Munster In The Community

It’s been another busy couple of months for the Munster squad as they took some time out to visit and support a number of schools, charities and community initiatives across the province. Here is just a snap shot of the worthy causes they supported and the wonderful people they met en route.

Clayton Hotels Munster Schools Cup Launch

The draw for the Clayton Hotels Munster Schools Senior and Junior Cup competitions took place in Cork at the beginning of December and three products of the Munster Schools pathway were on hand to help launch this year’s competition – Darren Sweetnam (Bandon Grammar), captain Peter O’Mahony (PBC) and Stephen Archer (CBC).

Click here for full draw details.

Crescent College Comprehensive Blitz

Mike Sherry, Duncan Casey and Cathal Sheridan were in attendance at a first year rugby blitz in Crescent College Comprehensive that was recently run by Munster Rugby.

The blitz took place to cater for the need for more first year rugby.

Students from St Munchin’s College, Crescent College Comprehensive, Castletroy College, Ardscoil Rís, Glenstal Abbey, St Clement’s and Villiers School all competed.

There were over 200 participants in the day’s activities.

Presentation Brothers College Blitz

Another first year blitz was held in PBC, Cork with 12 teams in attendance including Deerpark CBS, Carrigaline Community School, Ballincollig Community School, Bantry Community School, Midleton CBS, Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál Blarney, Rockwell College and PBC.

Deerpark were participating for the first time and teams were lucky enough to have an impromptu training session between games with Munster’s Dave O’Callaghan and Kevin O’Byrne who also mingled between games meeting the players.

Other recent school visits include Douglas Community School, Castletroy College, St Caiman’s Secondary School and Kilcornan National School with Cian Bohane, James Cronin, Sean McCarthy, Keith Earls, Dave Foley, Alex Wootton and more also making appearances.

Limerick Sports Partnership

Munster staff and players recently helped Limerick Sports Partnership in running events for people with special needs. Munster staff members Kenneth McNamara and Tyrone Elliot were accompanied by Cathal Sheridan and Mike Sherry to help out on the day,

Held in the UL Arena, the event was a Sportsability day run by Elain O’Shea of Limerick Sports Partnership. The day was an opportunity for special needs schools and services to come and try a number of different sports and activities.

Alzheimer Society of Ireland

Tommy O'Donnell, Robin Copeland and Niall Scannell lined out to support one of Munster’s nominated charities this season, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, for their annual Memory Ribbon campaign.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland's Memory Ribbon campaign at www.memoryribbon.ie calls on the public to share treasured memories of their loved ones affected by dementia while donating to this worthy cause.

EWB Ireland tour of Irish Independent Park

Engineers Without Borders Ireland is dedicated to bridging the gap between academia, industry and NGOs to give Irish engineers and scientists opportunities to learn about and contribute to sustainable development globally. Their mission is to partner with disadvantaged communities to improve their quality of life through education and implementation of sustainable engineering projects.

In supporting their cause, Billy Holland gave a tour of Irish Independent Park to a group of first year engineering students where they looked at the structural aspects of the recent €;3.2m redevelopment at the venue.

1st year engineering students on a structural tour of IIP today. @Munsterrugby @EWBIreland #wtine #howdoesitstayup pic.twitter.com/Eac6OCcfZU

— Billy Holland (@billyholland) October 6, 2016

Canon Hayes National Sports Awards

Francis Saili was among the special guests at the Canon Hayes National Sports Awards in Tipperary town at the beginning of December. The Munster squad were recognised on the night for their win over Maori All Blacks.

Other attendees included Olympic medal winning race-walker Olive Loughnane and horse trainer Mouse Morris with Saili performing the Haka on stage on the night.

Supporting Fundraising Efforts

In supporting even more clubs, schools, charities and community initiatives with their fundraising efforts, the following also received complimentary match tickets for recent games – SERVE, Milford Hospice, Shanbally National School, Arc House, Limerick Hospital Children’s Playroom, Temple Street Hospital, CUHFM, Anchor Treatment Centre, Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), Irish Cancer Society, Down Syndrome Ireland, and Mid-West Simon Community.