Bank of Ireland U14 Boys' Cup Final

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Sligo Rugby VS

Ballinasloe RFC

Dexcom Stadium

19.04.26 - 12:30

On behalf of Connacht Rugby, it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this afternoon’s Bank of Ireland Boys' Cup Finals.

Matches between all of these clubs are rarely just about the result; they are about pride, tradition, and the deep-rooted community ties that make Connacht Rugby so special.

I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our title sponsors, Bank of Ireland, for their unwavering support of the game at every level in Connacht. Their commitment ensures that the pathways from minis right through to adult rugby remains strong.

A final like this doesn’t happen without the tireless work of volunteers. To the committees, coaches, and ground staff of both clubs, and to our own Connacht Rugby staff, thank you for your dedication to the sport.

Finally, to the players: enjoy every moment. Finals are rare and hard-earned. Play with the spirit and integrity that defines our game.

To all the families joining us today, and to every supporter in the stands, thank you for your continued passion. Let’s get behind the teams and enjoy a fantastic day of rugby.

Robert Lahiff

President, Connacht Rugby

Match Preview

This Sunday, 19th April sees the Bank of Ireland Boys' U14, U16 and U18.5 Cup Finals in Dexcom Stadium. The Bank of Ireland U16 Cup Final will take place at 11:00 AM followed by the Bank of Ireland U14 Cup Final at 12:30 PM and the Bank of Ireland U18.5 Cup Final at 2:30 PM.

Sligo started their season with a decisive run in the Bank of Ireland Division 1A U14 Boys' League, seeing them overcome their opposition to top the table. Their only loss in the League was against Ballinasloe themselves in Round 10. Sligo faced Ballinasloe twice in the league with the first meeting being in Round 5 where Sligo were able to take the win with a 12-3 scoreline at home. Their success in the league saw them welcome Galwegians to Hamilton Park. Sligo were able to overcome the visitors with a 27-3 win to see them into the Semi-Final against an impressive Gort RFC side. At the final whistle, the Semi-Final ended in a 12-12 draw, meaning a replay was needed to decide who would be going through to Dexcom Stadium. On the 2nd occasion, Sligo clinched their spot in the Final with a 20-17 win in another incredibly close match.

Ballinasloe have had an equally successful season coming 3rd on the league table and getting the best of their Sligo opponents in Round 10. They entered their Cup campaign with all to prove. Looking to return to Dexcom Stadium since their last Boys' Cup Final in 2024, Ballinasloe faced Creggs RFC in their Quarter Final at home where Ballinasloe recorded a decisive victory to see them through to the Semi-Final against Corinthians away. After a hard-fought battle, Ballinasloe came out with a spot in the Bank of Ireland U14 Cup Final with a huge 29-23 win.

Sure to be an amazing final not to be missed, the Bank of Ireland Boys' U14 Cup Final is at 12:30 PM on Sun, 19th April in Dexcom Stadium.

A word from Head of Club and Community, Joe Gorham

Finals Days are the pinnacle of our Club and School players’ ambitions. It is a day of celebration for the whole of Connacht Rugby. It is truly a memorable occasion for all concerned which, undoubtedly, will be a source of conversation with your teammates in the many years ahead.

The sport of rugby allows for all our players to realise the limits of their ambitions, it allows us to create lifelong memories, however, most importantly, it is the maker of lifelong friendships.

There is no better feeling than to lift a Cup, Plate or Bowl alongside your teammates while representing your club or school. It is all about People and Place.

Sport also reflects life, in that, with every cup final there must be a winner and a loser. Regardless of winning or losing, the hope is that everyone involved on Finals Days will have a quality experience on their big day.

The advent of the new pitch at Dexcom Stadium has allowed Club and Community the opportunity to host additional Cup and League Finals (male and female/Club & School) this season. In fact, we are hugely excited to host over 40 Club & School finals over the course of the next few months.

On Finals Days, we must never forget the huge amount of work and personal sacrifice put in by all the Volunteers, Coaches and Managers to get you to this day. Volunteers are the life-blood of our sport and it would be remiss of me, on this day of celebration, not to say a huge thank you to each and every Club & School Volunteer for the magical work you put in day in and day out for the cause that is rugby in Connacht.

