This weekend saw a number of Sligo youth sides in action at home and around the country. The U18s faced the much-vaunted Galway Corinithians side in Strandhill and after a tough, bruising encounter emerged victorious on a scoreline of 10-8. This was a superb result for a Sligo side that it is hoped will develop into serious contenders for silverware this season.

The U16s were also in action against Galway opposition, facing a talented Galwegians side in Strandhill. Again it was a tight, hard-fought encounter but two superb scores gave Sligo a 10-0 victory. The first was a pack effort finished by the excellent Gerard Keaney, while the second was a sublime individual effort from Sligo’s electric centre Killian Cox. Galwegians were always competitive but a failure to take chances combined with a massive effort from the Sligo forwards ensured that Sligo emerged victorious. This is a very talented U16s side, and with a bit of luck they too will be fighting for honours at the business end of the season.

Sligo U14s took part in a very beneficial training exercise against the Sligo Grammar School Junior side, which proved very useful for both sides. Sligo will have learnt a lot from this game, and would like to thank the Grammar juniors for providing them with the experience and match practice.

Next week the U15s and U14s will be travelling to Croke Park to watch the Ireland – Argentina game and on their way have arranged two friendly fixtures against Leinster opposition. The U15s will face the useful Newbridge RFC outfit, while their U14s counterparts will face Naas RFC. This promises to be a hugely enjoyable day for the Sligo lads, and both games are sure to be testing affairs and should prove advantageous to Sligo in terms of match-fitness and sharpness.