Cannistown Kids Train At Munster’s Cork Home

The students of Cannistown National School in Navan, Co. Meath were the guests of Munster Rugby and the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind recently when they were treated to a training session at Irish Independent Park with Munster’s Peter O’Mahony, Niall Scannell, James Cronin and Donnacha Ryan.

The students of fifth class and their teachers made the long journey south after they beat off stiff competition from other schools across the country in raising the most money – €;2,000 – for Guide Dog Day, the Irish Guide Dogs’ biggest annual national campaign.

The Cork based organisation was an official charity partner of Munster Rugby for Season 2014/15 with the province facilitating the event at its Cork home. The students were excited to follow in the footsteps of their rugby heroes in changing in the Munster home dressing room, walking down the player tunnel and taking to the Irish Independent Park pitch for a training session under the shining summer sun.

The on-field activities were led by Munster Community Rugby Officer Finny O’Regan, ably assisted by senior players O’Mahony, Scannell, Cronin and Ryan, after which the players took part in a Q&A session, signed autographs and posed for pictures.

However, for many of the kids, the star attraction was guide dog ‘Axel’ as the students also got a tour of the world-class Irish Guide Dogs training centre on the Model Farm Road in Cork.

Commenting on the event, Claire Cooke, Munster Rugby CSR Project Manager said, “We were delighted to facilitate the actives here at Irish Independent Park. As one of our nominated charities this season, we are very familiar with the wonderful work carried out across the country by the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and it was great to see the commitment and endeavour of the kids in fundraising for such a worthy cause.

“We would like to commend them on their efforts and are delighted that everyone – students, teachers, players and coaches alike – had such a wonderful time at Irish Independent Park.”

Paula McGovern, Communications Manager with Irish Guide Dogs added, “Irish Guide Dogs relies on public funding and corporate support to ensure it can continue its work. It provides Guide Dogs, Assistance Dogs and rehabilitation training to people who need the services free of charge.

“We were absolutely delighted to be Munster Rugby’s charity of the year and we are really appreciative of all the great support they have provided to us.

“The day in Independent Park was brilliant and the Munster Rugby really spent lots of time with the children – it was a really special day for the kids.”

Donnacha Ryan meets guide dog 'Axel', Cannistown National School students and representatives of the Irish Guide Dogs.

Niall Scannell looks to make a break but the students have other ideas!