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SENIORS CONNACHT JUNIOR 1B CARRICK 5 CONNEMARA ALL BLACKS 6  Carrick closed out their league campaign with a battling bonus point defeat to the Connemara All Blacks in a bruising encounter last Sunday in Leitrim Village. With each side missing one penalty opportunity each the away side eventually crept into the half time break 3-0 ahead. Though the home sides pack was well on top too many handling errors allowed the visitors to keep their noses in front. After the break out half Dave McHugh decided to justify his player of the year award with a devastating blindside break to touch down to nudge the home side ahead. With this the visitors cranked up the pressure to regain the initative and home side struggled to cope. Despite being dominated up front Connemara kept Carrick penned in their own 22. The home side putting two 22 drop outs straight into touch didn't help matters. Though the home side were let off the hook twice with missed penalty attempts it proved to be a case of third time lucky to swing the contest back to the visitors, 5-6. Second row Dermot Foley's rampaging try was cruelly disallowed for a foot in touch as Carrick pressed for victory. At the death the home side's rampaging forwards engineered one last opportunity which unfortunately sailed narrowly wide to leave it so near but yet so far, again. This match proved to be a microcosm of Carrick's league season. Three times perfectly winnable home league games have slipped by, proving the difference between life near the foot of the table and the dizzying heights of mid table comfort. After the nightmare that was the Loughrea massacre the ferocity of the Carrick effort against more prestigous opponents proved heartening. Though no one doubts our effort and endeavour basic mistakes continue to plague us.  Once again though the supposed whipping boys of Connacht finished off the foot of the table and in front of a steadily growing home support the future of the club is healthy, encouraging and secure. CARRICK Stephen Guckian, Lorcan Kirwan, Joe Mulleady, Ian Fowden, Derek Burns, Dave McHugh, Niall Hanrahan, Gearoid Barry, Colm McWeeney, Shane McGuinness, Sean MacEoin, Dermot Foley, Killian Kuhl, Paddy McEoin (C), John Casey. SUBS Ollie Duignan for Fowden (blood) Kevin Coffey for Fowden Emmet Argue for Kuhl Joe Mulvey for Barry. FIXTURES Cawley Cup - Carrick v UCG - Sunday 14th March 2.30pm JUVENILE RUGBY TRAINING Youths & Mini's - Mohill Saturday - 10.15 am. LADIES TRAINING Carrick Sports Complex at 9pm Tuesday night DINNER DANCE Many thanks to all who attended the clubs annual dinner dance at the Bush Hotel, Carrick on Shannon last Friday night. David McHugh and Ornaith Grimes were the main award winners but a hugely enjoyable night, reflective of the clubs growing support, was had by all. Many thanks to the Bush Hotel for a great job as always and many thanks to our special guest Tommy Kenoy. Most importantly many thanks to all our players, young and old, coaches, officials, supporters, sponsors and friends for your efforts during the season and we look forward to another succesful night next year. SIX NATIONS RAFFLE Watch out for the draws for 2 tickets for the Ireland V Wales and Ireland v Scotland games. Draw limited to 100 tickets. Draw at Murtaghs Bar, Carrick on Shannon on Thursday 11th March @ 10pm. Details from any committee member. MANY THANKS Many thanks again to the Leitrim Village Community Field Development Committee for hosting us again last Sunday. As always your help and support is appreciated. GET WELL SOON Best wishes and a speedy recovery to player/coach Ian Fowden who sustained a serious rib injury last Sunday CONTACT DETAILS Senior Ian Fowden - 0860888978 Sean MacEoin - 0868265379 Niall Hanrahan - 0869683184 Juvenile Gary Molloy (Minis) - 0872381938 Peter Hollidge (Youths) - 0877457096 Ladies Aine Spellman - 0872544388 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it PHOTO 1 Winger Derek Burns (11) attempts to wriggle free from the Connemara defence in Leitrim Village last Sunday PHOTO 2 John Casey makes one of his trademark breaks in Leitrim Village last Sunday. PHOTO 3 Connemara on the attack in Leitrim Village last Sunday |
