Ennis RFC named Munster Mini Club of the Year

ENNIS RFC was recently announced as the Mini Club of the Year in Munster. The club was presented with the award at the Munster branch awards and the award brought a very successful year to a close.

Last year, before the commencement of the Ennis RFC Mini season, a number of meetings took place. A core of similar minded people came together with the goal of setting targets for the year ahead. Among these were building on the success of previous seasons, expanding the player base, increasing the number of qualified coaches at the club’s disposal and ultimately seeking to be the best in terms of overall organisation and execution of everything proposed.
What those involved wanted most was to embrace the culture of fun that is paramount in mini rugby but to have a progressive tone underlying this, ensuring health and well-being and indeed rugby progression of all players in a physical and competitive sport.
As the season progressed, it was clear to all that momentum was building and this was highlighted at the registration day last September. Those involved had promoted the event in over 20 primary schools, recognising that children involved in other sports could complement their primary activity with rugby, which is played throughout the winter. Approximately 130 players registered, many of them new to the sport. The club was overwhelmed with the response, which was seen as an endorsement of their approach. With Munster players and development officers there on the day, it gave them a snapshot of intentions and proved Ennis was serious about the plan.
With fun being the fundamental attribute to mini rugby, the club pursued a series of events that were independent of rugby and would help the kids bond and gel at a social level. The Hallowe’en Fancy Dress was a highlight in the social calendar, while quiz nights and after-blitz parties also further galvanised the children at their various age groups.
From a coaching perspective, the officials recruited 18 full qualified and garda-vetted volunteers, which proved to be just enough as the numbers of playing children approached 200 as the season progressed. The mantra was to facilitate all children that presented themselves, irrespective of ability.
A reflection of this dedication was the introduction of a second session on Friday evenings to complement the Sunday morning sessions. This was an immediate success and allowed the club, under lights in Lees Road, to develop the skills of the game with the various age groups.
As the rugby season progressed this was becoming more and more apparent on the pitch where the natural progression of the children became more visible.
Highlights of the playing season included the U-12 squad’s tour of Frankfurt, where they were unlucky to be beaten in the final after comprehensively beating the favourites in the semi-final.
The U-11s participated in the Willow Park Festival, where three teams played 19 games at the country’s top tournament and won 13 games. Meanwhile, the U-10s travelled to Galway to take on and excel against some of the strongest senior clubs in the country.
The season concluded with a showpiece event held in the Ennis RFC home venue in the Showgrounds at the end of April. In summer-like conditions, the club held a barbecue for nearly 400 people, with lots of fun for the children. The main event was a tag rugby match between the coaches and U-12s. The club also launched their new casual range of gear.
The new season will commence on the first Sunday in September and all are welcome. The club will also welcome anyone who may wish to get involved in coaching, organising or fundraising to help what is now the largest mini rugby club in North Munster.