work from their forwards. There was no conversion however.
The game ended Castlebar 22 Omagh 5.
Castlebar from :- Nigel Byrne, Ciaran Flynn, Liam Molloy, Brian Flannery, Mark Staunton, Paul Coady, Dara Mulgrew, Paddy Flannelly, Ger Prendergast, Christy Cusack, Rory Hughes, Neil Coyle, Enda Murphy, Chris Rogan, Alex Goor, Paddy Durcan, David Staunton, Simon O’Malley, Fintan Casey.
Next Game
Castlebar play Corrib next Sunday afternoon in Cloondeash in another friendly.
The first league game of the season is against Tuam in Cloondeash on September 21st.
Training
Training for the new season continues at Cloondeash on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 7.30pm. Any new or returning players interested in joining the squad should contact Rory on 0872860235.
CASTLEBAR 3 - PORTLAOISE 7
Castlebar played Portlaoise in Cloondeash on Saturday 23rd August 2008.
This friendly fixture was used by both sides to familiarise themselves with the rule changes coming in this season. The wet and blustery weather prevented an open game and as a result the forwards were the busier on the day.
Castlebar started the stronger and moved the ball well. Second row debutante Dara Mulgrew is very mobile and fitted in well with the vastly experienced team captain Rory Hughes. The front row of Brian Flannery, Neil Coyle and Liam Molloy worked hard against a bigger and more experienced Portlaoise outfit. Enda Murphy was over the line to touch down only to be brought back for a forward pass. The half time score was nil all.
The second half was more open with several positional changes made by both sides. Castlebar opened the scoring with a well taken penalty from Paul Coady. This was scant enough reward for a sustained period of pressure. Poor handling allowed Portlaoise to break upfield where the only try of the game was scored by their stronger forwards. It was then duly converted. Despite playing the final ten minutes of the game in the Portlaoise half and again crossing the line Castlebar failed to score and the game finished 7 – 3 to Portlaoise.
Castlebar face Omagh next Saturday afternoon in Cloondeash in another friendly. The first league game of the season is against Tuam in Cloondeash on September 21st.
Training for the new season continues at Cloondeash on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 7.30pm. Any new or returning players interested in joining should contact Rory on 0872860235.
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