Galway Corinthians RFC is launching a supporters’ club programme to coincide with the start of the new AIL season on Saturday next.
The initiative includes providing more facilities and entertainment to supporters at home matches, including pre-match mini-rugby, free raffles for vouchers, Connacht v Leinster tickets; complimentary half time refreshment, and a kicking competition.
Corinthians’ first AIL match is against the formidable Ballynahinch from Co Down and kicks off at 2.30pm on Saturday at Corinthian Park. Five randomly-selected supporters will be asked to select a man of the match, while finger food will be served afterwards in the clubhouse when both the Ryder Cup and Leinster v Munster will be on the big screen and on TV.
Club president Mick Berry says Corinthians AIL team boasts many home-grown players “playing great rugby in division two”.
“ Our aim is to increase support for Corinthians teams at all levels. Like most clubs we have had great support from generations of families throughout the city and county. We want to repay this loyalty by offering an improved experience to supporters of all ages whether they or their families are still actively involved in the club or not.”
Everyone who has an interest in rugby or who has been involved with Corinthians over the years is encouraged to come out and support the current crop of emerging talent in Corinthians. Connacht players Eoin Griffin and Shane Conneely are recent graduates of Corinthians Youth Academy.
NUIG open with last-minute win
NUIG Rugby withstood the elements at Connemara RFC to claim a 12 - 9 victory in their opening match of the Junior 1B season. NUIG, playing with a strong wind in the first half, took territorial advantage, but both sides missed penalties before Connemara landed a 20th minute drop goal for a 3 - 0 half time lead.
Although College played some good play in the Connemara half, winger John Delany was unlucky to be tackled into touch and it was the home side that added to its score with a successful penalty. NUIG responded well, running the ball against the wind, and after some super breaks by Kevin Shannon, Barry Mahon and Andrew Feeney, NUIG forced two penalties which Cuddy kicked to touch. Eventually after a series of forward drives, flanker Ross Barrett forced his way over the line underneath the posts on the 70th minute. Cuddy converted to put NUIG 7 - 6 ahead.
However Connemara regained the initiative from the restart, and with minutes remaining, secured a third penalty to retake the lead again.
NUIG refused to give up, and after several phases in attack, they were rewarded in the last play of the game when number 8 Ronan Fahne scored in the corner.
Connacht domestic fixtures
Connacht Rugby fixtures: Saturday, Junior Division 1B, Carrick v Ballyhaunis (4pm ). Sunday, Junior Division 1A (all games 3pm ), Tuam v Ballina, Castlebar v Corinthians, Galwegians v Corrib, Ballinrobe v Westport, OLBC v Sligo, Loughrea v Monivea. Junior Division 1B (games 2.30pm ), Gort v Ballinasloe, Portumna v Dunmore, Buccaneers v UCG, Creggs v Connemara. Monday, Schools u-16 League NW, Summerhill v Sligo Grammar (2pm ), St Muiredachs v Rice College (2pm ). Schools u-14 League NW, Summerhill v Sligo Grammar (1pm ), St Muiredachs v Rice College (1pm ). Schools Junior Group 1: Summerhill v Sligo Grammar (1pm ),St Muiredachs v Rice College (1pm ).
Connacht Rugby results: Junior Division 1A: Ballina 17 Monivea 21; Corinthians 18 Tuam 17; Corrib 8 Castlebar 24; Westport 31 Galwegians 8; Sligo 107 Ballinrobe 0; OLBC 30 Loughrea 0, Junior Division 1B: Ballyhaunis 10 Gort 11; Buccaneers 69 Portumna 3; Connemara 9 UCG 12; Dunmore 17 Creggs 30. Schools U16 League NW: Sligo Grammar 11 St Gerald’s Castlebar 17. Schools U14 League NW: Sligo Grammar 0 St Gerald’s Castlebar 76.
