Club Notes | Rugby Returns To NMCI

Established in 2004 by a group of students, Ringaskiddy’s National Maritime College of Ireland’s intention was to represent NMCI in inter-college competitions.

But for the last number of years the team fell to the wayside due to a lack of numbers.

That was until last month when NMCI lined out for the first time in five years as they took on fellow Cork based college Munster Technological University.

Speaking about the five-year absence lecturer and manager Paul Nash said

“As you are probably aware, NMCI is a small campus with approximately 100 first year students enrolling every September. When you factor in placement on ships all around the world, we would have no more than 200 to 250 at any one semester.

“This means our main issue has generally been numbers, every year I sent out a calling for interest and if we don’t get enough numbers unfortunately, we don’t have a team.”

But this year it was different as 20 students opted to play rugby allowing the college to field a competitive team.

Nash, who has played in clubs across the globe from the cold and wet Cobh to the sunny shores of Trinidad and Tobago, went on to mention how important events like Twilight 10s have been for the team.

“We generally love the Twilight Tournaments as its easier to fulfil fixtures, and a great social event for the lads to meet other colleges.

“In the past we have played Twilight Tournaments in Limerick and Cork, away in Thurles, and we have played Cobh Pirates in exhibition matches.”

As NMCI are linked with the Munster Technological University, the Ringaskiddy side have had great support from the college from pitch use to the opportunity to play their men’s squad. Speaking about the joint effort to provide facilities for the squad Paul said

“Our facilities consist of a sports hall, gym and 5-a-side astro. We have no grass pitch however we can use MTU Cork facilities for matches.

“One of our challenges is that we are somewhat isolated down in Ringaskiddy, however we are fortunate enough that we are linked to MTU Cork who have been very supportive this year.”

Now that the numbers have grown coach Nash hopes for a successful 2024/25 season with many games.

If you are a NMCI student and interested in playing rugby, contact Paul Nash at paul.nash@mtu.ie.