It was meant to be a day all about mothers but that quickly changed when the masses from Claremorris descended on Westport to witness a bit of sporting history being made as Claremorris RFC were crowned league champions for the very first time.

To say the day was cold would be an understatement as although Carrowholly was bathed in sunshine the biting wind ensured the large Claremorris contingent were well wrapped up as the U14 league final got underway. The Claremorris boys were keen to lay down an early marker and after some sustained pressure on the Connemara line Phelim Browne was the man who emerged from underneath a pile of bodies with ball in hand to signal the games opening try and give Claremorris a 5-0 lead.

The Connemara All Blacks weren’t fazed by this early concession and stormed straight back down to get a try of their own and take the lead 7-5. The Connemara lads were now getting more into the game and their quick passing game was starting to break through the Claremorris defence. That was until Phelim Browne took matters into his own hands and broke through the Connemara defence to get his second try of the game. The gale force wind meant kicking was a nightmare but no matter, Claremorris still led 10-7. Things got even better five minutes later when Caelainn Mullee scorched down the left wing before touching down in the corner. The Colts were now well in command at 17-7 as the half time whistle approached.

From the resulting kick-off Connemara knew possession was vital if they were to get the score that would put them right back in this game. After some sloppy Claremorris play Connemara intercepted a stray pass and ran in under the posts to leave the game finally balanced at 17-14 as the team changed ends.

The second started just like the first with Claremorris having the advantage in the possession stakes. As usual it was Phelim Browne and Brandon Walsh doing most of the damage. After some great rucking by Brian O’Reilly and Brian Quinn in particular the ball found its way to Browne who broke through the Connemara tackles to claim a well-deserved hatrick. The extras were also added to leave the Colts in command 24-14.

With just ten minutes reaming it should have been a case of Claremorris playing smart and seeing out the game, however the complete opposite occurred. Connemara were not going down without a fight and two quick fire trys from the All Blacks stunned the men in red and white and levelled the game at 24-24 as the minutes ticked by.

A final check of the watch indicated we were heading to injury time and a draw seemed the most likely outcome. This however was the cue for Claremorris to give it one final push. It started with Stephan McGreal dragging his team to hallway with a powerful run from defence. The excellent Brandon Walsh, then found Brian Quinn who inched this team even closer to the Connemara line. After some fine interplay among the Claremorris backs the ball reached the right wing when Jack Ronayne puts on the afterburners, touched down and claim league glory for his side. The bonus points were also added as the final whistle sounded to unbridled joy from the huge Claremorris following that had come to cheer on their team.

Captain Brian Quinn hosted the cup into the sky as Claremorris claimed the title. Credit must also go to Connemara who gave everything in defeat and can hold their heads high after a fantastic game of rugby. Huge credit must also go the Claremorris management of Pearse Hahessy and Michael Smith who have led this team expertly throughout the season.

So for a day that began all about mothers finished with Mothers, Fathers, brothers, sisters, cousins, friends, neighbours and coaches cheering their heroes off the pitch and into the history books.

Finally a big thanks to Tony McGing who recorded the game for us all to watch in Hanley’s Bar where the celebrations continued. Also thanks Gerry & all the gang in Hanley’s for having plenty of red & white bunting on show when we got back to Claremorris.