Connacht created their own piece of history when defeating Munster 24-20 in a nail-biting Rainbow Cup game at sodden Thomond Park on Friday night.
In winning it meant that the western province overcame all of the other provinces away from home in the same season for the first time.
After head coach Andy Friend “placed a few rockets up peoples’ backsides” following his team’s home loss to Leinster the previous week, Connacht were a different proposition on this occasion responding very positively to the challenges posed by both the opposition and the weather conditions.
They dug deep to hang on for a tight victory over a strong and fancied Munster squad with young Buccaneers lock, Niall Murray, gaining the coveted ‘Man of the Match’ accolade.
Buccaneers had no less than six players in the Connacht pack, Murray (who played for the full game ) and Shane Delahunt starting while Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham and the Masterson brothers Eoghan and Sean also performed heroics during the second half. Jack Carty too was introduced at a key juncture to steady the westerners.
Meanwhile, Robbie Henshaw, was in blistering form as Leinster edged out a dogged Ulster challenge to win 21-17 at the RDS, the Athlonian nailed the ‘Man of the Match’ award with another typical storming display.
Tag Rugby Summer League
The 2021 tag rugby summer league will commence next month with a starting date to be confirmed shortly. Tag is played by seven-a-side mixed teams with at least three females on pitch at all times. Squads consist of 15 players. Players of all standards are welcome to participate including those with no rugby experience. This is a fun and social sport and teams from firms and business houses are very welcome. Further details are available on the IRFU website at www.irfu.ie
AGM Deferred
Due to the uncertainty about return to normal rugby activity in the club because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Annual General Meeting of Buccaneers RFC (which would be scheduled around this time of the year ) has been deferred for the time being. A decision on a date for the AGM will be made when greater clarity is available. In the meantime, the current members of the club’s Executive Committee have agreed to remain in office.
50/50 Draw
Kay Vaughan, a longtime stalwart of the club’s Ladies Committee, is the latest winner in Buccaneers RFC 50/50 Draw. Kay won €141.
Condolences
Deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Liam O’Neill whose son Keith played for Buccaneers for many seasons as did grandson Alan Gaughan.
Heartfelt condolences are also extended to Anthony Mitchell and family on the death of his mother Teresa and to Adrian Leddy (Connacht Branch IRFU ) on the unexpected passing of his wife Paula.
