Hamilton Park, Strandhill, Sligo, Ireland – Founded 1890
Tuam 17 :: Sligo 33
Despite some uncertain first half moments, and being subjected to some brief pressure midway through the second half, Sligo held too many aces for a fit and determined Tuam side in the opening round of the special Connacht ‘warm-up’ league at Tuam on Sunday last. Continue reading ‘Sligo See Off Determined Tuam Challenge’
On Sunday next, Sligo’s 1st XV make their competitive home debut this season when they play Creggs in the special ‘warm-up’ Connacht League. While Creggs were relegated from Connacht Junior 1 last season, and will compete in the Connacht Junior 2 League this season, thay are certain to be very competitive opponents, as games between the sides are invariably keenly contested.
Sligo’s management are likely to continue to experiment, and they will again be without prop forwards, Ronan Gillespie [unavailable], and the injured Joe Kelly and David Kilcoyne. Out-half, Khakaber is an extremely doubtful starter following his knee injury in Tuam last Sunday
During this school year, Sligo RFC, in conjunction with the Connacht Branch of the IRFU, and with the kind permission of school managements, will again arrange for rugby to be coached in primary and secondary schools in the Sligo area. This week, Youth Development Officer, Gavin Foley will call to schools to ascertain the uptake, and to arrange the weekly slots. Gavin, a former Ireland Youth International, brings a wealth of expertise and experience to his coaching role.
With rugby enjoying unprecedented popularity at present both locally and nationally, the quality coaching on offer affords an ideal opportunity for pupils to experience the game, and perhaps for some to go on and emulate quite a few Sligo born players, who have won sports scholarships for rugby in Third Level Institutions. The coaching is funded jointly by Sligo RFC and the IRFU.
Two Sligo players, Cathal Sheridan and Jason East played for the Connacht U-20 side against Munster in the Galway Sportsgrounds on Friday last. Although Connacht were narrowly defeated, both players made very big impressions. Cathal lined out at scrum-half, while Jason was in his usual loosehead prop position. Then have upcoming games against Leinster and Ulster.
Another product of the club’s under-age system, James Wilson, made his senior club debut, when he played at lock for the Buccaneer’s 1st XV in their defeat of Galwegians in the Connacht Senior League on Saturday last. At 6 feet and 7 inches, James has the physique and the power to make an impact at this level, and has a very big future in the game. James won an all-Ireland U-18 league medal with Sligo in 2005, and he is wished well in his career from the President and everyone in the club.
French-born, Thomas Darcel, who earlier in the year won a French U-19 Cup medal with the famed Colomiers club arrived in Sligo on Sunday last. Thomas, who commences studies at Sligo I.T., will train this week in the club, and may be included in the side to face Barnhall on Sunday next. A winger, 18 year old Thomas could be a major asset to both senior and U-20 squads in the club.
World Cup fever has gripped the club, with several members travelling to France for many of the games. For these who are remaining at home, club members are adopting the Glasshouse Hotel, with its large screen, as their headquarters on each evening a game is being televised. There is certain to be a large cohort of members present there for the opening game between France and Argentina on Friday next at 8 pm and for Ireland’s first game against Namibia on Sunday next [kick off 7 pm].
The Glasshouse Hotel have given substantial sponsorship to the club’s Juvenile section this season.
