Last Tuesday night, almost 50 girls trained at Westport RFC, highlighting the growing energy and interest surrounding girls youth rugby in Mayo.
The test of progress nonetheless was going to be last Saturday when the Westport Under-15s had their first real match, against Connemara, and the club’s Under-17s had their second match against Ballina.
Both teams came through with flying colours. Gearoid Ó’Riain from Westport RFC takes up the story.
The U-15s played a tight, competitive game with one side edging a try ahead and the other responding immediately until the final quarter of the game when the Westport girls powered ahead to win.
It was a very promising performance, particularly considering that several girls were very new to rugby. Both teams really enjoyed what was a very sporting game and great thanks to the team and coaches from Connemara. No doubt there will be another day.
The Westport U-17s took on a Ballina team that had beaten them well last October. But last Saturday the dedication, commitment, talent and sheer enthusiasm of the Westport girls shone through when they beat their Ballina counterparts.
Thanks also to the Ballina team and coaches. Hopefully a healthy, positive, rivalry will continue to develop which will help build girls rugby in Mayo.
Wendy Hickey and Emer O’Dowd from Connacht Rugby were both at the match to begin the process of picking a Connacht U-17 squad and they were very impressed with what they saw.
Training for the Westport girls takes place on Tuesday at the usual time of 6.45pm to 8.15pm. New girls are always welcome.
For more information on this or an anything to do with girls rugby, please contact Daphne Haire Mooney on 0877682594.
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