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GIANT-KILLING TEAM LEFT WITH A SINKING FEELING By Tom Gillespie RUGBY fans celebrating an historic win lost the cup ---- at sea. The prestigious trophy fell overboard from a ferry taking Westport Rugby Club followers home after a day trip to Inishturk, nine miles off the coast. Amid great excitement the club had won the Rank Xerox Connacht Junior League Division 1 final in February when they defeated Tuam by 18 to 7 points. Team member Danny O"Toole (22) is from Inishturk and the club brought the cup to the island for the June Bank Holiday weekend where he was the toast of the community. Delighted islanders filled the Cup in the local community centre and Westport team members who travelled were loudly applauded for their success. But misfortune struck on the return journey to the mainland when the Cup tumbled over the side and into over 100 feet of water. Frantic efforts were made to grab the rapidly sinking trophy but they proved to no avail. Skipper of the Caher Star ferry Jack Heanue said the cup went over the side about a quarter-of-a mile off Caher Head and instantly disappeared beneath the water. "The club members were shocked initially but then all they could do was laugh. There was nothing we could do to retrieve the Cup which went into 42 metres of water. The current could have taken it anywhere." But Jack added: "With any luck the Cup might be retrieved in a fishing net at a later stage.. We will certainly be paying special attention to the area." February"s Cup victory was the first for the club in 33 years and the team was nationally acclaimed for their efforts. Club members were understandably sheepish over the way they had lost the Cup. But their dismay was lessened by the fact that the trophy is a replica one and the original is in safekeeping
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