Galway Bay FM News Archives
Bonus point win is not enough for in-form Corinthians
Date Published: 21-Apr-2011
Rob Murphy
CORINTHIANS rounded off their campaign with a 27-10 victory away to Thomond in their final Division 2 game of the season, securing a bonus point in the process.
However, the result wasn’t enough to allow them to sneak into an Ulster Bank League Division 2 play-off with Bruff as Bective Rangers held their nerve to secure a tense 19-15 away win at Clonakilty.
The Galway men knew from the outset that a bonus point victory was vital and an early Aaron Conneely try, after a quick tap penalty from fellow Irish under 21 star Mark Dolan, set them on the way.
Conor Murphy scored try number two after a quick turnover from Denis Buckley and some good awareness from Mark Dolan before Wayne Williams scored try number three just before half time. A penalty from Murphy and a drop goal from Diarmuid Waters left it at 20-3 at half time.
Thomond scored early in the second half through Dave Foley but Corinthians finished strong with Conor Murphy getting his second try after a Conneely break and some more good work from Buckley.
The win wasn’t enough for Sean Deignan and Paul Flanagan’s side to secure a play of place, but they can take pride in a great finish to the campaign and with such a promising young side, the future looks bright for Corinthians.
Connemara finished their campaign with another defeat to bring up the rear in Division 3, the decision to focus on developing a young squad meant they were always going to be in the lower half, but narrow defeats to Navan and Ards were particularly frustrating for them as they were worthy of a few points during the campaign.
The focus now is on securing their AIL status next season when relegation to the junior ranks will be re-introduced. While the squad will be a year older and wiser, there is little doubt that they will need to strengthen in some key areas if they are to ensure that they don’t end up in a relegation battle.
The Ulster Bank League will have a new look to it next season, with Division 1a and 1b increasing to ten teams each. Buccaneers failed to gain promotion to the top tier losing 23-9 to Garryowen in Saturday’s promotion/relegation play off in Dooradoyle, their poor run of form since Christmas proved costly.
Buccaneers will remain in Division 1b next season along with Galwegians. Corinthians will be in a new look 16 team Division 2a and will be one of the early favorites for the title having finished sixth this season. The top four were promoted and fifth place Bective play off with Division 1b bottom side Bruff this weekend.
Last year’s two promoted Junior clubs topped the Division 3 table and are a clear sign of the strength in junior rugby across the country. Seapoint and City of Derry will be major challengers in Division 2a next season.
The fourth tier next year will now be called Division 2b and will house two Connacht teams with Sligo joining the All Ireland League ranks for the first time since the mid 1990s. In a once off exception, all four provincial league champions have been promoted so Armagh, Cashel and Boyne also join the 16 team division.
For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
Galway has a population of young people which is more than twice the national average.
According to information gathered by the Central Statistics Office, Galway’s population of 20 to 24 year olds is more than twice the national average.
The number of 25-34 year olds in Galway is also more than the norm nationally, with the two main colleges thought to be the main reason.
However immigration in Galway is much higher than in other areas at 19.4 percent, compared to the national average of 12 percent.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A city councillor is encouraging people to donate goods directly to charity shops.
It follows allegations of thefts from clothes banks in Galway and across the country in recent months.
However, cameras are in place at some clothes banks and surveillance is carried out by local authorities.
Speaking on Galway Talks, Councillor Neil McNeilis said the problem of theft from clothes banks is widespread.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A park ‘n’ ride scheme from Carnmore into Galway city could become a permanent service if there is public demand.
That’s according to the Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Michael Coyle.
The pilot scheme will begin at 7.20 next Monday morning, May 13th.
Motorists will be able to park cars at the airport carpark in Carnmore and avail of a bus transfer to Forster Street in the city.
Buses will depart every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at offpeak times throughout the day, at a cost of 2 euro per journey.
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