Cork Special Schools play Adapted Tag Rugby in Thomond Park.
Tuesday 28th April 2015 was a day to remember for the students of Our lady Of Good Council, Ballincollig and Scoil Bernadette, Montenotte as they participated in an adapted tag rugby blitz the Munster Rugby grounds Thomond Park, Limerick. The CARA Adapted Physical Activity Centre Xcessible initiative for 2015 saw them link with the IRFU to give special schools across Ireland the opportunity to play adapted tag rugby.
Here in Cork the programme was delivered by Cork Sports Partnership in association with Munster Rugby. Two schools participated in the programme along with rugby clubs in their community. Old Christians RFC, Glanmire formed a relationship with Scol Bernadette, Montenotte. This saw Old Christians Coach Sam O Connell deliver a six week adapted tag rugby programme to the students. Participants enjoyed learning the rules of the game and the final two sessions were held in Old Christians RFC grounds.
Similarly Our Lady of Good Council Special School Ballincollig were delighted to have Robert Fookles and Matt McGrath of Ballincollig RFC attend the school each Monday to deliver the adapted tag rugby programme. “The students were brought to the Ballincollig RFC club grounds for the final two sessions and appeared to really enjoy playing on a real pitch” stated Deputy Principal Aisling Heidt. “I loved learning how to throw the ball and it was cool that we got to play on a real rugby pitch” said Our Lady of Good Council student Sarah.
The highlight of the programme was when both schools travelled to Limerick on the 28th April to play schools from around Munster in Thomond Park. They got to play at the home of Munster Rugby and was an amazing experience for all the students involved.
Following the blitz, students were brought on a tour of the Museum and then had an opportunity to watch their heroes train as the Munster first team took to the pitch for a training session.
This was a fantastic initiative and huge credit must go to Old Christians RFC and Ballincollig RFC for making such efforts to be inclusive and making the programme such a success.
At the Launch of the adapted tag rugby initiative L-R Euan Gee (Munster Rugby), Matt McGrath Ballincollig RFC, Kate Feeney (CARA Centre), Padraig Healy (Cork Sports Partnership).