Hamilton Park, Strandhill, Sligo, Ireland – Founded 1890
Westport 12 :: Sligo 9
Sligo’s gave a very brave performance at Carrowholly on Sunday morning last, when they were unluckily defeated by Westport in an enthralling semi-final of the Connacht U-18 Cup. The home side had knocked out the Division A league winners, Corinthians, after a replay, and entered this game as favourites, but Sligo, who won the Division B league, came very close to upsetting the odds. Continue reading ‘U-18's Brave Performance In Cup Semi-Final’
Sligo 30 :: Creggs 7
Sligo’s U-13 team gave a very impressive display when they defeated Creggs in the Connacht U-13 Cup quarter final at Hamilton Park on Friday last. They are away to the winners of the Buccaneers V Westport tie in the semi-final.
Despite having to contend with a very heavy pitch and almost arctic weather conditions, Sligo played some excellent rugby. The fact that they called on all their replacements in the second half, and continued to play to their patterns, is testimony to the strength in depth in the panel. Sligo played against the wind in the first half, but led by 20-7 at the interval, having scored three tries. They added two further tries in the second period to win comfortably over a gallant Creggs side, which fought bravely to the end. Continue reading ‘Impressive U-13's Qualify For Connacht Cup Semi-Final’
Sligo’s 2nd team complete their league campaign when they play Castlebar in Hamilton Park on Sunday next [Kick-off 3 p.m.]. Whilst ultimate league glory did not attend the side’s efforts, the 2nd’s set a headline for all clubs fielding at this level, as the fulfilled all fixtures, always with a full complement of players and replacements.
The value of the 2nd team to the club was particularly highlighted when no fewer than six 2nd team players seamlessly stepped into the 1st team in important games against Coleraine, Crosshaven and Monivea this season. Great credit is due to the 2nd team management of Michael Storey, Des Butler, Declan Lynch and Finian O’Driscoll for all their work throughout the season. The team plays Tuam in the Ard na Cregg Cup in Hamilton Park On Sunday April 6th.
Sligo’s U-14′s have home venue for the Connacht U-14 Cup semi-final against Westport on Sunday next, March 30th [Kick-Off 11.30 am]. Having defeated Galwegians in the quarter final, Sligo will be favourites to advance, but they will be mindful of their league semi-final defeat against Buccaneers, so they will tread warily. The Sligo squad is peppered with some very exciting prospects, and draws its players both from the County as well as the urban area. As many supporters as possible are urged to come along and lend their support. The team is managed by John Davey, Dean Weaver and Barry McConkey.
Last Thursday evening’s alcohol-free teenage disco was another huge success, and for this great credit is due to the Event Organiser, Justin Harte, the Chief Steward, Niall Draper, House Chairman, John Kane, and the 27 other club members who made themselves available and served as stewards.
Tickets for the disco sold out very quickly, so a large number were disappointed. The Committee have decided to hold a post Easter alcohol-free disco in the Clubhouse on Friday April 11th at 9 pm. Tickets will go on sale from the usual sellers at the week-end, and again early purchase is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment. All intending patrons are reminded that admission is strictly by ticket only, and under no circumstances will cash be accepted at the door on the evening.
The Club President, Tom Gilligan, informed last week’s monthly meeting that Ireland and Munster legend, Anthony Foley, had accepted his invitation to be the special guest speaker at the club’s Annual Dinner which will be held in the Sligo Park Hotel on Sunday May 4th.
The presence of Munster’s most capped player [currently at 195 appearances], and the 62 times capped International, is certain to attract a record attendance to the dinner. Anthony captained Munster to their memorable Heineken Cup victory over Biarritz in 2006, and is at present having a tremendous season with Munster. He will be a key player in their quarter final clash with Gloucester on April 5th, and hopefully in the semi-final V Ospreys/Saracens on April 26th.
This year’s dinner is being sponsored by AIB, and the President and Committee are very appreciative of their generosity. The Dinner Dance Sub-Committee will be chaired by the club’s Social Secretary, Billy Leahy, who coincidentally is a staff member of AIB, and the other members who will organise the event are Clare Storey, Niall Draper, Mary O’Hehir and Orla Gilligan. Full details later.
Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership, in co-operation with Sligo RFC and Connacht Rugby, have organised coaching in Tag Rugby for girls in five Co. Sligo secondary schools. The coaching will take place under the Sports Partnership’s and the Irish Sports Council’s 2008 Women In Sport Initiative.
This is a four week coaching programme which will be delivered during the weeks beginning April 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th. The coach involved in the delivery of the course is Simon Galvan, who has an outstanding track record both as a coach and a player in Ireland and New Zealand. He was involved in Sligo Grammar School’s recent Junior Cup succeess, and also coaches the club’s U-18 side at present.
