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We are delighted to announce that Alan Quinlan will be the guest speaker at Sligo Rugby Club Awards & Dinner Dance.

The event is taking place on Friday May 10th in the Glasshouse Sligo.

Pre- Drinks reception is at 7pm followed by Dinner at 8pm with dancing to Deja Groove.

Get your tickets now to avoid disappointment!

Tickets are available from:
Vivienne Hannon 086 8685193
Clare Storey 087 7823898
Michael Storey 086 8198540
Mary O Hehir: 087 2697083

Tomorrow night Connacht Rugby Awards Night will kick off in Galway’s Radisson Blu Hotel.

The annual Black Tie event celebrates the year’s achievements at all levels of the game.

This year’s event is a very special occasion as we also pay tribute to a Connacht legend and outgoing Head Coach Eric Elwood.

There are a very limited number of tickets available for the Saturday night event. To book a ticket or table or for more information contact Martin Fallon on 091 568 561 or email mfallon@cbirfu.com
DATE: Saturday, 27th April
TIME: 7.30pm – Drinks Reception followed by a three course meal with wine
PRICE: €99 per person; Table of Ten €990

Amongst the many worthy nominees for awards are Sligo RFC’s Mairead Keane nominated as Connacht Women’s Club Player of the Year and Rory Raftery nominated as Connacht Volunteer of the Year. Sligo RFC has also been nominated as Connacht Club of the Year.

It promises to to be a great night and Sligo RFC wish all attending a very enjoyable evening.

The full list of nominees is available here – http://www.connachtrugby.ie/2013042583292/nominees-for-awards-night

Sligo RFC 7
Galwegians RFC 19

Saturday 20th April, Sligo 1st XV last same of the season and a Senior Connacht Final no less. The opponents Galwegians 1st XV and the venue Ballyhaunis RFC. A dry, sunny day was going to make it a fast game. Sligo take the kick off which was cleaned up Wegians and was kicked right back at Sligo deep in their half to go for a line out. Some quick work from Sligo, winning the ball and attempting to maul it out and move it up the centre of the pitch. Unfortunately, Sligo conceded a penalty within kicking distance and Wegians opted for the kick at posts. Luck on Sligo’s side with the ball hitting off the posts and a clean up from Sligo by grounding the ball behind the try line. A short, quick drop out from Butler ensured Sligo possession and followed by great crashes from Bowes and Maxwell.

The first 15 minutes was characterised by both sides possession via penalties conceded at ruck time. A lot of kicking to touch for Wegians to gain ground and let the pack do the work at line out. Sligo were putting pressure on Wegians, with a massive rob by Wilson, only to give possession away with a panicked pass and intercept from Wegians. When Sligo gained their penalties, they used quick taps and go from Pearson to make the yards and clinically placed box kicks from Pearson was getting them back into the Wegians half.

Line outs were paying dividends for Sligo with Kerins winning ball at the back and enabling Murphy to feed quick ball to the backs and with Butler, Spring and Keane show casing their passing and moving up the right wing in search of that elusive try 20 minutes into the game.

The game was continuing to be open and neither side looked like clear winners. Some serious pressure on defence from both sides meant a lot of work for both packs at the crouch, touch, set time with knock ons increasing in number and penalties at ruck time which resulted in both sides opting for the kick to touch and let their forwards secure possession and Iain ground.

With massive work being done by forwards in support of Kerins and Mullan at ruck time and Bowes making his patented crashes, Adrian mcNulty was able to find space and charge through the gap and Butler in support taking the ball up the right wing to cut inside and take contact. Mistakes coming from Wegians by Sligo pressure gave Sligo the scrum within 10 metres of Wegians try line to the left of the posts. With ball from the scrum and a crash up the centre, and eventually into the hands of Bowes, fully supported by Mitchell to ensure he crashed over the line to the left of the uprights. An easy conversion for Butler meant the Sligo led 7-0 almost 30 minutes into the game.

