Monthly Archive for March, 2012

Sligo hit the All Blacks for five

Published on March 25, 2012 in News. Closed

Sligo RFC 39
Connemara All Blacks 16

Sligo virtually cemented their Ulster Bank League Status with an all action demolition of the Connemara All Blacks at Strandhill on Saturday. Sligo scored five trys on their way to victory, securing the all-important bonus point and adding generously to their points score difference.

With ground conditions perfect for fast paced rugby, Connemara kicked off with the aid of the breeze and immediately took the early initiative with a Sean Joyce penalty in the first minute. The ‘blacks out-half increased his teams early lead with two further well struck kicks on eight and ten minutes pushing his team into a nine point lead.

Despite this early setback Sligo stuck to their plan and worked their way into the visitors scoring zone. A five yard lineout was secured by James Wilson, the pack drove forward before ‘Man of the match Rory Kerins broke away and crashed over for his teams opening score.

Sligo continued to press and soon found themselves back in a similar positon. This time Peter Mullan took the lineout and the pack rumbled forward. Scrum half Gary O’Hehir moved the ball to Mark Butler and the outhalf expertly side stepped his marker and raced in under the posts. Butler added the conversion to move his side into a three point lead prior to the interval.

On the resumption Sligo further turned the screw and five minutes in a Butler penalty further increase the lead following a ruck infringement.

Sligo pressed on and moved their total into the twenties when Kerins latched onto a spilled pass and raced to the line to dot down under the posts, Butler added the extras.

The home outfit were now in the ascendancy and their defensive pressure was forcing uncharacteristic errors from their visitors. Mc Hale, Conneely and Mc Guinness were edging the battle of the front rows, Mullan and Wilson were lording the lineouts, and the backrow of Kerins, Heath and Ferrari were on top at the breakdown. O’Hehir and Butler were combining well at half back and centres Foley and Fifita continually closed down the midfield threat of the visitors. Sligo’s back three of Lafitte, Gerrity and Hawkins were attacking and defending excellently as a unit.

The locals moved further ahead and secured the bonus point when Hawkins snuffed out a Connemara attack by blocking a chip ahead on the 10 metre line, collecting the loose ball and beating the defensive cover to touch down between the sticks. Butler again converted.

Connemara were not finished and endeavoured to work their way back into the contest. A series of penalties in the Sligo half resulted in the sin binning of Sligo’s O’Hehir and the ‘blacks made the most of the numerical advantage by driving over under the posts to reduce the deficit. Joyce converted to move the score to 29-16 heading into the final quarter.
Sligo reacted immediately and a well struck Butler penalty put paid to the Connemara mini revival before another forced error was picked up by the ever alert Kerins, and the flanker crashed over for his well deserved hat trick. Butler again converted to round off a memorable day for his team.

Sligo’s next assignment in the Ulster Bank league is away to NUIM-Barnhall at Parsonstown next Saturday. NUIM Barnhall are currently sitting third in the league table, equal on points with Highfield RFC. The third place finisher in the league will be rewarded with a play-off against the third from bottom team of Division 2a so a keen encounter is expected. Another interesting aspect of next Saturday’s match will be the presence of Simon Gillespie for NUIM-Barnhall. The outhalf played on the Sligo U18 team that defeated Barnhall in the All Ireland Cup final in 2005.

Sligo:Daniel Hawkins, Hugo Lafitte, Gavin Foley, Matele Fifita, David Gerrity, Mark Butler, Gary O’Hehir, Adrian Mc Hale, Gary Conneely, Shane Mc Guinness, Peter Mullan, James Wilson, David Heath, Rory Kerins, Thomas Ferrari. Reps Brian Keane, Andrew Williams, Sean Donnelley, Ross Mannion, Stephen Butler.

Video Highlights:

Photos by Rory Raftery – full gallery here on facebook

Sligo RFC’s Newest Member!

Published on March 18, 2012 in News. Closed

Congratulations and best wishes from all at Sligo RFC to club stalwarts Rory and Sandra Raftery on the birth of their new baby boy on Saturday evening.
A perfect gift for Mothers day, Well done Mum!

