On the Friday of the May Bank holiday weekend the P6 mini rugby boys slipped out of school early, loaded up and headed off on their first rugby tour.
Staying in Tipperary town in the “quaint” Times Hotel, with overspill in a B&B/pub, the boys soon made themselves at home. Taking up all of the accommodation and with chilled out staff the boys had a free run of the hotel (the dads were of course keeping a close eye on them at all times).
Unfortunately by Saturday morning it was clear that Patrick M, who had been unwell on the Friday, was no better, so unfortunately Patrick and Aidan headed off back to Bangor. Reports of sightings of them around Cobh and Kinsale suggests a lack of navigation skills, clearly they only managed to get to Tipp on Friday as a result of the excellent back seat navigator. The rest of the squad headed up to Clanwilliam’s grounds, a short stroll from the hotel. The rugby was certainly competitive with both sides defending well, resulting in few scoring opportunities. Clanwilliam managed to get the ball along the line better resulting in two scores before Bangor replied. Towards the end, George went down in a lot of pain having hurt is foot. The boys continued to show full commitment and effort but after playing four quarters, Clanwilliam ran out winners by four tries to one. Clanwilliam proved excellent hosts, not just in providing excellent and sporting opposition, but in providing refreshments after the match and arranging a match for us on Sunday against Kilfeacle to replace the match cancelled by Bruff.
Saturday afternoon was relaxing by the pool (no not in the hotel) before heading to Thomond Park for the Ulster v Munster match. George by this stage was on crutches, Patrick D didn’t make it to the pool, another one struck by sickness! So early evening, leaving poor old Patrick & his dad in their room, the rest of us climbed onto the bus heading for Thomond Park.
With neither team really needing to win it was a bit of a strange match, with many of Ulster’s senior players rested it was always unlikely that we’d see a repeat of the Heineken Cup quarter final. The highlight was probably when the boys got to meet the players afterwards, lots of photos and autographs; Paddy Jackson was even kind enough to share his pizza with some of the boys! In the general excitement someone stood on George’s foot causing him immense pain. Luckily there was an ambulance near which brought George plus dad to Limerick A&E, they were next spotted arriving back at the hotel at about 8:00 the next morning – George’s foot in plaster!
Come Sunday morning and with a depleted squad we headed off to Kilfeacle, a beautiful setting overlooking the Galtee mountains. We were aware that the boys were in for a tough match, not only were we missing three strong players, but, Clanwilliam coaches had mentioned in passing that Kilfeacle had beaten them 5:0 in their last meeting.
The boys started really well, securing ball at the breakdown and maintaining possession, they just couldn’t quite manage to get the ball out quick enough to players in space which would have created scoring opportunities. Kilfeacle gradually came more into the game and with some strong runners clocked up a couple of scores. With limited numbers, Bangor provided a couple of players for Kilfeacle. Nearing the end of the match, Conor made a great run to score in the corner; unfortunately he was wearing Kilfeacle colours at the time.
With some welcome refreshments provided by the parents of the Kilfeacle players, we all headed off on the long journey north. The boys (and dads) had a thoroughly enjoyable and eventful trip which they will surely look back on in years to come with fond memories (even the sick and the injured).
