A Warm Welcome from Bucaneers President
On behalf of everyone at Buccaneers RFC, I would like to welcome you all to Athlone. I hope you will have a fun and enjoyable day full of new memories and new friends both on and off the pitch.
This is Buccaneers first experience with mixed ability rugby and we are excited to join such an active and vibrant part of the rugby community. As we grow the game in our own club, we look forward to the opportunity to interact with and learn from all those clubs for whom mixed ability rugby is already established. Road trips!
We would like to thank the IRFU for all their support and help in making this day a success. The IRFU commitment to inclusivity (including capital funding for club facilities) leads the way in Irish sport and convincingly demonstrates that rugby, in all its codes, really is a sport for everyone.
The most unique feature of rugby among all sports, is the relationship between players, coaches, managers and the referees who control our game on field. It is only through our trust in and respect for referees that our game can thrive and grow.
On behalf of all of us, I want to thank the ARCB refereeing team working at today’s event and encourage everyone involved in mixed ability rugby to consider becoming a referee as a way of contributing to the sport you love.
I want to acknowledge the huge effort put in by all the volunteers from every team to make today possible. I particularly want to thank the local volunteers who once again have demonstrated the utmost professionalism in organising a safe and enjoyable event. It is your work behind the scenes that enables players and coaches to focus on matters on the field, before relaxing and enjoying each other’s company off the field. Thank you all.
Speaking of relaxing off the field, I would like to thank the Bounty for managing the hospitality, and all the sponsors, big and small, who have contributed to the event.
Finally, in all codes of rugby, at every age level, and at every level of ability, players, coaches, managers and referees can only function with the goodwill and effort of parents, partners, relatives and friends. They drive cars, wash gear, make food, offer a shoulder to cry on, a cheer of encouragement, quiet advice, support and love. Without you in the background there is no foreground event like this. On behalf of everyone here engaged on field we want you to know that you have our sincere gratitude and love for everything you do for us.
Enjoy the day!
Brendan Wilkins President of Buccaneers RFC
A word from Spirit of Rugby
David McKay, IRFU Disability & Inclusion Officer
Irish Rugby want to congratulate Buccaneers RFC on hosting the first All-Ireland Mixed ability Rugby tournament, To all the project team and all volunteers from the club and local community and beyond we want to thank you, without you we wouldn’t be able to run should a special day.
We are all looking forward to a great festival of rugby and true celebration of inclusion both on and off the pitch.
I want to say a particular thankyou to all the referees who have volunteered their services for the day. It is of great satisfaction to note that call for referees has resulted in a huge response and we have referees from all four provinces here today.
Mixed ability is a great model of integration and inclusion for players and volunteers and its growth from one team 9 years ago to 7 teams is a testament to this. We look forward to its continued growth after todays tournament.
I wish all the teams a successful tournament played in the true spirit of the game we love.
Alan Craughwell, Director, Mixed
Ability Sport Ireland
The warmest of welcomes to you all that have travelled near and far to play, officiate, volunteer and watch the 1st inaugural All Ireland Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament.
The 10th of June is a significant date for mixed ability rugby on the Island of Ireland. On this day lasty ear, a packed Musgrave Park in Cork were treated to an extraordinary day of finals, presentations, and celebrations at the biggest and most successful International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament to date.
Building on the impact from that historic event we are here today in Athlone at Dubarry Park home of Buccaneers RFC for the inaugural All Ireland Mixed Ability Men’s and Women’s rugby Tournaments. This a first for Connacht rugby and we are delighted that Buccaneers RFC have taken on the challenge of being the first hosts of this event.
A day like today is not possible without the excellent members and committee of Buccaneers RFC who embrace the power of inclusion to their club. Along with the support of Mixed Ability Sports Ireland, Connacht Rugby, IRFU, local sponsors and volunteers we are sure of a great event here in Athlone today.
Our hope for today is the those of you that are playing or officiating enjoy the games and they are played in the true spirit of mixed ability rugby. We hope that by showcasing all that is magical about mixed ability here in Buccaneers RFC and it inspires other clubs throughout the country to set up a mixed ability rugby team.
There are plenty of people with experience of mixed ability rugby here today, so if anyone has questions or wants support on how to get started, please ask and you will be directed to the right contact.
Again, thank you to our hosts Bucc’s, just to let you know mixed ability rugby is a game of three halves, two on the pitch and 3rd half will be in the Bounty.
Enjoy the games and more importantly enjoy the social side of this wonderful addition to the rugby family.
About the Teams
West Cork Jesters
Serving West Cork and tipping over to south Kerry affiliated to Bantry RFC they are showing that West Cork is not only a hot bed of rugby for the professional game but also at the mixed ability level.
The Jesters are passionate about inclusion in sport and are active on the rugby pitch with both a men’s and women’s side but also recently they have been gloving up in the boxing ring. So, watch out for those right hooks today!!!
Ballincollig Trailblazers
As in their name they started blazing the trail for women’s mixed ability rugby. There hopes and dreams that they can empower women no matter what their ability is, to take up the game of rugby. Always there to help out any club that is thinking of getting woman into rugby through mixed ability, their goal is to tour overseas and maybe visit some of the Canadian girls that played with them in the world cup last year. So, if any lady here today what’s to lace up their boots and join them today an “get stook’n” you will be made welcome !!!