Sligo Rugby Club National Schools Blitz

Published on March 14, 2012 in News. Closed

Sligo I.T. played host to great fun day of touch rugby on Friday last.

Over 500 children from 24 schools from all corners of Sligo travelled to the I.T for Sligo Rugby Clubs national schools blitz. The blitz has become a annual event now and is part of Sligo Rugby Clubs drive to introduce rugby to all and bring new players to the game, both boys and girls. The event is in partnership with Connacht Rugby and Sligo Sports Partnership who helped massively on the day and in the run up with all the organizing.

Sligo Rugby Club development officer Ross Mannion has been to 30 national schools in the county this year introducing touch rugby, which is a non-contact version of rugby, similar to tag rugby but it introduces positions and other key elements of rugby that tag rugby does not use. Commenting on the blitz Ross felt “It was a great day for all involved, all the children and teachers where brilliant, a credit to their schools and families and seem to have really enjoyed themselves, hopefully we will be seeing alot more of them in the coming years playing rugby with Sligo Rugby Club”.

Ross also wanted to thank the schools and teachers for participating, Sligo Sports Partnership for there help on the day and in the lead up and all at Connacht Rugby whom helped referee on the day and James Hampson and Darren Harte, transition year students from Summerhill College for their help on the day.

See full photo gallery – here

Sligo RFC U12’s keep marching on

Published on March 13, 2012 in Juvenile, Match Reports and News. Closed

Juvenile rugby in Sligo continues to grow in reputation after the Connaught U12 Tuam Rugby Blitz last weekend. A superbly organised event by the Tuam Tigers and beautiful weather provided the start to an entertaining morning. A dedicated Sligo team provided a performance to be proud of and the match results to suit. Playing 5 games the Sligo team won 4 and drew 1. Many thanks to the parents who travelled to the venue to support the team and to the Sligo coaches Aidan Ryan and John Fairbrother for continuing to develop the team’s potential. But most of all a BIG THANK YOU you to all the players for their dedication and commitment throughout the season making us all feel proud.

Meanwhile back at home, Carrick on Shannon visited Sligo IT with their U7/8/9/10/11′s team in what turned to be a very enjoyable day for all with some magnificent displays of rugby.

Many thanks to the Glasshouse Hotel for their generous sponsorship of the after match catering.

There will be no training this Saturday 17th due to the St. Patrick’s day celebrations. Below is a list of the remaining fixtures;

Mar-24 Away Connacht Blitz Bucks/Monivea (U11s Only)
Mar-24 Training for other groups in Sligo IT
Mar-31 Away Connacht Blitz Ballina (U10s Only)
Mar-31 Naas U11 Blitz ( U11s Only)
Mar-31 Training for all others in Sligo IT
Apr-01 Home V Ennis U12 Only
Apr-07 Easter Saturday – NO Training
Apr-14 Final Training Session
Apr-29 Seapoint Mini Rugby Festival in Dublin ( U11s/U12s Only)


Under 11′s at training on Sat morning at Sligo IT.

Sligo beat Buccaneers to make Senior Cup final

Published on March 12, 2012 in Match Reports and Senior. Closed

Sligo 37
Buccaneers 28

Sligo somewhat surprisingly but deservedly beat the much fancied Buccaneers team to make it to their first Senior Cup final since 1992. This fixture was rearranged as weather disrupted the original match back in January. Sligo have been struggling in Division 2B of the AIL while at the same time Buccs have been going well in Division 1B. With such a disparity it was always felt that Sligo would seriously struggle against their more illustrious opponents.

Both sides fielded weakened sides for this Cup encounter with Sligo giving an outing to several young players especially in a totally reshuffled back line. All the young lads given their chance showed up very well and can be very proud of themselves. Sligo did field close to their best pack and they laid the foundations for this excellent win.

