Old Alleynians RFC

This year the Old Alleynian U13s went on tour to Limerick over the Easter weekend. This was our first venture involving a flight overseas adding to the excitement. We took 36 players, 40 odd parents and a handful of very animated and much appreciated younger sisters! Also a mascot called Alan who rather stole the show.

Aer Lingus carried us to Shannon Airport on Friday afternoon where we disembarked directly to the impressive University of Limerick Sports complex for a game against Ballina-Killloe RFC on the 4G pitch under floodlights.

Before the game we were met by Keith Wood, former captain of Garryowen, Harlequins and the British & Irish lions. Keith said a few words, which was particularly good because people were already getting sick of the sound of Coach Paul. Keith then handed the boys their tour shirts, designed by our prop-forward.

After this amazing start to the tour, it was no surprise that the performance of the boys on the field was immense – we started with a very strong team that dominated the opening 20 minute chukka. IRFU rules vary quite considerably at age-grade and this was our first time playing on a full-size pitch – a big advantage to us given the exceptional pace we enjoy in most quarters. The boys did a great job of distributing the ball and finding space in the right channels. Our full-back made an enormous difference. The second and third chukka were much closer. With OAs showing a lot of heart and just edging both contests.

After the match we enjoyed a meal together with the boys, parents and coaches from Killaloe and, following a presentation of a smart OA pendant, we headed back to the hotel to rest ahead of a big day ahead!

Our second and final two fixtures of the tour were against St Munchin’s College which has an exceptionally impressive rugby pedigree with a list of former internationals as long as your arm - including Keith Wood, Conor Murray and Keith Earls among many others! The welcome we received off the pitch from St M’s was exceptionally warm. The welcome we received on the pitch was uncompromising. These were two tough games and the OA’s boys fronted up brilliantly – they showed great discipline but also great mettle in the way they refused to take a step-backwards. Both teams were down at half-time and both teams found a way to win in two thrilling encounters. Thomas Keen was voted Man-of-Match by the St M’s staff and presented with a team jersey in a very special moment after the game.

In the evening we were off to Thomond Park to watch Munster play Cardiff in an absorbing game that was much closer than some expected. Again we were hosted with great warmth by the team from Munster, which included a chat and some Q & A with first team players and the Munster legend Donncha O’Callaghan. After the match most opted for an early night in order not to be caught out by the hour change.

On Sunday morning we rounded off the tour with a visit to The International Rugby Experience for most, St John’s Castle for a lazy but cerebral splinter group and the sauna for Doddy Jones and Nick Jacob.

This was a wonderful few days that will stay in the memory for a life-time. Early indications point to an Italian job next year.