ÔWegians face tough task in local derby away to Buccs

Galwegians and Buccaneers meet in Ulster Bank League action this Friday evening with the usual added competitive edge to the encounter. It will be the first meeting of the season of Connacht’s leading clubs and both sides will be anxious to secure the points. 

Buccaneers are still very much in the promotion chase firmly ensconced in the top three but their narrow and surprising 22-18 loss away to relegation threatened UCC at the weekend was a major blow to their aspirations.

They are powered by a youthful group of players many of whom are likely to be involved with the Irish U-20 squad during the Six Nations as a result. Garnering points in the interim will be crucial for the Midlanders.

It’s in the backline where Buccaneers carry a significant threat with John O’Brien at full back, Shane Laden and Conor Bolan from the Connacht U-20 grand slam winning side on the wings. Throughout the pack there is solid mix of emerging talent and experienced heads. Keep an eye out for Ballina native Dave Heffernan in the back row, another of that Nigel Carolan-coached U-20 side.

For Galwegians, the game is equally important as despite their recent resurgence, they are far from safe in the division. Last weekend’s second half collapse at home to UL Bohemian was a hammer blow and a momentum killer.

They were in cruise control at half time leading 22-3 but a stunning comeback from a UL Bohs side that had Monivea’s Conor Kindregan among a contingent of a number of ex-Connacht players in their ranks. The game will also act as a qualifier for the All Ireland Senior Cup semi-final which takes place the followings week.

This year’s Connacht Senior Cup has turned out to be an organisational nightmare and with the Sligo and Buccaneers semi-final still outstanding, the branch have taken the decision to nominate the winner of this game as their representative in the last four. A very unsatisfactory scenario for all involved and one which has left Sligo officials perplexed and frustrated.  

For more, readt his week's Galway City Tribune.