Carrick RFC push Galwegians all the way

Carrick travelled to Tuam last Sunday to take on Galwegians 2nd XV in the Connacht Junior 1C final. In ideal conditions in Tuam, Carrick-on-Shannon RFC took on Galwegians in the J1C Cup Final and delivered a performance full of grit and determination, narrowly losing out 20–17 in a dramatic and hard-fought contest.

Carrick started brightly and had Galwegians under huge pressure in the opening stages. They were dominating the scrums and controlling possession, setting the tone for a tightly contested battle. The game was evenly matched, but after fifteen minutes, Galwegians managed to narrow the Carrick defence, spread the ball wide and crossed in the corner for the opening try, which was unconverted.

From the resulting kick off, Carrick responded with intensity. Strong carries from Dermot Foley and Shane McGuinness brought them deep into Galwegians territory, but a turnover allowed Galwegians to clear. 

It was nip and tuck all the way and with fifteen minutes left in the first half, Carrick got back to work and were rewarded for their efforts with a penalty, calmly slotted by Ian McGhee to make it 5-3. However, just before the break, a handling error gave Galwegians the chance to break down the flank and score their second try. It too went unconverted, leaving the score 10-3 at half time.

Carrick came out in the second half with renewed vigour. Strong carries from Declan Kelly, Robert McCaffrey and Brendan Flannery began to open up the midfield. Eventually, their hard work paid off - a great break by Gareth Barry followed by an offload to Ian McGhee saw Carrick run in a try under the posts. McGhee converted to level the game at 10–10.

The Carrick-on-Shannon RFC team who were defeated by Galwegians in the Connacht Rugby J1C Cup Final last Sunday in Tuam Picture: Mark Kelly

Carrick were now dominating possession. Stephen Guckian, Daniel Bosquette and Brian King all made huge breaks through the Galwegians defence. Just as it looked like Carrick would take the lead, Galwegians struck against the run of play with a breakaway try under the posts, which was converted to make it 17–10.

Carrick refused to give in. They worked their way back into the Galwegians 22m line and after a powerful carry by Peter Lavin, Denis McCaffrey crashed over the line to score. McGhee added the extras to level the game again.

Carrick began to turn the screw, using their dominant scrum and gaining ground through strong runs from Jack Price and Dean Flanagan. Galwegians, however, managed to gain possession and work their way into a good attacking position. They were awarded a penalty which they converted to take the lead at 20–17.

Carrick fought hard until the final whistle, throwing everything at Galwegians in search of a winning score, but it was not to be. The Galway side held on to claim the J1C Cup title.

Declan Kelly attempts to break through the Galwegians lines during last Sunday's Connacht J1C Cup Final in Tuam Picture; Mark Kelly 

It was a tough result for Carrick to take, but this was an impressive performance against the league champions and a reminder of the talent and spirit within this Carrick squad. There is plenty to be proud of in what was a brave and battling display on the biggest stage.

Team: Daniel Bosquette, Jordan Haven, Jack Price, John Healy, Dean Flanagan, Ian McGhee, Brian King, Robert McCaffrey, Brendan Flannery, Shane McGuinness, Declan Kelly, Peter Lavin, Gareth Barry, Dermot Foley, Stephen Guckian. Subs: Jack Deegan, Ian Cullen, Denis McCaffrey, James Óg Maguire, Roman Pulbere, Domenico Adams, Nicodemus Adams, Kieran Murray

U14 Boys

Carrick’s U14 Boys travelled last Saturday to take on Creggs in the Semi-Final of the Connacht Cup. These two teams met earlier this year in the Connacht Division 1 League Final where Creggs edged out a win over Carrick.

It was dry and sunny with a strong wind. Creggs elected to play with the wind in the first half and spent the majority of the first half in Carrick’s half. Despite great effort by Creggs, who were strong in ball carrying and dominant in the breakdown, they could not break through Carrick’s defence, coming away with only two successful penalty kicks whilst Carrick scored a try (not converted) from a number of phases to make the half time score 6-5.

Carrick managed playing with the wind well and despite a few chances for Creggs to attack in Carrick’s half, Carrick played most of the second half in Creggs half. Strong ball carrying by Carrick’s forwards saw Carrick score a further two converted tries to take a lead of 6-19.

In the last play of the match, Creggs scored a brilliant individual try from a loose ball at the front of their line out to make the final score 11-19. It was a physical encounter between two accomplished teams, but played in good spirit. 

Carrick’s U14 Boys are looking forward to playing in the Connacht Cup Final on Sunday, April 20, where they will meet Galway Bay RFC. It will be a back-to-back Connacht Cup win for Carrick’s U14 Boys if they manage to win this Final.

Denis McCaffrey touches down for a Carrick try against Galwegians Picture: Mark Kelly 

Team: Cathal McGovern, Jack McGarry, Rory O'Shaughnessy, Shane McGirl, Hubert Kiliszek-Sromek, Harry Hanrahan, Quade Joubert, Aidan McNamara, Iarlaith Mulvey, Liam Durkin, Evan McKeon, Nathan Taylor, Sean McTeigue, Daniel O'Connell, Nato Zondagh. Subs: Harry Fitzgerald, Adam Sheridan, Oscar Mulligan, Senan Gleeson, Nathan Finlay, Gavan Duffy, Noah Washington, Calvin Grimes.

Connacht U15 Bowl

Carrick U15s entertained Galway Bay in the Connacht Bowl competition. Carrick were too strong for the visitors, defeating them on a scoreline of 52-7 and now qualify for the Bowl semi final.

Team: Odhran Griffin, Caleb Russell, Ryan Sheahen, Cavan McGourty, Fionn McWeeney, Regan Hoey, Harrison King, Michael Moloney, Richard Nally, Peter Flynn, Daragh Beirne, Gavin Hewson, Jack Guckian, Ben Cronin, Sam Kieran Sub: Mauro Verdug