O’Sullivan targets retaining Division 1B place as Buccs begin campaign

Kieran Galvin & Michael Silke

Eddie O'Sullivan faces his first All-Ireland League game since returning as Buccaneers head coach when the Athlone side travels to City of Armagh today (Saturday).

The Pirates won the Energia AIL Division 2A title in dramatic fashion last season to gain promotion, and they begin life in Division 1B at the Palace Grounds where the action kicks off at 2.30pm.

O’Sullivan, who won three Triple Crowns during his time as Ireland coach, said it was “an easy decision” to return for a second stint with Buccaneers.

Speaking at the Buccaneers RFC launched their season launch last Thursday might, O’Sullivan said: “It's 25 years that I started with the Buccs, and 22 since I left. It's kind of closing a circle coming back to Buccaneers. I've a great affinity with the club.”

Looking ahead to the opening match against City of Armagh, O’Sullivan said: "Armagh are going to be a tough nut to crack at home. We've got four Connacht players back over the past week. We're a bit skinny in the back five (of the pack).

"We're light in the second row and back row. I think we're fine in the backline and in the front row. You never know in the first game, there will be nerves and mistakes.

“Things are a bit up in the air but nothing more than I expected for this time of the year. Nothing to panic about, let's see how we go.

"We don't know what Armagh are going to bring but I'm sure they won’t want to leave anything behind them at home.”

"The goal for us is this year is to stay in Division 1B. Anything else would be a bonus,” O’Sullivan added.

City of Armagh finished in sixth position last season, comfortably above the bottom four. They have made a fine start this season with Ulster League victories over Banbridge and Malone (who are both also in Division 1B) and Queen’s University, before suffering their first defeat last weekend away to Ballynahinch.

Head coach Chris Parker has utilised the league to experiment with formations and styles and seems to have good competition for starting berths. Centre Tim McNeice captains the team and out-half Romaine Morrow has proved a highly consistent placekicker while the experienced Andrew Wills is a threat on the wing.

Highly promising hooker James McCormick has transferred from Ballymena and Neil Faloon and Paul Mullen are very durable forwards in what looks like a much-changed squad since Buccs last visited the Palace Grounds.

For their part, Buccaneers too will have a vastly different look from their last trip to the Orchard county. Now coached by former Ireland supremo O’Sullivan, the Pirates squad is primarily young. Last season’s player of the year Ciaran Booth is unavailable as he is in the Connacht squad currently in South Africa alongside another young Bucc, Sam Illo.

With Evan Galvin emigrated, Martin Staunton takes up the captain’s reins for a third stint. The evergreen prop is likely to be joined by Charlie Ward and Darren Browne in the front row with James Kelly and Sean O’Connell also in contention to start.

Darragh Murray and Ruairi Byrne are the probable combination at lock where Fergus Galvin will provide a solid option. Oisin McCormack is the Duracell bunny in the backrow where Danny Qualter’s unavailability will be problematic.

The Buccs backs unit has a good cutting edge with young players Stephen Mannion, Saul O’Carroll, Michael Hanley, Shane Jennings and Ruaidhrí Fallon improving constantly.

There is serious competition at scrum-half where the Reillys, Colm and Will, will be vying to start as will Frank Hopkins. Shane Layden will give leadership and guile in this sector where Harry West could debut and Orrin Burgess is also a contender.

O’Sullivan will have lots to contemplate and work on following his return from the USA. Buccs will be buoyed by their latest Connacht Senior League title success, and especially the battling qualities shown in winning it.

It will be crucial to hit the ground running, be disciplined and maintain workrate from start to finish. If Buccaneers get the basics right, then a cracking opener to this season’s All-Ireland League is in prospect.