Buccs kick off new season with home game on Friday night
Buccaneers RFC News
Buccaneers commence the 2024-25 season at home to Sligo in the opening round of the Bank of Ireland Connacht Senior League on Friday night. Kick-off time for the visit of the dual champions to Dubarry Park is 7.30pm.
This is a really tough opener for the Pirates as the north-westerners have been going from strength to strength in recent seasons. They have a well-drilled physical side that wrestled both the Cup and League titles from the midlanders last term. In completing that double, it was incredibly only their second time to claim the League title since the club was founded in 1890.
Buccaneers have enjoyed much more success in their 30 years’ existence having also, of course, secured titles under their original name, Athlone RFC. But this season looks like being one of transition with tough challenges for a quite youthful squad that has lost a spine of key players for various reasons.
However, the coaching triumvirate of Paul Byrne, Benny Gilligan and David Henshaw have been working hard with their enthusiastic panel which will again be skippered by Frankie Hopkins.
There is potential and spirit aplenty among the young Buccs who would appreciate a decent attendance to lend encouragement and also to check out on their progress and development in this floodlit fixture. If the Pirates play to their capacity, it can be an exciting and entertaining start to the season.
Buccaneers’ next game away to Corinthians has a 5.30pm kick-off at Corinthian Park on Saturday week, August 31st while the home fixture against Galwegians will now be a floodlight encounter on Friday, September 6th at 7.30pm. This is to facilitate the staging of the U-18 Interprovincial girls’ finals, which attracted a bumper crowd last season, in Athlone on the Saturday.
Birthday celebration
Meanwhile, Buccaneers will have a day of celebrations marking their 30th birthday on Saturday, September 21st when the Energia All-Ireland League commences. Now operating in Division 2A, having been relegated from Division 1B last season, Buccs will play promoted Instonians, who won Division 2B last season, on the day.
A pre-match function (meal & wine and free admission to the big game) gets the day under way at 12.30pm. Cost is €35 per person; bookings welcome from groups or individuals.
After the game there will be a barbecue from 5pm plus live music followed by a DJ; this post-match event is €25. An “all day” ticket is also available at a discounted fee of €50. Pre-booking is recommended. Tickets available from Geraldine at 086 1732711.
Summer Camp
Buccaneers Summer Camp proved enjoyable and successful at the club over the five days despite Irish summer weather. The highlight was the attendance by two Buccs proteges Niall and Darragh Murray. Well done to Charlie Couper and his team of volunteers and a big thank you to Michael Smith & Smith’s SuperValu, Monksland who sponsored the camp.
Women’s team continue preparations
Buccaneers women’s squad continue their preparations for a return to action by this revived team. Ladies and girls aged 18+ are eligible to play and beginners are very welcome as are former players who may consider dusting down their boots. Coaching sessions take place at Dubarry Park on Friday evenings from 7.30pm.
Buccs plan to compete in the Development League which commences in mid-October and it will be preceded by a 10-a-side Invitational Cup which will give the team an opportunity to jell as well as gain vital match experience.
Under-20 fixtures
The Connacht U-20 League, which was revived last season, will commence on the weekend of September 14th and will also act as qualifiers for the J.P. Fanagan Leinster League which is scheduled to commence on October 12th. Fixtures lists not yet available.
Condolences
Deepest sympathy is extended to Brendan Wilkins and family on the passing of his father-in-law, Tony Mulvihill. May he rest in peace.