Mannion is feeling positive ahead of new rugby season
THE Sligo Rugby Senior side get their AIL campaign started this Saturday as they take on Navan at home.
And head coach Ross Mannion says he is feeling positive ahead of the new season.
“We’ve had a really good season,” Mannion told The Sligo Champion.
“We’re all feeling really positive. We’re looking forward to seeing how much we’ve strengthened over the break,” he added.
Sligo RFC have lost Ireland Under 20s players Conan O’Donnell, CIllian Gallagher and Stephen Kerins, as the trio have moved on.
Matthew Cosgrove will be staying but unfortunately tore his cruciate and is likely to be missing the majority of the season.
“We have retained the majority of our squad from last year. Matthew’s injury is a massive disappointment for us and for him.
“Shane Boyle is captain and Aaron Spring is about two weeks away from returning from injury so we have that to look forward to.
“We’ve signed a new out- half, Michael Wells, he’s coming from New Zealand and he’s actually played at a pretty decent level in New Zealand so we’re delighted with that acquisition,” said Mannion.
A number of players who played rugby in previous years will be coming back this year too, a major boost for Mannion and his side.
Ryan Feehily and Shane O’Hehir, both in the Connacht sub- academy, are staying with Sligo this year.
Conor Kerins’ form has been pleasing, says Mannion, and Jack Keegan to has stayed.
“James O’Hehir, Conor’s older brother, is coming back as well so he will be available later in the year too,” he said.
And Mannion says that the brand of rugby they are trying to play will hopefully entertain those who attend games,
“We’re all feeling really good. Players are buying into the new system that we’re trying to play.
“It should be entertaining for anyone who comes to games and for anyone who comes out to watch. They will hopefully really enjoy it.
“With the development also going on at the ground, it’s all coincided well and there’s a huge amount of work being done with the seconds too.
“A few people who actually came out to games last year said they were surprised with the high standard of rugby played during games.
“I think people expected our standard to be a lot lower than it was so hopefully those people will all come out again to support us this year,” he added.
“Everything about the club is really positive at the minute so hopefully we will have a really good season now and people will support us.”
Sligo Rugby Club will be holding a pre- match lunch in the Clubhouse at 12: 30 sharp.
The cost is € 20 per person which covers the lunch, entrance to match and post match cheese and wine reception.
There is limited space for the Pre- Match Lunch so booking in advance is necessary to avoid disappointment.
Please contact Jacqui Cunningham ( 087- 2483524) to book your place at the lunch OVER one thousand aspiring young athletes representing 42 schools from across the county are expected to converge on the IT Sligo athletics track on Friday 23rd September for the Annual Super Valu Primary Schools Athletics Festival.
This event is now in its 13th year and is firmly established on the primary school sports calendar as one of the highlight events of the year. The popularity of the event continues to grow each year, with the 2016 event already fully booked, this can be attributed to an emphasis on fun, enjoyment and the fact that schools encourage children of all athletic ability to take part. The event is supported by Super Valu and their input adds greatly to the quality of the day on offer with each participant receiving an event t- shirt.
County Sligo Athletics Association, Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership and Youth Sport West will be on hand to oversee the running of what will hopefully be a great day of athletics for children.