Minis End of Season Party

As the saying goes 'It's not always sunshine and rainbows', but last Saturday in the Club it certainly was!!!

What a day we had! Stradbrook was a hive of activity, with kids from Cubs to U13's swarming all over the bouncy castles and slides, competing in the tug of war matches, queuing up excitedly at the ice cream van and BBQ or gazing at the fabulous cakes and cookies on display. 

Equally all the parents and coaches were either hanging out on the deck or sitting on the grass with a chilled drink in one hand and a half melted ice cream in the other!, all chatting and mingling with the sun beaming down.

The day began early with the set up, heading off to collect the BBQ's from Pat & Werner's respective houses, Werner is so attached to the BBQ he insisted on sitting in the back to keep it company!

The 'BBQ Coaches' of Pat Cannon, Werner Von Wielligh and Tom Pasley, got to work setting up tables and stands, and ably assisted by Rebecca Twomey. This was thirsty work and by noon the BBQ coals were heating up while we cooled down with a nice cold beverage!

Next, the Cake Sale was set up by Tom Moorecraft, who was looking for a shady outdoor space, so the icing wouldn't melt, not something you often have to worry about in this climate!

The U6's & 7's were the first group to arrive, having their final training session of the season the lower pitches, after, they were scurried up the Tug of War Arena, which was ably manned by referee & adjudicator, Sean Byrne on the day. The flow continued with the U8's, U9's, U10's, U11's, U12, U13's Girls and Boys, making their way up to the top pitch where everyone competed valiantly to win the coveted 'Blackrock College RFC Tug of War Cup 2026' - well done to all the winners.

At his stage the BBQ and club bar was in full flow, with long queues at both, the cake's were flying off the tables, and the club was humming. To take the festivities up to the next level, Dave Rhatigan had organised live music for all the members, and Mickey Smyth took centre stage on the patio, all the best hits were played over the next few hours keeping everyone in high spirits. 

Our outgoing Club President, Mick Dwan, arrived to meet and greet all the mini and junior club parents. A special thank you to you Mick, for all the great work and effort put in over the course of your club tenure, you have been ever present and engaging with the mini's and youths all season. Thank You.

Overall it was just a wonderful day and it showcased the best of what a community club should be. As always, nothing happens without the enthusiasm and volunteering efforts of the club members, who freely give up their time to make days like these happen. 

A special thanks to Conor Cleary and Linda Willams keeping the club and bar running smoothly, to the BBQ crew of Pat Cannon, Werner, Liz & Kaylie Von Wielligh, Dave Pasley, David Corrigan & Sarah Woods. To the Cake sale gang of Tom Moorecraft, Pam Burns, Erike Honorio da Silva and Anita Murphy. To the Tug of War crew of Sean Byrne & Rebecca Coglan. To Gavin Divilly in Caterhire for providing the warming dishes and Gav Hegarty for providing the crisps and Vinnie Finnegan juice for the kids. We managed to raise over €2,500 on the day which will go directly into helping fund the lower pitch upgrades, only another 1.2 million to go!! 

This wraps up a brilliant season for mini's and youths in the club. It's been a very successful season for Blackrock College RFC, with more cup and league wins than ever before at junior girls and boys levels, with successful tours and blitzes at mini level and membership numbers at an all time high. 

So enjoy the summer break, and remember to keep a rugby ball in your hand at all times!!, see you all back in Stradbrook in September.

Mini & Youth Committee