The number 13 may be unlucky for some but not for Buccaneers Rugby Football Club as they announced that AUDI ATHLONE are continuing their title sponsorship of the club for a 13th consecutive season.
At a function in The Bounty announcing their ongoing patronage of the Division 1B club, Ian Moore stated that “Audi Athlone was extremely proud to continue our long commitment as main sponsor to Buccaneers. The relationship has grown into a strong partnership over 13 years”.
He gave Buccaneers “credit for producing talented and great players over the years with Robbie Henshaw, currently at the Rugby World Cup, and Jack Carty being prime examples. Due to their success, kids’ participation in rugby has sky-rocketed which is very evident in this club”.
“This takes a lot of hard work and dedication to manage, which is clearly present here throughout every season, work that is recognised by the local community and the rest of the Irish rugby network. This is about constant and continual improvements in everything we do, not only in club rugby but in achieving our own goals in life,” Mr Moore added, prior to wishing all associated with the club a successful season.
Club President Brendan Wilkins thanked and appreciated the generous support of the Moore family.
“AUDI ATHLONE have been generous benefactors for a bakers dozen of years,” Mr Wilkins commented.
He thanked all the club’s sponsors including Hodson Bay Group, Dubarry of Ireland, Carty Meats, Glasson Lakehouse and The Bounty, without whom Buccaneers could not function at the high levels they aspire to. He also wished the Buccs squads all the best and he looked forward to a successful season.
Head coach Paul Byrne leads an in-house coaching team at the helm of the Pirates and he is particularly proud as he believes this to be the pinnacle of his coaching aspirations.
He has “a young, highly motivated and mainly local squad of players who have commitment and appetite for hard work and they are excited about the challenges ahead.” Consolidation is the primary goal but if the team gets a good run of results higher targets may be set.
Club Captain Frank Hopkins stated that training, which commenced in July, has been going very well. The east Galway native is proud to skipper Buccs, whom he joined seven seasons ago. He is “looking forward to seeing how the team measures up” after having gone so well for much of last season which “was a big step up and, on the whole, was a positive with lots to build on”.
Both the captain and head coach agreed that “the generous patronage of AUDI ATHLONE allows the club to compete at a national level” and they and the players were most appreciative of that continued support.
Buccaneers first home game in this season’s Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B is against UCC at Dubarry Park on Saturday, October 14, kick off 2.30pm.