Finally, we at Club & Community rugby wish all our finalists and their loyal supporters the very best of luck on the day.

Connacht Abú.

Sligo Rugby Management:

Head Coach/Doctor
Bryan Whelan

Forwards Coach
Chris Ettery

Forwards Coach
Wesley Maxwell

Backs Coach
Shane Connolly

Skills Coach
Kieran Hughes

Team Manager
Gavin Laws

Assistant Team Manager
Andrew Hodson

Ballinasloe RFC Management:

Head Manager
David McKeigue

Team Manager
Niall Dillon

Assistant Coach
Thomas McKeon

Assistant Coach
Cathal Duffy

Assistant Coach
Shane Coleman

Bank of Ireland Boys' U14 Cup Final

Referee:

Damien O'Connell

AR1:

Jason Craughwell

AR2:

Garrett Durkan

4th Official:

Mike Goode

Sligo Rugby

15

-

Charlie Raftery

14

-

Nicolas Curda

13

-

Ben Connolly

12

-

Niall Usher

11

-

Leo Clarke

10

-

Richard Whelan

Vice-Captain

9

-

Darragh Quigley

1

-

Darragh Culkin

2

-

Senan Feeney

3

-

Sean Gaffney

Captain

4

-

Senan Maxwell

5

-

James Ettery

6

-

Dylan Leydon

7

-

Edward Laws

8

-

Keelan Hughes

Ballinasloe RFC

15

-

Oscar McKeon

14

-

James Barrett

13

-

Kealan Murray

12

-

Josh Sharpe

Vice-Captain

11

-

Evren Aydogdu

10

-

Oran Curley

9

-

Ryan Coleman

1

-

Eoghan Duffy

Captain

2

-

Euan Costello

Vice-Captain

3

-

Brayden Furey

4

-

Philip Newton

5

-

Kajus Leonavicius

6

-

Jack (PJ) Donnelly

7

-

Tommy Ryan

8

-

Kristian Condon

Sligo Rugby Substitutes

16

-

James Hodson

17

-

Rossa Gallagher

18

-

John Joe Murphy

19

-

Peter Diamond

20

-

Tommy Downes

21

-

Luca McCauley

22

-

Donnacha Cullinan

23

-

David Diamond

24

-

Aaron Ivers

25

-

David Conway

26

-

Hug Og (Ógie) Slevin

27

-

Darragh Carty

28

-

Ciaran McGonigle

29

-

Jack McGowan

30

-

Ross Haran

Ballinasloe RFC Substitutes

16

-

Charles O'Neill

17

-

Prescott Mwase

18

-

Tommy Manning

19

-

Eoin Headd

20

-

Jack Hession

21

-

Jed Dillon

22

-

Adam McCormack

23

-

Alex Howe

24

-

Tom Kenny

25

-

Rhian Power

26

-

Tommy Lynch

27

-

Max Keating

28

-

Adam Kenny

29

-

Diarmaid McKeigue

Sligo Message of Support

I would like to wish the very best of luck to all the players, coaches and managers of our U14 Boys’ team. Today is a proud moment for you all and an exciting step in your journey with Sligo Rugby Club. You are the future of this club. Your dedication, and that of your coaches, managers and family, to every training session and match, have all led you to this Connacht Cup final. Wear the jersey with pride, representing your families, your teammates, and your club. Play with energy. Back each other. Enjoy every minute. Give it everything you have and leave it all on the pitch. Best of luck.

We are #oneproudclub.

- Michael Story, President Sligo Rugby Club

Ballinasloe Message of Support

Wishing the very best of luck to our Ballinasloe U14 Boys in the Connacht Cup Final.

Everyone in the club is incredibly proud of this team and all they have achieved. Their dedication, commitment, and hard work throughout the season have been outstanding, and they have represented the club with great pride every step of the way.

A huge credit goes to their coaching team, whose time, effort, and guidance have played a vital role in getting the team to this stage.

Many thanks to the parents, supporters and sponsors that have helped this team throughout the year.

Reaching a Connacht Cup Final is a fantastic achievement, and the entire club is behind you. Enjoy the occasion, play with pride, and make it a day to remember.

Best of luck to all involved.