Huge Cup Win for Sligo
Sligo became the first Connacht side to beat Monivea this season on Sunday afternoon thanks to a brilliant home victory in the Heineken Junior Cup.
Caption: Action from Sunday’s Tussle which Sligo won 12-9. Pic Rory Raftery.
Hamilton Park remains a fortress for the north westerners who drew 0-0 with the Connacht king pins last year and went a that bit further in a keenly contested encounter this weekend.
Four Paddy Pearson penalties helped the home side to a 12-9 victory over Monivea who managed three kicks from Ger O’Connor but couldn’t notch up a try at the Strandhill venue for the second season running.
While the main focus in the Monivea camp will be very much on the league and AIB League qualfiers losing their claim on the Junior Cup crown will be a bit of a blow to momentum after a good run thus far this season.
Sligo on the other hand have bounced back just when their season appeared to be petering out. They are now serious contenders for the Junior Cup crown which they last won in 2005 and will be favourites to beat Buccaneers in the last eight.
The Midlanders won’t mind that one bit and will relish the challenge in the last eight after they overcame Loughrea today 19-17 in a fiercely contested encounter at Dubarry Park.
The Galway side came from 14-3 behind in the second half to lead by three as Buccaneers suffered from a double sin binning but thanks to a Kolo Kirapati try in the closing stages the home side snuck home for the win.
Next weekend’s Junior Cup Quarter Finals will see Corrib face Ballina, Corinthians host Castlebar, OLBC entertain Tuam and Sligo at home to Buccaneers.
In the semi finals. the winners of the games at Corinthian Park and Hamilton Park will have home advantage, meaning both Corinthians and Sligo are now strong favourites for a place in the final.
Meanwhile in Division 1A of the Junior League. Galwegians look safe now after they overcame Corinthians on home soil this afternoon 12-7.
Barry O’Sullivan’s try looked to have put his side in position to win but a late drop goal from Dave Clarke kept the home side in front.
Galwegians have now won two on the bounce beating Ballinrobe last weekend and overcoming their city rivals this time around to bring themselves from last place to fourth bottom and all but safe. Job done.
Rob, is it true that Dave Clarke played for Galwegians today. The same Dave Clarke that played all of their AIL games and was on the bench for Connacht A during the week. If so this is a disgrace and they should be thrown out of the league, never to return.
Comment by Wally — February 7, 2010 @ 5:31 pm
wally oh wally what a wally! have you not heard of regrading. dont blame clarke or wegians, they are only playing within the rules as set down by the branch.
Comment by tight head — February 7, 2010 @ 6:45 pm
Tight head you clown, where did i blame Clarke. You can’t regrade a player who has played every senior game this year, so yes I am blaming Wegians. If they did some how get him regraded the Connacht Branch have made a serious F*** up here. OLBC and Balinrobe will surely be putting in an objection.
Comment by Wally — February 7, 2010 @ 6:54 pm
I hear on the grapevine that Wegians allegedly tried to pull a fast one with the teamsheet. It was illegible and the referee made them write it out again. Something stinks hear. I bet Wegians get away with it though, they run the bloody Branch.
Comment by Rent Boy — February 7, 2010 @ 7:05 pm
If the regrading comitee allowed a player to be regraded that has started every AIL match for wegians, then the junior clubs are well within the rights to ask for all senior teams to be ejected from the J1 league. This is a joke. How must the robe players and supporters feel,after reading these allegations.
But there again were wegians ever going to be relegated?
I doubt it!
Comment by oh my — February 7, 2010 @ 7:46 pm
Yea the senior clubs are allowed 3 re-gradings, as far as I know wegians only used 2 clarke and mcclearn, not sure what 3 corinthians chose.
Clarke did indeed come off the bench for Connacht A thurs as did Conroy and Murphy who play jun for UCG.
Wegians were however without Joe Moran(lock), Nick McCarthy(openside), Ronan Dillon(scrum half), Derek Boyd(Lock), Terry O’Donnell(Wing, Greg Leader(No.8) and Ross Fitzgerald(hooker and capt).
So fair play to the guys who stepped up and the guys who played out of usual positions.
Comment by stuff — February 7, 2010 @ 7:49 pm
Whats your reason for tossing corinthians out of the j1 league. did they do something wrong
Comment by ah cmon — February 7, 2010 @ 7:51 pm
what are the criteria for re-grading these players. clarke started last week against ballinahinch i read it on this site. surely then he cant play in the j1 league the following weekend?
