Battersea Ironsides Tour Galbally RFC

On Sat 30th October, Battersea Ironsides Under 10’s teams from the outskirts of London fresh from playing Cork Cons Under 10’s played a Blitz at Galbally R.F.C. This included teams 3 Under 10’s teams from Galbally, Kilfeacle and Battersea.

By Edmond Hennessy, Galbally RFC

This was played on 3 separate pitches and graded in the following with teams on 1 given pitch called Tigers, Sharks and Lions. On 2 pitches the referees were Mick Wren and Edmond Hennessy of the Munster Associate Referees and coaches or mentors of Battersea or Kilfeacle.

 It was the perfect day for this Blitz in which the strong running skills of Kilfeacle stood out, Battersea great defence and superb counter rucking (1 aspect that amazed me for their age, we could learn alot from them!!) and Galbally support, offloading and determination stood out on the day. Some very close games were played and the standard was there for all to see.

 At the end of the Blitz Day presentations were made with a plaque from Galbally R.F.C with the club crest was presented by Edmond Hennessy to Stan the (Kiwi) head coach of Battersea. Stan said Galbally and the countryside reminded him of his home place back near Dunedin, New Zealand. He also thanked the hospitality recieved and presented me with a jersey and the Galbally Under 10 players who stood out on the day. The players, coaches and parents of Battersea supported the Galbally Junior Men 2nd team that night V Thurles in the Gleeson League. Your support was much appreciated!!

 I would like to thank my cousin Michael Ryan of Battersea for making contact and arranging coaches, parents and accommodation. The coaches, mentors, parents who attended in large numbers from all teams, including Kilfeacle who without there attendance it would have been a very short Blitz!  I would like to thank all the parents and mothers of Galbally R.F.C who brought and provided sandwiches, treats on the day. Also a thank you to Browne's soups and to James Hayes, Des Blade and Anthony Meade for their ongoing work with teams.