Buccaneers commence the defence of their Bank of Ireland Connacht Senior Cup when they square up to Galway Corinthians at Dubarry Park on Saturday, January 6.
This semi-final will be a tricky assignment as the westerners are in flying form, lying in second place in AIL 2B where their only defeat was to leaders Instonians. The teams met in the first fixture of the season when the Pirates came out on top by ten points in a Connacht Senior League game at the Athlone venue. Both squads were quite youthful then and Saturday’s joust is likely to have a similar age profile among the teams with enterprising fare looking in prospect.
Corinthians are likely to have a more settled side while Buccs may not have Academy players available. But the midlanders have finally been getting some reward for their endeavours in 1B and, if they maintain their improved performances, home advantage could be the decisive ingredient. A real cup battle looks likely when the action kicks off at 2.30pm.
Exiles Win Revived Festive Fixture
EXILES 42 PRESIDENT’S SELECTION 38
The revived Exiles fixture commemorating Pat Hynes at Buccaneers RFC served up high-scoring and entertaining fare on a cool but dry St Stephen’s Day at Dubarry Park where a final move of the game try by Harry Hughes edged the Exiles to a 42-38 victory over the President’s side.
The Exiles also commenced the scoring with MJ Magele touching down, soon to be followed by Hughes’ first try. Tony Ward opened the President’s account with a try to which David Fineau replied. Keelan Connolly’s try for the black-shirted President’s men reduced his side’s halftime arrears to 21-12.
David Fagan narrowed the margin to just two points soon after the interval but Hughes, who notched a hat-trick, scored following a fine cross field kick. Fagan kept his side in it with his second touchdown and when he completed his hat-trick shortly afterwards the President’s standard bearers took the lead for the first time at 31-28.
Alex Hayman, rolling back the years, then stretched their advantage to ten points but the yellow-jerseyed Exiles finished the stronger, spurred on by Fineau’s second try and Hughes sealed victory with his last gasp try to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Two fathers and sons played, Kolo Kiripati and son Nato and Diarmuid Morrissey and son Conor, which may be a first in this event! Both were on opposing sides, Morrissey senior exchanging whistling duties to join the action in the second half with Dermot Hallahan taking up the referee role. Micky Carroll and Martin Webster were team managers and Carroll presented the Cup to victorious skipper Kolo Kiripati. Overall, it proved a great occasion that will surely become an established festive fixture at the club.
One minute’s silence in memory of those who had passed in 2023 was respectfully observed prior to kick-off.
EXILES - Kolo Kiripati, Martin Staunton, Niall Harney, Fionn McDonnell, Conor Morrissey, Gerard Fallon, Wesley Hudson, Eoghan Slevin, Harry Hughes, David Fineau and MJ Magele.
PRESIDENT’S SELECTION - Alex Hayman, Sean Flynn, Keelan Connolly, David Fagan, Tony Ward, Sam Fogarty, Nato Kiripati, Darragh Kelly, Richie Breen, Riaan Erasmus and Diarmuid Morrissey.
Referees- Diarmuid Morrissey and Dermot Hallahan.
Condolences
Deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Gerry Daly who passed unexpectedly in Christmas week.
Scrap Metal Collection
A skip for the collection of Scrap Metal is located behind the main pitch at Dubarry Park so, if your New Year’s resolution is to do tidying up and you have some scrap metal to dispose of, drop it in to the skip. Access to the skip Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm by contacting Geraldine at 0861732711. Please note that no household appliances may be put into the skip!
Happy New Year
Good health, peace, happiness and friendship throughout 2024 is wished to all our members and their families.