Comment by ah cmon — February 7, 2010 @ 7:54 pm
WALLY WALLY WALLY CALM DOWN! 3 REGRADINGS PER WEEK/GAME. PRESENTED TO THE BRANCH MIDWEEK TO BE SIGNED OFF. THEM IS THE RULES. WEGIANS AS FAR AS I KNOW ARE WELL WITHIN THEIR RIGHTS TO REGRADE WHO THEY LIKE AS LONG AS IT IS NO MORE THAN THREE. SO GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT BEFORE MOUTHING OFF ABOUT PLAYERS AND CLUBS. IF YOU HAVE ISSUES ON ALL THIS RING THE BRANCH IN THE MORNING AND HAVE A RANT AT THEM
Comment by tight head — February 7, 2010 @ 8:13 pm
Are wegians not allowed win or something? Didn’t they drop Molloy, who scored winning drop goal last week and scored all points v Ballina, for Clarke.
Who would you rather be against?
Comment by former bull — February 7, 2010 @ 8:21 pm
Dave Clarke has started every Galwegian AIL game this season and he even played the previous weekend against Ballinhinch. I know because I was there last weekend and I’ve been to a couple other matches too. There is something seriously wrong with the regrading system is he can play the following weekend. Like someone else above I would like to know the complete rules for regrading. Can someone possibly publish them on the site? Rob? Anyone? A bit less slagging and more facts would be healthy.
Comment by The Facts — February 7, 2010 @ 8:34 pm
From my knowledege, no player from a senior club with that much AIL games under his belt may be regraded to play junior rugby. You cannot just nominate 3 players to drop to junior whenever it suits you. This stinks to high hell, even if Corinthians have no problem with this as they are neiter going to win the league or be relegated,it has huge implications for the other clubs at the bottom of the leauge.
It seems one rule for wegians, and the rest of us can get F**ked.
Comment by oh my — February 7, 2010 @ 9:09 pm
as far as i know there is re-grading committee in the branch who decide on which players are eligible each weekend for the junior league games.
I think the senior clubs can put players names forward and the committee then makes a decision
Comment by Lawnster — February 7, 2010 @ 9:15 pm
Tight head and stuff, you don’t what you are talking about, you can’t just nominate any three players. the player would have to have been dropped from the senior team or be returning from injury. This clearly was not the case here. Please stick to the facts.Open and shut case here, Wegians will be deducted points. Rules are Rules. The senior clubs should have their own league.
Comment by Wally — February 7, 2010 @ 9:22 pm
Galwegians: L Bibo; T O’Halloran (R O’Beirn), B Murphy, D Clarke, J Cleary; R Shaughnessy, K Campbell; J Naughton, D Murphy, J Stephens (R Loughney); L Scahill, B McClearn; D Boyd (C Muldoon), I Muldoon, A Conboy (E McKeon).
The above is the Wegian team sheet from the Ballinahinch game. They haven’t a leg to stand on
Comment by Wally — February 7, 2010 @ 9:28 pm
I may be wrong,(highy unlikely)but there is no regradings allowed the week there is no AIL match. I’m sure the commitee men will have known this!
Wont they?
The whole credability of the connact branch is at stake here in the eyes of junior clubs.
Comment by oh my — February 7, 2010 @ 9:48 pm
wally there is no chance wegians will be deducted points
there was no rule breaking on their part.
the branch cleared clarke to play that game during the week, how can they possibly now punish them for something they permitted themselves
not saying the system is a good one, or even a fair one.
but these are the facts
Comment by Lawnster — February 7, 2010 @ 9:51 pm
Stuff & Tight Head ye haven’t a clue. If Galwegians get away with this it’s a sad indictment on the Branch. I’d say the other clubs involved in the relegation battle have already got wind of this and are planning over a few pints tonight.
Wait until people start logging on here tomorrow morning, the sh1t will hit the fan then. I don’t know if Wegians pull in the Branch will get them out of this one.
Comment by Which ring should I kiss Father? — February 7, 2010 @ 9:55 pm
Wally, While I agree with most of what you have written there, why are you including Corinthians with Galwegians and Buccaneers. In my opinion Corinthians have helped raise the standard of junior rugby over the last few years and there never seems to be any problem with the teams they put out. On another subject I think it could have been a blessing Monivea losing today. A kick up the arse and we’ll be fresh for the round robin
Comment by Bad day today — February 7, 2010 @ 9:58 pm
I think the only way to make the senior clubs comply is to hit there international ticket allocation or zero tolerance – any infraction of the rules and yer kicked out of the league for a couple of seasons. I’m sick to death of senior clubs like wegians not giving a f*ck about the junior clubs!
