Its another mini adventure

Article by Tom Duffy

Clondalkin take 2 Coaches to Dungannon,for Battle for The Chris Stapleton Memorial Cup

The return leg of the now annual Dungannon Minis Vs Clondalkins Minis tournament, was held on Saturday the 25th, Such is the relationship that has developed between the two clubs that the Stapleton Brothers, Eamonn and John allowed for the annual cup to carry the name of their father, founder member of CRFC, and extremely active in the Mini Section of the club at its foundation.

Although I am sure Christy would have been disappointed to see the silverware going over the border, I am sure he would have been delighted that rugby at mini level, is going from strength to strength in the Club he help to find.

It was refreshing to see the cup had pride of place in the Dungannon RFC bar, beside the AIL DIV 1 winners plaque 2000/01 when we took the longer than expected journey to dungannon via belfast (thanks Winston).

Two coaches full of Parents and Children set of at 9.15 and after much debate decided on the Winston Route, a P stop , in Dundalk turned into a 30 mins shopping trip, with the kids stocked up with as much sugar as they could handle, we diverted to Newry,and then Belfast, a case of the blind leading the blind as Winston brought us on a tour of the home country.

We eventually arrived at Dungannon Rfc, when we were all individually greeted by their Head of Mini Rugby Richard,as we exited the bus. The lads got changed in FIRST teams dressing rooms, and went down to the MAIN pitch.

Where we treated to 3 fantastic games of sporting Rugby, where flowing skills and attacking rugby where on show, the U12s were on show first and were always going to struggle was the older Dungannon First years, but the lads stuck with it with Stephen bracken scoring two tries the score finished 8-4.

The under 8s team got piped 6-5 against a dungannon team that has been unbeaten all season, although I believe the refereeing decisions of Brendan CRFC mini coach when up for debate.

The stars of the show where the triumphant under 11s who won there match, having coached these lads for many years its great to see the basics coming through, well done to Murts and Gordon, for a job well done, and young Owen for his man of match performance.

The hospitality didn't end there, all the Kids had a bar be queue hot dog and coke, and the parents were laid on a chicken meal served with wine, 85 people fed and watered, one parent said that 'why did he waste his time playing GAA', such was his amazement at the hospitality.

Whilst parents felt the need to save money at the bar, such was the price of the cheap pints, what really struck me was 15 clondalkin lads and 15 dungannon lads playing soccer on main pitch, cross border cooperation or what!!

Following the meal ,speeches by both club presidents, and an emotional Alan, presentations of Jerseys where all agreed the relationships beng built today through rugby last a lifetime , testament to this was the returning of our own Club President to his old Club Dungannon.

We did have a number of ''incidents'', although what goes on tour stays on tour? I think it is safe to say that Both children and Parents had a fantastic Day, although ordering 25 happy meals Newry was met with strange looks.

It has finished a fantastic season for MinI Rugby in clondalkin , The leinster Match ,Vs Wasps ,and half time Mini Game, Playing in front of 20,000 people , The 5,000 tackles,the Under 10s Final Appearance, fielding teams at 14s,12s,11,s,10s,8s and Leprechauns and the Dungannon Trip, a massive thank to all the coaches,parents and players for showing what Rugby is All about, enjoying rugby and developing life long friendships.

Added by Murts April 27, 2009 (5:16PM)

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