Wales Tour March 2026
Wales Tour 2026
On Friday March 27th, our U14 and U16s boarded the bus for our 2026 tour to the North Wales Rugby Festival in Bethesda Rugby Club. As we were bringing two squads this year, we were a travelling party of 59.
Kearney's of Cork were providing the transport for the weekend, and we set off for our afternoon sailing from Dublin to Holyhead. Once we reached the ferry, we were joined by many more teams making the same trip. Once on the boat and everyone was fed and watered the boys set off to explore. It was an ideal day for sailing so accompanied by our adults they spent most of the time out on deck. After a bit of a delay, we set on the road for our accommodation for the weekend Lyons Robin Hood campsite in Rhyl. After getting everyone settled in, curfews and rising time for game day were set.
We had an early start on Saturday morning as the U14s were on first at 10am. Once we got to the venue, we set up our gazebo (thanks to Ivan Danne). This became very important throughout the day as we experienced varying levels of poor weather.
The u14s started with a game v a barbarian’s side from Manchester. They were very strong and beat us 5-0. We came out strong in the 2nd game and beat local side Bethesda 10-5. The 3rd game was very tight v Kanturk and this ended 5-5 which was a fair result. This put us in the Challenge cup final v Kanturk. They scored first but it was again a very tight game which they went on to win 10-5. Afterwards we went to collect our medals at the awards ceremony and settled in to support the U16s.
They also stared against English opposition. It was a very lively start, and we took the lead through great work from the whole team and finished by Isaac Kenneally. We managed to hold on and get valuable points on the board. Our next opposition were Portlaoise whom we met at the tournament last year. We drew this game 5-5 and moved on to our game with Claremorris. Both teams were up for this, and Claremorris ended up taking the win. This put us into a challenge cup final v Claremorris again. With silver ware on the line, we gave it our all but we were pipped by a scoreline of 5-0. At that stage our squad was depleted as we did pick up a few minor injuries but a huge well done to the boys that played on. Again, we collected our medals and reflected on a great day for both squads and also how last years’ experience led to us being more prepared for this year.
Back to the caravan park we set with a pit stop for food in McDonalds!! Everyone enjoyed the entertainment back at the site, but all delighted to see their beds all the same.
Sunday was a rest day, and our activities were limited as the weather was poor. The boys did get to the pool, gym and arcade with some hardy souls heading to the beach for some fresh air. The ‘last supper’ was scheduled for 7.30 and we all assembled in the main complex restaurant. After some much needed sustenance we gathered to finish out the weekend with our awards ceremony. Everyone in both squads were recognised for their unique contribution to the team throughout the season and the tour. After the group photo everyone scattered to enjoy the last few hours of the trip. While most retired at a reasonable hour there was a singsong in full flow into the small hours in a certain cabin …. Ye sounded great lads!!!
On the Monday our trusted driver Wayne was ready to take us on the return journey. Some were in their seats well before departure while others had less time, but everyone was present and ready for home all the same.
These trips don’t organise themselves and there is a lot of hard work that goes into arranging them. Firstly, thank you to the committee for their support of these trips. Thank you to the parents who allow their children to go and also for their support with fundraising. Thank you to the coaches, Sean Molloy, Cathal Dooley, Stephen Dalton, Niall Hogan and Richie Barry for having the boys well ready for tournament rugby. Thank you to the chaperones Trudy O’Regan, Ivan Danne, Keith Kinsella, Harry Kinsella, John Heaphy, Eddie Roche, Stevie Holland and Mike Slyne who travelled with us. Without their support we wouldn’t be able to facilitate this trip so we really appreciate it. We received incredible support from some very generous sponsors – Kerrygold Park, Miller PCI, STS Dussman, Albany Mitchelstown, Kieran Walsh Construction and Blackwater Chiropractic. Without the support of our sponsors this trip would not be possible. Finally, to the players …. Thank you for your commitment and your hard work throughout the season and on tour. You represented yourselves, the club and your families exceptionally well and you should be very proud of yourselves.
Over and out until Wales 2027!!
Report courtesy of Marie Carey Meade