Munster Rugby Launches Cork Northside Summer Camp

On Monday May 18th, Munster Rugby in association with the Knocknaheeny/Holyhill Rugby Group announced the launch of a week long rugby summer camp for sixty children from the Knocknaheeny and Holyhill area.

The launch was held in St Mary’s on the Hill National School, Knocknaheeny and was attended by staff and pupils of the local schools, members of the local organising committee and Munster Rugby. To add to the occasion, the Six Nations, Triple Crown and Magners League trophies were on display.

The camp will commence on Monday 6th July in Terence MacSwiney Community College and will end on Friday 10th July. It will enable the children to experience rugby in a fun and friendly environment for the first time under the tutelage of Munster Rugby Domestic Game staff. The summer camp is open to girls and boys aged 6-13 years of age. Parents of children wishing to take part should contact Barry Patterson on 086 7968953

Munster Provincial Domestic Game Manager Ultan O’Callaghan welcomes the opportunity to be involved in this worthwhile initiative stating "This is a great chance to encourage the participation of young people in sport in the local community and is part of an ongoing commitment to development in the Cork City North region."

A local organising group was set up to fundraise, coordinate activities and raise awareness locally for children to take part in the Summer Camp. The group is made up of representatives from Munster Rugby, Le Cheile School Completion Programme, Special Justice Project, We the People CDP, Niche Community Health Project, Ogra Chorcai, Barnardos, Community Gards, Cork City Council and RAPID.

Even with funding resources so tight at present, organisations’ deemed this project an important and worthwhile commitment; the health, education and social benefits far outweighing the costs for young people growing up in Knocknaheeny.

Committee representatives were delighted at the opportunity to work with Munster Rugby in the Knocknaheeny area: "There will be a great buzz on the launch day in the school and I think it will be the first day of many when the Knocknaheeny community and Munster Rugby will work together in the years to come". Louise O’Mahony, Niche.