Carrick-on-Shannon Defeat Brave Galway Bay in Connacht U14 Cup Final

Connacht U14 Cup Final

Venue: Creggs Rugby Club

Date: 20th April 2025

Carrick-on-Shannon 25-10 Galway Bay

It was a historic occasion as Galway Bay Rugby Club made their first-ever appearance in a Connacht U14 Cup final, taking to the field at Creggs Rugby Club on the Galway-Roscommon border. Despite a spirited performance, they were ultimately outgunned by a strong Carrick-on-Shannon side who claimed their second consecutive cup title.

Carrick started brightly, scoring a try within the opening minutes to assert early dominance. However, Galway Bay responded superbly, executing a clever lineout move to cross for their first try and level the contest.

The remainder of the first half belonged to Carrick, who added two penalties and another try to establish an 18-5 lead at the break.

Galway Bay came out firing in the second half, dominating possession in the opening quarter-hour. Their persistence paid off when they powered over for a try, narrowing the gap to 18-10 and putting themselves right back in the contest.

Click to watch Galway Bay TRY in Connacht U14 Cup Final

However, Carrick-on-Shannon showcased their championship pedigree, sealing victory with a third try late on to stretch their lead beyond Galway Bay’s reach.

While it wasn’t to be for Galway Bay on this occasion, their performance throughout the final was packed with promise. This young side have shown more than enough quality to suggest that they will come back even stronger next season — and perhaps make history of their own.