Buccaneers briefs

New Year Youth Disco A supervised, alcohol-free New Year Youth Disco takes place during the schools Christmas holiday period at The Bounty on this Monday, January 4th, with music by top DJ Paul Harte from 9pm until midnight. These regular discos are organised by Buccaneers Rugby Football Club and are the only official discos run in conjunction with the Athlone Drugs Awareness Group and with the support of Athlone Gardai. They cater primarily for Junior Cert students in the 15/16 year-old age brackets and have been running successfully for almost a decade. Cllr. Frankie Keena of the Athlone Drugs Awareness Group believes that this is due mainly to the stringent supervision and control at these eagerly anticipated social events by the young teenagers. "If teenagers have alcohol on them or are acting in any way that is a concern to others, then their parents are contacted to bring the teenagers home. The safety and enjoyment of those attending the discos is paramount and, because of such common sense practices, the discos have proved hugely popular now over many years. They are a wonderful alternative to the drinks culture that abounds elsewhere." On behalf of the rugby club, Barry Reid thanks the agencies who support these Discos and also the volunteers who assist on each disco night. Of course, more helpers are always welcome even if only to help at the start or end of the disco. Parents are reminded to collect their children punctually at the end of each disco. Buccaneers also thank Seamus Hayes and his staff at Musicworld who help sell tickets for these events. A limited number of tickets for this festive Disco are still on sale at time of writing. The original is still the best! Car Draw Buccaneers Car Draw gives punters the chance to win a stylish 2010 RENAULT MEGANE COUPE for just a tenner or, even better value, three tickets for only €20. The club thanks all who are supporting this necessary fund-raiser but would also welcome additional volunteers to do a two-hour stint (or more!) at the desk adjacent to the prize car at Athlone Towncentre. It seems to this club member that some faces are being called on too regularly. More adult players, including those 18 years and older, should be seen on this rota, which is just for another couple of weeks. Exiles Cup The traditional Exiles Cup match on St. Stephen's Day was the latest victim of the extreme weather. Thankfully, the festive social in The Bounty on that night recalled the mighty nights in the old clubhouse with a bumper turnout of good-humoured revellers. A more low-key event takes place to welcome in the New Year when all are welcome. Best wishes to all members and their families for 2010.