Sligo kept their momentum throughout the remaining minutes of the first half, with Wilson, Kerins and Power putting in crashes and punching holes in the defense and Murphy at scrum half showing off why he was put in his position and McNulty plaguing Wegians defense breaking though, shining massive yards for Sligo. A choice of subs when Mathews was put on near to the half time whistle who broke renewed energy and applied pressure, particularly on the counter kick.

Backs Foley and Pearson playing great support at ruck time, securing ball being taken in by Spring making his usual skips through the defense. Sligo looked like they had another try in them but unfortunately it wasn’t to be as Wegians kept the pressure on and were not going to allow another Sligo try. Before the whistle, Sligo displayed some gutsy defense work with Mathews, Foley and Spring putting in some crucial hits. The score going into half time 7-0 in favour of Sligo.

Sligo put up a great fight to keep Wegians out, despite conceding penalties and suffering a sin binning and a man down for the beginning of the second half.

Sligo kept up the fight and with crucial subs being made to keep the front row fresh, bringing Mannion on to keep pressure on Wegians at scrum time, Sligo kept the foot on the pedal. Great work at line outs by Heath and Wilson securing ball and Sligo making ground via well placed kicks by Pearson into open space. Foley and Nairn putting huge pressure on Wegians to keep the ball in the Wegians half and force the counter attack in to touch on one occasion and winning line out via Wilson. Despite phases of fantastic play by Sligo, ill-discipline crept into their game, with penalties at rucks or allowing the ball to go loose at rucks, losing valuable ball time. Wegians began to awaken and allow their backs to display quick ball, offloading fast ball from a tackle to ensure to keep Sligo constantly on the back foot and make yards up the wings to eventually allow Wegians to crash a try under the uprights 20 minutes into second half. An easy conversion brought both sides level at 7-7. This match had the making of a dog fight with both sides not letting either away with anything easily.

Wegians gained confidence from their first try and steam rolled another under the uprights in similar fashion to the first, despite dogged defence from Sligo and lead the game for the first time 14-7 25 minutes in.

Another sin-bin lost another man for Sligo and Wegians are a side that will take full advantage of this opportunity, which they did. The possession changed so fast, with Foley making a hit to hold up the ball and Sligo choke tackle to win possession only to kick it away seconds later. Wegians clean up quickly, running it down the right wing, and quick off load allowed for another try in the right corner. Wegians secure their lead at 19-7.

Continuing their fight for the remaining 10 minutes, and fresh heads of Leahy and Conneely going on and McHale, Mullan and Wilson continuing the onslaught on Wegians and eventual loose ball and clean up by Wegians who kicked to touch to end the game at 19-7.

Team: Conor Mitchell, Tadhg Power, Wesley Maxwell, James Wilson, Jamie Bowes, Peter Mullan, Rory Kerins, Adrian McNulty, Mickey Murphy, Paddy Pearson, Colin Keane, Aaron Spring, Gavin Foley, Chris Nairn, Mark Butler. Reps: Ross Mannion, Adrian McHale, Gary Conneely, Eoin Mathews, David Heath, Billy Leahy.

Navan RFC 30
Sligo RFC 18

Sligo’s bid to capture a history making All Ireland U17 title fell agonisingly short when they were defeated by an excellent Navan outfit in an excellent final at Naas RFC on Saturday. The match proved to be one step too far for a Sligo outfit that were unbeaten all season going into the game.

Sligo kicked off into the slight breeze and found themselves under early pressure. Navan were retaining the ball well and Sligo were finding it difficult gain any meaningful possession.
The opening score arrived with fifteen minutes gone on the clock. A prolonged period of open play stretched the Sligo defence and Navan took full advantage to dot down wide on the right. A well struck conversion followed up with a penalty minutes later gave the u outfit a 10 point early lead.

Sligo settled and began to build some pressure. A driving move involving Conan o Donnell and Shane o Hehir earned a good position in the Navan 22. The ball was recycled quickly and Outhalf Daragh Cummins released centre Evan Mc Grath who powered his way over for his teams opening score. The centre added the extras with a well struck effort to put his team within three of the opposition.

Mc Grath brought the sides level with a penalty on the half hour but Navan went into the break three points ahead with another well taken penalty kick.