Comment by Which ring should I kiss Father? — February 7, 2010 @ 9:59 pm
Okay, fair point about Corinthians, but the other two couldn’t give a sh1te!
Comment by Which ring should I kiss Father? — February 7, 2010 @ 10:01 pm
Rules:
All clubs are allowed re-grade 3 players each week.
(that is sen teames re-grade to J1, and J1 re-grade to J2)
- Re-Gradings must be ratified to be eligible.
- Note: Wegian do not have a vote on this Committee
If a player has started 5 AIL games he may not play Jun Cup
Comment by stuff — February 7, 2010 @ 10:02 pm
Players can be regraded during the week no matter how many senior games they play. However if they start more than 3 senior games they aren’t eligible for Junior cup.
Comment by Jedward — February 7, 2010 @ 10:10 pm
MY POINT PLAIN AND SIMPLE IS THAT THE BRANCH HAVE RULES. AS LONG AS TEAMS ARE PLAYING WITHIN THE RULES THEN THEY HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR. SORRY TO DISSAPOINT ALL THE PEOPLE POSTING COMMENTS HERE AND HOPING AND PRAYING THAT WEGIANS ARE THROWN OUT OF THE LEAGUE. 3 REGRADES PER WEEK, SIGNED OFF MIDWEEK BY THE REGRADE COMMITTEE WHICH WAS THE CASE HERE.THEY ARE WELL WITHIN THE RULES. NOW WHETHER THIS IS FAIR OR GOOD FOR JUNIOR RUGBY IN THE PROVINCE IS NOT AN ISSUE FOR WEGIANS. ALL THE ANGST AND VITRIOL SHOULD BE DIRECTED AT THOSE WHO MADE THE RULES. AND NO WEGIANS DONT HVE A REP ON REGRADE COMMITTEE.OPEN AND SHUT CASE HERE FOLKS!
Comment by tight head — February 7, 2010 @ 10:22 pm
So Galwegians do control the Branch then.
Comment by Which ring should I kiss Father? — February 7, 2010 @ 10:46 pm
junior clubs are very strong in the branch and if they had their way would love to see wegians, buccs, and to a lesser extent corinthians thrown out of the junior league. if mona go senior then they will be in the firing line also.
Comment by tight head — February 7, 2010 @ 10:52 pm
Nice to see Buccs aren’t at the center of controversy this weekend (yet). You have to have 4 AIL league or AIL Cup starts to be disqualified from the Junior Cup but there are no restrictions for the league.
Each club with more than one team (adult) has to submit a panel of 15 players by 12pm, Wednesday before the weekend. A maximum of 3 players can be re-graded from one squad to the next.
If you want to really do something about it then insist that the Senior Cup first round is played before the Junior Cup Starts. Anyone plays in that is Cup tied.
Comment by Brother Malone — February 7, 2010 @ 11:14 pm
Having talked to someone from a senior club about this. The regrading committee refused a Corinthian player who had played mostly junior all season, but then played 2 senior AIL matches because of injury. He was not aloud to play junior league the following week. If Clarke was regraded, it is nothing short of a disgrace. The bias towards one club up in the sportsground is sickening.
So there you have it folks, Player from Corinthians plays 2 AIL all season. No regrade. Players from wegians who play all the AIL matches. Fire away lads, sure we couldn’t have ye going down with the other riff raff in the basement. I’m sure buccs don’t get this “special treatment” either. And I might add that the regrading committee is made up of junior rugby people.
A lot of awkward questions going to be asked this morning methinks!
Comment by 2nd class citizens — February 8, 2010 @ 8:24 am
Sligo Vs Monivea
Game may not sound that flash but excellent commitment from both teams, good referee. Great work from both teams to compete in an entertaining contest.Awesome stuff
Comment by International Scout — February 8, 2010 @ 8:58 am
Forget about Wegians and the crap…. what about Sligo v Mona.. Mona proved to be quiet ordinary on the day..Sligo butchered two real try scoring options and had a missed kick in front of posts..they dominated for long stretches and out physicaled the Mona lads. Jason East got man of the match…did someone in this forum say that he hasnt made an impression since returning to Sligo..find me a tight head who has the same work rate and tackle count..