Sligo started much the stronger and were rewarded with an early penalty which the excellent Daniel Hawkins converted. However Buccs were soon on the attack and found themselves with a line out five metres for the Sligo line. Things looked ominous but Sligo as they were to continue right through the game drove Buccs backward and from the resulting scrum won a deserved penalty to get off the hook. Soon Sligo were on the attack and when veteran full back Roger Burrows collected a poor clearance kick he set up a great attack and with a beautiful offload set young flanker David Heath free. Heath had a lot to do but with some good speed and a beautiful swerve past the last defender he crashed over in the corner. The try lifted the side and the lead achieved was never relinquished until the final whistle.

The midlanders scored two penalties before Sligos out half Hawkins glided past his opponent to score near the posts. He converted his own try to make it 15 6. The next two scores came from Buccs, a try and a penalty to make it 15 14. The match continued in this helter skelter fashion into the second half, Sligo were next to score when their excellent number eight Aidan McNulty blacked down a clearance and then collected to score a fine opportunist try. Again Hawkins converted 22 14 to keep the pressure on.

Next up was Billy Leahys try on the left corner. After some good driving play by the forwards the ball was cleverly moved left for Leahy who had a bit to do but he managed to beat two despairing tacklers for the touchdown to move to 27 14.

Just when they feel they are cruising back come Buccs with another converted try 27 21. A penalty from straight in front again by Daniel Hawkins pushes it out to two scores and a bit of breathing space at 30 21. Crucially Sligo are next to score as both sides are tiring on the heavy pitch. This time it was that man Mata Fifita on one of those powerful bursts that the supporters come to see, brushing aside would be tacklers like swatting flys and he touches down near the posts. Hawkins converted 37 21 with seven minutes remaining.

Buccs would have the final say with a converted try but it wasn’t to be enough and Sligo pulled off a great moral boosting win which should stand them in good stead for those vital league games ahead.

This was a highly entertaining affair in sticky conditions with both sides willing to attack at all times. For Sligo’s young players this will have been invaluable experience and the coach Simon Galvan will be real pleased the way they showed up today.

The foundation of this win was laid by a very strong pack performance. The scrum was dominant with parity at the line outs. In the loose Sligo did get a bit of a hard time from the referee where they were very aggressive but did at times go off their feet and that’s an area they will need to examine. The back row were very strong with number eight McNulty the pick of the three with his big hits ball carries and general industry and he capped a great outing with a well taken try.

In the tight five Jamie Bowes had his usual barnstorming runs and he is a great workhorse for the team. The front row had the advantage all day with Mannion Coneeley and Mchale doing damage to their opposition. It was great too to see Brian Kane getting game time and he acquitted himself very well in the tight and in the loose where he has a great turn of speed for a prop.

Sligo’s back line did really well considering there were several new combinations. Daniel Hawkins at ten had an excellent match and was the stand out player on the park. He contributed 17 points through the boot and one touchdown and his all round work rate was exemplary. Young Stephen Butler in the centre had a great outing and his defence was strong with some nice touches in attack. Stephen is one for the future for sure. The rest of the backs were busy all day and they will gain confidence from this outing.

Sligo will face Galwegians in the final later in the season and it will be their first Senior Cup final since 1992. Remarkably Peter Mullan who came on today played in that game and wouldn’t it be amazing for Peter to be involved twenty years later. It is a huge testimony to a player who has given an enormous amount to his club and to the dedication to keep himself in such shape and fitness over the years.

Sligo; R Burrows S Donnelly S Butler M Fifita B Leahy D Hawkins G OHehir R mannion G Coneeley A McHale J Bowes J Wilson P Conlon( C ) D Heath A McNulty Subs P Mullan B Kane N OHara A Tansey M McMorrow

Buccaneers; J McGuire C Greene M Carroll K Kirapati B Corcoran A Kenneddy M Dolan M Staunton G Halligan D Higgins E Rooney J Tormey J Donoghue C Hannify L Sachner Subs A Connaughton A Hayman T Clifford L Dolan S Stapleton

Juvenile Rugby News…..

Published on March 8, 2012 in News. Closed

Under age rugby at Sligo RFC continues to go from strength to strength.

A very well organised U7/8 and U9 blitz hosted by Castlebar Saturday March 3rd saw wins on mass for Sligo. The U7/8′s saw a rash of wins under coaches Ed and Paul.

