Under-12s enjoy trip to Connaught
WICKLOW RFC’s Under 12s marked the end of their careers in minis’ rugby with a tour to Connaught at the weekend.
The team, many of whom have played together since they were just six years old, will progress to youths’ rugby next season and the annual Under-12s tour is a rite of passage for the boys.
Prior to departure they met in the clubhouse in Ashtown Lane where they were addressed by Club President, Bert Nicholson, who reminded them that no matter where they ended up in their rugby careers, Wicklow RFC would always be their home club.
The thirty five boys were presented with their personalised kit bags and tour kit by Club Captain, John Jenkinson.
One of their coaches, Aidan Kearney, also spoke to them and urged them, in the words of Michelle Moschetti, to ‘be strong when you are weak, brave when you are scared and humble when you are victorious’.
The boys, their coaches and some brave parents set out on Friday morning for Killary Adventure Centre in Connemara.
During the weekend they played two fantastic matches, against Connemara RFC in beauti- ful Clifden and against Galwegians RFC who are coached by Irish rugby legend Eric Elwood.
The welcome and hospitality shown by both clubs to the Wicklow boys and their entourage was second to none. The weather played its part and the sun shone all weekend.
But the main focus of the trip was to have fun and engage in all that Killary had to offer, building their team spirit and working to help each other through the many challenges whether crawling through bogs or climbing on the high ropes.
Throughout the weekend they pushed themselves to their limits and discovered new strengths, friendships were cemented and memories created.
Tour manager, Liz Clarke, paid tribute to the boys for the way they carried themselves both on and off the pitch saying they had been brave, polite and had all got on really well. She looked forward to watching the team play many more years of rugby together.
Before they leave minis’ rugby behind the Under-12s have a hectic few weeks of fixtures ahead, including playing at half-time in the RDS during the Leinster v. Treviso Pro 14 match.