U19′s commence league campaign

Next Sunday sees Sligo commence their much anticipated U19 Connacht League campaign.

A mouth watering opening game away to  Monivea should prove a great opener for a Sligo side brimming with class and potential. With the quality available to coach Dave O’Daly and manager John Keegan, Sligo are looking forward to a potentially huge successful campaign from a group of highly talented players. Players are asked to meet at the Retail Park at 10am.

The core of the Sligo team are made up from last seasons extremely successful under 17 side coached by Michael O Hehir and Peter Bannard and  managed by Joe Davey. A last gasp Connacht final  defeat, to eventual All Ireland winners Galwegians,unfortunately prevented this group of players from reaching their full potential, and this new challenge should prove enough motivation to focus the team to attain their full potential.

Up front Sligo have an embarrassment of riches to choose from. Fabian Zawada always gives his opposite number a torrid time. Matthew Davey continues to grow as an all round hooker and the powerful Jamie Mc Govern never fails to to impose his undoubted ability on the opposition. Add the unquestioned talents of Wayne o’Hara-Carty, Kieran Melly, Aaron Donnelan and Patrick Saba and on any given day Sligo’s front row can match any challenge.

The all important second row is another area of strength for Sligo. James Tansey, Martin Clarke and Connacht Schools player Diarmuid O’Dowd Hill are powerful driving influences. The athletic Niall O’Rourke is a huge source of possession at the line out. Shane Boyle’s physicality is vital to any team.

The back row will be bolstered by Connacht schools players James O’Hehir and Eddie Connell. O’Hehir is a classic tearaway who tackles everything in his path with relish and Connell is a superbly athletic 8 who carries ball superbly. Add the excellent David Heath, who has recently performed excellently at Ulster Bank League level for the club, and Sligo’s back row should match all comers.

The scrum half position is another area of strength for Sligo. The highly talented Enda Gavin is equally at home in the 9 or 10 position. Gary O’Hehir has been producing consistent performances for the Sligo first XV and  Ross Gordon has always filled the pivot role with success.

Gordon, Gavin and  Conor Kearins have seamlessly interchanged in the 9 and 10 slots for Sligo through their career development through the ranks of Sligo RFC and the excellent footballing ability of Kieran Blake can only enhance Sligo’s ability in this vital area.

At midfield Sligo’s options include the superb Sean Donnelly, who’s physical ability is a test for any defence and  Cathal Finneran who’s footballing ability is an addition to any back line.

Potentially, Sligo have a back three capable of unlocking any defence! Enda Roche can attack from any of the back three positions, Cyrus Mc Glynn never fails to produce a consistent performance, Jimmy Mullins can seamlessly slot in where required and the fleet footed Darragh Burke always takes his opportunities.

Robbie Keegan has consistently being producing superb attacking performances and his Ulster Bank League experience will be a huge asset to Sligo.

Following Monivea away on Sun Oct 30th, Sligo will face Corinthians away on Nov 6th and then take on the league favourites Buccaneers at home in Sligo on Nov 13th.

The U19′s are delighted to announce SIS Group (Support in Sport) as their new sponsor. Sligo RFC is indebted to SIS who have partnered with the U19′s for the next two years. We look forward to building the relationship moving forward and many thanks are extended to George Mullan and SIS for their support. For more information on SIS Group please click here.

Please note – The U19′s currently train on Tuesday and Fridays at 6.30 out at the club. Please contact John Keegan if you require any further details on 086 253 5602.