DAVE HEFFERNAN became the latest Buccaneers player to win a Senior Ireland cap when he came on as a substitute in the recent win over USA. A versatile player, Heffernan first played in Buccs backrow where Connacht also utilised him. In more recent seasons the Ballina native was switched with considerable success to front row duty and he has come on in leaps and bounds as hooker in the past couple of years. Congrats Dave.
It may be June (the supposed off-season!) but three Buccaneers players are currently involved in international action. Topping the bill is Robbie Henshaw who follows up his debut for the British & Irish Lions against the Blues with selection on the Lions starting XV to face the Highlanders this Tuesday. Henshaw is the first Athlonian to wear the famous red jersey and everyone at Buccaneers and in the town and its surrounds are mightily proud of the 23-year-old’s achievements. Here’s hoping his form will earn him a place in the test sides for the much anticipated matches against world champions New Zealand.
ROBBIE HENSHAW has been selected on the Lions team to start against the Blues on Wednesday. We wish Robbie the best of luck and hope his performance will earn him selection for the test matches against the colour that really matters....the All Blacks!
BUCCANEERS Awards Gala Ball takes place in the Athlone Sheraton Hotel on this Saturday May 13th starting at 7.30 p.m. Tickets are keenly priced at €40 per person and should be purchased in advance of what promises to be a very enjoyable occasion.
The adult team Player of the Year Awards are incorporated in this black tie event and the following players (in alphabetical order) have been nominated in the respective categories:- SENIOR:- JORDAN CONROY, ALAN GAUGHAN, KOLO KIRIPATI. SECONDS:- RORY GRENHAM, JAMES O’CONNELL. U-20s:- ROSS COOPER, DEAN McMAHON. WOMENS:- SABINA EGAN, SARAH KELLY, LORNA STUART-TRAINOR.
BUCCANEERS won a handful of awards at the Connacht Rugby Awards Ball in Galway on Sunday night. Following the Pirates Division 1B league title triumph and promotion, Buccs Head Coach Brett Wilkinson claimed the Coach of the Year accolade. Jordan Conroy, whose 18 tries were a major contribution to the Athlone side’s success, was named Senior Club Player of the Year. Niall Murray took the honours as U-18 Player of the Year. Former Bucc John O’Brien of Connemara was named Junior Club Player of the Year.
