Rugby Shorts

The Inaugural Young Farmers Tag Rugby Finals were contested at Ballynahinch recently where a large crowd turned up to give their support to the 14 teams competing for the Junior and Senior Shields. The competition which was sponsored by Northern Bank was the first of its kind for the Young Farmers and generated huge interest with up to 400 boys and girls taking part. A total of 34 teams took part in the competition.

In the junior section 5 teams competed: Moycraig, Ballywalter, Newtownards, Moneyrea and Trillick. Trillick and Moycraig topped the group but in a closely contested final Trillick eventually beat Moycraig by 2 points to 1.

In the semi finals of the Senior Section, Spa defeated Seskinore by 11 points to 6 and Annaclone defeated Kilraughts by 10 points to 4 points. However, Annaclone emerged victorious in the final beating Spa by 9 points to 4 points.

While the competition was mixed, there were a remarkable number of girls who took part. Up to 120 competed between the ages of 11 and 25, impressing everyone with their skill and enthusiasm. Many of them also showed a keen interest to pursue playing rugby and they were advised to get in touch with the Women’s Regional Development Officer, Joy Sparkes and the Women’s Youth Development Officer, Nathan Moore, who supported and encouraged girls who want to play rugby by directing them to their nearest local Rugby Club.

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Community Games Rugby

The All Ireland Finals of the Community Games takes place in Mosney on Sunday 27th August and representing Leinster will be the U11’s side from Navan RFC.

With a nice sense of history the team is coached by Collie Farrell who was Captain of the first U11’s Team from Navan who won this competition in 1977.

Collie also won a Towns Cup Medal when he captained Naas to win the competition in 1995 beating Enniscorthy in the final. Assistant Coach to the U11’s side is Billy Faulkner who is a former Club President of Navan.

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…Munster Fans in action…

Cardiff Blues have decided not to move their Heineken Cup Clash with Munster to the Milennium Stadium. The word is that while they seriously considered a move, taking into account the propensity of Munster Fans to travel, they decided against it as they feared it could turn into a “home” tie.

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St. Senan’s RFC are opening Phase 1 of their Clubhouse Development on Sunday September 3rd. A great day’s entertainment is planned with the Junior side playing Young Munster in the Kiely Cup. Bouncy Castle and face painting for the Kids. BBQ and Musical Entertainment with ‘One September’ will be provided. Meet the famous Rugby Pundit George Hook who will be only one of the Celebrities to meet on the day. The Heineken Cup and the Triple Crown will be there for great photos opportunities. Come and join the fun from 1.30 pm onwards.

For more click here.

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Irishman to be first non French Captain of famous French side

Michael Carroll will become the first non French player to Captain the famous Racing Club of Paris this season.

“It is a huge honour, there’s no doubt about it, to be the first non-French player to captain such a great club,” he said.

Carroll who played for Connacht and Captained the Irish Schools on their Australian Tour in 2000 will lead the Parisian Club in the D2 campaign in only his second season at the club. Having also played for Blackrock he will be right at home in Racing’s Blue and White Strip.