The start of the 2021 Junior Touch Rugby League at Dubarry Park, the home of Buccaneers, this week, is a positive development for those enthusiastic teens who have a playing interest in the popular sport.
Prior to the start of the competition on Wednesday night, Buccaneers Touch Rugby and Buccaneers RFC hosted touch rugby training for over 60 U15 and under 18 players in Dubarry Park.
Coaching in the game of touch and also in the skills of rugby union was provided by touch coaches, Denis O’Connor, as well as Buccaneers RFC Head Coach, Kolo Kiripati, whose family are all enthusiastic touch players. Other rugby coaches involved include Buccaneers senior players, Ross Flanagan and Martin Staunton.
The Junior Touch Rugby League is the brainchild of Buccaneers RFC Junior Vice-President and Youths Rugby co-ordinator Brendan Wilkins who saw an opportunity to keep youngsters active in the club during the summer and give them a fun, rugby-based activity within a safe Covid-19 compliant environment.
The hard-working committee also includes registrars Mele Kiripati and Eva Henshaw who have worked very hard organising the league as well as Stuart Fynes whose photographic and video-editing skills have been vital in promoting the league.
The six-game league started on Wednesday night (June 9 ) and will run on Wednesdays and Saturdays until Saturday, June 26, when a fun finals day out is planned.
There is still room for any kids aged 12-18 years old to join and no previous experience of either rugby or touch is necessary.
Contact Mele Kiripati on 083 8452563 if your child is interested in becoming involved and joining the fun.
The committee have received generous sponsorship from financial advisory firm Aldersmead, which is run by Buccaneers Touch Club Secretary, Adil Kurt-Elli (Adil is also involved in the JTL as one of the coaches ), Councillor John Keogh and Deerpark Windows.
Those who are interested in sponsoring the event can also do so by contacting Mele.