Sligo started the second half strongly and camped themselves in the Navan 22. Mc grath brought the scores level with another well taken penalty and good work from Matthew Cosgrove and Paul Kilcoyne put their side back into the scoring zone. The forwards took over and drove for the line. A series of rucks followed and O’Donnell looked to have made the touchdown but to the bemusement of the onlooking Sligo support the referee awarded a penalty to Navan for a double movement.

Navan took full advantage of the let off and worked their way up the field before setting up camp in the Sligo 22. A series of drives ensued before the defence was breached and Navan picked up a second try.

The Leinster men were now in the ascendancy and quickly added to their total with another converted score to rock the Sligo boys back on their heels. A fourth try sealed the game for Navan but to their credit Sligo never stopped fighting and an excellent solo effect from the outstanding McGrath closed out the scoring.
Moments later the final whistle sounded to the disappointment of the large travelling Sligo support.

Sligo: Ryan Feehily, Paul Kilcoyne, Evan Mc Grath, Matthew Cosgrove, Jack Keegan, Darragh Cummins, Ronan Redmond, Thomas Moran, Joe Bennett, Conan O’Donnell, Jake Sexton, Cillian Gallagher, Shane O’Hehir, Daire Byrne, Joe Conway. Reps John Bartley, Hadi Mousa, Ryan Bright, Luke Morrison, Liam McEllhiney, Ross Chrystal, TJ Ford.

For Sligo RFC U15′s the last competitive match of the season was losing 15-5 to Creggs in the Plate final. In the end mixed feelings of pride and disappointment.

The U15′s are a very strong squad of 25 players most together since they were 7. This season the team has played some brilliant rugby and won some great matches. All players have upped their skill levels and game smarts. There is a very strong competitive element at this particular age with no dominant club and all clubs on the day capable of beating each other as seen in the league and cup. Sligo lost to both winners of League and cup by one try.

The Plate final was like the Italy V Ireland match. Starting with Ross Hickey down with flu Jusuf, Enda and Sam Donaghy down in 15 minutes with leg injures and then Jack Bourke with shoulder. Even with this and losing 12 0 with the wind at half time the team seemed to pull together and really put it up to Creggs in the second half with a try scored by Shane Flanagan after great work by the forwards Mark Keegan and Cal Mc Grath.

The coaches are sure that this squad has the capability to go and represent the club at the highest level and make that final break through these players have worked so hard for. Looking forward to next season already.

Thomond RFC 24
Sligo RFC 17

Sligo travelled to Limerick for their final ULster Bank League outing of a successful 2012/13 season to take on Thomond RFC at their home in Liam Fitzgerald Park.
Sligo travelled knowing that they had already secured their UBL status for the 2013/14 season but were hoping to finish the season on a high with an away win.
Thomond, however were not guaranteed safety and were looking for the win to secure their status for next season.
On a greasy surface Sligo kicked off with the aid of the slight cross breeze and put the early pressure on their hosts. The front row of Conor Mitchell, Tadgh Power and Wesley Maxwell were giving their opposite numbers a torrid time in the scrums and half-backs Paddy Pearson and Mark Butler were using their kicking game to keep Sligo in the Thomond half. Sligo, were rewarded with a well taken penalty after 15 minutes.
Sligo continued to press but against the run of play it was the Limerick outfit that scored next. A converted try following some slick handling gave the home team a 7-3 lead going into the break.
Sligo turned into the freshening breeze following the resumption and were rocked on their heels with an early converted try following some loose defensive kicking. Thomond sensed blood and hit their visitors with another quickly taken converted score 10 minutes into the half to move the scoreline to 21-3.
Sligo fought back and earned a penalty just inside their own half. Butler went for touch and positioned Sligo just outside the Thomond 22. Tadgh Power found James Wilson at the lineout and the ball was released to Pearson. The scrum half fed Butler who stepped inside the defence and raced into the 22. Butler found Pearson on his inside and the scrum half raced in for a well worked score. Butlers score move the score to 24-10.
Sligo continued to press and camped themselves in the Thomond 22. Some good driving play from Jamie Bowes and David Heath positioned their team close to the line and Pearson darted down the side of the ruck to add another 5 pointer. Butler added the extras to move the score to 21-17.
Thomond had the last say however and a penalty kicked from the Sligo 22 metre line with 5 minutes left on the clock moved the final score to 24-17 in favour of the Munster men.
Sligo collected a losing bonus point to move their final tally for the season to 28 and a final league placing of ninth which is an improvement of two places on last years final placings.
Sligo’s remaining match of the season is the Connacht Senior League final play off against Galwegians RFC. The game is likely to be played on Saturday 27th the venue and kickoff time have yet to be confirmed.
Sligo, Colin Keane, Billy Leahy, Aaron Spring, Gavin Foley, Sean Donnelly, Mark Butler, Paddy Pearson, Wesley Maxwell, Tadgh Power (capt), Wesley Maxwell, James Wilson, Jamie Bowes, David Heath, Rory Kerins, Peter Mullan. Reps Gary Conneely, Ross Mannion, Adrian McHale, Andrew Williams.

