7s In The City A Success

BLACKROCK COLLEGE took top honours in the inaugural Smith’s Supervalu ‘7s in the City’ event, Ireland’s first Womens only Sevens tournament, hosted by Buccaneers RFC and supporting Action Breast Cancer at Dubarry Park, Athlone. Played on the June bank holiday Saturday, Blackrock won the Michael Moore Car Sales Open contest. Old Belvedere won the Murphys Law Junior league with Carrick-on-Suir capturing the Medussa Hair Studio U-18 title after a long day’s rugby played in glorious weather that blessed this new Sevens competition.

Blackrock, with Doon native Michelle Claffey leading by example, were the only team in all three grades to win every match and thus emerged worthy victors. The stylish Amy O’Neill added to their success when she took the accolade as  Smith’s Supervalu ‘Player of the Tournament’. Railway Union battled all the way to secure a place in the Open Cup final but they just could not match the pace and élan of Rock. St. Mary’s repeated their pool win over Co. Carlow Coyotes to prevail in the Open Plate final.

Host club Buccaneers looked like they would make a strong bid for the Junior honours with promising early victories but ran out of gas in their final pool game against Old Belvedere, who were then building up their own momentum after suffering defeat in their first match. In the Junior decider, Old Belvedere atoned for that opening setback when overcoming Canterbury Warriors, the recently formed Carrick-on-Shannon/Longford alliance. Buccs repeated their pool superiority over neighbours Tullamore in the Junior Plate final, but the Offaly representatives got some consolation when winning the prize for “wackiest socks”!

Carrick-on-Suir made their long trip from the south worthwhile when they prevailed in the U-18 section, overcoming luckless Portlaoise in that final.

The tournament drew a decent entry line-up and looks like it will establish itself as a regular annual event. Run primarily by Buccaneers Womens members Mele Kiripati, Sandra Griffin and Claire Wyper with assistance from Lorna Stuart-Trainor and Yvonne O’Shea, it provided entertaining fare and a family day atmosphere. The club is indebted to the “magnificent seven” referees Susan Carty, Brian McGrath, David Layden, Diarmuid Morrissey, Tom Reilly, Padraig McGowan and Billy McMickan who officiated on a warm, testing afternoon. Sincere gratitude is extended to our many generous sponsors, particularly Smith’s Supervalu and Michael Moore Car Sales (Mercedes). A special word of thanks goes to all who assisted in the medical area especially Kieran Joyce and Gary. The club extends best wishes for speedy recoveries to Portlaoise duo Robyn Millingan and Anna O’Neill and to our own Hazel Kilduff who sustained injuries. Finally, thank you to all who attended on the day, be it playing, volunteering or simply enjoying the fare on offer. Here’s looking forward to next year already. 

BUCCANEERS squad:- Sandra Griffin, Emer Phelan, Niamh Gough, Colette McSpadden, Antoinette Kemmy, Christine Mannion, Aoife Corry, Eimear Connellan, Michelle Reynolds, Hazel Kilduff, Siobhan Tierney, Roisin Sweeney and Alex Hennessy.  

TAG

BUCCANEERS TAG RUGBY SUMMER LEAGUE kicked off in earnest last Thursday. 20 teams are participating in this ten week league which has two sections, one for competitive teams and the other for those of a more social inclination.  Contact Yvonne 0860488090 or check www.buccaneersrfc.com for updates/queries.

U-15s

BUCCANEERS U-15s are gearing up early for next season and they are holding a night of ‘Music & Craic’ in The Bounty on this Friday, June 6^th, starting at 8.30 p.m. There will be live music by BIG DEAL followed by DJ Padraig Nally. Tickets can be purchased in advance or pay at the door on the night. Cover charge is only €5 so let’s hope for a good turnout. 

CONDOLENCES

Deepest sympathy is extended to Dympna Gillen and family on the unexpected passing of Pat. Ar dheis De a anam. 

RUGBY SUMMER CAMP

BUCCANEERS RUGBY SUMMER CAMP for boys and girls aged 6 to 13 years old takes place in Dubarry Park from Monday, July 28^th to Friday, August 1^st. The camp will be run by IRFU qualified coaches and will take place daily from 9.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Playing fun games and mini matches, children will learn the game, practice skills, and improve their passing, kicking, tackling and other elements of rugby. Registration is only €49 for the week. Phone Geraldine 0861732711 or Conor 0877675082 to book or email [email protected]

The 3 R’s!

Injury has ruled Robbie Henshaw out of Ireland’s tour to Argentina. This is most disappointing for the young Buccs centre as it would have provided him with the ideal opportunity to make his mark, especially as the Pumas are utilising a mainly development squad. Hopefully, Henshaw’s injury treatment will prove successful and, indeed, a brief rest from playing may be beneficial too in the long term. Conversely, injury to Martin Moore has given Rodney Ah You an unexpected chance as he has been “promoted” from the Emerging Ireland panel to join the Senior squad. Meanwhile, Rory Moloney will be hoping to make his mark for Ireland in the Junior World Cup which is currently under way in New Zealand.