A strong U9 squad then won all but 1 of 8 matches in a very strong showing including beating their strongest test, Buccaneers, under coaches John Martin, John Garvey and Hagan McQuaid.

Thanks to all parents who travelled, youth coach John Fairbrother who travelled too, Hugh O’Hehir underage club convenor, Justin Harte club management and organisation and Castlebar for their invite. And last but not least the players themselves who continue to instill pride in both their club, their coaches and parents alike.

Next week the U12s travel to Corinthians/Tuam for their Connacht blitz while Carrick on Shannon visit sligo in all other age groups.

To vote for our U11s in the O2 club competition please log on to www.o2/rugby and click on view all. scroll down until you see U11′s Sligo Assassins challange you. double click on it and then click on vote. It would be fantastic opportunity for the kids and great advertisement for the Sligo Rugby Club.

70 and going strong…..

Published on March 8, 2012 in News. Closed

Members of Sligo RFC photographed with George Hook who was speaking at the Sligo Chamber of Commerce dinner dance in Oct 2009.

RTE rugby pundit George Hook will be 71 this year. He will be in full swing for the Ireland V Scotland game at 17:00hrs on Sat March 10th.

Over the course of the last 20 years when Ireland have played Scotland, there has been 10 wins for Ireland, 9 losses and 1 draw. Ireland have scored 43 tries, scored 442 points and have won 1 championship – see full facts here – http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/matchcentre/7991.php?section=overview&fixid=153759

Read more about George Hook here – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Hook
George Hook website – www.georgehook.com

The Ireland V Scotland game will be shown live in the Club in Strandhill following the Senior Cup semi-final clash between Sligo and Buccaneers which is set for 2:30pm at Hamilton Park on Sat March 10th.

Sligo U13′s through to Connacht cup quarter finals

Published on March 5, 2012 in News. Closed

Buccaneers RFC 20 Sligo RFC 40

Sligo U13′s travelled to Dubarry Park on Sunday and came away with a well earned win. The visitors took a 4 point lead into the break after a very competitive half (19-15). The half finished with a great passage of play that saw a super line break by no. 8 Matthew Leonard, finished off in style by the powerhouse no. 5 Christian Neilsen.

Great work in the tight by the pack Darragh Murphy, Brian Flannagan Lucas Prioet and Marc Flannagan, 2nd rows Fionn Costello and Christian Neilson, and back row players Bobby O’Hara, Michael Kilcoyne, and Dylan Martin layer the platform for a more controlled second half where the backs could use the space. The work rate and commitment of these players was evident in the injuries sustained by Darragh, Fionn and Michael. Bobby Lukas and Dylan turned over some great ball against bigger opposition.

Srum half and captain on Sunday Hugh Kisby was as always controlling the pace and marshalling the troops and as usual led by example in the physical exchanges. His half back partner Cormac Murray was as usual excellent in attack and defence, controlled the back line and kicked all but one.

The new pairing of Brian Cox at 12 and Philip Carter at 13 worked very well and both centres put in plenty of defensive work and ran some great lines.

Both Wings Eoghan Donohue and Owen Farragher were really impressive with great cover tackles on big opposition players all day and still had enough energy for Sligo attacks out wide.

Last but by no means least, this squad may have found a true 15. Luke Weaver took up the challenge and had a very assured performance, cleaning up and counter attacking in the mode of Rob Carney.

Christian Neilsen was man of the match with his signature powerful line breaks, hand offs and his determination to reach the line.

No joy for Sligo in Sutton

Published on March 4, 2012 in News. Closed

Suttonians RFC 33
Sligo RFC          20

Sligo travelled east to Dublin to take on Suttonians RFC in search of much needed Ulster Bank League points but returned empty handed when they were out scored by four tries to three by a hungrier local outfit.

A slow start from the visitors handed the initiative to the home side and although Sligo’s intensity grew as the game progressed, Suttonians capitalised and ran out comfortable victors when the final whistle was blown.

Played in dry conditions with the breeze favouring the home side, Suttonians kicked off and immediately put pressure on Sligo.

