Instonians keep it in the family
When it comes to family orientated rugby clubs, Instonians is in a league of their own.
At a recent family fun day at Shaw’s Bridge there were no less than three generations of one family playing Touch rugby together.
Grandfather and past president Alan Sweeney (69) took to the field with son and playing member Richard (39) who, in turn, had brought his son Loughlin (8) along to show the old boys how it should be done. Also pictured is Loughlin’s other grandfather Eddie McCaskie.
The event was a Touch rugby fun day for all the family and the club is always very proud to promote the tight knit friendly club atmosphere they have built up over the years.
Club Chairman Ken Keane commented: “The club has always been very welcoming and open to everyone. We are always keen to encourage new members regardless of their experience or ability. We offer a first class mini rugby section for young people of primary school age. Headed up by Owen Lambert it is a first class youth development system staffed by well-trained coaching staff who are dedicated to making sure that rugby is played in a fun and enjoyable environment.
“We also have a junior section for u14s, u16s and u18s for our teenagers and are always looking for new players to come along even if they haven’t had any experience of rugby in the past. Again this section of the club has a set of first rate coaches who can coach the boys in a safe environment.
“At the senior end of the club we put out three senior teams. With our 1st XV currently unbeaten this year, being top of the league and having already played at Ravenhill winning the Junior Cup against a spirited Omagh side.
“All our home games are great entertainment and normally take place at 2.30 pm on Saturday afternoons. A full list of the fixtures can be found on our website www.instonians.org. I would encourage anyone who’s interested to come on down.”
Ken added: “For anyone just wanting a run out and to keep in shape, the over 35s play Touch every Tuesday night at 9 pm. It’s good craic and a great bit of fitness and that’s where Alan Sweeney can be found. Although I hear after playing rugby for 50 years he still doesn’t pass the ball.”
Anyone interested in giving rugby a go either at the mini (4-11 year olds), junior rugby (12-18 year old) or senior (adult) sections can find all contact details on the club website www.instonians.org
