Sligo’s U13 squad finished their year with a thrilling final against West Offaly Lions in Ballyhaunis Sligo got off to an impressive start with two tries coming within the first ten minutes after sustained pressure which could have resulted in four tries in that period which saw Sligo camped in the Offaly 22.

Offaly came back in the rest of the first half putting Sligo under pressure by kicking long and impressive ball retention to finish the first half 12 10 ahead of Sligo.

Sligos’ front five were impressive at scum time, Shane O’Hehir, Neil Murray, Paul Kelly, Thomas Mullaney, Hadi Moussa resulting in 3 against the head. The back row of Stefan Hill, Liam McElhinney and Ronan Anderson stepped up to the mark with their efficient rucking at the breakdown resulting in quick ball. Robert Henry played a blinder for Sligo at half back supplying the backs with quick quality ball.

It was indicative of the quality of the Offaly side that despite quick ball Dylan Gardner, Darragh Cummins, Ryan Feehily, Paul Kilcoyne, Jack Cox and TJ Forde were unable to get through the Lions defensive set up. Sligo’s Gardner, Feehily and Kilcoyne were unrelenting in their pressure on the Offaly defence but it held firm. Sligo substitutes Peter Kilgalen and Lee Mc Morrow were introduced late in the second half but were unable to unlock the Offaly defence. It ended Offaly 17 Sligo 13 in a very entertaining game which belied the age of the players in terms of skill, passion and dedication.

On Sat 3rd April a 27 man U13 squad travelled to Limerick to the Pat Lawlor Tournament which was hosted by UL Bohs. Sligo were in a group with Carlow, Ennis, St Marys College Dublin and the much fancied UL Bohemians. Sligo’s first game was against Carlow which allowed an easy introduction to the group with a 3 0 win. Sligo’s second game was played at a ferocious pace against UL Bohs and again Sligo came away with a win 2 0. The games against Ennis(6.0) and St Marys(6.2)allowed Sligo to use the full extent of their 27 man squad to show their depth of players...Cian Hough, Evan Tuffy, Mat Fox, Daithi Byrne and Ronan Mc Gurrin ablely stepped into the forwards role when called upon in these matches and in a challenge match against Portlaoise. Gareth Davey, Killian Murray, Robbie Allen, Julian Jarmolowicz, Oisin Kellyand Stephen Harty all added depth to Sligo’s backs.

Sligo comfortably won their group and had the best points difference in the tournament conceding just 2 tries in the group stage. Sligo were missing Emmet Flanagan, James Hannon, Graham Burke and Conor White which would have added further to Sligos depth of players. James was injured the previous week in a match against Ballyshannon. Sligo breezed through the quarter final against Tralee running out easy winners 7 tries to 0. In the semi final Sligo faced UL Bohs for a second time and this tough physical game went to extra time and with 30 seconds to go it looked like Sligo were heading to the final based on tries scored and conceded as it remained 1 all. UL Bohs broke through for a fortuitous try in the corner to grab a late victory.

Sligos U13 have developed their squad from a starting group of 25 to an end of year total 32. Skills technique and match practice have been the developmental cornerstone that have seen this side reach The Connaught Cup Final and the Semi Final of the Pat Lawlor Tournament. There have been many defining moments throughout the year where these young players have come of age, notably against a strong Virginia side, a much fancied Westport side and a well drilled An Gaeltacht side....these showed the courage and determination of this squad and their ambition to succeed.

Combined with the other under age successes this year at U14, U15 and U16 the future of Sligo Rugby looks bright.