u18.5 Win League with Win Away to Carrick-on-Shannon
Loughrea U18.5 boys made the long journey to Carrick-on-Shannon and returned home as Division 1B league champions, sealing the title in fitting fashion during the club’s centenary year.
Knowing victory would secure the league, Loughrea started with real intent and crossed for an early try to set the tone for the afternoon. Playing with confidence and sharpness, the visitors moved the ball fluently through multiple phases and consistently found space, adding a series of well-worked tries as the half progressed.
Carrick-on-Shannon showed good spirit and managed to get on the scoreboard with a try of their own, but Loughrea remained firmly in control throughout. Strong support lines and clinical finishing kept the pressure on the hosts, and by half-time Loughrea had built a commanding 39–5 lead.
Following the break, Carrick elected not to continue with the second half, bringing the contest to an early conclusion and confirming Loughrea as Division 1B champions for the 2025/26 season.
The result means Loughrea cannot now be caught at the top of the table, securing back-to-back league titles for the U18.5 squad. The league cup and medals will be presented when Loughrea meet Monivea in their remaining fixture, with the date and time to be confirmed.
After that, the focus will turn to the Cup competition, as the champions look to build on an already memorable season.
Loughrea u14 Girls Push Past Connemara/Oughterard for Plate Semi-Final Sport
Loughrea U14 girls secured their place in the Plate semi-finals after a determined and spirited victory over Connemara/Oughterard last Saturday, March 7th, in Ballygasty.
Connemara/Oughterard came flying out of the blocks and struck early, crossing for a try after just four minutes to take a 5–0 lead. Loughrea responded with tremendous resilience, showing real grit in defence as they repelled wave after wave of Connemara attacks. Their perseverance paid off when Leah powered over the line to bring the sides level at 5–5, setting up a fiercely competitive contest that continued right through to half-time.
Loughrea began to find their rhythm in the second half and soon took control. Emma finished off a well-worked move in the corner to edge Loughrea ahead before Aoibhinn produced a brilliant run down the wing to pin Connemara deep in their own half. After some excellent teamwork, Aoibhinn finished the move herself to stretch the lead to 15–5.
From there, Loughrea maintained the pressure with strong carrying and smart tactical kicking from Emma Concannon, keeping Connemara on the back foot for long stretches of the half.
Connemara refused to give up and threatened late on, eventually grabbing a try in the closing minutes, but it proved too little, too late.
Both teams gave everything in a fiercely contested encounter, but on the day it was Loughrea who emerged victorious, celebrating a well-earned win and a deserved place in the Plate semi-finals.
u18 Girls Progress to Semi-Finals in Try Fest with Claremorris
Loughrea U18 girls booked their place in the Plate semi-final after an entertaining and high-scoring quarter-final victory over Claremorris in Loughrea — the third meeting between the sides this season.
Loughrea made the perfect start, crossing for an early try to settle into the game quickly. However, the contest soon turned into a real ding-dong battle, with both teams trading scores throughout the first half. Each time Loughrea broke through, Claremorris responded in kind, keeping the home side under constant pressure despite Loughrea holding a narrow lead at the break.
The half-time interval gave Loughrea the chance to regroup and refocus, and they returned to the field with renewed determination. Rhea Sestak and Julie Earls led the charge with outstanding performances, driving the team forward with powerful carries and strong leadership. Around them, the entire squad stepped up, showing great commitment and execution as the game opened up.
Loughrea continued to press their advantage in the second half, producing some excellent attacking rugby to pull clear and secure a well-earned 59–43 victory.
Attention now turns to the semi-finals, where Loughrea will meet Carrick-on-Shannon at the end of the month.
Ballygasty, Loughrea, Co. Galway H62AP03
