Buccaneers travel to Crowley Park, Galway, to tackle in-form Galwegians in the final series of Connacht Senior League fixtures with a slightly earlier than normal scheduled kick-off time of 2.30 pm on Saturday September 19. Holders ‘Wegians will be strongly fancied, especially on home soil, to retain the league title and Buccs – on the evidence of their display against Corinthians – will certainly have to improve considerably if they are to wrench honours away from the Tribesmen.
This will be a big step up for Buccaneers’ less experienced personnel and much will depend on the influence both collectively and individually of such as Colm Rigney, Garreth Halligan, Alex Hayman, and Marcus Madden. However, youngsters such as Billy Henshaw, Padraig Burke, and Martin Staunton will surely relish pitting their wits at this level. It will take a serious collective effort that is both sustained and disciplined for Buccs to prevail but the sight of the light blue jersey generally focuses and drives on the midlanders.
While this is not strictly the league final, it is nevertheless the match that will decide the destiny of league honours for this season. A more seasoned Galwegians outfit, on their own Glenina patch, will be confident of retaining the title. But Buccaneers have upset them in the past and, if they play to their strengths and maintain their focus and workrate, they can do so again. It may be a step beyond the midlanders on this occasion, but will provide a real test as to the progress or otherwise of the current squad as the countdown to the AIB League is now fast approaching.
