Following very heavy usage since last September, both pitches at Hamilton Park are urgently in need of remedial work. This week, work will commence on seeding, spiking and verti-draining the pitches. Accordingly, the Committee have decided to close both pitches, and the grounds, until the Volvic Tag Summer League commences on May 22nd. All club training will now take place elsewhere, and no training for the tag league will be permitted at Hamilton Park. Signs to this effect have been erected at the grounds, and the co-operation of everyone is requested, to ensure that the extensive work being carried out will be successful.
Archive for the 'Tag' Category
Page 2 of 3
The Volvic Tag Rugby Summer League, will commence in Hamilton Park on Thursday May 22nd, and will run for nine consecutive weeks, until July 17th. The league is being organised by the Irish Tag Rugby Association. Anyone seeking information on the league should access the organisers’ website, www.tagrugby.ie. Last year’s league was a major success, both in a sporting and a social context, and attracted record crowds to the venue, and all indications are that these numbers will be exceeded this year.
There is a lot of interest in this year’s Volvic Tag Rugby League, which is being organised by the Irish Tag Rugby Association and which commences in Hamilton Park in mid-May. For details of entry into the competition please visit their website:www.tagrugby.ie
The Tag Rugby league which was run so successfully last summer, will be held this year from May 22nd until July 17th. Tag rugby is not only a great participant sport for men and women, but is also conducive to enhancing the social lives of all involved, as was evidenced in last season’s post match clubhouse celebrations. The league is again being organised by the Irish Tag Rugby Association, and all groups,businesses or workplaces interested in entering a team in this year’s league should access the www.tagrugby.ie website for all details regarding entry.
The President, and all club members wish 2nd team player, James Coulter well, as he travels to Cape Town, South Africa this week, to participate in the Niall Mellon Township house building programme. James deserves commendation for his idealism, selflessness and humanitarianism. Sligo RFC are delighted to have raised a portion of the funding required by James for the project, from the special charity disco held in the Clubhouse last July, and through the raffle held at the function on the night of the Tag rugby final, the proceeds of both which were jointly shared between James’ Niall Mellon Fund’ and the Sligo Branch of Special Olympics.
The finals of the Tag League were held on Thursday last and despite the appalling weather attracted a bumper attendance. In all, four finals were played, and the conditions notwithstanding, spectators were treated to a feast of exciting rugby. Continue reading ‘Tag Finals Attract Bumper Attendance’
All plans are in place for the finals of the Tag Rugby league which take place at Hamilton Park on Thursday next [July 19th.] The finals are a fitting climax to a superb league which surpassed everyone’s expectations, both in terms of enjoyment for the participants and for attendances. Continue reading ‘Tag League Final On Thursday’
The Irish Tag Rugby Association are hosting two post tag barbecues, on this Thursday, and on the final night on Thursday July 19th in Hamilton Park, so two more memorable social evenings are in the offing, following the success of the initial barbecue on June 21st.
The league has now reached the final stages, so there should be some very competitive games over the next two weeks. At this point, it is likely that the eventual winners may be either Simon Galvan’s or Jamie Livingstone’s side, but the real ‘dark horses’ may be the JOD Sharks, who have performed most impressively throughout the league, and will be difficult to defeat.
Week 6 again produced a feast of exciting rugby in the Tag League, with a series of keenly fought games. A feature of the league is how well so many players, who previously had no rugby experience, have adapted to the game. The surprise of the evening was undoubtedly the defeat of The JOD Sharks, who had won all five previous league games, but they are still strongly in contention for a play-off slot. They have set the benchmark for everyone else to aspire to,despite having no experienced rugby players in their squad.
A welcome visitor on Thursday last was club Director of Rugby, Bernie Kelly. He was most impressed by the ‘buzz’ around the grounds and in the clubhouse, and by the very large crowd present. Bernie was delighted to see so many club players looking so fit and eager, even before pre-season training begins, and there can be no doubt, that the speed and free running of St. Farnan’s gaelic footballer, Declan Cawley caught his eye, as he looks to expand his playing squad for next season. Among the other newcomwers to impress were ex-Sligo Rovers player, David McDermott, former Sligo wing back, Ronan Keane, and former St. Mary’s defender, David Keane.
Coolera-Strandhill mid-fielder, Stephen Carty’s ball handling suggests that he could have had a fine rugby career as a No. 6 or No. 8. Former Georgian International, Hakaba, who played at out-half against Ireland in the 1999 World Cup, played a starring role on Thursday last.
Among the women players, Therese Cosgrove retains all the skills which earned her International selection, while Cliona O’Kelly, first cousin of Ireland’s all-time most capped player, Malcolm O’Kelly, consistently shines, and is also an excellent referee. One of the leading try scorers, and a very talented player, is Maria Devenney, a Co.Donegal Ladies gaelic player, and sister of Donegal star, Brendan Devenney. Elsewhere, Deirdre Heaslip has scored tries which her two International first cousins, Barry Murphy and Jamie Heaslip, would be proud of. Louise Dwyer, a neighbour of Ireland’s No. 8, Denis Leamy, in Cashel, Co.Tipperary, has performed impressively for the Sharks, while former juvenile coach, Jean McConnell, currently on the injured list, is also very consistent. Hockey star, Ceola McLynn is another who has given a series of outstandng displays.
