12 years ago CONNACHT U20 
Expectations were high for this U20 group of players, considering the number of players with age grade international experience involved. It turned out to be a frustrating campaign, whilst playing outstanding rugby at times, they gifted the opposition soft tries in every game. An intercept try late in the second half against Leinster & Ulster ultimately cost them both games, particularly as they were the dominant throughout.
FIXTURES & RESULTS
· Lost 24 14 V’s Leinster U20 Friday 3rd September Sportsground, Galway
· Lost 24 12 V’s Munster U20 Friday 10th September Mardyke, Cork
· Lost 24 19 V’s Ulster U20 Friday 17th September Sportsground, Galway
KEY PLAYERS 
· Danny Qualter Lock
· Dave Heffernan Backrow
· Aaron Conneely Backrow
· Eoin McKeon Backrow
· Rory Cunningham Backrow
· Mark Dolan Scrumhalf
· Pat Finn Centre
· Conor Finn Wing
· Shane Layden Fullback
CONNACHT U19 
Connacht were originally not included in the official schedule of U19 fixtures so had to play all their games away as a result. With 7 players involved with the U20 team V Ulster on Friday 17th September, they had to tog out again two days later on Sunday 19th against Leinster U19’s. The fatigue from playing 2 games in close proximity and missed kicks at goal cost them dearly. They played their best rugby of the campaign against Munster, scoring an excellent try from their own 22 with 10 players involved in the interchange of passes. A late Shane Layden try sealed the victory with 5 mins to go. They started strongly against Ulster with a try after 5 mins, but failed to keep the pressure on, letting Ulster back into the game before half time. Again, a late Shane Layden try secured the win in the final minutes.
FIXTURES & RESULTS
· Lost 08 00 V’s Leinster U19 Sunday 19th September Donnybrook, Dublin
· Won 19 11 V’s Munster U19 Friday 24th September Garryowen, Limerick
· Won 19 10 V’s Ulster U19 Saturday 2nd October Dungannon, Co. Tyrone
KEY PLAYERS 
· Diarmuid Higgins Prop
· Danny Qualter Lock
· Brian Moylett Lock
· Conor Kindregan Lock
· Aaron Conneely Backrow
· Jack Carty Outhalf
· Tadhg Leader Centre
· Shane Layden Centre
· Conor Finn Wing
· Callum Boland Fullback
CONNACHT U18 SCHOOLS 
Connacht had a tough assignment away to Leinster in the first game of this campaign. Connacht started poorly and were 30 points down at half-time. They settled better in the second half but failed to take advantage their opportunities. A much better performance in the second game against Munster Schools saw them led throughout and hang on in the end for a memorable victory. Ulster proved to be a stronger team in the third game in poor weather conditions in Ballinasloe. Yet again, Connacht failed to take the opportunity of points when in scoring positions.
FIXTURES & RESULTS
· Lost 37 00 V’s Leinster Schools U18 Wednesday 8th September Donnybrook, Dublin
· Won 11 05 V’s Munster Schools U18 Wednesday 15th September Garryowen, Limerick
· Lost 22 10 V’s Ulster Schools U18 Wednesday 22nd September Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
KEY PLAYERS 
· Thomas Ferrari Prop
· Philip O’Dwyer Fullback
· Conor Fitzgibbon Wing
CONNACHT U18 CLUBS 
Connacht started strongly against Ulster in the opening game of the U18 Clubs campaign in the Sportsground. Playing with the wind in the first half, they failed to rack up a significant lead for all the possession they had. Ulster applied more pressure in the second half and Connacht did well to hold out in the end. Connacht led throughout the second game against Munster but couldn’t sustain their lead late in the game losing narrowly. A well polished performance in the final game of the campaign, in relatively poor conditions in Donnybrook, saw them take the glory finishing with 2 players in the sin bin.
FIXTURES & RESULTS
· Won 08 05 V’s Ulster Clubs U18 Saturday 18th September Sportsground, Galway
· Lost 13 12 V’s Munster Clubs U18 Saturday 25th September Garryowen, Limerick
· Won 15 13 V’s Leinster Clubs U18 Saturday 2nd October Donnybrook, Dublin
KEY PLAYERS
· Aodhan Glynn Prop
· Jamie Dever Prop
· David Heath Lock
· Paul Hackett Backrow
· Sean O’Brien Backrow
· Aidan Connaughton Backrow
· Darragh Leader Outhalf
· Robbie Henshaw Centre
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