Comment by LOOOSE ---HEAD — February 8, 2010 @ 9:08 am
looks like a Sligo v Corinthians final then.
Comment by mojo — February 8, 2010 @ 9:13 am
Good man loose head..Mona quiet ordinary on the day. If Mona are so ordinary why are they 6 points clear in the league. Every team is entilted to an off day…ask Munster. But you know fat bot…I mean loose head, quality will always stand the test of time.
Comment by NewBoy — February 8, 2010 @ 10:46 am
I cant believe I didn’t get a mention in that report, it was probably my best game for a couple of seasons, a combination of my spray on shorts and that ozzy jordy farrington bein too greedy to pass me the ball prevented me from gettin a couple of tries, Im still the best scrum half in connacht
Comment by Billy Leahy — February 8, 2010 @ 10:46 am
me & my ballina mates were up there yesterday, Sligo made Mona look ordinary even tho it hurts me to say, if only we were within strikin distance of the league title I think we would have a shot of gettin back into the AIL, we mite need to put the call over to Wales to get our players back
Comment by Uno — February 8, 2010 @ 10:52 am
Yesterday Sligo and Monivea played out a great game. The referee was top class with the assistance of two vigilant linesmen who added to the occasion. Kevin Higgins, Ger Divilly, Pat Devane and Fergus Farrell were a big loss for Monivea while Sligo were short Niall Hara, Simon Coulter, and Jamie Bowes. The standard was quite high with some fierce defending from both sides. Towards the end Sligo had a number of chances to close out the match which they did not take advantage of. That Galwegians/Corinthians result is quite worrying for the genuine junior clubs. When is this league going to be left to run in a proper way.
Comment by Sligo Warrior — February 8, 2010 @ 11:02 am
Who was the ref.hardly from Connacht.
Comment by Tim — February 8, 2010 @ 11:26 am
Ballina and Corrib could be a bruising encounter by the sounds of things! Mona are still a great club and will prob go on to win the league so good luck to them. Sligo haven’t won anything yet so they shouldn’t get too excited!
Comment by rewind — February 8, 2010 @ 12:11 pm
well NEW.BOY we are tetchy today!!!… I know ye have been scoring loads of trys against inferior opponents..its a while since ye scored one against Sligo!!Seriously though the top teams in the Junior league need stronger opposition to develop as in yesterdays game(and omportantly home and away)….then they would be better able to compete at AIB Junior Cup and AIL round robin…
Comment by loose-Head — February 8, 2010 @ 12:11 pm
Mona were also missing the leagues top try scorer, rory o connor
Comment by top scorer — February 8, 2010 @ 2:35 pm
was at game in sligo yesterday, sligo is a very hard place to get a win, was one of the best junior rugby games ive seen, big up to both squads, think if it went to extra time both teams would of been wrecked. should be great game in league altough nothing to play for but pride
Comment by floody — February 8, 2010 @ 3:01 pm
to all ye haters stop talkin absolute s**te!!!!!!!ye junior clubs are always complaining about the branch!!!!!!the branch are correct by always backing the big guns as they are the only clubs to actually benefit the connacht team!!!!!!any good players that do play junior rugby always come to their senses and join the senior clubs ie mr clarke(former Ballina underage)!!!!!!!face facts the big clubs will always run this province and thats the way it should be.boo ya
Comment by Tierno-07 — February 8, 2010 @ 3:05 pm
absolute mozarella
Comment by Lawnster — February 8, 2010 @ 3:35 pm
Im with you Tierno. In fact I think we should get rid of the junior clubs altogether ! that way us big clubs can have the leagues to ourselves and not be bothering with any of those rules and laws. In fact we might not bother playing at all sure all we want is a few medals each to be braggin to the young ones about in salthill on a saturday night.
Comment by g'man tierno — February 8, 2010 @ 3:36 pm
Shut up ye fuckin rednecks!Ye think ye are playing super 14!CLOWNS
Comment by jakey — February 8, 2010 @ 4:41 pm
Tierno…take a second to think about where Galwegians would be without the junior clubs.As you pointed out Dave Clarke is a former Ballina player and a lot of the other Galwegians players started out in junior clubs.So before you go proclaiming that the junior clubs should be done away with think about the impact that would have on your own precious club. Oh yeah, before i forget, do you mind telling me what clubs John Muldoon and Gavin Duffy come from originally? The senior clubs really are the only ones who contribute to Connacht arent they.
