Castlebar played Ballyhaunis in the final of the Mayo Cup in Cloondeash last weekend. This competition is confined to Mayo Junior sides. The conditions during this match were mild, wet and overcast with a westerly breeze to contend with. Ballyhaunis arrived intent on having a successful afternoon and worked hard to achieve their aim. Castlebar fielded a mixed team of experience and youth which failed to dent the enthusiastic Ballyhaunis men’s ambition on the day.
The first half was an intense affair with play moving from end to end. Defence play from both teams was excellent. Gavin O’Sullivan and Cathal O’Caoibhin worked hard for Castlebar in defence. The deadlock was broken when Ballyhaunis scored a fine try from a maul after a line out. Paddy Gallagher touched down for Ballyhaunis but the conversion was missed. Vinny Moran and Mick Macken were excellent for Ballyhaunis during this period. The half ended Ballyhaunis 5 Castlebar 0. The second half continued as intensely as the first with little yielded by either side. Handling errors on the Castlebar side spoiled chances to get back in the game. Ballyhaunis sealed the issue when they were awarded a penalty for handling in the ruck. Ballyhaunis tagged on their second score and the only score of the second half when Ian Cunnane slotted over the penalty. The Castlebar pack responded well and put Ballyhaunis under severe pressure. Vigorous efforts from Ciaran Flynn and Richard Feeney, however, failed to breach the Ballyhaunis line.
Castlebar: Richie Feeney, Paul Yuen, Paraic Healy, Ciaran Flynn, Sean Faulkner, Ronan Conway, Paudie O’Malley, Gavin O’Sullivan, Paddy Flannelly, Cathal O’Caoibhin, Damien Glackin, Seamus Devanney, Frank Hobbs, Martin Gill, Brian Flannery, . Subs: Paul heverin, Fintan Casey.
Ballyhaunis: Martin finnegan, Seamus Horan, Ian Cunnane, Brendan Collery, Robert Duff, Declan Warde, Christy Gallagher, Ciaran Costello, Paddy Gallagher, O. Jordan, Vinny Moran, Mick Macken, David Lilly, Robert Morley, Noel Kelly. Subs: G. Delaney, D. Hannon, D. Gallagher, D. Murphy.
Race night
Castlebar Rugby Club have organised their Annual Race Night for Friday night November 28. The venue again this year is Tolster’s of Spencer Street. This has proved to be one of the great social occasions in Castlebar and will be supported strongly again this year. All the main races have now been sponsored but there are still a few horses left. If you are interested in helping Castlebar Rugby Club you can contact Trevor Ardhill on 087 411 7787, Shane McElwee on 087 289 5909 or Paddy Durcan on 087 238 1072.
