Mini's Launch

Over 240 local primary school children turned out for Swords Rugby Club's inaugural tag rugby competition last Friday, as the club launched its underage mini's section. Pupils from The Old Borough NS, Swords, St Colmcilles's Boys NS, Swords and St Patrick's NS, Donabate came decked out in a range of colours and team strips to take part in an inter-school tag rugby tournament. Earlier, the pupils had been set the task to come up with a team name and design their kit accordingly. The Happy Hippies, The Legends and The Flames were amongst the names that caught the eye.

Each team then played two tag rugby matches - a non-contact version of the sport - in what turned out to be fine weather, and all those in attendance were more than impressed by the levels of skills and talents on display. The schools involved had all taken part in the Swords Project, an initiative launched by the IRFU last season, in conjunction with Swords RFC, to introduce rugby into the town. Nine schools have taken part in the project so far, with the number expected to rise as the project grows.

Indeed, the referees for the day were all rugby-playing students from Colaiste Choilm, Swords, who themselves were very much part of the programme.
The aim of the day was enjoyment and participation and it was noted afterwards the wonderful spirit that the games were played in. There was plenty of fresh fruit available for the hungry players, courtesy of Donnelly's Fruit of St Margaret's, while Fingal County Council provided t-shirts for all the competitors.

During the interval a free raffle took place with over 50 prizes handed out, included rugby balls, caps and the top prize of an official Swords RFC jersey. Once the games were completed, it was presentation time, with the winning team receiving a magnificent trophy, courtesy of McNamara's Pharmacy, Swords. It was noted that the prize was not awarded in terms of results, but more for the best designed jerseys and banners.

It was then left to former Ireland international and local TD, Jim Glennon, to present the trophy to the winning side, The Flames (pictured right) from St Patrick's NS. Deputy Glennon congratulated all those who had taken part and encouraged those present to remember to enjoy sport.

Swords Youth Development Officer, Pat Kenny, thanked all the children who had taken part and also the teachers who accompanied them. He paid special thanks to Donnelly's Fruit and McNamara's Pharmacy for their generosity, as well as Fingal County Council, the referees and all coaches involved.

"It's a good end what has been a successful year and we look forward to next season", Mr Kenny said. "Hopefully the fruits of our labour can be seen on the playing fields of Fingal in the years to come."