BUCCS KICK OFF 30th SEASON AT HOME TO INSTONIANS
BUCCANEERS commence their Energia All-Ireland League campaign on Saturday when Instonians visit Dubarry Park in the opening round of Division 2A. Kick-off is 2.30 p.m. The game marks Buccs 30th birthday and will be the first time the Athlone club will face the Belfast outfit under the Buccaneers name, although the northerners did play Athlone in the very early days of the AIL. One interesting connection between the clubs is that British & Irish Lion Sammy Walker played for Instonians and also with Shannon Buccaneers in the 1930’s.
Instonians will be a formidable force having won back-to-back promotions that included a 32-match winning streak. The Whitten family have a strong connection with the club and David (familiar to Buccs through our duels with Queen’s University) is likely to lineout in the backrow while former Ireland international Ian, having returned from Exeter Chiefs, may man a centre role. Brothers Rob and Alan could also feature. Schalk van der Merwe and Liam Kaprigiannis are two powerful props and Ciaran McCarthy is a decent lock. Conor McGrath and Josh Eagleson could link up at halfback where Richie McMaster may be an option.
Buccaneers will field a much-changed squad from last season. A large contingent have departed for various reasons including retirements while the loss of promising duo Cian McCann and Stephen Mannion to light blue colours at Shannon and Galwegians will be felt. Nevertheless, a new beginning presents opportunities for the Pirates mainly youthful crew skippered by Frankie Hopkins. Home supporters will be particularly interested in the potential of young arrivals Lucca D’ambola, Jared Brady, Joaquin del Olmo and Reece Henderson.
Consolidation is likely to be the target for head coach Paul Byrne and his backroom team for whom the players have worked really hard in pre-season. Hopefully, they will jell swiftly as we look forward to the challenges ahead.
30th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
As mentioned earlier, this season marks Buccaneers 30th campaign under that name and to mark the occasion there will a day of celebration on Saturday. The pre-match function is fully booked but after the game activities will include a BBQ at 5 p.m. followed by live music and a DJ. Tickets are available for this at €25 per person and can be purchased from our administrator Geraldine at 0861732711 or any Executive Committee member. Tickets can also be bought in The Bounty so let’s see a big crowd on Saturday helping the Buccs get off to a good start!
U-20’s AWAY TO CORINTHIANS
BUCCANEERS U-20’s are on the road west again on Sunday where they face Corinthians in the Bank of Ireland Connacht League. Kick-off at Corinthian Park is 2.30 p.m. Buccs will need an improved and more cohesive display here if they are to come home with the spoils.
