Ennis minis travel en mass

ON yet another wet October morning, Ennis RFC mini teams travelled in strength to Athlone to play against Buccaneers. More than 160 players, along with mentors and parents, travelled in three coaches for a blitz tournament. This was the first time most of this group played against the hosts and Carrick-on-Shannon were also invited.
The event also marked another first for the Ennis RFC set up with age teams representing U-8, U-9, U-10, U-11 and U-12, all travelling together. Usually, one age grade travels to invitation tournaments.
The Ennis U-9 panel that was involved in four games was: Calum Barrett, Colm Hynes, Keith Barry, Peadar McNeils, Cillian Brennan, Stephen McSherry, Roan O’Flaherty, Jason Considine, Jarlath Collins, Joseph Rafferty, Dara Nagle, Adrian Baker, Matthew McNamara, Liam Keating, Charlie McGuinness, Charlie Farrell, Cian O’Dwyer, John Connaughton, Eoghan Talty andFinn Woods.
In the U-10s, Ennis fielded two teams and played six games, winning four, drawing one and losing one.

Ennis U-10: Jason Geraghty, Cian Hadden, Patrick Kearney, Conor McMahon, Ciarán McMahon, Kai Young, Ruairi Murphy, Patrick Browne, Andrew Casey, Ethan Coughlan, Gavin Guthrie, Dylan O’Brien, Pierce Griffin, Donagh O’Sullivan, Sean McGrath, Sean O’Brien, Cian Galvin, Rubin White, Patrick Kennedy, Ben Geraghty, Mark Halpin, Luke McMahon, Darragh O’Callaghan and Tony Butler.

Ennis U-11s fielded three teams and recorded five wins and just one narrow defeat.
Ennis U-11: Alex Coughlan, David Barbiton, Ryan Barry, Oisín Brennan, Ceallum Brown, Cillian Casey, Dara Curran, Eoin Duggan, Jack Feeney, Fergus Garvey, Daniel Geraghty, Kieran Gilhool, Eoghan Hahessy, Jack Hassett, Dillon Hayes, Conor Hogan, Jordan Howard, Daniel Kelly, Luke Kelly, Ronan Liddy, Conan MacLeod, Alex McConway, Conor McMahon, Emmet McMahon, Stephen McMahon, Eoghan O’Brien, Fionn O’Brien, Robert O’Connell, Bruce Piggott, Dylan Power, Cormac Reidy, Patrick Scanlon, Noel Shannon, Ben Sullivan, Dale Watson, Charlie Whelan, Cormac Whelan.

All the Ennis sides played with immense determination. For many of the players, it was their first away trip and judging by the enthusiasm, on a typically damp rugby day, it suggests that they will be yearning for more opportunities like this.
James Littleton, U-8 coach, said, “Organising away days like this will create unforgettable memories for all of our kids; this is the spirit of rugby”.
After the rugby activity finished, the hosts provided all the visitors with food and drink. Kids mixed with members of the other clubs, exchanging experiences, moments from the day and the hope to meet again in the future. Indeed, Buccaneers have suggested that the tournament could well become an annual fixture.
The next big event for all mini club members and their families is the Hallowe’en party, which will be in the West County Hotel from 6pm to 8pm on Sunday next. All are welcome and a great evening is promised. Remember fancy dress is essential.