Energia is expanding its Rugby for All programme into Connacht through a new partnership with Galway-based charity Ability West, with the initiative aimed at making rugby more accessible to children with intellectual disabilities and autism.
The announcement comes as Energia confirms a two-year extension of its partnership with Connacht Rugby, continuing its role as the province’s Official Energy Partner.
The partnership was celebrated at the closing ceremony of Camp Ability at Dexcom Stadium, where participants, families and volunteers gathered to mark the success of the summer camps.
New Connacht signing and Energia ambassador Will Connors attended the event alongside media personality and Energia Rugby for All ambassador Ronan Mitchell.
They were joined by Connacht Rugby’s newly appointed Energia Culture Captains, Niamh Mitchell, Ronan’s younger sister, and Matthew Forde, who is supported by Ability West.
Participation
The Culture Captains programme is designed to encourage greater participation in rugby among people with physical and learning differences. Throughout the coming season, Niamh and Matthew will have opportunities to engage with Connacht players, coaches and the wider team behind the scenes at the club.
The event also featured a live performance from Leo Moran of The Saw Doctors, while four Galway LGFA players were on hand to meet participants, parents and volunteers.
Families attending the ceremony were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Dexcom Stadium before enjoying live music and special giveaways.
The Rugby for All programme began with Leinster Rugby in 2023, with the aim of increasing participation in rugby among people with physical or learning differences. Energia has now begun bringing the initiative to Connacht, building on its partnership with Ability West and its summer camps across Galway.
As part of the collaboration, Connacht Rugby players visited Ability West camps throughout the summer to meet participants and take part in activities. Among those who visited Camp Ability in Tuam were Connacht players Sean O’Brien, Shane Jennings and John Devine.
Camp Ability provides children with intellectual disabilities and autism with the opportunity to experience new activities, develop friendships and enjoy a supportive and inclusive environment.
The camps also provide an important benefit for families, offering parents a week of respite while their children take part in activities. This can give parents valuable time to prepare for the return to school and spend quality time with other children in the family.
Relationship
Lorna Danaher, Sponsorship and Events Manager with Energia, said the company was delighted to extend its relationship with Connacht Rugby and build on its Rugby for All work.
“Our first two years with Connacht Rugby were brilliant, and we cannot wait to deepen the partnership in the coming years through our Rugby for All platform,” she said.
Danaher also welcomed the appointment of Niamh and Matthew as Energia Culture Captains, saying Energia was looking forward to building on the work already carried out across Ireland.
Martin Fallon, Sponsorship Manager at Connacht Rugby, said the renewal and expansion of Rugby for All represented positive news for players of all abilities across the west.
“Energia’s renewal with Connacht Rugby, along with the expansion of Rugby for All in the province, is hugely positive news for players of all abilities here in the west,” he said.
He added that, with Energia’s experience in the area, the partnership could provide more opportunities for players with additional needs to participate in rugby across Connacht’s five counties.
Julie Silke Daly, CEO of Ability West, said the charity had enjoyed working with Energia and Connacht Rugby throughout the summer.
“Seeing the children meet some of the Connacht players at Camp Ability was memorable for all on site,” she said, adding that Ability West was looking forward to seeing how the collaboration develops.
The initiative has also received support from the HSE. Melissa Kelly, HSE Integrated Service Lead, said feedback from parents highlighted the positive impact of the camps in providing children with opportunities to develop new skills, build confidence and form friendships in an inclusive environment.
She described the initiative as a positive example of partnership working and stressed the importance of creating inclusive opportunities for children and families.
