Galwegians claim women’s Connacht Senior Cup crown

Corinthians/Buccs 17

John Mulligan at the Sportsground

The newly-amalgamated Corinthians and Buccaneers side came up just short of a dream finish to their debut campaign when they were edged out by Galwegians 2nds in a thrilling Connacht Women’s Cup Final in the Sportsground on Saturday afternoon.

The Barbarians had surprised many with their style and skill despite only being together for a short space of time and while tears and disappointment was the order of the day after Kevin Bolger blew his full time whistle, in time there may be a realisation that what was witnessed on Saturday may just have inspired a whole new generation of girls to take up the game such was the excitement, talent and drama that was on show.

The very same can be said of the victors who were a joy to watch and their talent and most of all, experience was what won the day. It meant a second piece of silverware for Tracey Gannon’s team who already were league champions following their win over OLBC but as captain Aoife Williams said after the final whistle, it was a game that went to the wire and an amazing standard of rugby.

Galwegians had the breeze in the first half and were using it well with the Barbarians having to chase back but despite their advantage in the territory stakes, it was the Barbarians who struck first.

An outstanding intercept by Rhiann Heery saw her go from inside her own 22’ to the ‘Wegians 10 metre line where Hazel Kilduff was in support. With space running out, she fed the outstanding Aoibhe Kelly, who went between the posts to touch the ball down, and Kelly’s own conversion had the Barbarians seven points clear.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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