'Their run of double victories a testament to their talent'
Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards in association with Westmeath County Council
Team of the Year finalists: Buccaneers RFC U-17 team
This Buccaneers group of players has enjoyed a remarkable run of success, winning Connacht League and Cup doubles for four consecutive years.
Many of the players have also contributing to the success enjoyed by Marist College in the Connacht Schools Junior Cup and Senior Cup in recent years.
One of the nominations for this team stated: “The Buccaneers U17 team has achieved an extraordinary milestone – winning Connacht League and Connacht Cup titles for four consecutive years.
“This unprecedented success reflects the team’s commitment, resilience and unrelenting spirit, qualities they have shared since first playing rugby. Their four-year run of double victories stands as a testament to their talent, teamwork and determination – it’s a record that will inspire future generations and be difficult to match for years to come."
Another nomination said: "This group of young men have soldiered together over the last four years to win Connacht League and Cup titles in each of those four years. Furthermore, within this year's squad there are 15 players who have or are currently representing their club within the Connacht provincial squad. "
Buccaneers claimed a 42-8 victory over Creggs in the Connacht U-17 Cup final last April, with victorious Buccaneers captain Ciarán West receiving the Cyril Shaw Memorial Perpetual Cup on behalf of the team
Andrew Cotton, Reuben Colleran, Philip Finnan (two), Nathan Kelly and Alex Connor were the try scorers in the final, with full-back Cotton converting all six tries.
The management/coaches with the squad were Roy Glennon, Johnny O'Sullivan, Benny McManus, Joe Cleary and Michael Nugent.
The exploits of Buccaneers has led to recognition for both Connacht and Ireland. A trio of young Buccaneers players were selected in the Ireland U-18 clubs squad to play Italy in Cosenza earlier this month.
Owen Egan, Darragh Glennon, and Oisin O'Donoghue are the latest players from the Athlone-based rugby club to represent Ireland at underage level whose formative years have been with Buccaneers RFC. The trio have soldiered together for the club, school and province over the past five years. Together they hold four Connacht League and Cup titles with Buccaneers as well as Connacht Schools junior and senior honours with Marist College, Athlone.
Buccaneers also won the in the Connacht U18.5 Cup final win earlier this year, defeating Corinthians in the final.
Buccaneers U-17 panel: Andrew Cotton, Owen Egan, Philip Finnan, Oisin O’Donoghue, Alex Connor, Darragh Glennon, Hugo McGowan, Ciarán West (captain), James Kelly, Amoafo Brown, Peter Bourke, Evin Claffey, Hugo Hannon, Rueben Colleran, Nathan Kelly, Jack Ryan, Donncha Dullea, Daniel Cleary, Eoin O’Sullivan, Tadhg Coleman, Oisin McLoughlin, John Okebenro, Senan Nugent, Lefa Leshona, Eoin Dunning, Noah Duffy, Andreii Milik, Jack Ryan, Jacob Bourke, John Paul, Ruairi Dolan, Gustavs Mitenbergs.
The Team of the Year finalists are the Buccaneers RFC U-17 team, St Peter's FC senior team, and Moate Community School junior ladies team
The Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards are in association with Westmeath County Council