October 2010 - Under 13's
Muskerry fly the flag in France
Muskerry Rugby Club's Under 13 squad
recently returned from Rodez in France where they participated in the
prestigious 'Top 12' International tournament along with 39 other teams.
Six weeks of intensive training culminated in the Muskerry boys being
put to the test against some of the best talent in Europe at this age
level.
On Friday 1st October, after flying via the UK,
they were met at Rodez airport by the organisers and members of the
local press. On Saturday morning along with the other teams, they took
part in a huge parade through the streets of Rodez proudly carrying
their Muskerry RFC banners and flags. The strains of ‘The Bould Thady
Quill’ and ‘The Fields of Athenry” mingled with ‘La Marseillaise‘ as the
teams made their way to the town hall where thousands of balloons were
released into the air. In the afternoon there were challenge games
against German, Italian and Spanish teams which gave the players a
chance to adjust to the warm temperatures and the playing rules of 11
aside, 6 minute games.
The tournament itself began on Sunday morning.
After a spectacular opening ceremony Muskerry were in a ‘Pool of Death’
that included three teams from elite French professional clubs: Bayonne,
Colomiers, and Lyon. The pressure was immense on the Muskerry players as
wave after wave of French pressure was repelled, but roared on by their
travelling support, the Irish boys were outstanding; no tackle was
shirked, no injury was feigned, no backward step was taken. On two
occasions they were most unlucky not take a share of the spoils against
their illustrious opponents. The day's play ended with victories against
German side Heidelberg, the host club Rodez, and Academy RFC of Belfast.
At the awards
ceremony the team were delighted to be given the 'Fair Play' award for
the tournament and captain Cormac Dennehy was presented with a
magnificent trophy by former French international Emile Ntamack. In all
a marvelous experience for the players and their supporters in which all
19 members of the squad the team proved themselves true ambassadors for
Muskerry, Munster, and Ireland, both on and off the field.
