Monthly Archive for June, 2008

Paul Newton Fundraiser – Auction Night

As you are probably aware Paul Newton (43) suffered head injuries as a result of an unprovoked attack in the early hours of Saturday April 12th while on a weekend break in Belfast to attend the Connacht versus Ulster Magners League rugby match.

Paul Newton Fundraiser

To assist Paul and his family over this traumatic period, friends of Paul have initiated some fundraising ventures. The fundraising efforts are culminating in a draw and auction which is being held in The Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo on Friday 27th June 2008 at 9:30PM. Continue reading ‘Paul Newton Fundraiser – Auction Night’

Experimental Law Variations (ELVs)

From August the 1st this year the IRB will be implementing a 12 month global trial of 13 ELVs. All ELVs will be implemented by the IRFU in both the professional and domestic competitions – however, a decision on the IRFUs implementation of ELV 17 (pulling down the maul) at age grade level will be made next month.

To facilitate the implementation of these changes the IRFU in conjunction with the provincial Branches will be running a series of education initiatives to up skill coaches and referees in the interpretation of these Law changes. The date for the Connacht seminar will be Wednesday July 17th at 7.30 PM Galway.

All club coaches are strongly advised to attend this seminar.

New Season Training

Senior (including U20s) training will begin on Tuesday July 1st 7.30 pm at Sligo RFC, Hamilton Park, Strandhill.

All newcomers are welcome in what will be pre-season training and conditioning. Last season saw a very enthusiastic group of 2nds players and it is to be hoped that all those and more will turn up for these sessions.

All queries regarding above can be directed to Senior Football manager Cameron Giles at 087 7934508.

Death of Former Sligo RFC President

The death took place recently, following a short illness, of Cyril Shaw, who served as President of Sligo RFC from 1957-1959, and who was a former player with the club.

Following a period in the mid-1950’s, when the club ceased to function, Cyril, along with the late Barry Woods [grandfather of current U-14 coach, Barry McConkey], the late Angus Graham, the late Brian McDonagh, and others, was responsible for the re-launch of the club in 1957. He had the unique distinction of serving as President while still a playing member. Continue reading ‘Death of Former Sligo RFC President’

Votes of Sympathy

At last week’s meeting of the club, a vote of sympathy was extended to the Watters family on the death of their mother, Ursula, which occurred recently.

The late Ursula was mother of publican, Ronan, who played at scrum-half for the club for many years, and of publican Conor, who is also a supporter of the club.

A vote of sympathy was also passed to Leo Grey, Sports Editor, Sligo Champion, to Jim Grey and to the Grey family on the recent death of their mother, and to the Chadda family, on the death of Johnny Chadda, Life President of Sligo Rovers F.C., and a very popular figure with all sports supporters in Sligo.

IRFU Charitable Trust

This week, Mick Quinn, the head of the IRFU Charitable trust visited Sligo RFC. His visit was to make us all aware of the work the trust do for players who have serious injury as a result of playing rugby. Mick a former international out half in the seventies era is planning to visit every club in Ireland to get support for the trust and raise funds. He has set a target of 1.5 million Euro over a four year period and he hopes he can achieve this with all our help. Sligo RFC have in the past supported the trust and will continue to do so. There will be some fund raisers during the year and it is hoped the members will get involved at a local level to help out.

First Team Fixtures announced

The draw was made last week for the Junior League 1A and 1B. Sligo are competing again in the top Division and this season 2008/2009 the league will have thirteen teams. This will once again be a very competitive league and consistency over the twelve games will reap rewards. Included are the 2nd teams of AIL clubs ie Galwegians Corinthians and Buccaneers and the fixtures against these three sides can have a major bearing on the final outcome as these sides on any given day can field a very strong squad. This is dependent on how many of the Senior AIL players they are able to field and to some extent this down to luck for the junior side involved. Sligo kick off the League on September 21st away to Buccaneers no easy task as it is historically a difficult place to travel to. However the coaching team will have ample time to prepare for this one and training will start in July. ( Keep an eye on Website for starting date). Like every side in the league Sligo are working on strengthening their squad for the coming season and for all the players this league should pose an exciting challenge.

Download: Sligo First Team Fixtures 2008-2009

TAG Rugby returns to Hamilton Park

On Thursday evening Tag rugby returned to Sligo RFC Hamilton Park from Sligo IT. Due to very dry weather since early May grass growth was a problem and as a result Tag had to move to the Sligo IT pitches. There was a very big turnout of enthusiastic participants and a very good atmosphere. This year in its second year the number of teams has grown from sixteen to twenty two which is following the national trend. Tag rugby is growing rapidly in popularity as an all round recreational and social activity. The participants include 18 to 60 year olds and the social side is a very important part of the scene. All going well we should have Tag every Thursday night until it finishes in late July.

SENIOR FOOTBALL

A new Senior football management team has been put in place and only requires final ratification by the general committee after all the details are ironed out.

The team includes head coach Joe Walsh who finished last season in this position. Joe is a highly respected coach throughout Connacht and has a very good CV. He is one of a handful of Level 2 coaches and he has coached with very good success at underage. His successes include a Senior Cup win with Sligo Grammar School. An all Ireland U 18 title with Sligo RFC. Two interpro grand slams with Connacht U 18s. He has also coached Connacht schools and Sligo ladies to success. We wish him well in his new role with Sligo for 2008/2009 season.

The assistant coach is Roger Burrows who has played for several years for Sligo. Roger is originally from New Zealand but he has made Sligo his home and is very committed to Sligo RFC. He is fresh from playing the game and it is great to see one of our own joining the coaching ranks as young blood is always welcome . We wish Roger well in his first foray into coaching.

Cameron Giles will be the 1st team manager. Previously Cameron has worked with the Juvenile section and he is very dedicated and will be popular with the players. Cameron also did match videoing for the 1st team last year and will be familiar with the setup. We wish Cameron good luck for the coming season.