The birds had barely raised their heads from their nests when the Claremorris Colts RFC girls climbed aboard Seamus Glynn’s bus on Saturday morning, April 21. The early morning start didn’t deter the players though and an energetic bunch chatted and asked questions about the exciting day ahead as the Colts made their way to the Aviva Mini Rugby Festival in Ashbourne in Co Meath.

This was the first really big outing for the girls – most of them new to the club – and the players had been working hard all season in preparation for a day like this. Claremorris Colts RFC – a relatively young but hugely progressive club – had been selected to represent Connacht at the all-Ireland event. A number of mini rugby girls from Galwegians and Corrib RFC had been invited along by the Colts to participate on the day too and the players were all happy to don the Colts’ jerseys for the occasion.

Over 400 boys and girls from all across the country gathered at Ashbourne RFC for the festival and music blared across the impressive grounds as the teams battled it out on the day.

Representing Connacht, the Colts played out of their skin throughout the day and by all accounts did their town, club and province proud. Wonderfully well organised from beginning to end, the festival of rugby was a tremendous success and, much to the delight of the teams, there was an extra surprise on the day when rugby heroes Mike Ross, Fergus McFadden and David Kearney arrived to offer tips, pose for photographs and provide autographs for the enthusiastic players.

The Aviva Rugby Festival is all about the spirit of the game and the focus was on participation and skills development. The teams got to take part in a number of games throughout the day and were rewarded with an Aviva goody bag before they left.