Reunion for successful Carlow RFC U18 team of late 90s
Reunion at Carlow RFC
The 1996-97 County Carlow rugby team who made it to the final of the Leinster under 18 Culliton Cup had a reunion in the club before a recent Leinster League Division 1A game against Ashbourne.
It was a nostalgic day for the club, the players and coach, Brian Carbery who rolled back the years.
The spirit of the occasion was captured by former President, Michael Carbery, who outlined how the day was likely to pan out.
“We are meeting for the pre-match lunch at 1pm Saturday and watching the J1 match. A few pints in the bar afterwards and whatever after that,” he texted.
Ross Carbery was captain of the team who lost to a last minute try to Suttonians. He cannot remember the score but he had information on the path to the final.
“I would say it was a team without superstars to be honest. A lot of really solid players,” he recalled.
In the run-up to the Leinster finalists in waiting beat Enniscorthy, Portlaoise, Naas and Cill Dara. The Cill Dara team had dominated Carlow up through the age levels.
“For us, we had always struggled to beat them. They had beaten us that year and I had never been on a team that beat them.
“We played them at home and were under the cosh for a period of time. Then we got through it and scored some fabulous tries to beat them. It was a major mile-stone for that team. After that game, we realised we could go further,” recalled Ross.
In the semi-final, Carlow beat Barnhall who had enjoyed a good record against Oak Park teams at all levels. Not that particular day as Carbery recalls “doing a number” on the Dubliners this time.
In the final which was played in Donnybrook (now Energia Park), Suttonians justified pre-match favouritism but Carlow nearly beat them.
“We were under pressure for the majority of that game. We got a great try against the run of play early on in the match. We had several injuries in key positions before that match. It probably hurt us in the end,” recalled Carbery.
“They scored in the last minutes and converted it. We were crestfallen.” Several of the Carlow players went on to play All-Ireland League. Joe Oliver played with Bective who were senior at the time. Players such as Alan Galavan, Alan Mullins, David Cassidy, Shane Kehoe and Eddie Barron all donned Carlow colours for many years.
It was a nostalgic occasion for everyone.
“I hadn’t seen some of these lads in twenty years. It will be a great day,” said Carbery before sitting down with his former team mates to enjoy the joyous occasion.
