Galwegians 20 – Carrick-on-Shannon RFC 17
J1C Cup Final – Tuam Stadium
In ideal conditions in Tuam, Carrick-on-Shannon RFC took on Galwegians in the J1C Cup Final and delivered a performance full of grit and determination, narrowly losing out 20–17 in a dramatic and hard-fought contest.
Carrick started brightly and had Galwegians under huge pressure in the opening stages. They were dominating the scrums and controlling possession, setting the tone for a tightly contested battle. The game was evenly matched, but after 15 minutes, Galwegians managed to suck in the Carrick defence, spread the ball wide and crossed in the corner for the opening try, which was unconverted.
From the resulting kickoff, Carrick responded with intensity. Strong carries from Dermot Foley and Shane McGuinness brought them deep into Galwegians territory, but a turnover allowed Galwegians to clear. Jordan Haven gathered the kick but was tackled high, resulting in a head injury that led to a long stoppage while an ambulance was called. The entire club wishes Jordan a speedy and full recovery.
To resume play, the decision was made to move the match to Tuam’s second pitch. With 15 minutes left in the first half, Carrick got back to work and were rewarded for their efforts with a penalty, calmly slotted by Ian McGhee to make it 5–3. However, just before the break, a handling error gave Galwegians the chance to break down the flank and score their second try. It too went unconverted, leaving the score 10–3 at half time.
Carrick came out in the second half with renewed vigour. Strong carries from Declan Kelly, Robert McCaffrey and Brendan Flannery began to open up the midfield. Eventually, their hard work paid off—a great break by Gareth Barry followed by an offload to Ian McGhee saw Carrick run in a try under the posts. McGhee converted to level the game at 10–10.
Carrick were now dominating possession. Stephen Guickan, Daniel Bosquette and Brian King all made huge breaks through the Galwegians defence. Just as it looked like Carrick would take the lead, Galwegians struck against the run of play with a breakaway try under the posts, which was converted to make it 17–10.
Carrick refused to give in. They worked their way back into the Galwegians 22 and, after a powerful carry by Peter Lavin, Denis McCaffrey crashed over the line to score. McGhee added the extras to level the game again.
Carrick began to turn the screw, using their dominant scrum and gaining ground through strong runs from Jack Price and Dean Flanagan. Galwegians, however, managed to gain possession and work their way into a good position. They were awarded a penalty which they converted to take the lead at 20–17.
Carrick fought hard until the final whistle, throwing everything at Galwegians in search of a winning score, but it was not to be. The Galway side held on to claim the J1C Cup title.
It was a tough result for Carrick to take, but this was an impressive performance against the league champions and a reminder of the talent and spirit within this Carrick squad. There is plenty to be proud of in what was a brave and battling display on the biggest stage.
