Mayo rugby club host future stars from across the west

Castlebar Rugby Club has played host to several clubs and school teams from across the province over two action packed days.

On Saturday, October 18, 33 enthusiastic teams from ten clubs took part in a Connacht Rugby under-8 and under-9 blitz at Cloondeash.

A total of 370 future rugby players from Castlebar, Westport, Ballina, Ballinrobe, Ballyhaunis, Claremorris, Sligo, Carrick-on-Shannon, Creggs and Connemara, represented their clubs in matches throughout the day.

The competing players also received valuable tips from senior Connacht Rugby player, Niall Murray.

Afterwards, a delighted Castlebar RFC minis rugby coordinator Paul Heverin said: “It was a massive effort to organise such a day and Castlebar RFC would like to thank the many coaches who travelled with their teams and all of our local members who rolled up their sleeves on the day.”

Then, last Tuesday, the Connacht Rugby Mayo Schools first year blitz took place at Castlebar RFC. One hundred boys from four secondary schools, St. Gerald’s College, Rice College, Gortnor Abbey, and guests St. Jarlath’s College of Tuam, took part in a dual format of contact rugby and non-contact tag rugby.

The event was facilitated by the Mayo Club Rugby Development Officers, who were assisted by school staff. CRDO for Castlebar, Séamie King, thanked his colleagues in Connacht Rugby and the schools for their wholehearted participation.

The Mayo girls school teams will have an opportunity to try out their rugby skills at The Green, Ballinrobe, on Thursday, November 20.