Very successful Under 9s festival in Tipperary celebrated the Spirit of Rugby

Clonmel Rugby Club hosted its inaugural Under 9s Spirit of Rugby Festival in glorious April sunshine in the fabulous setting of Ard Gaoithe, overlooking Clonmel.

Blue skies, green grass and the aroma of burgers on the barbecue greeted the 42 teams of the 21 clubs from across Munster and Leinster.

It certainly lived up to its title as a festival of rugby, with boys and girls displaying great rugby skill and having loads of fun with their friends in the process.

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They were joined on the day by Munster players Roman Salanoa and Diarmuid Kilgallen, who obliged their starstruck fans with photos and signatures on jerseys. Munster Rugby Mascot Oscar was also present to add to the festival atmosphere.

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This inaugural Under 9s festival focused on the theme “Spirit of Rugby” to promote the positive attributes of respect, fairness and fun in the game.

Munster Rugby coaching staff were present to adjudicate the recipients of two cups.

Ben Swindlehurst presented the Spirit of Rugby Cup to Crosshaven RFC, while Tramore RFC received the Skills Cup. Players from all teams received a Clonmel RFC Under 9s Festival medal in recognition of their participation on the day.

The scale of the festival required months of planning by the Clonmel club’s Minis Sub-Committee: Eamonn Dawson, Brendan Mullan, Frank Quinlan, John Carroll, Johnny Moloney, Ronan Crosse and Ciara Kiely. They sincerely thank all the club volunteers who helped out on the day.

Club community spirit was to the fore with an army of volunteers on hand to make the day a huge success, including parking attendants, catering staff, referees, shop staff and stewards mobilised from across the club membership and parents.

Sincere thanks are also extended to the many sponsors, whose generosity contributed to the running of the festival. Their support is much appreciated by Clonmel Rugby Club.

The committee also extends its thanks to all the club teams, coaches and parents who travelled from across Munster and Leinster to participate.

They also thank Clonmel’s own Under 9 coaches who train the boys and their parents, who support them all year in sunshine and rain.

In particular, the Under 9 players were amazing on day, demonstrating great skill and having loads of fun with their friends. It was a memorable day for them all.

Roll on next year’s festival!