Club Notes | Clonmel RFC Host Spirit of Rugby Festival
14th April 2025 By The Editor
Clonmel RFC U9s team and coaches
Clonmel RFC recently hosted its inaugural U9s Spirit of Rugby Festival in glorious April sunshine in the fabulous setting of Ardgaoithe overlooking Clonmel.
Blue skies, green grass and the aroma of burgers on the barbecue greeted the 42 teams from 21 clubs across Munster and Leinster.
It certainly lived up to its title as a Festival of rugby, with boys and girls displaying great rugby skills and having loads of fun with their friends in the process.
They were joined on the day by Munster players Roman Salanoa and Diarmuid Kilgallen who obliged their starstruck fans with photos and signatures on jerseys. Munster Rugby Mascot Oscar was also on hand to add to the festival atmosphere.
This inaugural U9s Festival focused on the theme ‘Spirit of Rugby’ to promote the positive attributes of respect, fairness and fun in the game. Munster Rugby coaching staff were on hand to adjudicate the recipients of two cups.
Ben Swindlehurst presented the Spirit of Rugby Cup to Crosshaven RFC, while Tramore RFC received the Skills Cup. Players from all teams received a Clonmel RFC U9s Festival medal in recognition of their participation on the day.
The scale of the Festival required months of planning by their Minis Sub-Committee which comprised of Eamonn Dawson, Brendan Mullan, Frank Quinlan, John Carroll, Johnny Moloney, Ronan Crosse and Ciara Kiely.
They would like to sincerely thank all the club volunteers who helped out on the day.
Club community spirit was to the fore with an army of volunteers on hand to make the day a huge success, including parking attendants, catering staff, referees, shop staff and stewards mobilised from across the club’s members and parents.
A sincere thanks must also to the many sponsors whose generosity contributed to the running of the Festival. Their support is much appreciated by Clonmel RFC.
The committee also extends its thanks to all the club teams, coaches and parents who travelled from across Munster and Leinster to participate.
Roll on next year’s Festival!
