Buccaneers Prepare To Host Another ‘Athlone 7s In The City’

‘Athlone 7s in the City’ takes place at Dubarry Park on Saturday, July 15. This is the fifth year that this event is being staged in the home of Buccaneers Rugby Club. Originally an all-female Sevens tournament, its growing popularity meant that a men’s event has also taken place for the past two summers.

Thanks to the continued generous support of sponsors Smith’s Supervalu Athlone and Athlone Towncentre Shopping Centre, there will be competitions for Women’s and Men’s teams again with attractive cash prizes on offer. Entries from Under-18 squads (girls and youths) are also invited for separate competitions at that age level.

‘Athlone 7s in the City’ is now firmly established on the Sevens circuit as evidenced by the participation of teams from all four provinces for the first time last summer. Regular supporters Blackrock triumphed in the Women’s competition with Buffalos coming out on top in the Men’s event.

Both teams intend to defend their crowns this year and are among a strong and varied entry field from as far afield as Dublin, Tullamore, Cill Dara, Listowel, Fethard and of course a number of teams from host club Buccaneers.

At the launch of this year’s ‘Athlone 7s in the City’, Buccaneers RFC President Eddie Walsh thanked the sponsors for their ongoing generous patronage of this event. He also acknowledged the huge volunteer effort, mainly by Buccaneers Women’s players, in staging it and he was particularly indebted to the work of Mele Kiripati, Lorna Stuart-Trainor, Buccaneers Women’s captain Niamh Gough, Claire Wyper and Judy Dowling.

Smith’s Supervalu Athlone has supported ‘Athlone 7s in the City’ since its inception and Tim Dolan said they were delighted to continue their sponsorship of this event and he wished the organisers continued success. On behalf of Athlone Towncentre Shopping Centre, Shirley Delahunt stated that they too are delighted to again be involved and she was sure the numbers and attraction would continue to grow for ‘Athlone 7s in the City’.

Various activities at the event make it an ideal family day out and there are full bar and dining facilities on-site at the Bounty. Entry fee is €;200 per squad of 12 players plus manager & coach. Entry fee for U-18 squads is €;100. Registration is from 11am on the day. Contact Mele at 0838452563 or email sevensinthecity@gmail.com to enter or for further information.