u17 Boys Take on Corinthians Blue at Home
Under the bright lights at Ballygasty, Loughrea welcomed the Corinthians Blue team for a spirited midweek clash that showcased plenty of grit and determination from both sides.
Corinthians burst out of the blocks, striking early with a well-finished try in the corner. Despite some strong defensive efforts and committed tackling from the home side, Loughrea were repeatedly tested by Corinthians’ sharp kicking game and ability to stretch play wide. The visitors’ pace and precision saw them take control of the first half, heading into the break with a commanding 34–0 lead.
Loughrea came out renewed after halftime, stringing together an excellent series of phases that saw Tommy Smith crash over under the posts for a deserved try. Tom Malone added the extras to bring the score to 34–7 and lift the home supporters.
However, Corinthians were quick to respond, capitalising on a handling error to add another score five minutes later. From there, both sides settled into their rhythm, but the visitors continued to make the most of any gaps in the Loughrea defence.
When the final whistle blew, Corinthians ran out 46–7 winners — a fair reflection of their clinical finishing — but Loughrea can take pride in their resilience, teamwork, and a much-improved second-half performance under the lights.
u13 Boys Power on against Portumna
Coming off the back of a commanding 40–0 victory over Buccaneers last weekend, the Loughrea U13 boys were back in action for their second league game of the season — this time under Friday night lights at home against a strong Portumna side.
Expectations were high for a tough, physical encounter, and from the opening whistle, the game lived up to the billing. Portumna brought exactly what Loughrea anticipated — a well-drilled, intense attacking effort, testing the home side’s defence at every opportunity.
However, the story of the evening was Loughrea’s outstanding defensive organisation and determination. Every single player stood tall, meeting the Portumna runners head-on and refusing to give an inch. Tackles were relentless, communication was sharp, and the defensive line held firm time and again.
With their defence setting the tone, Loughrea gradually began to find their rhythm in attack. Slick passing and strong support play led to two well-worked tries in the first half, giving the home side the momentum. The second half followed a similar pattern, with Loughrea continuing to press forward and adding two more tries to their tally.
Portumna eventually crossed the line for a deserved consolation try in the final quarter, but by then the result was beyond doubt. When the final whistle blew, Loughrea ran out convincing 26–5 winners — a result built on teamwork, discipline, and sheer defensive grit. Another impressive performance from this ever-improving U13 squad, who now look ahead to their next fixture full of confidence and belief.
1st XV Remain Top with Good Win over OLBC
Loughrea U14 Yellow Claim Hard-Fought Win in Windy Sligo
The Loughrea U14 Yellow team made the long trip to Strandhill on Saturday, facing Sligo RFC in blustery coastal conditions — the kind that test both skill and spirit. What followed was a true game of two halves, with Loughrea taking full advantage of the wind at their backs in the opening period before digging deep defensively in the second.
Loughrea struck early with a well-constructed attack that saw Bianca Musharu power over the line after just ten minutes. Aoibhinn Starr added the extras to give the visitors a 7–0 lead. Only minutes later, Bianca was on the scoresheet again, finishing another flowing move to double the advantage to 12–0.
Sligo began to find their rhythm, but Loughrea’s defensive line held firm. After a spell of sustained pressure, Clara showed great strength to break through for Loughrea’s third try of the day. With Sligo reeling, the visitors finished the half in style — Ella K darting over for the fourth try before Emma slotted the conversion to give Loughrea a commanding 24–0 halftime lead.
The second half turned into a battle of endurance against both the wind and a determined Sligo side. Loughrea’s defensive resolve shone through — twice holding Sligo up on the try line — and despite some promising attacking phases of their own, the conditions made further scoring difficult.
When the final whistle sounded, Loughrea emerged 24–0 winners, their teamwork, grit, and discipline earning them another impressive victory on the road. Battered, bruised, but smiling, the Yellow team hit the N17 home with plenty to be proud of.
Loughrea are now tied at the top of the league with Sligo, played 2, won 2.
