Monthly Archive for February, 2008

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Connacht Senior Schools Semi-Final At The Mall

Published on February 20, 2008 in Fixtures, Schools and Youth. Closed

There is certain to be a very large crowd at the Mall on Monday (Feb 25th) next for the semi-final of the Connacht Senior Schools’ Cup between Sligo Grammar School and Colaiste Iognaid, Galway [ Kick-Off 2 pm].

With no fewer than six of their starting side eligible to play in this competition in two years time, Grammar school will certainly look to the future with a lot of confidence. However, they will view the fact that they have the Cup favourites on their home pitch, and in front of their own vociferous supporters, as the ideal opportunity to cause a major upset. Although the Galway city school will field no fewer than eight current Connacht U-18 players, they certainly will not look forward to the trip to Sligo.

Grammar School have been improving steadily all season, and there is surely no shrewder coach in schools’ rugby in extracting optimum performances from all his charges on the big day than James Gavin. A very exciting game seems in prospect, and Grammar School are wished well from the President and Committee of Sligo RFC.

Meanwhile best wishes to the Grammar School Junior team, and their coach, Club Hon. Treasurer, Jimmy Staunton, in the Connacht Schools’ Junior Cup Quarter Final V St. Calasanctus, Oranmore, at the Mall on Friday February 29th. This game has a 3.00 pm start.

Planning Permission About To Be Lodged

Published on February 20, 2008 in News. Closed

The club’s architects, Colin Bell and Associates, The Mall, Sligo, are finalising their work,and will be lodging their application this week with Sligo County Council for planning permission for the construction of the club’s proposed new development at Cloverhill. The application is the culmination of much work by Colin Bell and by the club’s Development Sub-Committee which is comprised of: Des Butler [Chair.], Tom Gilligan, Michael O’Hehir, Michael Storey, Brendan Leahy, Conor Frazer, Rory Raftery and John Davey.

Resignation Of Club's YDO

Published on February 20, 2008 in News. Closed

At last week’s monthly Committee meeting of the club, glowing tributes were paid to Gavin Foley, who has served as Youth Development Officer in primary and secondary schools in the region for the past three years, and who recently tendered his resignation from this position. Gavin earned a deserved reputation as a top class and popular coach, and he played a major role in making rugby the favourite sport of so many young people in the Sligo area. Gavin is embarking on a new career, and at the meeting he was wished well for the future by the President and by the Committee members. Members expressed the wish that his coaching expertise will continue to remain available to the club.

The new YDO for the remainder of the season will be Simon Galvan, and Simon is wished well in his new position.

Club Rugby Development Sub-Committee

Published on February 20, 2008 in Committee, Events, Membership and News. Closed

Following the recent very successful symposium in the Glasshouse Hotel on rugby in Sligo, the club President has nominated a Sub-Committee to draft a Development Plan for rugby in the club. This membership of this Sub-Committee was unanimously endorsed by both the club’s Executive Committee and at last week’s monthly Committee meeting.

The members of the Sub-Committee are as follows: Tom Gilligan [Chairman], Conor Frazer, Brendan Leahy, Michael O’Hehir, Jonathan Hill, John Pender, John Davey, Therese Cosgrove, Cliona O’Kelly, Michael Storey, Billy Leahy and Rory Raftery. Orla Gilligan will act as Recording Secretary.

The first meeting of the Sub-Committee will be held in the Glasshouse Hotel on Monday next, February 25th at 7 pm.

Dinner Dance Change

Published on February 20, 2008 in Events and News. Closed

Due to the unavailability of the invited speaker on that date, the club’s Annual Dinner, which was originally scheduled for Saturday May 31st, has been brought forward, and will now take place in the Sligo Park Hotel on Saturday May 3rd. A special sub-committee to organise the event, chaired by the club’s Social Secretary, Billy Leahy, will soon be nominated by the President. Full details later.

Recent U14 Match Reports

Published on February 20, 2008 in Match Reports and Youth. Closed

Sligo Rugby Club’s U-14 team played two challenge games in the last week in preparation for the upcoming U-14 Connacht Cup. Both games were played in Hamilton Park, Strandhill. The first game was played in mid week against Monivea while the second game was played on Saturday morning against Enniskillen. Continue reading ‘Recent U14 Match Reports’

Sympathy

Published on February 20, 2008 in News. Closed

The President and the Committee extend deepest sympathy to the Heath Family on the death of Ann’s mother, Mrs. McGettrick, which occurred last week. The late Mrs. McGettrick was mother-in-law of U-15 coach, Tony Heath, and was Grandmother of star U-16 player, David and 2nd team player, Ben. She was also Grandmother of former Mayor of Sligo, Colr. Tom MacSharry, to whom sympathy is also extended. Tom, as Mayor, was a very popular and articulate guest of the club President at last year’s Annual Club Dinner.