Comment by Ballina4life — February 8, 2010 @ 7:13 pm
Bsllina4life – did you ever hear of trolling!!!
Comment by dddd — February 8, 2010 @ 8:11 pm
Will corinthians lodge an appeal I wonder?
Comment by half back — February 8, 2010 @ 8:47 pm
Was at the game in Sligo yesterday, very entertaining.Ref was Connacht Branch ref excellant and former Bucks player i believe.Suggested to Branch a few years ago the J1 league should comprise top 6 clubs and play home and away to raise standard.Surely all players want to measure themselves against better players,let the senior club players play but do not count the result, and same for all games.
Comment by cando — February 8, 2010 @ 9:13 pm
ballina4life i never said junior clubs should be done away with rather that they should accept that they are playin second fiddle to the senior clubs!!!!!!!i would love to know exactly how many junior games john muldoon and gavin duffy played for their respective clubs.If im not mistaken duffy learned his trade in roscrea……not wearing the green of ballina!!!!!!the only other example i can see is scahill from westport!!!!!!!however one swallow doesnt make a summer and therefore junior clubs should accept that senior clubs ie (wegians and corinthians to a lesser extent) deserve every decision they get
Comment by Tierno-07 — February 8, 2010 @ 10:05 pm
So what your saying is that there should be one set of rules for the 4 senior clubs and another for the junior clubs? You’re a right dickhead aren’t you? And Gavin didn’t start playing for Roscrea until he was 12 or 13. Where do you think he was playing until then? Where did he pick up the game first?
Comment by Ballina4life — February 8, 2010 @ 10:13 pm
there is not a different rule for one over another, all clubs regraded players this week including corinthians and buccs. kiripati played jun cup this weekend and has played every ail game since xmas.
I agree regrading rules need to be altered but at moment no rule has been broken.
Comment by stuff — February 8, 2010 @ 10:22 pm
to all those misinformed muppets from junior clubs posting comments here, no rules have been broken here. wegians worked the rules that are in place to their advantage and won the game.it amuses me the cynicism and negativity directed at senior clubs.the junior clubs should remember that ballinrobe havent won a game all season so they deserve to go down. remember the age old saying the table dosnt lie.
Comment by tight head — February 8, 2010 @ 11:04 pm
Ballina4life – If GD didn’t go to Roscrea he would probably have ended up playing football for the Stephenites and Mayo. He may have ended up playing a bit of underage with Ballina RFC but that would be that.
Ballina RFC may have prompted him to pick up the oval ball initially. But it was his parents decision to send him to a rugby school outside of this province that put him on the road to playing pro rugby. That’s my opinion anyway.
Comment by dddd — February 8, 2010 @ 11:07 pm
For f*cks sake Stuff take the blinker off.
No other senior club would have got away with regrading Clarke apart from Wegians. I can guarantee you that no other player who has started every and as many Division 1 games as him has ever been regraded. I realise that this was ‘all may be within the rules’ but it doesn’t make it right. In fact it stinks. It’s a sure example of one club being more equal than others when it suits there agenda.
Comment by dddd — February 8, 2010 @ 11:13 pm
Tighthead valid point. The junior league needs to be re-shaped as rob pointed out recently something simliar to that of the AIL1A. Ballinrobe havent won a match all season too date and therefore what benefits does it have for the future progression of the J1A league for them to stay up and what are the benefits for them if they stay up. Dont think any1 would like to train throughtout the season and lose every weekend i know i wouldnt.
i know that wegiens although they have a weaker team this year than in the past it can be generally assumed that at least if they stay up which they most likely will maybe next year or the following year at least whoever plays against them (wegiens) will have a tougher game against them than that of a team that stays up and hasnt won a match all season..
REGRADING OF PLAYERS
U may argue that rules are wrong or not fair.. if so make a point about it to your club connacht rep or get out ur poster and stand outside the sports ground and let it be changed or remain on the decision of the powers that run this league.
Comment by NO excuse — February 9, 2010 @ 12:08 am
Rules are rules and they have not been broken. The situation is that if an AIL team is not playing then the Juniors can be packed, especially this time of the year when there is a gap in AIL fixtures. Kolo Kirpati has started 2 AIL games this season and was a sub in another game so was eligible to play in the Junior Cup. He’s on his way back from injury and the game was just another step on his road to full fitness. Is that fair on Loughrea? Probably not but I don’t feel any sympathy for them, rules are after all rules and when they work to our advantage it in some small way makes up for some of the times we’re bet with them.
