Clifden clubs together

John O'Sullivan looks at the prospects for the Connemara All Blacks as they prepare for a second season in Division Three

The change is pronounced, a new identity for the Clifden community to treasure. Where once Gaelic football dominated the local school yard, rugby has managed to gain some elbow room, due in no small part to the Connemara All Blacks' victory in the AIB League Division Three final.

The club's first season in senior rugby was hallmarked by silverware, an achievement hardly countenanced when the club dipped their toes in Division Three six months earlier. Yet, it hardly constituted a fluke, as Connemara dismissed the claims of first Greystones in the semi-final (the Wicklow side won the division), and then edged Dublin University, who also achieved promotion, 25-21 in the final.

Clifden had emptied in support of their new heroes, bringing a colour and fervour that belied their small numbers in the cavernous surroundings of Lansdowne Road.

Winter approaches and a new season beckons at Monastery Field, with their status still rooted in Division Three, despite their play-off success.

The portents are promising, with victories over Ballina, Corinthians and, most impressively, defending champions Buccaneers in the Connacht Senior League suggesting that a coaching transition and the loss of a couple of players has not damaged morale.

Last season Aidan O'Halloran and the evergreen Henry O'Toole charted the campaign, but both have decided to take a year's sabbatical. Two local men, Kenny Pollington and Micheál Joyce, will guide the club.

On the playing front, Kevin Ward, a prop, has returned to his roots from Galwegians, but number eight Gerard Burke and hooker Thomas King are in America - they may return during the season - while O'Toole, too, has retired his jersey.

Dave Griffin wears many titles within the club, including that of sponsoring the adult teams - the jerseys bear the logo Griffin's Bar. He assessed last season's success.

"It was a huge achievement for the club and one that has given us a greater profile among the young children in the community.

"There are a lot more rugby balls and children wearing the jersey, which is great to see. I suppose it was a bit of a fairytale and way above our expectations. The club has received huge support from the local businesses, publicans and hoteliers. The Alcock & Brown hotel, the Station House, Guys Bar, Mannion's, EJ King and Thomas King have all been very generous and helped us financially.

"Apart from the financial support, there is so much goodwill and we are fortunate in that respect. Obviously you need the finances - it will cost between €70,000 and €80,000 to run the club this season."

On three occasions at least this season, when Connemara travel to Clonakilty, in the opening game this Saturday, and during further pilgrimages to Waterpark and City of Derry, the team will have to leave on Friday and return on the Sunday.

"Two nights away is a big commitment, both in terms of the individuals, many of whom are self-employed, and financially. We don't pay our players. Their commitment has been fantastic.

"We know we'll be targeted after last season's achievements, that goes with the territory, and a mid-table finish would be a good achievement at the end of the season; maybe on the higher side of mid-table."

So who will be the Division Three kingpins? Old Wesley would have to be strong contenders on last year's evidence, finishing a strong third behind the promoted Greystones and Dublin University. The arrival of former Leinster centre Michael Smyth, and decent form in the Leinster Championship and Leinster Senior Cup should instil confidence.

Connemara, despite their claims of mid-table mediocrity, should be more accomplished than that, while Monkstown, Clonakilty, Ballina and Instonians should have the wherewithal to be at the business end of affairs. Wanderers and City of Derry, relegated last season from Division Two, would hope for a speedy return, and the latter were a better side than their relegation suggests: being docked points was their ultimate undoing.

Queen's University, Belfast, return to senior rugby following a spell in the Ulster League, and how they adapt will be interesting.

Few teams are without hope, and Connemara are recent proof of that.

DIVISION THREE

Ballina, Banbridge, City of Derry, Clonakilty, Connemara, Corinthians, Highfield, Instonians, Monkstown, Nass, Old Wesley, QUB, Skerries, Suttonians, Wanderers, Waterpark.