As the season entered the home straight we were about to have out biggest moment as a club to date. Firstly our girls were chosen as the Connacht representative to attend the Aviva mini rugby festival in Ashbourne, Co. Meath. In a truly magical day our girls were fantastic in the way they conducted themselves on and off the pitch. Then in early April our secretary got a letter to say we were one of three nominations for Connacht rugby club of the year for the 2011/12 season.
To say we were shocked was an understatement, however although we were nominated we really didn’t think we would win as other nominees Connemara RFC & Loughrea RFC were more established than us and surely in our view in with a better chance of winning.
 |
| Club award with Eric Elwood |
A wedding on the same night meant I was unable to attend the black tie affair in the Connemara Coast Hotel however when the phone rang at approx 11pm I knew from the crackling voice on the other end we had done it. Connacht rugby club of the year in our third season WOW!
On the playing side of things our season drew to a close in the surrounds on Terenure College as our U13 team played in the inaugural European rugby U13 tournament hosted by Terenure RFC. As one of only two Connacht representatives along with fellow Mayomen Westport RFC our boys played against teams Ireland, England, Scotland and France. They played some tough physical rugby and were a credit to all concerned with the rugby club. This trip was our first overnighter as a rugby club which represented an historic moment our brief history.
As the season winds down things have been even busier for us in the committee room. Recently we acquired 5 acres of land in town and currently putting a plan together on how to fund the development of the grounds. What we have planned so far is:
George Hook has agreed to broadcast his Newstalk show the Right Hook live from the McWilliam Park hotel Claremorris on Friday the 13th of July, we will then hold the launch of our pitch development fundraiser that night in the McWilliam. On the 14th we’re planning a scrum clinic for local coaches.
 |
| Aviva Mini Rugby Blitz |
On the Friday the radio show will be followed by a reception where George and a number of rugby pundits will formally launch the fundraiser to an invited audience of rugby supporters, parents, local people and representatives from neighbouring rugby clubs. The major fund raising event will be a draw where the site we recently acquired will be divided into 2,000 equal sized rectangular areas each of which will be ‘auctioned’ with a €50 price tag. Each person(s)/organisation purchasing an area will also be entered into a draw for various prizes which will range from flights and accommodation to a sunshine destination to tickets for rugby matches.
The Saturday clinic will be marketed as ‘Scrum Clinic’. This will be a scrum clinic given by rugby pundits George Hook, Alan Quinlan, Roly Meates, Jim Glennon and Peter Bracken will for all coaches who coach at youth rugby level. It will free of charge to all coaches so it’s an ideal way to spend a Saturday afternoon. The day will also be marketed as family day where everyone if free to attend watch the clinic and meet the rugby personalities afterwards. There will be activities to keep the children occupied while the clinic is happening so spread the word and hit for Claremorris on July 13 and 14th.
Click here for more info on the Scrum Clinic/Fun Day
Click here for the club's website.
Claremorris RFC will be back with regular posts throughout the 2012/13 season.
© JL Pagano 2012