Loughrea u14 Girls Purple and Portumna Share the Spoils in a Thrilling 27–27 Draw
Loughrea RFC’s Purple team served up a cracking contest on Sunday morning, playing out a 27–27 draw with Portumna in a match full of excitement, skill, and end-to-end rugby.
Despite the challenging conditions, both teams produced a high-tempo encounter that kept spectators on their toes from start to finish. The game swung back and forth throughout, with momentum shifting several times as both sides showcased their attacking flair.
A total of ten tries were scored — five apiece — as the players demonstrated their growing confidence and creativity with ball in hand. In the closing stages, Loughrea showed real grit and determination to hold off late pressure from Portumna, ensuring the match finished level — a result that felt fair after such an evenly contested battle.
A special mention goes to the girls who made their youths rugby debuts — a proud day for them, their teammates, and the club.
The future looks bright for this talented group as they continue to develop their skills, build experience, and enjoy their rugby together in the purple jersey.
Galway Bay Edge Loughrea u16s in Season Opener Thriller
Galway Bay kicked off their Division 2 league campaign with a hard-fought 10–3 victory over Loughrea in a tightly contested season opener that showcased grit, structure, and flashes of attacking flair from both sides.
The match began with a balanced exchange of possession, as both teams settled into rhythm under bright conditions. Fifteen minutes in, Galway Bay struck first blood following a scrum deep inside the Loughrea 10-metre line. Crisp handling across the backline created space for the winger to dive over in the corner, giving the hosts a 5–0 lead.
Despite sustained pressure from Galway Bay, Loughrea’s defensive discipline kept them in the contest. A series of well-earned penalties and resolute tackling denied Galway Bay further entry into the 22. As the half wore on, Loughrea grew into the game, pinning Galway Bay back and finishing the half on the front foot.
Half-time: Galway Bay 5, Loughrea 0
The second half began with another clinical moment from Galway Bay. A scrum platform once again proved fruitful, as a deft grubber kick pierced the Loughrea line, allowing the winger to notch his second try in the corner.
Loughrea responded with urgency, applying sustained pressure in Galway Bay’s territory. Their efforts were rewarded midway through the half when Ryan Reynolds coolly slotted a penalty from between the 22 and 10-metre lines, narrowing the gap to 10–3.
The final quarter saw Loughrea dominate possession and territory, but Galway Bay’s defence held firm, repelling multiple phases and preserving their lead. The match concluded with Galway Bay securing a well-earned win, while Loughrea will take heart from a spirited performance that promises much for the season ahead. Player of the match for Loughrea was Flynn Miller who out in a tireless shift in the front row and was key to the Loughrea defence.
Full-time: Galway Bay 10, Loughrea 3
Loughrea U18.5s Make It Three From Three in Westport
The Loughrea U18.5 boys made the long trip to Westport on Saturday for their third league fixture — and they returned home still unbeaten, maintaining their place at the top of the table with another impressive display of teamwork and resilience.
Played in blustery conditions, the opening exchanges saw Westport settle the quicker of the two sides. The home team took advantage of the wind at their backs to cross for a converted try and an early 7–0 lead.
Loughrea, however, showed the composure of a side full of belief and momentum. Ten minutes later, Connor Fallon finished off a fine attacking move to touch down for his first try of the afternoon. A well-struck penalty followed, sending Loughrea into halftime with a narrow but deserved 10–7 advantage.
With the wind now in their favour, Loughrea took firm control in the second half. Fallon grabbed his second of three tries as the visitors’ pack began to dominate, and Rory Gallagher try — with a successful conversion — stretched the lead beyond Westport’s reach.
It was another excellent all-round performance from the entire Loughrea squad, with every player contributing to the victory. The boys have now made it three wins from three and will look to keep their unbeaten run going when they travel to Monivea on November 9th.
Final Score: Loughrea U18.5 – 22 | Westport U18.5 – 7
Ballygasty, Loughrea, Co. Galway H62AP03
