Carrick-on-Shannon U14s kicked off 2026 with a visit to Connemara/Oughterard for their first league game of the New Year.
An early very icy start with conditions thankfully improving after the 4P’s. A mild day in Clifden and the most picturesque of settings for a great battle between two very evenly matched sides. Carrick showed no ill effects from the long trek or last minute enforced changes and started the game carrying well for several minutes only to turn over the ball and Connemara take the lead with a converted try. Minutes later Carrick levelled the game, with a quick thinking tap and go and unimpeded run from halfway. A real arm wrestle ensued for the rest of the half, great physicality, carrying and tackling from both sides, with each scoring a further try to leave the score 12 all at half time.
Carrick started the second half with intent and the packs hunger for work ramped up a notch. Dominant throughout in the scrum they got the slightest of edges at the breakdown, creating more opportunity for the backs who also began to better fire, hitting the gain line at speed and stretching the home defence. Carrick went on to score two high quality converted tries and closed out the game well with a final scoreline of 26 points to 12.
A good win for the travelling side, a full team performance which was very pleasing, with as always plenty for the team to work on. Our thanks to our hosts Connemara/Oughterard and we look forward to welcoming Galway Bay to the Castlecara in two weeks time.
