CORINTHIANS GAME SWITCHED TO SATURDAY
BUCCANEERS return to Energia All-Ireland League action when they take on Galway Corinthians at Dubarry Park with this Division 2A fixture now kicking off at 2.30 p.m. on Saturday. The ongoing severe weather necessitated the change from a Friday night floodlit encounter.
Captained by Mark Boyle Corinthians showed why they are in a strong second place in this division when the teams met at Corinthian Park just before Christmas. They will be favourites to prevail again in Athlone as the second half of the season commences. However, home supporters will be anticipating that the Pirates will give a much better account of themselves on this occasion. Bolstered by Academy players the westerners have some exciting young talent such as John Devine, Bryan Walsh, Thomas Farthing, Sean Naughton and ex-Bucc Jack Pollard in their ranks.
Buccs mainly inexperienced squad endured a torrid run of results and injuries during 2024 but, with some key players coming back in the near future, performances and results should improve noticeably. Fergus Galvin, Ryan O’Meara and Gearoid McDonald are hoping to be fit for this test although it may be too early for Pirates skipper Frankie Hopkins and Oisin Dolan among others. Fionn McDonnell is back from his world travels and could be in contention for inclusion.
Corinthians look too formidable for the midlanders at present but, especially if the homesters give of their best, derby games do not always go to expectations. Shane Gaughan is referee.
SECONDS AWAY TO BALLINASLOE IN JUNIOR CUP
With many of their regular players now involved with the AIL squad, Buccaneers Seconds have also struggled this season. They now face a stiff test in the opening round of the Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior Cup when they make the short trip to Moher Road to square up to Ballinasloe.
Buccs defeated the east Galway side in the Cup quarter-final there last season and then overcame their neighbours in the Junior 1B League decider to earn promotion to 1A. But it will be a weaker Pirates crew compared to last season while Ballinasloe are in good form, being joint leaders in 1B at the moment. They will be more than eager to reverse last year’s results and, on home soil, will be favourites when the action gets under way at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