It just seems that there are double standards being applied here. If Wegians or Buccs are hammered or can’t field then we’re taking the piss out of Junior rugby. If we win then we’re cheating. Dammed if you do etc.
Junior clubs need to seriously ask themselves if Junior Competitions would be better off without AIL reserve sides. Corinthians 2nd XV are strong, Buccs and Wegians will be again with great underage teams on the way through the ranks.
The way the AIL is going and in light of AIB’s decision to withdraw its sponsorship (500K/year) things are likely to be changing at a national level with only an elite senior club competition and a second tier Celtic league. That pretty much means a return to the (bad) old days of the Connacht Senior league and will put Junior rugby way down the list of priorities.
Comment by Brother Malone — February 9, 2010 @ 12:39 am
To answer ddd’s point about no other club getting away with this:
Last season buccs regraded their senior captain for the play off v west Offaly.
You may also recall that in last years sen cup semi final corinthians started their first choice outhalf (who happened to be Clarke) on the bench n brought him in no less than 5mins into the game so he would be eligible to play jun the following day.
All within the rules, mayb connemara are in a position to cast the first stone
Comment by stuff — February 9, 2010 @ 12:50 am
just to clear something up kiripati has played all the games from xmas all 3 of them first game bck against ballymena was a sub Replacements:- K.Kiripati (for S.Burke, inj. 34 mins), http://www.buccaneersrfc.com/bucs_ballymena_180110.php
and started the other two due to injuries i.e padraig burke ,and kiripati hadnt played before xmas except in connacht senior cup so was well able to be included in buccs 2nds cup game where he was still lookin to get match fit after a lenghtly lay off
Comment by gwjbwb — February 9, 2010 @ 2:42 am
that David Clarke should be hung hang him i say he is the root off all this evil..in fact im pretty sure i heard him saying he is the anti-christ re-incarnated one day on Enniscrone Beach as he killed an endangered dolphin with his bare hands… great win for sligo though!!
Comment by thornto — February 9, 2010 @ 7:35 am
Well done to Sligo! Regardless of how good Monivea were throughout the season, Sligo beat them on the day. The joys of cup rugby! Thats why we have league & Cup.
I think this thread has gotten very negative. Every single club seems to have been hard done by. Does this all not point to serious problems in the Connacht Junior Rugby. Every single article on this site is accompanied by people saying some club (usually a senior club, but not always) fielded illegal players. It has become so petty that every single club has to be so meticulous in their match sheets, etc.
Whilst I acknowledge this needs to be done, All the clubs in the province need to start been positive. If you are beat by better team so be it. Learn from it, and move on. Play rugby, and take the highs and the lows that come along with it.
Its not the premiership, there isn’t millions of dollars at stake – Its not the end of the world if a team gets relgated from Junior Division 1.
Whilst I do agree it hasn’t been a great year or 2 for the senior clubs (with the exception of Corinthians) Their 2nds should be in the Junior leagues. We are a small province and we don’t have that much strength in our junior leagues. It will improve the quality of the league for guys to be playing against the likes of Dave Clarke & Kolo Kiripati.
I love playing against good players. It can only improve and raise my game.
All the clubs in Connacht need to start been positive. Playing rugby and enjoying it. Providing a safe and positive environment for kids to start playing rugby, whether it be Junior or Senior clubs.
We need Junior clubs and Senior Clubs to develop young players. And let them move onto Senior clubs to develop and get some exposure if they want to persue a career as a pro rugby player.
Is it so bad that a kid wants to leave his local club, to persue a dream career?
An another note, Connacht really need to change the league structure to whats in Leinster. Its brilliant. Teams in the Junior divisions chasing playoff spots are still not clear of the relegation spots. Everything to play for every team. And concentrates the quality. Let the senior clubs take part but they will be whopped and there will be no hiding if they don’t take it seriously.
Back on track: I hope Monivea make into the AIL this year, They are a fantastic club, and It would be brilliant for Connacht rugby. And hopefully more Junior Clubs can strive for that consistency and quality they have acheived over the years.
Comment by Paperclip — February 9, 2010 @ 9:41 am
Stuff, you are correct, Nial O’Hara did indeed play in the relegation decider, he was the club captain at the time.
Its also true though that he didn’t make the Buccs first team that season unless there were a few injuries. He was behind the likes of John O’Brian, Paul Harte, Danny O’Reirdon and Sean Carey.
