Athlone native, Luke Carty, has been named in an extended USA squad ahead of fixtures against England on July 4 and Ireland on July 10.
This marks a major upturn in fortunes for the 23-year-old Athlonian who transferred from Buccaneers to new Los Angeles rugby franchise LA Giltinis just before Christmas.
Carty had been released by Connacht shortly prior to that and then planned a move to an Australian club. However, Covid-19 put paid to that but Darren Coleman (the coach who was bringing him to Sydney ) then took up a new role as head coach at LA Giltinis and he tempted Carty to the west coast of USA.
There, Luke plays in a squad that includes internationals such as Australian duo Adam Ashley Cooper and Matt Giteau, who has been capped over 100 times by the Wallabies.
Named after a cocktail, LA Giltinis sparkling brand of rugby has them topping America’s Major League Rugby with eight wins from their opening nine matches. Carty is clearly flourishing in the environment and a USA born grandmother makes him eligible for selection by the Eagles.
That is surely a step up from Connacht’s Eagles and the province will now ponder their decision to release the promising flyhalf from their ranks. Luke was Buccaneers top points scorer in his final full season at Dubarry Park where his elder brothers Jack and Ben were also top class players. His father Ted is a staunch supporter of the club of which he is a past president. He is also a recent president of Connacht Rugby.
Luke represented Ireland at U18 grade and was Buccaneers ‘Senior Player of the Year’ 2019. He is a past pupil of Marist College and played GAA with St Brigids.
He has wonderful potential and, in taking on a fresh challenge thousands of miles from home, he displays similar commitment and dedication to eldest brother Jack whose ceaseless and improving efforts established him at Connacht and led to recognition on the Ireland senior team.
Everyone at Buccaneers hope Luke will make the USA Eagles starting XV in due course and, perhaps, could have a unique head to head with Jack in the future!
Buccaneers Rugby Summer Camp
Buccaneers rugby summer camp will take place in August at Dubarry Park. The camp is for boys and girls aged seven to 12 years and will be held from Monday, August 9 until Friday, August 13, 9.30am to 12.30pm daily. The camp will be compliant with all IRFU Covid-19 regulations. Cost is €70 euro and every participant will receive a free rugby ball and t-shirt.
Boys and girls can have fun, keep fit, learn skills and make new friends at the Buccs camp. Early booking is recommended. To do so, contact the club’s Administrator Geraldine at 0861732711 or email her at [email protected].
50/50 Draw Winners
The latest winners in Buccaneers RFC 50/50 Draw are Mary Clarke who won €148 and club captain Evan Galvin who won €140. It costs just €2 per week to participate in this draw. To join, contact our Administrator Geraldine at 0861732711. All support greatly appreciated.
Tag Rugby Summer League
The 2021 tag rugby summer league will commence next week with a starting date of Friday, June 11. Tag is played by seven-a-side mixed teams with at least three females on pitch at all times. Squads consist of 12/14 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
Buccaneers Duo In Ireland U20s Squad
Buccaneers duo, Darragh Murray and Oisin McCormack, have been included in Ireland U20’s provisional squad ahead of the forthcoming Six Nations fixtures. We wish them the best of luck.
Bounty Reopening On June 7
It seems like the pandemic lockdown has gone on forever but some normality is returning to life. The latest phase of reopening the country takes place next weekend when bars and restaurants can reopen for outdoor wining and dining where premises can facilitate this.
Thus, we look forward to visiting The Bounty Bar and Venue at Dubarry Park from Monday next, at the end of the bank holiday weekend.
Paschal, Tom and staff also look forward to welcoming friends old and new, socially distanced, to their new installation at The Bounty. Check it out but bookings may be necessary so call 0906477566.
