Buccs hoping for better times on and off the field

Buccaneers RFC endured a torrid campaign in the 2024-2025 season with relegation from Division 2A to 2B of the All-Ireland League, losing all 18 games in the process.

But hope springs eternal as the old adage puts it, and there was plenty of optimism in the air at last Thursday evening’s launch of the new season. Buccs take on Galwegians in their first AIL Division 2B of the new season at Dubarry Park, Athlone this Saturday (2.30pm).

Buccaneers RFC was pleased to have Longford/Westmeath TD and Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran in attendance at the launch as club president Eoin Reid outlined plans to further develop the facilities at Dubarry Park.

Interestingly, Eoin’s son Corey has been chosen as Buccaneers senior captain for the season, with the presidency and captaincy at the same time a notable distinction for the family. The Reid family is also well respected locally for running the successful Fernhill business in Cornamagh.

Eoin said the club is “in great shape” at the moment, as he pointed to the success of Buccaneers youths teams in recent years and the return of the women’s team to competitive action.

He said the senior men’s panel looks “much stronger than in previous years” and there is a positive vibe on the training pitch. Eoin stressed that the club’s aim is “to develop and maintain local talent”.

Turning the focus to facilities, Eoin revealed that the club plans to build padel courts (a rapidly growing sport, padel is a sort of fusion of tennis and squash), extra dressing rooms, as well as introducing ice baths, saunas and a walking track. He pointed to the installation of solar panels already carried out, and said the club plans to modernise the gym and dressing rooms.

In addition to improving facilities which will benefit members and the wider community, Eoin said the planned changes will also bring in revenue for the club. The club looks forward to bringing its plans to fruition in the near future, he added.

Looking forward to Buccaneers’ opening AIL game against Galwegians on Saturday, Eoin expressed hope that there would be a large crowd in attendance.

He also thanked Michael Moore Car Sales for sticking with the club through various “ups and downs”, acknowledging that there have been “a few difficult years” in recent times.

Buccaneers head coach Darin Claasen said when he met with the players a few months ago, they discussed some of the issues that may have contributed to the club’s struggles last season.

The South African stressed the “values and standards” that the team will be aiming to attain this season. Pointing to the large numbers at training, Darin said it was now up to the management team and players to get results.

The aforementioned Corey Reid said it was “an absolute honour” to captain his home club. Corey admitted that the last few years “haven’t been the best” for the club and he said the players appreciated the ongoing support of Michael Moore Car Sales.

Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, who has responsibility for the Office of Public Works, was present at the launch, having attended the National Ploughing Championship, near Tullamore, earlier in the day.

‘Boxer’ remembered the efforts of people like Billy Brett, Egbert Moran and Paddy and Mark Cooney to promote rugby in the Athlone area.

He recounted an amusing rugby experience he had as a youngster in Coosan. One of the smallest on the pitch, ‘Boxer’ saw a big, strong player approaching in order to tackle him, a prospect that caused some trepidation. “I ran and I didn’t stop running till I got back to the house,” he said with a laugh.

Deputy Moran said that Ireland international Robbie Henshaw, who began his rugby career with Buccaneers, has been a hero to many people in recent years. He mentioned other sporting personalities from the area such as Westmeath footballers Dessie Dolan and Joe Fallon (both of whom hail from Coosan, in common with Boxer) and former Athlone Town star Mickey O’Connor.

Highlighting the challenges he had to overcome in order to become a public representative - such as not being able to read and write earlier in his life - Boxer encouraged Buccaneers players not to drop their heads if things aren’t going their way.

“I’ve proven to people that I can do my job and better than most people,” he said, adding that he was shaking when he first went into the Dáil as a TD. He said it was “a great honour” to represent the area as a TD and he noted the club’s plans to develop its facilities.

Michael Moore Jnr spoke of behalf of Michael Moore Car Sales, which has been the club’s chief sponsor for 15 years. He said the relationship between the company and the club has “grown stronger over the years”.

Michael noted that the club celebrated 30 years since it became known as Buccaneers last year, and he pointed to the talented players Buccaneers has produced such as Robbie Henshaw and Jack Carty among others.

He spoke of the hard work involved in bringing through “the next generation” of young players.

Extending best wishes to the Buccaneers management and players for the new season, Michael hoped that the club would learn from last season, and he expressed his hopes for “a wonderful season” ahead.