Social Secretary, Billy Leahy, and Therese Cosgrove, are now planning a social function for Thursday July 19th, the final evening of the league, and details will be available on this Thursday.
Last Thursday night’s post tag barbecue attracted a huge crowd, and was a tremendous success. For new Social Secretary, Billy Leahy, this was his first venture into organising a club function, and he certainly did a superb job, along with Therese Cosgrove, in ensuring the event was so successful. On the evening all teams entered into party mode, and played in their special fancy dress gear, which contributed greatly to the atmosphere.
Winners of the Irish Tag Rugby Association award for the best team costume were The Warriors, who adopted a 1980′s dress theme. This caused mild surprise to some of the alickadoos in attendance, who regard their normal apparel as the height of sartorial elegance. The individual award for women, which was very generously sponsored by Sandra Raftery, was won by Sarah from the Ratpack team, while the men’s individual award, kindly sponsored by John Kent, was won by Gerry Kline. Much credit for everyone’s enjoyment of the occasion also goes to Bar Chairman, Mick Lucey, and his team of volunteers, Ralph Lucey, Niall Gray, Conor Frazer and Padraic Mullen.
The league continues on Thursday next at 7 pm,and concludes on Thursday July 19th.
The games were played in high spirits tonight [Thursday 21st] as teams dressed in a variety of costumes, ranging from 80’s to red devils.
Brat Pack (red devils) were well spotted all over the rugby club tonight: they were dipped with red paint and even their team mascot was dressed for the occasion.
Fairly lively lived up to their name to claim their first victory of the Volvic Tag league as they were convincing 8-2 winners of an enthralling game against Top of The League.
The Strandvestites were taken back by brat Packs blinding costumes, as brat pack defeated them by an amazing 28-4 score!!!
Unfortunately the 8.30 teams had to play in the torrential rain but the teams kept their spirit and played as best they could.
The Warriors didn’t let defeat effect them tonight as they later claimed the honour of best dressed team in the bar!
Sligo Rugby Club didn’t know what hit them tonight!! Great fun and enjoyment was had by all in the club house afterwards. The BBQ went down a treat, DJ was great and the bar staff were fantastic under pressure but were delighted with the outstanding turn out.
All teams stayed around for hours and I believe there was even exchanging of costumes later on in the night!
So overall Sligo Players had a fantastic night at VOLVIC TAG SUMMER LEAGUE!!
Match report by Rachael Harte.
Social Secretary, Billy Leahy and Therese Cosgrove have everything in readiness for the barbecue which will take place in Hamilton Park, following the Tag League on Thursday next [June 21st]. Tickets are available from Billy and Therese, and a great evenings craic is assured. All players will play Tag in their fancy dress outfits, and special prizes are on offer for the best costumes [female and male].
On Thursday week next [June 21 st], in conjunction with the Tag Rugby League, a barbecue will be held in Hamilton Park after the games. All teams will play in their fancy dress gear, and the individual adjudged to be the winner will be the recipient of a special prize. The organisers of both events are Billy Leahy and Therese Cosgrove.
Bookings for the barbecue are being finalised on this Thurday evening [June 14th] at the Tag League, so all 16 captains are required to have collected the money from their team members, and handed it over to the organisers on Thursday next, to ensure their booking.
Last Thursday’s games again produced some marvellous rugby, with standards continuing to improve. With a try from a woman meriting three points, compared to one point for a try scored by a man, the team tacticians are busy devising strategies to have a woman at the end of the moves, with Simon Galvan’s side, at this stage, using this tactic to very good effect.
In the past, Sligo had one of the strongest women’s sides in the country, and Therese Cosgrove and Ann O’Toole were capped for Ireland. With so many talented women starring in this league, women’s rugby will certainly be re-launched in the club when we move to our new facility in the near future.
Following the Tag League games on Thursday June 21st, a barbecue for all players, supporters and club members, will take place in Hamilton Park. This event is being organised by the club’s Hon. Social Secretary.,Billy Leahy, who will be assisted by Therese Cosgrove and an organising sub-committee. Full detais in next week’s notes.
Hamilton Park is a hive of activity each Thursday evening, as the Tag Rugby league continues to attract very large crowds, and generate tremendous enthusiasm and commitment from the 16 participating sides. Despite last Thursday’s torrential rain, all games were played on schedule, and there was some outstanding rugby on display. Skill levels continue to improve, especially amongst the players who had no previous rugby experience, and at this juncture it is impossible to even hazard a guess as to who the likely winner of the league might be.
All players are reminded that seperate shower facilities are available for men and women, and that a full bar service, as well as teas, coffee, sandwiches and light refreshments are available. Kick-off each Thursday is at 7 pm.
