Mixed Ability rugby is a full-contact, 15-a-side format played by people with and without disabilities. Among those featured is Richie, an autistic player who had previously been excluded from the sport before joining Cork-based team The Rebels.
Produced by Claire McCabe (Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story) and executive produced by David Collins (Once), Try! received support from Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán and Virgin Media Television.
The film explores the role that inclusive sporting structures can play in creating opportunities and a sense of community for people who have traditionally been excluded from team sports.
Filmmaker Oisín Mistéil said: “Growing up playing team sports, it’s easy to take for granted what being part of a team can mean to someone. But so many people have been locked out of that sense of belonging for far too long.
“The amazing people we’ve made this film about have raised two big questions for me: who is sport for, and what is sport for? Spoiler alert: it’s for everyone. Try! is a celebration of the power of sport in creating community. Making this film has been an education for me in terms of what true inclusion looks and feels like.
“On the face of it, it’s a sports documentary, with a season-long journey and an ultimate goal. But it’s also a call to arms; a challenge to society at large. Mixed Ability rugby proves that if inclusion can survive and thrive in as demanding and physical an arena as the rugby pitch, then why wouldn’t it thrive in other communities, in the workplace and in society at large?”
For more information on special screenings and listings please visit https://www.tryfilm.ie/