‘Ruck ‘n' Roll' at Wright's

LOCAL rugby players will be swopping their scrum-caps for bandanas as a fundraising music night takes place in Swords next week. Entitled ‘Ruck 'n' Roll', the event will be held in Wright's Café Bar on Thursday, March 11th and a big crowd is expected. Renowned covers band, Loose Change, will be taking to the stage during the night, which will be a fundraiser for Swords Rugby Club.

Based at the ALSAA complex, beside Dublin Airport, Swords RFC have been competing under that name for the last five years, having been formerly known as Aer Lingus and ALSAA. They currently field three senior men's teams, who compete in the Leinster League, while at the other end of the age spectrum, they offer coaching to youngsters aged four to 19.

‘We've invested heavily in our youth sector and for the last three years have employed our own youth development officer, Jamie Gormly, who has been working hard in the local schools,' Swords RFC president, Alan Butler said. ‘This season, we began our first ‘nursery' sessions, for four to seven-year-olds, while we also field teams at under-8, under-10, under-12, under-13s and under-19s.

‘A number of our first team squad actually came through the youth ranks, so it's encouraging to see the progress that has been made so far. ‘We are eager to grow and expand our club in all directions and we are hoping for a good turnout on March 11th.'

Entry on the night will be E10 and all those who attend will be entered into a free draw for a pair of Six Nations stand tickets for the Ireland v Wales game, which takes place on Saturday, March 13th.

‘As everyone knows, rugby has become hugely popular in the last few seasons following Ireland's Grand Slam win and Leinster's Heineken Cup triumph,' Mr Butler added.‘The Wales game will be another exciting encounter and demand for tickets has been unprecedented, so it'll be a great chance for one lucky person to win two for the big game. ‘We're currently in our third year of sponsorship with Wright's, who have offered us wonderful support for the past few seasons and I'd like to thank them for all their help.'