Corrib RFC 24
Sligo RFC 2nds 13

On Sunday April 7th, Sligo RFC 2nd XV faced Corrib RFC in a promotion/relegation play off game for a place in Connacht Division J1B in Ballyhaunis.

Corrib played with the strong wind in the first half and used their big pack well to maul the ball early on, almost resulting in an early try but the grounding could not be seen. Corrib forward pressure continued with the ball controlled well by Martin Lee at the base of the maul, but the Sligo defence held fast.

Sligo put some good phases together and attacked Corrib using centres Clive Morris and Brandon Harvey and wing Robbie Keegan to good effect.

Again after some good forward play, Corrib ran the ball across the backline and the fullback touched down in the corner giving Corrib a 5 nil advantage on 30 mins.

Moments later Corrib went 8 nil up with a well struck penalty. Just before the half Corrib struck a well taken drop goal leaving the score at 11 nil going into half time.

On 35 mins both sides were down to 14 after the Corrib 7 and Sligo 1 received yellow cards for an off the ball incident.

With the strength of the breeze, one had to wonder was 11 points going to be enough of a lead for Corrib to hold on to going into the second half.

The Sligo back line looked dangerous when they spread the ball wide and they had plenty of opportunity to do this as their pack controlled the set piece well. Some fine line breaks by Sligo outhalf Stuart O’Brien and wing Robbie Keegan saw Sligo gain some good ground early on in the second half.

O’Brien was unlucky not to score when he crossed the Corrib line after a fine break from just inside the 22 but he failed to ground the ball after some last ditch Corrib defence.

Sligo’s Sean Bagnall got Sligo onto the scoreboard with a penalty 11-3. Corrib responded almost immediately with a penalty to leave the score 14 – 3 in Corrib’s favor.

The Corrib forwards continued to carry the ball well and after yet another Martin Lee break, Corrib’s ‘Snackbox’ crossed the Sligo line for a try in the corner leaving the score at 19-3.

Sligo heads could have gone down at that stage but they fought back superbly well and with some good attacking play from replacement centre Adam Cullen, they worked the ball downfield to the Corrib 22. After a fine break the Sligo fullback Doc touched down under the posts. With the conversion from Sean Bagnall it left the score Corrib 19 Sligo 10.

The Sligo pack carried some good ball through David Cawley, Kieran Meehan, Gary Conneely and in particular Andrew Williams as they continued to bring the game to Corrib. Sligo were rewarded with a penalty on the Corrib 22. They opted to kick to touch and the ball was eventually turned over.

Sligo continued to apply good pressure and went through several phases of play retaining possession and producing scoring opportunities, however the Corrib defence remained in tact. After many visits to the Corrib 22, Sligo were awarded a penalty which was converted by Sean Bagnall bringing Sligo to within 6 points at 19-13.

From the restart Corrib applied the forward pressure once again and after several phases of play they scored in the corner leaving the final score 24-13 to Corrib, who now retain their spot in J1B for the 2013/14 season.

Sligo 2nds who have had a great season with some fine play and memorable wins, will now have to rebuild and focus on trying to take top spot and automatic promotion in J1C next season.

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