Disco Another Huge Success

Published on February 20, 2008 in Disco, News and Youth. Closed

Last Friday’s special St. Valentine’s alcohol-free teenage disco was another huge success. The all ticket event was thoroughly enjoyed by all the patrons. Once again, the Event Organiser, Justin Harte, did an outstanding job, and the entire membership are indebted to Justin for the superbly efficient manner in which he discharges all his duties. Special gratitude is also due to Chief Steward, Niall Draper, who as usual planned the logistics so well, and to House Chairman, John Kane, for all his preparatory work. The success of the discos is also due to the loyal cohort of members who, often at considerable personal inconvenience, are ever present as stewards. On this occasion, there were 29 stewards present, and the club President wishes to again thank them for their continued dedication to the club. The next disco will be on Thursday March 20th. Full details later of this all ticket event.

Kenneally Penalty Clinches Connacht U-18 League Title

Published on February 12, 2008 in Match Reports, News and Youth. Closed

Sligo 3 :: Connemara 0

Despite still having one fixture remaining, Sligo captured the Connacht U-18 League title [Section B] at Clifden on Sunday last when they defeated Connemara All-Blacks in a dogged encounter.

As Sligo teams in all grades have experienced over the years, it is never easy to take the spoils in Connemara, so the visitors had to strive manfully to eke out this victory over their determined rivals. Sligo played against the strong wind in the first half, and they played their best rugby in this period. They took the lead after 20 minutes when out-half, Niall Kenneally converted a penalty, and with their pack doing well, and their defence solid, they held this lead until the interval. Continue reading ‘Kenneally Penalty Clinches Connacht U-18 League Title’

Juvenile Blitz Photos

Published on February 12, 2008 in Juvenile and Photos. Closed

A mini blitz between Sligo RFC, Ballina and Carrick-on-Shannon took place at IT Sligo on Saturday last. A selection of photos from the event can now be viewed here.

Crucial League Game On Sunday

Published on February 11, 2008 in Fixtures and Senior. Closed

Less than two years ago in Ballina, Sligo and Westport played off to decide the destination of the 2005-06 Connacht Junior 1 League. After an absorbing game, which went to extra time, Westport emerged victorious on that April evening with a drop goal in literally the last action of the day. On Sunday next in Hamilton Park [kick-off 2.30], the two teams meet again in the league. On this occasion neither side will entertain lofty league ambitions, as both sides badly need the points to move away from the dreaded relegation zone, although Westport, with games in hand, have less worries in this regard. Continue reading ‘Crucial League Game On Sunday’

2nd's Face Monivea

Published on February 11, 2008 in Fixtures and Senior. Closed

Hamilton Park will be a hive of activity in Sunday next, as Sligo 2nd XV face Monivea in the league [kick-off 2.30pm] on the club’s second pitch. Although league glory is out of Sligo’s reach at this stage, the team’s management will use this fixture to prepare for the Ard na Cregg Cup, which will commence shortly.

Alcohol Free Disco Tickets Completely Sold Out

Published on February 11, 2008 in Disco, News and Youth. Closed

All tickets for the special St. Valentine’s alcohol-free teenage disco, which will be held in the Clubhouse, Hamilton Park on Friday next, February 15th at 9 pm, completely sold out last week. This is a strictly all ticket event, so anybody not in possession of a ticket for the disco should not come near the precincts of the club on Friday evening, as they will not gain admittance. There will be absolutely no possibility of cash being accepted at the door, and there will be no exceptions to this, so parents/guardians are advised to ensure that their son/daughter does not come to Sligo RFC on Friday evening without a ticket.

The Event Organiser, Justin Harte, has all arrangements in place and has again engaged a top DJ. The Chief Steward will be Niall Draper, and all stewards should report to Niall no later than 8.30 pm on Friday next.

Buntus Rugby Comes To Co. Sligo

Published on February 11, 2008 in Events, Juvenile, News and Schools. Closed

Training courses in Tag Rugby for primary teachers from schools throughout Co. Sligo, were held on Thursday and Friday last, and attracted approximately 40 teachers. The course is part of the Buntus Rugby initiative which is being promoted by the IRFU and the Sligo Sports Partnership. Teachers from the participating schools from throughout Co. Sligo were given coaching expertise by IRFU personnel, who included Stuart Abbot, the current captain of AIL Division 1 side Greystones. All the schools represented were also presented with tag rugby gear. Continue reading ‘Buntus Rugby Comes To Co. Sligo’

Connacht Senior Schools Semi-Final Date

Published on February 11, 2008 in Fixtures, News, Schools and Youth. Closed

The much awaited Connacht Senior Schools’ semi-final between Sligo Grammar School and Colaiste Iognaid, Galway, will take place at the Grammar School’s grounds at the Mall on Monday February 25th at 1.30 pm. Despite the fact that the ‘Jes’ will field eight of the Connacht team which recently won the Youths’ Inter-provincial championship, and that Grammar will field six players who are still eligible to play at U-16 level, this is a game which is certain to generate great enthusiasm amongst all local supporters of the game.