Buccaneers RFC
The super hosts of today’s first ever all Ireland Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament they have stepped up to the challenge that rugby is a game for everyone regardless of your ability. Their hope from today is this will sow the seed around the midland and west of the Shannon that mixed ability rugby is an option to get new players of all abilities and some old players of questionable abilities back or into the club for some fun sociable rugby. When all the buses leave this evening the Bucc’s will be in the Bounty with their treasure chest of the joy of mixed ability rugby and a job well done!!!!
Banbridge Barbarians
After breaking the internet with the best try of IMART Cork with 3.4million view of world rugby’s Facebook page they are now monetising every social media outlet as the mixed ability social influencers. So, watch out today for selfie sticks in the rucks and live feeds from the lineouts as these guys go viral again. Their hope form to today is not just fame but also to meet up with old friends and meet new friends as when they are not on the pitch, they will be bringing the party to bar!!!
Malone Tornados
Don’t mind storm Oscar it’s the Tornado that is hitting the middle of the country from Belfast is what you need to watch today. Of the back of a great victory against the MARI’S the mixed ability international invitational team which is just like the Baba’s they sure to be twisting around Dubarry Park today. If not on the pitch they will be causing adverse conditions of craic and banter in the Bounty. There hope for today is to show that mixed ability rugby can be enjoyed by players that have played internationally to players that never had the chance to play because of having a disability!!!
Sunday’s Well Rebels
Mixed ability rugby royalty, I’m sure they brought all of Cork to Athlone today. Known for having a squad that is the size of a small army they are putting half of the squad on the transfer list for today. So, if any team needs a rest just dial a rebel!! Two-time world cup winners what the Rebels most hope for today is that more and more people and clubs take on the idea of inclusion and mixed ability rugby as it has changed people’s lives. Next season the Rebels will be 10 years old and their advice for any club thinking of starting up is as Nike say it “Just do it”!!!
Arklow Red Kites
This Leinster side get their hairstyles from Arklow native dancing with the stars and Irish rugby legend “the Mullet” Shane Byrne. Apart from the best hairstyles of the day Arklow Red Kites are one of the newbie’s to mixed ability rugby and their hope from today is to get some experience of what mixed ability is about so they can grow the game in the Wicklow area and come back with a full team of mullets!!!
DLSP Vikings
Leading the charge from Dublin the Vikings are coming Shannon side to plunder their way through Dubarry park today with the hope of ending the season better than the boys in blue. Having hosted two national mixed ability training sessions over the years the rugby at this Kilternan based club caters for adapted tag with the DLSP Eagles and the mixed ability with the Vikings. Their hope for today is for a Viking boat tour up the Shannon but more importantly it’s to encourage more Dublin and Leinster clubs to set up mixed ability sides!!!
Ground Layout
In Atendance at the Event
Leader Kicking is a program that prides itself on being inclusive and providing opportunities for all. We are thrilled to be able to support the fantastic mixed-ability athletes this coming Saturday. Our goal for the day is to teach players some of the fundamentals of rugby kicking in a fun learning environment. Join us!
More information about Leader Kicking
https://leaderkicking.com/
https://www.rte.ie/sport/other-sport/2023/0124/1351622-born-to-kick-taking-a-punton-irish-kicking-talent/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dal6Ne8dYfg&t=442s
The Midlands Branch of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind will be in attendance with 4 ambassador dogs; Snipe, Twinkle, Pixie and Bumble Our highly trained dogs positively impact so many lives every day We empower people to participate safely and confidently in their communities. We believe in the ethos of inclusion through sport
Guide dogs at Bloom 2023
MyClub360 is an all in one free sports club platform that enables efficient membership management, communication, education and coaching while providing clubs with sustainable Revenue Streams
We share your vision of fostering a club environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can actively participate and contribute. We strongly believe in empowering clubs to host and promote events that embrace diversity and engage the entire community. Our platform enables clubs to organise events effectively and efficiently, giving you the ability to promote and reach everyone who would be interested in participating. We understand the vital role sponsorship plays in the successful running of an event like this. Which is why we facilitate engagement with local businesses and foster lasting partnerships that will help provide financial support for events but also contribute to the growth and development of your local community. We are committed to educating and training volunteers and players within the community about all sports. By empowering individuals with knowledge and skills, we want to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and confident participating in such tournaments.
We are inspired by mixed ability rugby’s dedication to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. By working together, we can make a significant impact in promoting mixed ability rugby and building a stronger, more unified community
BSc (Hons) Athletic & Rehabilitation Therapy students from TUS Athlone Campus will provide athletic therapy service throughout the day from their base in the Lower Deck, located right beside the changing rooms. Call in before or after your game for any medical assistance. You’ll also find the TUS students located at tents near each of the pitches
Located in the Lower Deck the TUS team will also run two performance testing competitions. A countermovement jump (CMJ) test, how high can you jump, and a grip strength test. Keep an eye on the leaderboards throughout the day. Anyone that gives them a try will be entered into a competition to win a TUS coffee mug. The winners just get bragging rights
Club and Event Sponsors
