Club Notes | Waterpark Host Fourth Annual John O’Neill Memorial Blitz

22nd November 2024 By The Editor

Ardscoil Mara players after winning the John O'Neill Memorial Shield

Earlier this month students from schools across East Munster gathered in Waterpark RFC for the club’s fourth annual John O’Neill Memorial Blitz.

John O’Neill was a Rugby Development Officer with Munster Rugby for many years and he sadly passed away in 2020.

O’Neill was a pivotal figure in helping increase participation and grow the sport for all ages in the Waterford and East Munster region.

There were seven schools in attendance on the day; Ardscoil na Mara, De la Salle, Newtown School, Cashel Community College, Thurles CBS, St. Ailbes and Colaiste Mhuire.

The schools were split into two pools with Newtown School and Ardscoil na Mara topping each one.

Unlike other Emerging Schools blitzes these winners would walk away with the John O’Neill perpetual shield. The standard of play was high and the participating teams all managed to embrace the extra element of competition while maintaining the general ethos of the development blitzes.

The winners on the day were Tramore based Ardscoil na Mara.

Members of the O’Neill family were on hand to present the trophy as well as having a treat for every player.

Speaking about the day Conall Fitzpatrick, Munster’s Rugby Participation Officer for Waterford, said:

“Johno would have gotten a kick from seeing the winners come out of Tramore and he certainly would have appreciated seeing so many players from across the region taking part in the days’ activities – a fitting tribute to the memory and legacy of a great rugby man.”

The Rugby Development Department would like to thank the O’Neill family and Waterpark RFC for hosting the blitz and providing a good day of fun and rugby for the students that attended.

Check out some of the photos from the day below.