Buccs seal top spot in Connacht U16 League

Beginning tentatively, Buccs cleared their lines with stout defending before yielding three well-deserved points to eager Galwegians. Now coming from behind, Buccaneers opened their account with a fine long penalty by captain Jack Carty, followed by two tries, the first coming after a weaving run by centre Stephen Kelly, the second a powerful surge from a ruck by prop Glenn Carey. At times, Galwegians" attacks with ball in hand proved difficult to stop and defensive difficulties in midfield were shored up by the high work-rate of Conor Fitzgibbon and Jack Carty, assisted by wing forwards Damian Hyland and Christy Haughian. When the home team made the line for a try, which was then converted, it left Buccaneers leading 17-10 at half-time. Tension was absorbed by both teams after the break and the deadlock was broken when Anthony Cassidy completed an excellent try from twenty yards. He received the pass from number 8 Aidan Connaughton who had picked from a solid scrum. Moving this ball to the left wing was straight off the training ground and shows how simple moves can be so successful with minimum passes and minimum risk. A Buccs try sealed the win with a try after a well-worked running and passing attack by Carty and Fitzgibbon finished by winger Conor Seery but not before Galwegians, after making several excellent runs, scored what was to be a consolation try. Buccs remain top of the league after completing this important away win. Team: Carey, Donoghue, McLaughlin, Haughian, J. Ryan, Hyland, Connaughton, Fox, Carey, Carty, Kelly, Digby, Hanniffy, Seery, Fitzgibbon, Maguire, Henshaw, Fitzgibbon, Corcoran, Cassidy, Reid, Hanniffy, Maguire, McBrearty, Seb Ryan. Garrycastle GAA Notes Club Meeting A club meeting will be held tonight (Tuesday), 23rd December at 7pm in the Clubhouse. All are requested to attend this important meeting.   County Convention Best wishes are extended to the incoming Officer Board of the County"s Football and Hurling Boards. Thanks are also extended to Garrycastle delegates, Bernard Brannigan, Niall Ward and Roddy Hogan, for attending the Convention on behalf of the Club. The Club extends heartiest congratulations to Mr. Paul Dunican from Kilbeggan Shamrocks on attending his 70th consecutive County Convention. Sympathy Sympathy is extended to the Rushe family, Altown; Fox family, Cornamaddy; the McGovern family, Retreat Heights; and the Relihan family, Auburn Heights; on their recent bereavements. Vote of Congratulations The club congratulates Martin and Siobhán McCabe on the birth of their daughter Anna recently. Garrycastle/Altown Citizens Christmas Party On 21st of December, the Senior Citizens of Altown and Garrycastle held their annual Christmas party in the Clubhouse. On behalf of Garrycastle G.A.A. Club, Bernard Brannigan as Chairperson commends all involved in organising the event. Thanks are extended to Fr. Patsy and to the members of the Defence Forces, who played key roles in assisting in the celebration. Thank also to "The Chicks" for providing the entertainment on the night. Level 1 Football Course A Level 1 Football Course has been granted by the Leinster Master Tutor Group to be hosted in Westmeath starting on 19th of January of 2009. Anyone interested in obtaining additional information should contact any member of the Officer Board. Club Lotto The Lotto numbers drawn on Monday the 15th of December were as follows: 3, 7, 20 and 22. There was no winner of the Jackpot. There were six Match-3 winners: Yvonne Melinn - c/o Séamus Nugent; Joey Smith - c/o Ger Griffith; Edel Mullarney - c/o Ger Griffith; B. Duignan - Garnafeilagh; Siobhán and Michael - c/o Mick Connor; Ken and Ken - c/o Dan"s Tavern. Next week"s Jackpot is €10,600.  There will be no lotto draw held on Monday 29th December or Monday 5th January 2009. The first draw of the New Year will be held on Monday 12th January. Thanks to everyone who supported the lotto during the year and particularly all ticket sellers, and everyone who helped with the operation of the draws throughout the year.