Buccaneers entertain Old Belvedere in their Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B fixture at Dubarry Park on Saturday, kick-off being 2.30pm for this Glasson Lakehouse sponsored match.
A young Buccs squad have lost their opening three matches but there were shoots of improvement when going down to Highfield last time out. With improved decision-making and a reduction in penalty concessions, the Pirates can readily step up their performances. Danny Qualter was forced off though injury in Cork and his availability and that of James Kelly are the midlanders main concerns. Otherwise, there is unlikely to be much change in their matchday squad.
Old Belvedere lost their opening two games but earned losing bonus points in both encounters while they secured their first win when defeating Blackrock College in a high-scoring tie 43-40 two weeks ago. Scrumhalf and captain Peter O’Beirne and winger Jack Keating are try-scoring threats while Mick O’Kennedy and David Wilkinson are reliable from placed balls. Conor Owende, Conor Dowling and Kiwi Kale Thatcher are key men in the pack while another New Zealander Jayden Bennett shores up the centre.
Both teams will be keen to get a run of favourable results so a tough battle seems likely. With decent home support, the Athlone side can edge the contest.
Celebrate Leo Galvin’s Cap at Pre-Match on Saturday
Buccaneers pre-match function for Saturday’s Energia All-Ireland League game at home to Old Belvedere will celebrate Leo Galvin finally receiving his Ireland cap. This should attract a large attendance so early booking with our Administrator Geraldine at 0861732711 is recommended. Cost is €35 per person which covers meal and complimentary wine as well as free admission to the match. Bookings can be made for individuals or groups. Meal is at 12.45pm.
U20s Away to Greystones
Buccaneers U20s face their longest trip in this season’s J.P. Fanagan Leinster League Premier 2 when they take on Greystones at Dr. Hickey Park on Sunday. The County Wicklow side are setting the pace following two high-scoring victories and this will be a real test for the midlanders.
However, Buccs have been improving steadily as they claimed the Connacht league title and then put in an impressive display when recording a first ever win over St. Mary’s College at this level. This looks like being a cracking contest that the Pirates can win if they continue to raise their game. Kick-off is 2.30pm.
U12s Play at Sportsground
Saturday was a memorable day for Buccaneers U-12’s squad as they played Creggs during half-time at Connacht’s URC fixture against Glasgow Warriors. They then got to see Connacht make a thrilling comeback to claim victory before meeting some of the players afterwards.
New Referees Course
Connacht Rugby are holding a course for new Referees in Galway on Saturday, November 11. The IRFU caters for referees at all levels of the game and provides support structures to help you on your journey. Buccaneers RFC would welcome new recruits as there are never too many referees, and without them matches cannot take place. Anyone interested should contact Peter Fitzgibbon at [email protected].
Welcome On Board
There have been a number of key additions at Buccaneers RFC recently. On the administration section, Diarmuid Morrissey has returned as Hon. Secretary with Amy O’Connor starting her role as Assistant Secretary. On the football side, Niall Daly has taken on the role of Youths Officer and Darin Claasen has been appointed as Community Rugby Development Officer. We welcome them on board the Pirates ship.
‘Your Club, Your Country’ Draw
Ireland travel to World Champions South Africa next summer and you could be there too for a tenner! That’s the cost of a ticket in the ‘Your Club, Your Country’ Grand Draw in which the winner of the first prize will get a trip for two to take in Ireland’s matches there. That surely is super value for only €10 and there are another nine top prizes on offer so please support generously as the proceeds of all tickets sold go directly to the club. We urge that all sold tickets are returned to our Administrator Geraldine as early as possible to ease her workload in recording all the necessary details.
Halloween Party
Buccaneers Minis Halloween Party proved an amazing afternoon for the Buccs of the future. There was a great turnout and some very creative costumes worn by the youngsters who had loads of fun events to do. Thank you to all the parents who helped and to the businesses who donated raffle prizes and goodies. Well done especially to the organisers.
Condolences
Deepest sympathy is extended to Damien and Liz Phelan and wider family on the passing of Liz’s mother Mary Kennedy.
