BUCCS COMMENCE ALL-IRELAND LEAGUE ON SATURDAY
BUCCANEERS commence life in Division 2B of the Energia All-Ireland League with an enticing Connacht derby duel against Galwegians at Dubarry Park on Saturday. Kick-off at the Athlone venue is 2.30 p.m.
Wegians with Jarrad Butler at No.8 outscored the midlanders when the sides met recently in the Connacht League in Galway but both sides are likely to have changes in their starting line-ups at the weekend. The Pirates are in a rebuilding phase and consequently will give youth its fling this season. But there is quite an amount of experience and potential in the squad which is skippered by Corey Reid.
Dylan Duffy, Tom Shine, Abel Bouwens and Leo MacFarlane are exciting young backs but the absence through injury of powerhouse Orrin Burgess is a loss in this unit. Much interest in the pack will feature on a trio of arrivals, Sam Meecham, Dan Donovan and Adam Cooper. Here James Kelly, Oisin Dolan, Luke Balsiger and Charlie Byrne will be looking to start while last season’s U-20s Conor Sheehan, Abu Saka and Niel Botes have been putting their hands up for selection.
New head coach Darin Claasen is tasked with steadying the Pirates ship and his focus will be on consolidation through developing his young players. This will mean hard work, discipline and unity whilst getting the details right. The South African is an able and experienced coach who can be counted on to get the best out of his youthful and willing charges. If they play to their capacity results will follow.
Wegians may be further down the road in their rebuild but a derby game against arch-rivals can bring the best out of Buccs. A big home crowd getting behind the team who have been training well will also help. 20% of home gates this season will be donated to charities with ‘Lachlann’s Journey’ being the choice this weekend. So let’s see a bumper attendance for this highly anticipated duel.
BUCCS TO HONOUR PAT WHELAN AT PRE-MATCH
BUCCANEERS are hosting a pre-match function for their opening All-Ireland League game on Saturday and an honorary life membership will be conferred on Pat Whelan. Whelan played with distinction for many seasons in the colours of Athlone RFC and then continued in various voluntary roles including as a highly efficient Fixtures Secretary. Pat is an eminently worthy recipient of this rare honour.
All are welcome to join in this celebration at the pre-match function. Cost is €35 per person for which you can enjoy a 2-course meal with wine, have free admission to the game and receive a complimentary yearbook. Groups or individuals can be catered for. Contact our Administrator Geraldine at 0861732711 to book.
