Munster In The Community

Munster Rugby were on hand to support a number of charity and community initiatives across the province in the past month.

Robin Copeland volunteers as Big Brother
Munster’s Robin Copeland signed up to the Foróige Big Brother Big Sister Programme earlier this year and is calling for others to follow in his footsteps and support a young person in need. The Foróige programme is part of an international initiative that supports young people from the age of 10 to 18 by matching them up with a “big brother” or “big sister” to offer them mentoring, guidance and friendship.

Speaking about his involvement, Copeland said, “The first I heard about Foróige was when I saw a piece on RTE about the Big Brother Big Sister campaign and I thought it was a really good idea. It’s a great way of helping young people and providing them with different opportunities to grow and develop. It was something that I felt could really make a difference in someone’s life and I knew it was something I wanted to get involved with. The volunteers are only asked to give one hour of their time each week, which is very little and it could have a very positive impact on a young person’s life.”

Robin was matched with his little brother Derek Cooper, aged 15, in May 2015 and since they were first introduced over 6 months ago they have built a great relationship and enjoy doing outdoor activities, as well as chilling out playing pool or arcade games together.

Speaking about his match, Derek Cooper who is from Limerick said, “Robin is a great Big Brother, we get on really well and are interested in the same things. I look forward to meeting up with him every week as we always have great fun. He hasn’t taught me how to play rugby yet but I’m hoping he will”.

For further information or to register as a volunteer see www.foroige.ie.

John Ryan visits Helpful Steps
Helpful Steps use physical training and advanced technology to strengthen people with disabilities with the aim of improving their health and quality of life, resulting in more independence and enhanced opportunities.

One such advanced technology is a robotic exoskeleton – a wearable bionic suit used in rehabilitation. It enables individuals with any lower limb weakness or paralysis to stand up and walk.

John joined Helpful Steps at their canvassing day in Boston Scientific where they hope to become the company’s nominated charity for the coming year.


John Ryan pictured alongside Nathan Kirwan at the Helpful Steps canvassing day in Boston Scientific.

Mental Health talk with Bressie at Irish Independent Park
Musician and former Leinster Rugby player Niall Breslin, aka Bressie, recently delivered a talk on mental health at Irish Independent Park as part of Bank of Ireland’s Be At Your Best Programme.

At the event which was attended by players, staff and customers of Munster Rugby and Bank of Ireland, Bressie spoke openly on the topic of mental health, his own battle with anxiety and discussed coping mechanisms for minding your mental health, before also opening the floor to questions.


Bressie speaking at Irish Independent Park earlier this month. Photo courtesy of Jane Burns.

Andrew Conway & Duncan Casey attend IT Tralee Sports Scholarship Awards.
The first week of December saw IT Tralee hold its annual Scholarships and Awards Evening. 41 students received awards at the event held to honour sports, academic and civic engagement. Munster’s Andrew Conway and Duncan Casey were on hand to present awards to those honoured in sport.


Photo courtesy of Domnick Walsh Photography.