Senior sides fire Corinthians to victory over Galwegians

Rob Murphy in Crowley Park

The Glynn Cup rugby festival is now firmly established as a blue ribband event in Connacht rugby after a hugely successful second staging of the competition under its new format on a mild and dry St Patrick’s Day at Crowley Park.

Huge numbers of parents, friends and supporters turned out to watch almost 600 players take part in proceedings during the day-long event and by its conclusion, Corinthians had secured the title back off holders Galwegians with a fine victory in the concluding senior game.The 6.5 points to 5.5 points victory in the overall standings was built on a foundation of strong results in the adult grades for the Cloonacauneen club who won at 3rds, 2nds and 1st level during the afternoon and added victories in the Ladies Tag and Under 21s for good measure.

The Sky Blues may have lost out overall, but their underage squads didn’t disappoint, contributing all five and a half points to their Glynn Cup tally and securing the Langan Trophy – which includes only the results from the underage encounters – for the second year in succession.

The day kicked off on time at 11am with the Corinthians 3rds having a thrilling victory over a fired-up Galwegians’ side who made light of their underdog tag.

Tries from Gordon Baylor and Mitchel McGrath proved vital with Tony Hall kicking the points in a 15-10 win. Galwegians had two tries of their own from Jimmy McNichol and Cambell White but it wasn’t enough.

They also lost out on full match points in a brilliant U16 clash. Andrew Butler’s crossfield kick had found Ross Kerrigan on the wing for the first try but a dramatic last gasp try from Niall McLoughlin was converted by Jamie Kelly with the ball bouncing off the cross bar for the draw.

That set the tone for a day full of drama. Galwegians were on the back foot after the second session of 40 minute games as Corinthians U21s secured a solid 13-3 victory with Kevin Walsh among the try scorers, their hugely impressive U14 side were pushed all the way by Galwegians but won 19-5.

At that stage the outcome was very much looking in Corinthians favour as they held a three point lead but it changed over the next hour as Galwegians won at U19, U17 and U15b levels with Corinthians dominant display in the 2nds game the only saving grace.

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