Sligo’s early tactic appeared to be to move the ball wide at every opportunity but the well organised Suttonians  defence were not going to breached and early pressure forced a kickable penalty in the opening minutes.

Suttonians were buoyed by their early success, particularly at the breakdown, and it wasn’t long before they registered their opening try. A lineout on the halfway line was quickly spread wide and Sligo’s defence  was breached with a well finished score. 10 points down early into the action, Sligo rallied and a Mark Butler penalty opened the score for the visitors.This boost was short lived however as Suttonians sensed that Sligo were off their game and blitzed their visitors by running in three trys without reply in a tough 15 minutes for the north westerners!

27-3 down and Sligo had a mountain to climb, but to their credit they stuck to their task and worked their way back into the game. Rory Kerins was becoming a menace at the breakdown and Aidan Mc Nulty’s trademark carries we’re forcing the home defence back!

Sligo’s endeavour was rewarded just before the break when following a period of sustained pressure, Butler forced his way through the cover and touched down to the right of the posts. The out half added the extras to bring the half time score to 27-10.

Sligo started the second half brightly and following a strong break from Mataele Fifita, second row Jamie Bowes drove over out wide to reduce the deficit. Suttonians,however,were not in the mood to slip up and two well struck penalties put the game beyond Sligo’s reach.

Sligo picked up a final consolation score through substitute Gary O’Hehir but the day belonged to their hosts.

Next week sees Sligo return to cup action when they host Buccaneers at Strandhill on Saturday.

Sligo:
David Geritty, Gavin Foley, Daniel Hawkins, Mataele Fifita, Hugo Lafitte, Mark Butler, Billy Leahy, Adrian Mc Hale, Ross Mannion, Shane Mc Guinness, Jamie Bowes, James Wilson, Paddy Conlon (Capt), Rory Kerins, Aidan Mc Nulty. Reps Brian Keane, Gary Coneelly, Peter Mullan, David Heath, Gary O’Hehir.

Girls Out In Force

Published on March 2, 2012 in News. Closed

Over 120 transition year and second year girls from Sligo Grammar, Ursline College, Mercy College and Sacred Heart from Westport took part in touch rugby blitz Sligo recently.

The initiative was part of Sligo Rugby Club’s and Connacht Rugby’s youth development programme of getting more girls playing rugby. Sligo Rugby Club have an adult rugby ladies team back up and running the last two seasons and it is hoped that some of the girls involved in what was a great fun day will now go on and play underage rugby with Sligo.

A special word of thanks to Sacred Heart for travelling up and taking part, to all the Sligo schools and their teachers, two of whom are playing for Sligo Rugby’s Ladies team. Thanks also to Sligo Rugby’s development officer Ross Mannion, Connacht Rugby’s Wendy Hickey and Gavin Foley and Sligo Rugby’s Daniel Hawkins for coaching in the schools and helping referee in the day.

Sligo U14′s beat Castlebar in Cup quarter final

Published on March 2, 2012 in News. Closed

Sligo U14′s went to Castlebar to take on last years unbeaten champions Catlebar in the quaterfinal of the cup.

Sligo have recruited well this season bringing a series of new players and these players have worked hard with the rest of the team to travel with the belief of causing a real upset.

The Sligo forwards worked very hard soaked up the early pressure and then center Shane Flanagan struck for a brilliant try converted by Nial Gray. Castlebar then struck back with a try themselves but from then on they never really got near scoring while Sligo seemed the stronger coming very close with strong breaks by Yusuf Shalabi and Jack Burke. It was great also to see very strong performances from new players Keelan Brennan, David Killerhill and Daveron Fallon. Knowing that there was a very strong bench to bring on kept players focused on the pitch. The match was very intense and on the edge right up to the end and it was only sheer commitment and teamwork that saw Sligo through. Players put their bodies on the line lead by Cal, Jordan and Bradley. Special mention also to Ross and Graham in the back row for their speed to the breakdown.

Next up is Galwegians in the semi Final away in Galway. The team with coach Peter Bannard is really looking forward to this new challenge.