michael silke
Ivana Kiripati is the latest young Buccaneers player to be selected on a national squad having been named on the first ever Ireland women’s U-20 panel.
Following a week-long training camp at the IRFU High Performance Centre commencing on Monday next, Ireland will play training matches against hosts Italy and Scotland later this month. They travel to L’Aquila for training sessions alongside the other two nations before head-to-head 40 minutes matches against both Scotland and Italy on Friday, July 28.
Ivana continues the family tradition by playing in the forwards. Her father Kolo performed with distinction for the Pirates for over a decade, primarily at No 8, while mother Mele featured in the front row for the Athlone club. Kolo was head coach to the Buccs team that won promotion to Division 1A in the All-Ireland League while Mele has also been actively involved with womens and girls teams in the club.
Ivana, who also plays with Connacht, is wished every success in this historic Ireland squad.
Meanwhile, younger sister Merisa who currently lines out with Creggs is included in the Connacht U18 squad ahead of the upcoming Interprovincial series. Best of luck to Merisa also.
Good Luck to Rian & Ireland
Best wishes are also extended to Rian Claffey who has been selected to represent Ireland in the Coupe de la Juenesse at the end of July. Rian, who will row in the JM4X crew, played at lock forward on the Buccaneers team that won the recent Connacht U17 Cup crown. Continued good luck in Holland, Rian.
Best of luck too to the Ireland squad who face France in Friday’s U20 Rugby World Cup final. John Devine, son of Mike, has been starring in the centre for the boys in green but Harry West has been unfortunate that a hamstring injury has curtailed his involvement. An absolute cracking final looks in prospect and Ireland will have to be at their best to win a first RWC title but they have proved their capabilities with recent Six Nations triumphs.
Congratulations
Belated congratulations to Shane and Kelly-Anne Layden on their recent marriage.
Golf and BBQ Classic
Buccaneers RFC annual Golf & BBQ Classic takes place on Tuesday, July 25, at the panoramic Christy O’Connor Jnr designed Glasson Lakehouse course overlooking Lough Ree. Entry is €280 per team of four (€240 for a tee time before 11am ). Last tee time is 4pm. All support will be greatly appreciated. Contact Geraldine at 0861732711 or email [email protected] to book. The earlier you book, the better tee time you can obtain.
