michael silke
There was a full entry sheet for Buccaneers annual Golf and BBQ event held at Glasson Lakehouse when the bumper attendance was blessed with beautiful playing and weather conditions on the scenic course.
Gerry McInerney’s team’s scoring was as bright as the sunshine and the St Brigid’s GAA stalwarts were the clearest of winners in this event for many a year on a score of 103 points. His teammates were Kevin Clabby, John Stack and Barry Donnelly. Jim Keane’s quartet, featuring Gilbert Barrington, Peter Keenan and Tommy McArdle, were runners-up on 96 points. Gerry McLaughlin, aided and abetted by Philip O’Farrell, Dan Clarke and Denis O’Sullivan, finished third on 93 points.
Geraldine Coughlan from The Bounty team won the women's longest drive prize with Paul McNally from Tom Fitzgerald’s Gateway Insurance selection capturing the men's equivalent. David Porter (from Michael Walsh’s Dubarry team ) won the nearest the pin accolade.
Buccaneers RFC thank everyone who supported this fundraiser by participating or sponsoring a tee. Special merit to all at Glasson Lakehouse for the food and service and especially for having the course in splendid condition. The prizes will be presented to the winners at Buccaneers opening home AIL fixture v UCC on October 14.
Season Starts on Saturday Week
The rugby off-season seems to be getting shorter year by year and, with the Rugby World Cup looming, the international players were back in action last Saturday when Ireland eased to a win over Italy.
The action for Buccaneers players commences on Saturday week when the Pirates kick off the defence of their Connacht Senior League title at home to Corinthians. Training has been progressing satisfactorily under the triumvirate of Paul Byrne, Benny Gilligan and David Henshaw with Craig Milling returning to the fold as Senior Team Manager. The players and coaching team have a full day squad session at Dubarry Park next Saturday ahead of the competitive fare.
Cash for Clobber
Buccs ‘Cash for Clobber’ is back until the end of August. Clean clothes, towels, bed linen (but no duvets or pillows ), handbags, hats, scarfs, curtains, paired shoes and belts welcome. Bags containing items may be dropped in to the first dressing room at the club or contact Geraldine at 0861732711.
Rugby Summer Camp
Buccaneers are holding a Rugby Summer Camp for boys and girls aged 7 to 12 years at Dubarry Park. Supported by Smith’s Supervalu Monksland, the five-day camp takes place from Monday next, August 14 to Friday 18 from 9.30am each day. Contact Geraldine at 0861732711 or email [email protected] to register.
Minis Coaching Changing to Sunday
Important notice for parents re minis training as coaching for Under 5s to 12 year olds will take place on Sunday mornings at Dubarry Park this coming season. Sessions will commence at 10.30am for approximately one hour with a starting date will be announced shortly.
Membership Subscriptions
Annual membership subscriptions are now due and can be made via Club Force (link on the club’s website at www.buccaneersrfc.com ). The various rates can be viewed there and this writer feels that Pirates Family membership is a good option particularly for those who intend attending Buccaneers All-Ireland League matches as this package includes free admission to home AIL games. Payment by instalments can be arranged if desired. Players are advised to take out their own appropriate insurance cover.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Geraldine Kenny on her 20th anniversary as administrator at Buccaneers RFC. Her value to the club is immeasurable, always willing with a smile to keep everything shipshape. Buccaneers simply could not operate without her so here’s to another two decades of dedicated and efficient endeavour.
Congrats too to Ted Carty whose family firm Oliver Carty & Family won an unprecedented seven ‘star status’ awards for their pork and bacon products at the prestigious Great Taste food awards in UK and Ireland. 150 people are employed at the Athlone business.
