Carrick RFC U14s are Connacht Champions

Carrick on Shannon RFC U14s defeated Galway Bay RFC in the Connacht 'A' Cup Final last Sunday on a scoreline of 25-10.

Having overcome Buccaneers (Athlone/ Ballinasloe) and Ballina in the early rounds of the competition and then having defeated Creggs in the semi final they came up against a very spirited Galway Bay RFC team last Sunday.

Having won the Cup at U13 last season, the pressure was on Carrick to see if they could become back-to-back Connacht Champions. They did not disappoint - in a game played in good spirit but a typical final nonetheless.

Carrick were quick to score in the first half. Despite great defensive efforts from Galway Bay, Carrick were dominant upfront and clinical when they found themselves in Galway Bay’s 22 scoring three unconverted tries and a penalty conversion. But Galway Bay were not to be underestimated - they were quick to score from open play if left unchecked. Carrick led 18-10 going into half time and one felt that they did not do enough to seal a victory.

Galway Bay were much stronger in their backline attack in the opening quarter of the second half - they looked dangerous on the outside channels with a number of brilliant attacking runs out wide - they played the way in which was expected from an accomplished team. But Carrick’s defence held and deprived Galway Bay of several scoring opportunities.

Carrick seemed to settle and in control after they scored a converted try to take a lead of 25-10. One or two scoring opportunities evaded Carrick to make the final score 25-10.

Quality rugby from two accomplished teams, but there could only be one winner and it was Carrick’s day to make it a back-to-back Connacht Cup win.

Shane McGirl reaches across the line for a Carrick try in the Connacht U14 Final

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

U.18.5

Carrick RFC U18.5s defeated Galwegians in the Connacht Plate semi-final on a scoreline of 27-17 on Sunday. This sets up a plate final against neighbours Sligo next weekend, where the teams will also contest the Division 1 League final which was postponed earlier in the season.

Carrick started brightly and within minutes scored a try with Peter Moran going over in the corner after a well worked attack. Galwegians piled on the pressure for much of the first half, and were rewarded with a try and penalty. Carrick's defence was under pressure, but Carrick struck back with another well worked try finished by the hard carrying of Alistair Hewson, to leave it 14-10 at halftime in favour of the home team. 

The second half started with Carrick moving up the gears and putting sustained pressure on Galwegians. Carrick scored a good team try finished by Niall Stenson. The pressure told with two further penalties from Peter Moran. Carrick entered the final quarter 27-10 up, but Galwegians made a real battle of it, scoring another try, and never giving up to the final whistle.

Team: P Moran, C Garavan, R Costello, T Hoey, AW Hewson, R Hanrahan, O Byrne, C McDonagh, M French, E O’Reilly, D Keane, Y Siddque, I Martin, AR Hewson, N Stenson, A Deegan, C Burke, L Creighton, P Morohan

U15

Carrick U15s made the long trip to Oughterard to play Connemara Oughterard in the Connacht Bowl semi final on Saturday last and unfortunately, they  came up short against the home team in what can only be described as a disappointing match to end the season.

Carrick: Michael Moloney, Richard Nally, Peter Flynn, Daragh Beirne, Gavin Hewson, Jack Guckian, Colton Quinn, Sam Kieran, Odhran Griffin, Regan Hoey, Fionn McWeeney, Ryan Sheahan, Ben Cronin and Caleb Russell

Daniel O'Connell breaks past two tacklers