Local rugby club congratulates one of their own on making U-20 debut against South Africa
Dairmaid O'Connell, Carrick on Shannon RFC, who played for the Ireland U-20s against South Africa last weekend.
Carrick on Shannon RFC members were as proud as punch to see Diarmaid O'Connell selected for the Ireland U-20s in their match against South Africa in Cork last Friday.
South Africa won the match, 32-22. Diarmaid played the full game and scored one of the Irish tries.
By all accounts, Diarmaid had a great game, especially at the breakdown. He frequently attacked the gain line, made the hard yards, and topped off his performance by scoring a wonderful try.
Carrick on Shannon travelled to Ballina for their Curley Shield Cup final where Claremorris edged a tight and physical game, 29-26, despite a late push from Carrick.
Claremorris had the wind in the first half. Their opening try came from a penalty on the left, which they tapped and shifted across the line before working it wide to the right where their forwards forced their way over for a five-point lead.
Claremorris kept the pressure on and another penalty led to a second try under the posts, which was converted.
Trailing 12-0, Carrick settled and began to build phases. A move to the left opened space for Daniel Bosquette who stepped inside and ran in from distance. Senan Mooney converted to leave the score 12-7.
Carrick followed up with more pressure near the Claremorris line before Patrick Charles hit a direct line and grounded the ball under the posts. Mooney added the kick and Carrick moved 14-12 ahead.
Claremorris struck back just before the break through their winger, leaving them 17-14 up at half time.
The second half saw both sides battle for territory but Carrick handed momentum away with penalties, and Claremorris pushed further ahead with a well-struck effort.
Then, a number of steady carries from Claremorris brought another try close to the posts to hand the Mayo outfit a 22-14 lead.
Carrick replied with a move down the left that released Bosquette for his second try of the day. Claremorris responded almost straight away with a converted try that brought the score to 29-19.
Carrick pushed again and worked the ball to the right where Andrew Hewson finished near the touchline. Mooney struck the conversion but that was the last play of the match, leaving Carrick with a three point deficit at full time.
CARRICK: Daniel Bosquette, Andrew Hewson, Jordan Haven, Patrick Charles, Dean Flanagan, Senan Mooney, Brian King, Ian Cullen, Brendan Flannery, Shane Mc Guinness, Declan Kelly, Peter Lavin, Eoin Feely, Gareth Barry, Denis McCaffrey/ Subs: Thomas Finch, Robert McCaffrey, Dermot Foley, Domenico Adams, Stephen Guckian and Nicodemus Adams.
