u14 Girls Purple Miss out Narrowly to Connemara/Oughterard
Loughrea Purple team took on Connemara/Oughterard in a thrilling game this Saturday ending in a loss 25-35 with some fantastic skills on show!
It was played with great tempo in challenging muddy conditions!! The game ebbed and flowed with both teams scoring 5 tries a piece, unfortunately Loughrea were unable to convert while Connemara converted 5 from 5, a fair result with both sides showing their attacking abilities. Loughrea were organised in defense, purposeful in attach, energetic & competitive!
Well done to the girls
The future is bright for these girls as they continue learning and getting better
Loughrea U18 Girls Narrowly Edged Out by Ballina in Lively League Clash
Loughrea U18 Girls made the long trip to Ballina on Saturday and were involved in a fiercely competitive league encounter that ebbed and flowed right to the final whistle. The sides were well matched from the outset, though Ballina struck first, capitalising on early pressure to cross for the opening score.
Undeterred, Loughrea grew steadily into the game. Their forwards set the tone with determined carries and hard-earned meters, stringing together confident phases that pushed Ballina backwards. Their persistence paid off as Loughrea crossed for a deserved try, a score built on grit, teamwork, and a clever combination of pick-and-go pressure.
As both sides settled, the contrast in styles made for an entertaining clash. Ballina’s backs threatened with sweeping, expansive moves whenever they found space, while Loughrea’s scores came through sheer effort and relentless work from the pack, setting a strong platform in tight exchanges.
The match remained finely balanced throughout, but Ballina managed to hold on for a 19–15 victory in the end—a narrow defeat for Loughrea, who can take plenty of positives from a committed and cohesive performance on the road.
Loughrea now turn their focus to Thursday evening, when they welcome Claremorris to Loughrea for their next league outing.
Strong u16 Girls Performance again despite loss to Westport
Date: Sunday, 30th November
Kick-off: 12:30 PM
Venue: Westport RFC
Westport secured a 38–0 win over Loughrea on a freezing cold and damp Sunday afternoon in Westport. The difficult conditions made for a physically demanding contest, but both teams showed admirable resilience and commitment throughout.
Loughrea, led passionately by captain Maria Jakuboszczak, put in a performance full of heart. Despite the final scoreline, the visitors were very unlucky not to come away with points, creating several strong attacking moments. The entire Loughrea squad produced great running rugby, repeatedly challenging the Westport defence and pushing deep into opposition territory.
Ultimately, Westport proved clinical when chances came their way, converting pressure into points and gradually building their lead across the match.
Even in defeat, Loughrea demonstrated impressive teamwork, determination, and skill in harsh weather conditions. Their relentless effort and positive play provide plenty of encouragement as they continue their season.
Loughrea U17 Boys Show Heart and Hunger in Battled 23–10 Defeat to Ballyhaunis
The Loughrea U17 boys continued their league campaign on Sunday with a spirited and hard-fought encounter against Ballyhaunis, a match that showcased grit, ambition, and a squad growing in confidence every week.
The visitors were dealt an early blow when Ballyhaunis crossed for an unconverted try inside five minutes to take a 5–0 lead. But Loughrea’s response was immediate and emphatic. Regaining composure, they built sustained phases through their forwards, recycling clean ball and applying pressure. Their reward came when Peter O’Donnell powered over for a well-constructed forwards try, levelling the contest.
Ballyhaunis, sensing Loughrea’s intent, took points when they were on offer, nudging ahead 8–5 with a neatly struck penalty. Yet Loughrea remained composed, continuing to play with intelligence and structure. Their persistence paid off when Tom Malone produced a moment of individual brilliance—breaking the defensive line from midfield with nimble footwork and searing pace before finishing superbly in the corner. Loughrea now led 8–10, and momentum appeared to be shifting.
The second half turned into a fierce battle at the breakdown, both sides throwing everything into the contest. Ballyhaunis chased the lead desperately, while Loughrea looked to extend theirs. The game’s turning point came from a cruel moment: a dropped ball was fly-hacked downfield by Ballyhaunis, who won the footrace to score. A second opportunistic try soon followed from a kick return, swinging the scoreboard to 20–10.
Despite this, Loughrea refused to fold. The boys dug deep, producing immense defensive sets and repeatedly knocking back the huge Ballyhaunis pack. Their fight, belief, and collective spirit were evident—something special is building within this group.
Ballyhaunis added a late penalty to close out a 23–10 win, but the scoreline does not reflect the character and quality shown by Loughrea throughout the contest. The foundations being laid are strong, and this performance will only fuel their growing momentum.
Ballygasty, Loughrea, Co. Galway H62AP03
