Maiden Curley Cup triumph a special one for Mayo club
Ballyhaunis RFC celebrating with the Curley Cup, named after club stalwart Hugh Curley. Picture: Ciara Buckley/Memories Thru A Lens
It was a poignant day for all with Ballyhaunis RFC as they claimed a first ever Curley Cup after defeating NUIG 37-17 last Sunday.
The cup has a special place in the hearts of all associated with Ballyhaunis rugby, named after club stalwart Hugh Curley. Ballyhaunis is the venue every year for the final and while a victory has remained elusive until now – they were beaten in the decider by Ballinrobe in 2022 – a terrific team performance helped guide them to an emotional victory for all involved with the club.
Ballyhaunis got off to the perfect start when they crossed the try line. After a lineout, Ballyhaunis won possession and Daniel Hill got the try, which went unconverted.
The home side would go on to dominate the first half. Scott Finlay soon added a penalty, and Rowan Gouws would soon get Ballyhaunis’s second try, which was then converted, to put them 15-0 up at half-time.
NUIG needed a score early in the second half and got their first try but Ballyhaunis responded with their own after the restart thanks to a try from Michael Jordan. The Galway men kept in touch with their second try, but William Cunnane put Ballyhaunis in a commanding position with his sides fourth try to put them 27-10 in front.
With an hour gone, NUIG soon got their third try but it would be their last score of the afternoon as Scott Finlay added a second penalty before Rowan Gouws signed off a memorable day for Ballyhaunis with his second try of the afternoon for a maiden Curley Cup victory.
