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After a brilliant performance this season in Division 2B of the Energia AIL, Sligo Rugby are looking ahead to their 2A Promotion Final tomorrow, 25th April at 2:30 PM in UL against UL Bohemians RFC.
Sligo had a great season in the AIL this year, finishing 4th on the AIL Div 2B table with 54 points. This meant they faced Old Crescent RFC in Takumi Park last Saturday, the 18th in their Promotion Semi-Final. Old Crescent were 9th on the AIL Division 2A table, but Sligo knew it would be no easy feat away from home.
Ross O'Boyle, Sligo Rugby Team Manager, said about the Semi-Final, "We’re hugely excited heading into this weekend’s AIL 2A playoff final against UL Bohemians. Last weekend’s efforts, down to 13 men for the last 10 minutes of the game away from home, against a Old Crescent team fighting for their survival in 2A and our defence could not be broken, showed exactly what this team is about and what getting to a final means to us".
Their effort against Old Crescent was mammoth and with a true team effort on and off the pitch, they came away with a 16-10 win to see them into the 2A/2B Promotion Final this weekend.
But what does the possibility of being promoted mean to the team?
"We’ve been pretty open about where we stand on the upcoming North South regionalisation—it’s not something we’re in favour of. For us, a proper All-Ireland League is the only show in town. This weekend gives us a great opportunity to earn our place in Division 2A and keep competing at that national level," says O'Boyle. "More importantly, it’s a chance to deliver for our supporters and the magic bus brigade, who’ve backed us all year and will be right behind us again this weekend".
This is the furthest the Sligo side has ever gotten in the AIL - they have lost the Division 2A Promotion Semi-Final playoff three times, but have never gotten to a Final and the momentum they're showing is incredibly promising for another win when it matters most.
A successful season like this takes a village and O'Boyle knows this better than most. Reflecting on the past season and where they've gotten to, it's from countless hours on and off the pitch.
"I’d like to acknowledge the commitment and dedication of our players led by Matthew Earley and the work of our coaching and management staff—Grant, Paddy, Des & Matty Cosgrove, Macca, Frankie, Sean & Warner. I also must acknowledge the support from our committee from Brian, Mickey, Andrew, Jean, Gavin and our President, the heart and soul of our Rugby Club Micheal Storey", says O'Boyle. "The togetherness across the club has been a major strength for us and is something we will draw upon this weekend in our Playoff final".
So be sure to support the team in their bid to be promoted to AIL Division 2A this Saturday in UL at 2:30 PM!
