Buccs away to St Mary’s
It’s another top of the table Energia All-Ireland League clash for Buccaneers when they travel to Dublin where they square up to second placed St. Mary’s College at Templeville Road on Saturday.
Kick-off for this mouth-watering duel is at 2:30pm.
This showdown away from home will provide a real health check of Buccs progress and prospects.
St. Mary’s are the leading scorers in Division 1B, that includes 66 points they scored against a hapless Banbridge. Full-back Conor Hickey and wing Hugo Conway lead the way for Mary’s with five tries apiece. Steven Kilgallen rowed in with four on the other flank. Centre Mick O’Gara is the leading marksman in this division.
Their forwards are aggressive at the breakdown. Coach Sean Cronin, won many of his Ireland caps while affiliated to Buccaneers. Skipper Ronan Watters leads the pack by example and Ronan Foley is another key backrower in a settled forwards unit.
But Buccs will note that St. Mary’s leak points aplenty too, having conceded twice as many as the Pirates to date.
The midlanders have the meanest defence by some distance and will be keen to keep it that way on Saturday. There is a wonderful work ethic in their squad and that will be crucial against St. Mary’s.
The Athlone side have finished strongly in every match this season and will be prepared to go to the wire again on this occasion.
St. Mary’s have suffered two defeats so far, to Old Belvedere and UCC, both of whom the Pirates have overcome. If they maintain the energy and enterprise shown to date, Buccs have the potential to prevail in what looks like being a cracking contest with scores and entertainment aplenty.
A Supporters Bus is being organised for this trip to the capital, depending on confirmed bookings by Wednesday. Adult fare is €15 and the bus is scheduled to depart Dubarry Park at 10:30am.
There is also an extra option to book for the pre-match function at St. Mary’s and the cost for this is €40 for 4-course meal, complimentary wine and free admission to the match.
Contact Geraldine at 0861732711 to book either or both. The players and mentors will be grateful for as much support as possible for Buccaneers at the game so let’s fill the bus.
U20’s home to trinity
Buccaneers U-20’s are home to Dublin University in the J.P.Fanagan Leinster League Premier 2 at Dubarry Park on Sunday afternoon.
Buccs sit two places above the Students in third place and, on form to date, should be too strong for Trinity. But underestimate a College side at your peril. However, this Buccaneers crew look too formidable and should come out on top. Kick-off is 2:30pm.
Seconds away to Tuam
Buccaneers Seconds will endeavour to kick-start their Connacht Junior 1A League when they travel to Tuam on Saturday night.
This Buccs squad has not yet consistently shown the vigour and verve displayed last season but, with Joe Browne back assisting this squad, they are likely to be more organised from hereon.
Tuam are a hardy outfit who will be doughty opponents so Buccs must not get dragged into a dog-fight but use their pace and handling to outmanoeuvre the Galway club. Kick-off at Garraun Park is 8pm.
Thirds away to Westport again
Having topped their qualifying Pool, Buccaneers Thirds reward is an awkward trip away to play Westport Seconds in the next stage of the Connacht Junior 2 League on Sunday.
The teams met just a couple of weeks ago at the Mayo club’s ground where they were evenly matched and the Pirates required a late, late try to maintain their 100% success rate.
It is unlikely to be any easier on Sunday and Buccs will need to be at their best, be focussed and disciplined also, to overcome the Bulls. Kick-off at Carrowholly is 2:30pm.
Minis Blitz
Dubarry Park was a hive of activity last Saturday morning for a Minis Blitz. Car park was jammed and every conceivable pitch space seemed to be in use as a plethora of matches took place.
Well done to all these little guys and girls and a big thank you to all their coaches and managers for organising this blitz so well.
Forever In Our Hearts
A Remembrance get together to celebrate the lives of Buccaneers members who have left us, and in particular those who have passed away since the start of the pandemic, will take place in The Bounty on Thursday, December 1st at 8pm.
All are welcome to come along in memory of their loved ones. Further updates next week or check the club’s website/WhatsApp.
‘Your Club Your Country’ Super Draw
All teams should have received their quota of tickets for the annual ‘Your Club Your Country’ Super Draw at this stage.
It is important that they are distributed urgently as all tickets (sold or unsold) must be returned before the end of next week.
Tickets cost only €10 each and the main prize is a trip for two with spending money to see Ireland play in the World Cup in France next year.
Tickets can also be purchased online via the IRFU website but please ensure to click on the Buccaneers logo when you are buying tickets there! Thanks to everyone who has already supported Buccs in this Super Draw.
50/50 Draw
The winners in Buccaneers weekly 50/50 Draw for September and October are as follows:-
Sept 5th - Andy Tone - €176
Sept 12th - Josh Dolan - €176
Sept 19th - Pauline & Geese - €171
Sept 26th - Kay Moran - €218
Oct 3rd - Caitriona & Geese - €165
Oct 10th - Aidan Clarke - €191
Oct 17th - Tommy Colgan - €156
Oct 24th - Aengus Oates - €169
Oct 31st - Cathal Duignan - €200
Thank you to everyone who is supporting this fund-raiser. Each entry costs only €2. Why not set up a standing order for three months, six months or a year?
Junior Cert Disco This Wednesday
The ever-popular Junior Cert Disco will take place in the Lower Deck at The Bounty on this Wednesday, November 23rd.
This alcohol-free, supervised celebration disco on the night that the results are issued is the traditional place for these young girls and boys to celebrate.
DJ Paul will play from 9pm to midnight. Tickets can be purchased through the schools and only by last summer’s junior cert students.
No tickets are on sale at the club and neither will tickets be on sale on the night.
