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Crouch. . . Touch . . . Pause . . . Engage
After years in the abyss, rugby has been resurrected at Saint Eunan’s College. It is a new and evolving sport at Saint Eunan’s since its inception in the school in early 2008. It is an exciting, powerful and well-disciplined sport.
The U-14 and U-16 teams are coached by both Mr. John Fox and Ms. Carmel Egan. Based on the Super-14s teams in the Southern Hemisphere, our school team name is the “Saint Eunan’s Chiefs” at all levels.
Sport forms an integral part of the daily life of our school and our lives and it’s great to see rugby join the like of Gaelic Football, Soccer, Athletics, Basketball, golf etc. Hopefully, as we progress into the future, we will be able to emulate the sporting successes of these disciplines at the school.
The sport at Saint Eunan’s is mirroring its popularity both countrywide and on an international scale with hoards of young lads attending the weekly training sessions. The success of Ireland’s Six-Nations squad this year by winning the Grand Slam has certainly inspired the youth of Letterkenny and indeed Donegal to take up the sport.
Due to the growing popularity of the game, many of the lads are already members of the local Letterkenny Rugby Football Club. Some of the students, past and present and Letterkenny R.F.C members, have progressed to representing Ulster. These include:
• Michéal Dunleavy - Ulster U19
• James Keys - Ulster U18
• John Anthony Mc Fadden - Ulster U18
• Packie Kennedy - Current U19 squad member
• Jarryd Bennett - Ulster U18 Captain, Ulster U19 and current U20 squad member
The recent visit of the Ulster rugby squad to Donegal has undoubtedly cemented its status and regard into the minds of young men and women across the county.
The training sessions prepare the boys for the county blitzes as well as giving them the opportunity to learn and develop new skills in the game. Ms. Egan and Mr. Fox work in tadem with the I.R.F.U. Youth Development Officers, who regularly visit the school to lend a hand at training. A big thank you is extended to Declan Bushell (Y.D.O.) for his help with both the U-14s and U-16s this season.
Rugby at the school has certainly flourished in partnership with the Donegal County Rugby Project (D.C.R.P) and a special thanks goes to Jonathan Llwhellin (Project Leader) for his work and dedication over the past two seasons. His committment and perseverence has certainly made the job easier for us.
For more information on the D.C.R.P., including the latest information on rugby in the county and photographs from recent blitzes check out:
http://www.donegalcommunityrugby.com
2007-2008 Season
The starting point . . .
The school took part in its first ever blitz in February 2008 at U-14 level and a further two before the end of the Season. The first blitz was “tag” due to the nature of winter weather here in Donegal. The local pitches were water-logged and unsuitable for contact rugby – much to the disappointment of the lads! The school had a good outing on the second blitz in March ’08 with a number of wins against local schools.
The final blitz of the season took place at Donegal Town Rugby Club on Friday, 18th April 2008. The winners of the competition would capture the Ronan Scott Memorial Cup. In the pool stages, the chiefs, captained by New Zealand native Pasqualle Dunn, were undefeated with great victories over Crana College, Saint Catherine’s (Killybegs), Rosses Community School (Dungloe) and Loreto (Milford). After coming out on top of their pool, the lads faced Saint Columba’s (Stranorlar) in the semi-final but unfortunately went down to a single try. There was great displays throughout the season by kaptain Kiwi himself, Enda Gallagher, Shane Gallagher and Conor McCloskey.
A great success and achievement for a school in its first rugby season!
Well done to all the lads!
2008-2009 Season
The developing story . . . and Ms. Egan joins the ranks!
U-16
Training for the new season got underway in September with the u-16s age category taking part in the D.C.R.P. blitzes. Once again Mr. John Fox was at the helm, with a new co-coach joining the ranks, Galway-native, Ms. Carmel Egan.A number of students made the transition from the U-14 to the U-16 ranks and a number of students took up the sport for the first time. The first blitz took place at the former Letterkenny R.F.C. grounds at Churchill and after great wins on the day in the pool stages, the chiefs, captained by Peter Howard, faced Carndonagh C.S. in the final. Once again the rub of the green was not on our side and again we went down by one try. However, both schools did qualify for the Ulster U-16 Pollack Cup competition.This was to be the first time Donegal schools qualified to take part in the pan-provincial schools competition. Unfortunately, events and dates conspired against us and we were unable to participate in the competition in Belfast.
U-14
New kids on the block . . .Something for the 1st years to get their teeth into ..... gumshields!!!
First years and age-suitable second years took to the training and playing fields for the U-14 schools competition in early 2009. The U14 Squad competed in 2 school blitz competitions. Both took place at the Letterkenny R.F.C grounds. The team comprised of 1st and 2nd year students. A number of students had never played contact rugby but by the end of the season all players were enjoying the sport, even the knocks and bruises.The first blitz took place in February. In the pool stages, the chiefs captained by Niall Curran, played against 4 strong teams, coming out of their group victorious. The lads then faced Loreto, Milford in the final, both teams played with great enthusiasm till the very end resulting in a draw even after extra time.The second blitz took place on the last day of March. Over 400 students from around Donegal took part which was the last competition of the year. The U14 Boys Competition was competed for by 20 teams on the day. The Chiefs made it out of their pool stage to compete in the semi-final against Magh Ene, Bundoran but unfortunately lost by a single try.Well done to all the U14 Squad for their hard work and dedication during the season.
2009-2010 Season
U-16
The U-16s are currently in training for the upcoming schools county blitz on Wednesday, October 7th. Training usually takes place on Fridays after school but there will be training on Monday, October 5th to put the final preparations together for Wednesday'S Blitz.
Blitz Details:
DATE: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7TH
VENUE: LETTERKENNY R.F.C.
TIME: 10.30AM - REGISTRATION. 11.00AM - FIRST ROUND OF MATCHES.
This blitz is a qualifier for the Ulster schools Pollack Cup competition which will take place on Wednesday, October 14th in Ballymena. One Donegal school will go forward to represent the county in Ballymena so there is certainly alot to play for on Wednesday. Best of luck to the Saint Eunan's chiefs.
U-14
Calling on all First Years . . . (and Second) !
The under-14 season will get underway in October in preparation for the blitzes in January 2010. The team will have to play a match against another Donegal school before entry into the school competition.
All First and Second years are very welcome to join.
Contact Mr. Fox for information or any questions you might have.
More details will follow so watch this space!
So, Come on, heave and give Rugby a go!!!
