Hamilton Park, Strandhill, Sligo, Ireland – Founded 1890
Sligo RFC Director of Rugby, Bernie Kelly, has just completed two new player guides for Outhalves and Scrum-halves. These guides provide an insight into the role of each position and outline effective training routines.
More guides for other positions will follow shortly.
These can be downloaded from our recently re-organised Resources page here.
The Sligo RFC U-12 squad realised their true potential when they were crowned joint Connacht Champions at the annual Connacht Blitz held at Corinthian Park in Galway on Saturday. Sligo and the highly fancied co-winners Galwegians played out an exciting and tension filled final of the twenty team tournament, in which the two teams created numerous chances, but superb defence from both outfits meant the spoils were shared. Although neither team were able to breach the others defence, the skill levels and commitment shown from both sides was a credit to their respective clubs. Continue reading ‘U-12's Are Connacht Blitz Champions’
Sligo U-14′s 37 :: Connemara U-14′s 5
Sligo’s U-14′s gave a smashing display when they brushed aside the challenge of a brave and game Connemara side at Hamilton Park on Sunday last in the Connacht U-14 Cup. This was the third game on the pitch within 24 hours, and the underfoot conditions were absolutely deplorable. However, nothing could phase this talented Sligo side, and the quality of their game was a joy to watch.
Continue reading ‘Impressive U-14's Show Their Class In Cup’
Sligo u-16′s 0 :: Galwegians U-16′s 3
There was heartbreak for Sligo’s U-16 team at Hamilton park on Sunday last, when after putting up a very plucky performance they were defeated by Galwegians in the Connacht U-16 Cup by 3-0. Despite having to field without their talisman, Aaron Spring, who was training with the Ireland Youth U-18 squad, and the injured Keith McGoldrick and Blygh McCormack, Sligo put up a very brave performance in the very poor conditions, and were unfortunate not to have at least shared the spoils.
Buccaneers 20 :: Sligo 2nd XV 13Â
Sligo’s 2nd team had their last outing before the commencement of their Ard na Cregg Cup campaign when they travelled to Dubarry Park, Athlone, to play Buccaneers in the Connacht Junior 2 League on Sunday last.
Played in wretched weather conditions, this was a very entertaining game, in which both sides gave of their best. Buccaneers shaded the forward exchanges, but Sligo had a more skillful and enterprising back division, and they will rue the fact that they did not move the ball wide more often. The winners, favoured by the wind, were ahead by 12-3 at the interval, but two fine tries from David Delahunty and Simon Coyle brought Sligo right back into contention. Buccaneers did reply with a penalty and a try, but at the end they were holding on desperately as Sligo went in search of that elusive equalising try.
Sligo U-20′s 7 :: Connemara U-20′s 22
The final score-line does scant justice to a brave and battling Sligo side, who made their exit from the Connacht U-20 Cup after a keenly contested encounter with Connemara at Hamilton Park on Saturday last. The game was played in a virtual quagmire, and the sodden underfoot conditions were not conducive to an expansive game.
Sligo’s deferred league game against Monivea in Monivea, which was fixed for February 3rd, and was then refixed for Sunday next, will now be played, at Sligo’s request, on Thursday, March 6th under lights in Monivea [Kick-Off 8 pm]. Sligo sought the change as a number of players have a social engagement abroad at the week-end, and when this occasion was being planned, Sunday, March 9th was free on their fixture calendar. Sligo’s good run in the AIB Cup, and the postponement of the Crosshaven game on Feb 2nd created havoc with the original fixture schedule. Continue reading ’1st Team Play Under Lights On Thursday’
Sligo’s 2nd team play Tuam in Hamilton Park in the first round of the Ard na Cregg Cup on Sunday next [Kick-Off 3 pm]. This will be be a stiff test for Sligo, but the side has been improving all season, and it contains a good blend of youth and experience, as well as a number of impressive newcomers to the game. The experience is provided by players such as James Coulter, David Delahunty, Simon Coyle and Tim Jessop, while there is an abundance of youthful enthusiasm in David Kilcoyne, Alan Brennan, Brian Hynes, Ciaran Stafford, Robert Orbinski, and Stuart O’Brien. Some of the new recruits to the game such as the Kiely brothers from Skreen, Dermot and Declan, Owen McDermott from Riverstown and John Bellew from Drumcliffe have made a very big impact.
Great credit is due to the team’s management of Michael Storey, Des Butler, Declan Lynch and Finian O’Driscoll who have moulded a strong and committed squad, and they will be optimistic of victory on Sunday. As many supporters as possible are urged to get behind the team on their big day.
The Cawley Cup, which is contested by the junior clubs in the province [with the AIL clubs ineligible], commences on Sunday week next, March 16th. Sligo have a home game against newly promoted Division 2 side, Creggs in the opening round, with the winners having a home game on March 23rd, most likely against Castlebar. The victors in this tie will have an away semi-final on March 30th, with the final taking place in the Sportsgrounds on April 6th.
Sligo’s U-18 side are into the second round of the Connacht Cup, without kicking a ball, as Ballina conceded the game, much to the home club’s disappointment. On Sunday next, Sligo will play Connemara in the second round of the U-18 Cup in Hamilton Park [Kick-Off 12 pm]
Tickets for the alcohol-free teenage disco, which will be held in the Clubhouse, Hamilton Park on Thursday March 20th at 9 pm, went on sale at the beginning of this week from the usual sellers. Once again, this will be a strictly all-ticket event, and under no circumstances will cash be accepted at the door. To avoid disappointment, early purchase of tickets is advised, as demand, as usual, will greatly exceed supply. The event Organiser, Justin Harte, has all arrangements in hand, and the Chief Steward will be Niall Draper.
The March monthly Committee meeting of the club, which normally is held on the second Tuesday of the month has been postponed for one week. The meeting will now take place on Tuesday March 18th in Bree’s Bar at 8 pm sharp.
The Annual Dinner Dance will be held in the Sligo Park Hotel on Saturday May 3rd. This year’s event is being very generously sponsored by AIB, and it promises to be a gala occasion. The club President, Tom Gilligan, has already engaged a very famous rugby personality as the main after dinner speaker. To organise the event, the following Sub-Committee has been appointed by the President; Billy Leahy [Chair.], Clare Storey, Mary O’Hehir, Therese Cosgrove, Orla Gilligan and Niall Draper.
The special club Sub-Committee charged with plotting the future of rugby in Sligo have been very busy, and have already met on two occasions. Both meetings have been extremely productive, and it is envisaged that the Rugby Development Plan will be launched in mid-April. The Sub-Committee will make a root and branch appraisal of rugby in the club, and will chart the course for the the promotion and development of the game in the Sligo club catchment area for the next five years. The members of the Sub-Committee are; Tom Gilligan [Chair.], Michael Storey, Conor Frazer, Brendan Leahy, Michael O’Hehir, Jonathan Hill, Therese Cosgrove, Cliona O’Kelly, John Davey, Rory Raftery and John Pender. The Recording Secretary is Orla Gilligan.
Congratulations to the Sligo Grammar School Junior team which convincingly defeated Clifden Community School in the Connacht Schools Junior Cup semi-final on Wednesday last in Westport. They play Marist College Athlone in the final on Wednesday March 12th in the Sportsgrounds.
This will be a repeat of the recent Connacht League final in Athlone, when Grammar scored a narrow victory. Following this game, and club games between Sligo and Buccaneers, the players will be very familiar with each others’ play, so a cliff-hanger seems in prospect. Best of luck to the Grammar team, and to their coaches, Jimmy Staunton and Simon Galvan, from the President and all club members.
