Huge Turnout At Donegal Schools’ Super 20s
Over 400 students took part recently in the Donegal Secondary School Super 20s, one of the largest rugby competitions ever held by the Ulster Branch of the IRFU.
The Super 20s competition, which was the last of the year for the Donegal Community Rugby Project, saw 20 schools attend the event held at Dave Gallagher Memorial Park, home of Letterkenny RFC.
The day was a huge success for the schools and rugby clubs in the county and highlighted the growth and enjoyment of rugby in the region.
The event also managed to raise 1000 euro which will go towards the rugby-driven Re-Start project and the local charity, Teen Break Organisation.
Twenty 15-a-side teams took part in the Under-14 boys competition, and after the pool matches, Colmcille of Ballyshannon, Carndonagh CS, St. Eunan’s of Letterkenny and Magh Ene from Bundoran fought it out for a final spot.
After two closely contested semi-final matches, it was Carndonagh and Magh Ene who came out on top.
In the final, it was Carndonagh CS who emerged as winners, overcoming a strong challenge from Magh Ene College to lift the Ronan Scott Memorial Cup for 2009.
An impressive twelve teams entered the girls Under-15 competition; a record number in comparison to previous years.
This time, wins in the pool matches meant it was St. Columba’s Stranorlar, Loreto Letterkenny, Loreto Milford and Magh Ene College who fought it out for a place in the final.
Not to be outdone by the boys, the Magh Ene girls also booked their place in the final against Loreto Milford. In an exciting and close decider, it was the Magh Ene side who eventually took home the Ronan Scott Memorial Cup for the girls, following a long range try which secured the last points of the game.
Local Councillor Dessie Larkin, a keen supporter of the Donegal Community Rugby Project Project, commented: “It was overwhelming to see the number of boys and girls participating in today’s competition. The event was very well organised and the quality of rugby on display was very impressive.
“From speaking to teachers and pupils it became clear that rugby really is their passion, and had it not been for the Donegal Community Rugby Project, they would not have had the opportunity to begin playing rugby.
“This has been a challenging year for education in Donegal, and the efforts of the teachers and coaches should be highly commended.”
Organisers of the Super 20s event were very impressed by the support shown on the day and were keen to thank all of the schools who took part, as well as their teachers and coaches.
They also extended a special mention to all the individuals who contributed to making the day a success and to Letterkenny RFC and Letterkenny Gaels for the use of their pitches.
For more information on the Donegal Community Rugby Project, please visit www.donegalcommunityrugby.com.