I agree with Paperclip on Monivea. I also hope that they make it to the AIL (while there still is one!).
Comment by Brother Malone — February 9, 2010 @ 10:55 am
Well said Paperclip!
I also am fed up with all the bitching on this board.
Thanks for bringing a small bit of positive energy to the table.
Comment by Utility Back — February 9, 2010 @ 10:59 am
The Connacht Branch last night annaounced that they are setting up a working group/comitee to look at the Junior League(s). They will be seeking submissions from all clubs so now is yer chance to have a say…dont have it like last season when the number of subs issue came up and only two junior clubs replied..get yer opinions heard and STOP all the whinging
Comment by LOOOSE ---HEAD — February 9, 2010 @ 1:57 pm
Guys the only way to sort this out is to play junior games on a saturday then no more worries about regrading all done and dusted and play on the same weekends as the ail
Comment by little bull — February 9, 2010 @ 7:48 pm
Just after looking at the tables there.
If Connacht went to three J1 leagues of 8 teams it would look like this:
Connacht J1 Div1:
Monivea,Sligo,Ballina, Corrib,Corinthians,Castlebar,Westport,Tuam.
Connacht J1 Div 2: Galwegians,OLBC,Ballinrobe,Buccaneers,Loughrea,Creggs, West Offaly,Portumna
Connacht J1 Div3:
Connermara,Ballyhaunis,Gort,UCG,Carrick,Dunmore,Ballinasloe,Westport.
Winners go up, losers go down, Runners up play 2nd bottom team in relegation/promotion playoff
Those are 3 very competitive looking league.Cricket scores would be kept to a minimum. With possibly the odd exception of a run away leader, every other team would be battling for promotion places/out of relegation places as evidenced in Leinster this season.
It would also mean a team that goes up from Div 1b is not making a massive jump and getting hockeyed. They can gradually build their squad to compete better and stay in a smaller lower division. This has to be better than the current situation of going from Div 1B to Div 1A. I hope not to offend anyone but the difference in quality between Div 1b and top of Div 1a is massive, and too big a step to be made comfortably and succesfully.
Whether the matchs are played on Saturday or Sunday doesn’t matter, but if it solves another issue by playing them on the Saturday then by all means go for it.
Of course if Monivea get promoted and the senior teams get booted out, This is no good. The senior teams reserves are needed (and also junior teams 2nds where needed in Div 3), and we could have a very competitive and entertaining Connacht Junior League where the discussion would be on the quality and entertainment of the games, and how teams will do, it’ll be harder to predict results etc. and not on the dreaded legalities, and feckin teamsheets.
Anyone else think those leagues look exciting?
Comment by Paperclip — February 10, 2010 @ 11:20 am
Also as someone else said, make sure to get the 3 sub rule changed to normal.
Comment by Paperclip — February 10, 2010 @ 11:25 am
Playing on a Saturday will not suit all clubs, what about guys working on a Saturday? personally i prefer a Sunday game.
Comment by team — February 10, 2010 @ 12:28 pm
Great idea but Friday night under lights,Saturday afternoon or night under lights is the best way forward. Getting a sound league structure such as this as well as getting supporters back to the matches and to the club bar for the aftermatch analysis would add greatly. This would free up Sunday for everyone. Also the Referee bringing his own linesmen and they could also have a relaxed hour or so aftermatch with one of the trio taking it in their turn to be the designated driver. Peoples family and personal lives have to be considered.
Comment by Sligo Warrior — February 10, 2010 @ 12:53 pm
That’s a good well thought out solution there paperclip! But I’m very fearful of all this talk of removing senior clubs from the junior league. Not all the players in a senior clubs 2nds are automatically guaranteed to play 1st team rugby, some are guys who have played senior before and others are just not up to it. To just deny players from senior clubs a chance to play in a meaningful competition is just plain wrong. Why should Corinthians be turfed out because of indiscretions of other clubs. there is no way junior rugby is strong enough to support such an action, and the fall out would be carnage, with court cases and legal letters flying all over the place.
The AIL is going to go through a major revamp the year after next, the AIB have pulled sponsorship and the union can’t afford to pay for travel expenses. Connacht rugby is going to have enough on its plate besides fighting a civil war within its own borders!