The President and Committee of Sligo RFC express their deepest gratitude to Deirdre Lavin, and the staff of the Sligo Sports and Recreation Partnership, for their continued support in the promotion of rugby in Co. Sligo.
A meeting ot the club’s Football Development Plan Sub-Committee will be held in the Glasshouse Hotel on Monday next, March 31st at 7 pm. Over the past four weeks much time and effort has been expended by the ten members of the Sub-Committee in the compilation of the plan’s first draft. Members of the Sub-Committee should have e-mailed all comments or proposed amendments on this draft to the President by Thursday March 27th.
The Sub-Committee was appointed following a very successful seminar held in January, and its brief is to formulate a football development plan for the club, for both sexes, until the end of the 2013-2014 season. This plan will complement the proposed development of the club’s ultra modern playing facilities at Cloverhill.
The adage that all political careers end in failure probably could be equally applied to all sports coaches’ careers, if they remain around long enough. However, to even imply that Eddie O’Sullivan’s record, which included the lifting of three Triple Crowns, constitutes a failure, is absurd, as Eddie presided over the most successful period in the history of the game here, and his winning achievements are unlikely ever to be emulated. Continue reading ‘A Hard Act To Follow’
Sligo 21 :: Galwegians 12
Sligo’s U14 rugby team took on Galwegians U14’s in the quarter final of the rescheduled Connacht Cup on Sunday last at Ballyhaunis rugby grounds.
This eagerly awaited game was played in very good conditions. Both teams were anxious to advance to the next stage with the winners due to play Westport in the semi-final. A close, tense encounter was on the cards right from the outset. Games between these two teams are always close affairs.
Sligo 48 :: Monivea 10
Having already been cancelled twice, Sligo Under 13s first Connacht Cup match finally took place on a very heavy pitch at Hamilton Park. The opposition was to be Monivea, a club who have a good reputation across all of their age groups (their senior team had defeated Sligo earlier in the week). Sligo started the match short of three of their best forwards due to injury and illness, and the delayed arrival of another. Their backline, however had returned to near full strength with the return of Jason McGoldrick from injury and Eddie Weaver returning to his position of Wing.
Sligo 25 :: Creggs 17
Sligo scored a deserved victory over Creggs in the first round of the Cawley Cup played at Hamilton Park on Sunday last. In an all action game, which produced eight tries, Sligo recorded both their highest point scoring, and try scoring tally of the season, as they ran in five tries.
After several days of heavy rain this game was in doubt until Sunday morning, when the pitch was passed as playable after a 9 am inspection. As a result of recent inclement weather, underfoot conditions were very difficult, but to their credit, Sligo attempted to play expansive rugby throughout. This was in marked contrast to Creggs, who constantly reverted to their forward pack to make progress. Both sides were short some of their first team players but there was lots of endeavour and this led to a lively and entertaining game. Creggs have just been promoted from the second division, and they are certain to provide stiff opposition to all sides in next season’s J1 league. Continue reading ‘Sligo Open Cawley Cup Campaign With Five Try Salvo’
Sligo’s U-13 amd U-14 sides had successful outings in their respective Connacht Cup games at the week-end. The U-13′s postponed game against Monivea took place at Hamilton Park on Sunday, with Sligo emerging as impressive winners on a 40-3 score-line.
The U-14′s travelled to Ballyhaunis for their re-fixed quarter final tie with Galwegians and were victorious by 20-12.
Sligo play Castlebar on Sunday next in Hamilton Park [Kick-Off 3 pm] in the quarter final of the Cawley Cup. This will be the 1st XV’s last competitive home game of the season, as the winners of this tie have an away semi-final.
Sligo will be determined to reverse their narrow home league defeat to the same opposition earler in the season, and are capable of advancing to the semi-final. They will welcome back No. 8 and captain, Jamie Livingstone, who missed the Creggs game, but will have to plan without wingers, Nick Reynolds, who damaged a shoulder in the opening round, and Thomas Darcel, who is away. There is also concern in the camp about the fitness of lock, Peter Mullan, who was injured also on Sunday, so Dermot Kiely will be on standby.
With the pitches at last showing signs of drying out, both sides will probably opt for a free flowing game, and with Julian Ripon in fine form at present, Sligo should have enough pace out wide to secure a narrow victory.
Sligo 2nd team have their last league outing before their Ard na Cregg Cup showdown against Tuam, when they travel to Heffernan Park, Ballina on Sunday next to play the home side in the penultimate round of the Connacht Junior 2 league. The result will be of academic interest to Sligo, but this will be an ideal opportunity for the players to impress management and to stake claims for inclusion on the Cup XV.
