The grand national may have been claimed by a 66/1 outsider but you would have got considerably longer odds on Claremorris Colts claiming three wins on Saturday last as the U10’s, U11’s and U14’s all set out on the road to glory.

The U10’s were the first winners of the day. They claimed the Connemara cup which is hosted by An Ghaeltacht RFC in Carraroe. This is the second year in a row an U10 team from Claremorris has brought the trophy back to Mayo. After league wins against Glaswegians and An Ghaeltacht our lads were in the final where they beat a tough An Ghaeltacht side to claim glory. This team is a credit to their coaches and it is great to see a Claremorris U10 team winning silverware for the second successive year. A huge well done to all concerned particularly their coaches Pearse Hahessy, Micheal Gleeeson and Joe Gilmore. Big thanks to all the Parents who traveled to Carraroe on Saturday and to other games throughout the season.

The U11’s were not to be outdone as they also had some silverware to keep them company on the long journey home as the won the Joe Moran National U11 title held in Naas RFC. The winners of this tournament were decided not on victories but on sportsmanship, attitude, skill and behaviour. Traits that the Claremorris lads displayed in abundance from once they got off the bus to the final whistle in their final game of the day.

They also played some great rugby throughout the day with wins over Cobh Pirates and Naas, draws against Malone of Belfast and Suttonians and the only defeat coming against Dublin powerhouse Old Belvedere. In every game they played, each player gave it their all and they played rugby in the true spirit of the game. To win a tournament of this nature is a great achievement for our club and a huge amount credit must go their coaches Eddie McLoughlin and Fergal Leonard for the work they have done with this team throughout the season. Credit must also goes to the parents who have helped get these players to games on Saturday and right throughout the year.

Finally just when though things could not get much better the U14’s went and qualified for the Connacht U14 plate final after a nail biting 40-33 win over Connemara in Clidfen. As per usual they did things the hard way. There 19-0 down midway through the first half, but within 10 minutes of the restart we 33-26 in front.

However back came Connemara and were level 33-33 as the game entered the final few minutes. A draw looked the most likely outcome before not for the first time this season Jack Ronayne broke Connemara hearts with a last minute score to give the Colts victory 40-33. This was an outstanding win for this great team. All the hard work put in by their coaches Michel Smith and Pearse Hahessy has paid off in spades as they have now reached their second final of the season.