U10s Tour to Brescia

Blackrock College RFC U10s Tour to Brescia – A Trip to Remember!

Over the June Bank Holiday weekend, 80 excited boys and parents gathered at Dublin Airport at the un-godly hour of 4am, all looking resplendent in their brand-new tour kit. Destination: sunny Brescia, Italy!

After a smooth flight to Bergamo, we arrived at our lovely hotel just in time for lunch and sunshine. The planned captain’s run was quickly forgotten as the poolside proved too tempting, and the squad settled in with a splash before heading out for a delicious pizza dinner nearby – where we were joined by the tournament organisers, Matteo Morris Spagnoli & his lovely family, and Mike Gosling.

Saturday brought a scenic train ride to Lake Garda, where the boys (and a few brave parents) enjoyed a glorious day of swimming, paddle boating, general shenanigans and soaking up the Italian sun. A long, lazy lunch on a beautiful terrace overlooking the lake capped off a perfect day. With the big tournament looming, it was early to bed for all, well, nearly all!

Sunday was game day! We travelled to Bassa Bresciana Rugby Club to take part in their 6th Torneo Risorgive. The boys did their club proud with some fantastic rugby, showing great skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship. They even managed a few words of Italian after each match – “Grazie ragazzi!” – much to the delight of our hosts. All three Blackrock teams finished strongly in a competitive 17-team tournament.

The tournament prizegiving was a highlight, featuring a rousing speech in Italian from none other than our own Hugo MacNeill, followed by a spirited rendition of Ireland’s Call led by the boys on stage. We presented our hosts with a Blackrock RFC plaque and two bottles of whiskey aged in Sicilian Marsala barrels – a perfect Irish-Italian blend! The President promptly opened a bottle to salute her new Irish friends.

Back at the hotel, we enjoyed another group dinner before the legendary Kangaroo Court, presided over by Eoin Cassidy. Charges ranged from ‘most flamboyant tourist’ to ‘most outrageous try celebration’ and the occasional missed bus. Laughter, and a rendition of ‘Joxer goes to Stuttgart, echoed late into the night.

This unforgettable tour wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of our headline sponsors: Mason Hayes & Curran (Eoin Cassidy), RBC Brewin Dolphin (Niall Treston) and Ardcairn Capital (Noel Ross). Vincent Finnegan sponsored the very popular kit bags, and Boann Distillery donated the whiskey gifts.

Huge thanks to our tireless tour committee: Daryll Moroney (Lead Organiser) who did immense work over many months in organising such a successful tour, Conor Twomey (Head Coach), Brendan Jacobs (travel coordinator and 'man on the inside' of Ryanair), Dave Corrigan (finance), and Sean Byrne (Club Liaison). And of course, to all the parents and coaches who pitched in with fundraising and support.

Most of all, we thank the boys – for their energy, enthusiasm, and exemplary behaviour. They were brilliant ambassadors for Blackrock RFC and for Ireland. A trip of a lifetime, and memories to last forever.