Comment by Mr Plough — February 10, 2010 @ 1:10 pm
definitely agree with the 3 sub rule being brought up to five,fair figure without puttin too much strain on seconds teams and therefore not interfering with the funding the connacht branch get which apparently was the thinking behind the 3 sub rule.The establishment of a three tier junior league is also a brilliant idea with home and away matches(but keep the cup the same) this would be more competitive and stop for example mona hammerin olbc,think that match had a massive scoreline, and would give clubs a better chance of developing and keep some young players interested as they will be winning/competing more at their level and would not be tempted to go to other sports eg gaa to be successful.Saturdays do sound good but a lot of teams depend on college students who many of work in bars/clubs etc. on saturdays and is something for clubs to consider but these are in the minority and so think it would be a great idea and bring back a lot of the social aspects of the game which have been all but lost in junior rugby.
Yours in rugby,
Bertie Bear Esq.
Comment by bertie bear — February 10, 2010 @ 2:26 pm
Comment No. 71 – its easy to tell that there is a high unemployment rate in the country . . people have way too much time on their hands.
Comment by Confused.com — February 10, 2010 @ 4:20 pm
Paper clip great idea on the league set up.totally agree and get rid of the 3 sub rule.playing the game sat.would change rugby in these parts for the best.even better clubs with light’s for fri or sat nite’s.win win situation.make’s rugby more appealing to players young and old and supporters.fair play to clubs with lights. Was the cawley cup draw made.
Comment by Port — February 10, 2010 @ 9:59 pm
Friday and Saturday nights would be great but it does depend on the facilities of each club and the availability of players. Definitely something to be considered. The 3 tier system is a must have for next season if at all possible. It makes things a lot fairer on not just the smaller teams but the stronger teams as well. Having to play the two strongest teams in the league(mona & sligo) away was a massive disadvantage to Ballina.It would lead to a lot more exciting finishes to the season compared to the current system where a team has the league sown up before the end of January.
Comment by Ballina4life — February 10, 2010 @ 10:48 pm
Its great to see. 73 posts and counting. It just shows the interest we all have in Junior rugby in the province.
It is vital that all clubs Senior and Junior work together to acheive a sustainable, competitive junior rugby set up in Connacht.
Just reading that article about WOL. Thats a major blow to Connacht rugby – Hopefully Its not the end of it.
As regards matchs, why don’t the branch suggest a weekend, and a day, but if both clubs agree a change to Friday night or Sat day/night match, whats to stop that happening.
If they can’t agree a change they adhere to the Original Sunday kick off times.
As long as each match gets played at the weekend, that would be great.
Because Pints after Friday/Saturday night matchs are so delicious and sweet !!
Comment by Paperclip — February 12, 2010 @ 2:34 pm
Friday night lights = Friday night pints
OR
Saturday Night Lights = Saturday Night Pints
Comment by Paperclip — February 12, 2010 @ 2:36 pm
Sorry Paperclip pints only allowed in closed season. Not a great decision by Leinster Branch, will they compensate the Offaly lads for the extra expense incurred. West Offaly Lions decided to play in Connacht as logistically it was the right thing for them to do. In the present difficult financial climate surely this should be considered by the powers that be.
Comment by Sligo Warrior — February 12, 2010 @ 3:58 pm
about 3/4 years ago i suggested to the Branch a restructure to J1 format as has been suggested above is in my opinion the only way forward.Was also told the branch had no problem with league games being played fri/sat or whenever as long as both clubs agreed.Mona have lights Brobe have lights why not go for it if it suits maybe not every game(attendances may be affected)but it is an option.Playing on a fri/sat night might sort out this problem with senior regrading.Having been to a number of clubs over the past few years one aspect of the game i do not agree with is that the visiting team do (in the main )not go into the home Club or Bar whichever to have a drink with their opposite number.I have been told it is not the thing to do, what a load of rubbish, how you going to meet your opposing team otherwise.If i was to change anything in the game at J1, it would be great to see opposing props etc having a chat about the game afterwords just like the old days.
Yes i know things have changed.But as i stopped playing in the early 80s all the clubs i go to to watch my club playing i meet the guys i played against all those years ago and we discuss old times, WHAT WILL YOU GUYS TALK ABOUT your relationships with other clubs and their players will be non existant.
Finally, do not like to see the bitching going on on this forum about Ballina etc(not a Ballina member)
WE ARE ALL RUGBY SUPPORTERS, LETS GET BEHIND OUR J1 GAME FOR THE BETTER.
Sorry for being so long winded.
Yours in Sport.
Comment by cando — February 16, 2010 @ 8:19 pm