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

Sligo’s under 14 team rounded off the season in style when they lifted the Connacht Plate title with a comprehensive defeat of Claremorris RFC in a thrilling final at Ballyhaunis last Thursday evening.
In a feast of running rugby Sligo scored seven try’s in a game played at top speed and in an excellent spirit.
Sligo kicked off into the breeze and had the better of the opening exchanges. Despite the early Sligo dominance it was the Mayo outfit that opened the scoring. A turnover on the halfway line was moved quickly wide and a fine run was finished in the corner.
Sligo put this setback behind them and carried the fight to the opposition. A trademark Sean Mc Veigh break down the right saw the Tubbercurry powerhouse race in from the 10 metre line to open his teams account.
The Sligo pack began to settle and were begin to dominate at the ruck. The front row of Sean Wynne, Daragh Murphy and Oisin Staunton had the edge in the scrum and Christian Nielsen and Sean Snee were securing possession at line out time.
Ten minutes in Sligo took a lead they would never relinquish. A sweeping left to right move was halted 10 metres from the Claremorris line. Scrum Half Hugh Kispie released Cormac Murray down the blindside and the outhalf weaved his way to the line for a well worked score.
Sligo moved further ahead 5 minutes later when Staunton crashed over following some great work second row Conal Ryan.
Claremorris responded and picked up a second try but Sligo again reacted and Nielsen crashed over to increase the advantage again.
Claremorris started to bring their big runners into the game but solid defence from Sligo with Brian Cox to the fore ensured Sligo went into half time with a 10 point lead.
Sligo started strongly in the second half and were moving the ball at every opportunity. Phillip Carter , Eoghan Donoghue and Oisin Kelly were proving a handful in open play and Fiachra Doherty was counter attacking with venom from fullback.
Sean Wynne scored an excellent try from a typical barnstorming run 5 minutes into the half and then the prop forward repeated the dose 5 minutes later when he crashed over from close range.
Claremorris kept coming and picked up a third try with 15 minutes remaining. Sligo again responded and a training ground backrow move involving Michael Kilcoyne allowed Nielsen the space to race in for his second of the evening. The Mayo boys picked up a final consolation score with moments left on the clock but when the referee blew the long whistle it was the north westerners who celebrated.
Following the final whistle Connacht branch representative Brian Mescal presented the plate to Sligo captain Nielsen who paid tribute to the opposition and his teams coaches and manager with a well delivered speech.
Sligo Fiachra Doherty, Oisin Kelly, Brian Cox, Phillip Carter, Eoghan Donoghue, Cormac Murray, Hugh Kispie, Sean Wynne, Daragh Murphy, Oisin Staunton, Conal Ryan, Sean Snee, Sean Mc Veigh, Christian Nielsen, Michael Kilcoyne. Reps Brian Flannagan, Fergus Lang, Lucas Priolet, Robbie Ryan, Brian West, Brendan Cunningham.

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 Under 13′s win the 30th annual Pat Lawler Tournament.

On Saturday 20th April 2013 the Sligo U13′s created Club history when they traveled to Limerick to attend the 30th annual Pat Lawler Tournament and came home victorious with the cup in hand.

It’s the first time in the 30 year history of the Tournament that a Sligo team has gone all the way to the final and win the cup.

The Tournament consists of 26 teams from all over Ireland. Sligo were competing with teams such as Garryowen, Shannon, Terenure, St Mary’s and Connacht neighbours Galwegians.

Sligo started slow in their first game against Thormond and didn’t really gel but got their act together in the end to score the only try of the game winning 5-0.

Their second game against UL Bohemian RFC was a different story after some stern encouragement from their coaches they pulled themselves together and started to play their trademark game. With quick ruck ball using it with width in the backs they scored 4 brilliant try’s winning that game 20-0 earning themselves a bonus point.

