Tour Diary – Missionvale And Reddan Retires
It was a busy day on the Irish Rugby news front and a busy day in South Africa. It was a day to pay tribute to a ‘consummate pro’ and also another emotional reminder of how privileged we are.
On the news front it was great to see Max Deegan nominated for the World Rugby U-20 Player of the Tournament honour – get voting.
Ireland U20 No.8 Max Deegan has been nominated as Player of the Tournament at the @WorldRugby U20 Championships. pic.twitter.com/mbVAdqROgR
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 23, 2016
Back home there was also a photocall with Lucy Mulhall and the other captains for the Women’s Sevens Olympic Repechage tournament in UCD this weekend:
Here in South Africa the hard work continues as we build to the climax of the Test series and after a tough training session, there was a chance for the players to get a recovery dip in the hotel pool before the team was announced for Saturday’s decider against the Springboks.
Here’s the @IrishRugby team v @Springboks. @thepain15 ruled out @Tiernanoh11 to start. #TeamOfUs #ShoulderToSHoulder pic.twitter.com/ZPb2ika9jr
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 23, 2016
It was also confirmed that Eoin Reddan will retire from rugby after Saturday’s game in Port Elizabeth. Described as the ‘consummate professional’, the tributes came in thick and fast on Twitter:
In 2 days time we will say thank you to an insane competitor and the ultimate team man. Well done Eoin Reddan. #comesfromgreatstock
— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) June 23, 2016
In the afternoon, some of the squad and management took a trip to Missionvale and it brought home yet again what a challenge Africa faces.
The Missionvale Care Centre is an interdenominational non-profit organisation operating in the extremely poor township of Missionvale in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
It was founded by Sister Ethel Normoyle, from humble beginnings, under a tree in 1988. It has grown into a centre which provides love and care for the poor and destitute, with particular emphasis on those living with HIV/AIDS.
Missionvale Care Centre is at the heart of a sustainable and harmonious community with access to health, wellbeing and educational services delivered with love and care that will empower and enrich the lives of local people.
Ireland hooker Sean Cronin has a family interest in the work being done here as his Aunt Rose volunteers in Missionvale alongside the founder Sr. Ethel (pictured above with Sean and Joe Schmidt).
It was a deeply humbling experience to see the work being done in the township of 26,000 people who have access to 16 water taps between them.
It was a quiet and contemplative bus journey back to the team hotel.
You can support their work at http://www.missionvale.co.za/.
Tour Diary Week 1: Cape Town
Arrival In Cape Town – A warm welcome and a dip in the sea
Training Day – An intense session against an incredible backdrop
SharkCopter – A day of rest with great white sharks
Team Announcement Day – the team for the first test is announced
Captain’s Run And Coaching Kids – Last run-out in Newlands and a school coaching session
Match Day & History – Ireland beat the Springboks for the first time in South Africa
Travel Day – Farewell Cape Town, Hello Johannesburg
Tour Diary Week 2: Johannesburg
Making A Splash – A pool recovery session and watching the Euros
Altitude & Joost – Training at altitude and a chance to meet a legend and hero
Team Announcement 2 – 10 changes and three new caps for the second Test, and some serious skill from Eoin Reddan
Match Day In Johannesburg – Heartbreak for Ireland as the Springboks level the series
Tour Diary Week 3: Port Elizabeth
Recovery And The Future – Sea session, mental anger and looking to the future
The Shortest Day – The shortest day of the year but plenty of work packed in by the Ireland team
Bhubesi Pride – A day to give something back to rugby working with some of the poorest children in Africa