Their third pool match game was against a much stronger and physically bigger Newcastle West team. Another slow start resulted in Newcastle powering through Sligo and scoring twice early in the first half. Sligo pulled themselves together and buckled in for a tuff ride, they showed great heart to claw back a try before half time. The second half Sligo applied more pressure and used the ball more technicality than their opposition and ran in two try’s to win the game 15-10 and top their pool.

Sligo were pitted against Shannon in the knock out stage of the tournament in the cup quarter final. Again using the ball with speed and width they out paced their rivals showing their superiority on attack. Sligo ran in 4 try’s to out class Shannon and win 20-0.

Sligo was now facing last years winners Wexford in the semi final. With the wind behind their backs Sligo changed it up a gear and ran in three unanswered tries in the first half. They put the nail in the coffin for Wexford scoring two more brilliant try’s in the second half winning 25-0 and securing a place in the Cup Final.

The final was set and the Sligo boys now had the massive challenge of beating Enniscorthy a much larger physical team. Three weeks earlier Sligo u13′s had the disappointment of losing the Connacht cup final against Corinthians 5-0 so they had plenty of motivation to right that wrong and redeem themselves. Sligo started the game with plenty of intensity and the smaller and quicker team ran Enniscorthy around the pitch looking for weaknesses in their defence.

After numerous phases Sligo spun the ball wide and dotted the ball down to score in the corner. Enniscorthy came back using their big forwards to soften the Sligo defence, they finally scored to even the game before the halftime whistle. The second half started with the same intensity as the first and Sligo made an immediate impact with a superb try from Captain Robbie Ryan.

Enniscorthy came back at Sligo but the little team held strong with a massive defensive effort from everyone. In the last minute of play Enniscorthy forced their way over the line to make it a 10-10 draw. The game went into extra time and with both teams neutralising each others attack they finished up even again. The tournament officials looked at the rule book and announced that the winner would be decided by try count in the quarter and semi final games, Sligo came out on top 9 try’s to 7 winning the tournament.

Coaches Aiden Ryan and Geoff Gardner said after a long season with all the hard work the kids put in it was a well deserved result and a massive achievement, they would also like to thank the parents for all their support not to mention trainer Neil Smyth and Manager Justin Harte and coach John Fairbrother.

Sligo RFC U13 Squad:
Ben Smyth, Brendon Cunningham, Remi O’Connell, Brian West, Jack Moran, Cody Gardner, Robbie Ryan, Ronan McGoldrick, Eoin Hallinan, Adam Simon, Mark Harte, Dillon McDermott, Kelvin Morris, Cain Quinn, James McDonagh, Joseph Dogget, Connor McElliott.

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.

Sligo Assassins played Enniskillen (The Skins) in Strandhill yesterday. Both sides were evenly matched on the day. Enniskillen took the win on the day beating Sligo by 14 points to 12.

Second from left is Max McGuinn shortly before he broke his collar bone, being tackled. The Sligo Assassins wish their “Legend” a speedy recovery.

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.

Upcoming Events :

Apr 20th – U12′s play Enniskillen in Strandhill – time to be confirmed

Apr 20th – U17′s Play the All Ireland Final in Naas KO 1.30pm, Please support the lads in this hugely important game for the club, please contact Emer at sligorugby@gmail.com if interested in going on the supporters bus.

Apr 27th – U12′s Charity Blitz – Mullingar time to be confirmed

May 10th – Annual Sligo Rugby Awards and Dinner dance http://www.sligorfc.ie/2013/03/29/annual-awards-night-and-dinner-dance-friday-may-10th/srfc-dinner-dance-2013/
This is always a very enjoyable night and it is important that we get a good response from the Juvenile coaches, please contact Mary O’Hehir @0872697083

Well done to the coaches and teams from the U10′s on their performance in the national blitz and the U12′s in their game against North Kildare last Saturday. Coaches – please send photos and reports of the various games to Emer for publication on the Club Website, Facebook page and Twitter and also for the local press.

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.