Joe Moran Perpetual Trophy
Under 11 Invitational Blitz
Naas Rugby Football Club
7 March 2009

Naas RFC hosted their Annual Under 11 Invitational Blitz at Forenaughts today Saturday 7 March 2009. Although there were threats of rain on a few occasions the day held well and this enabled players and supporters to have a good day. The event attracted 16 teams from three provinces giving a total of over 250 players.  When the 40 coaches and referees were added to the visiting parents Naas had close to 600 visitors at the club for the day.  The large attendance of parents provided encouragement to the participating teams throughout the day.
The day began with the registration of all the teams between 10.30 and 11.00 in the morning, followed by a briefing for all coaches and referees to remind them of the rules for the day.  
With teams travelling from Sligo, Galway, Bucaneers from Athlone, Tralee, and UL Bohemians from Limerick, as well as some of the traditional Dublin Nurseries to this year’s event, the Catering Committee were in action early.  Hot drinks with fresh scones provided by one of the parents, were available from the outset with sandwiches, also provided by the parents, and soup following during the morning.  By early afternoon the teams needed sustenance for the afternoon session -hot-dogs and drinks for the players, chili for coaches and parents. Nobody was going to go hungry on the day.  Our thanks to Londis and QK Cold Stores for their support.

This year’s event attracted some of the best Under 11s around the country.  There were 5 sides from Munster, 3 from Connaught and 8 from Leinster, providing a good days entertainment for the large attendance.  Unfortunately this year there was no side from Ulster.  At the outset teams were divided into 4 groups of 4 with each side getting three games.  The group leaders then played off for the Cup. With all the other sides playing for the Shield and the Bowl.  The final games were played on the main pitch at Forenaughts.

Naas RFC has one of the largest Under-age sections in Leinster with nearly 500 players playing Mini and Youth Rugby between the ages of 7 and 18.  In addition there are about 30 girls playing for the Under 15 and U16 girl’s teams.  Coaching is the main aim of the Mini Section (Under 7 to U12). The squads train most Saturday mornings form 10 to 11.30. On the other Saturdays they play in mini blitz events hosted by the clubs in the North Midlands putting their learned skills into practice.
The main man behind the development of Mini Rugby in the Club was Joe Moran. Under 14 to Under 18 was well developed, however Joe had the vision to expand this into the younger age group. Joe set about developing Mini Rugby about 1990. Joe’s work was recognized by the Club in 1992 when he became the first Youth Representative to be awarded Clubman of the Year.  From small beginnings – about 30 players this section – the club expanded quickly to field teams in every age group between Under 7 and Under 12 with over 350 involved this season. Through his idealism and enthusiasm he persuaded several parents to take the appropriate coaching course with the Leinster Branch.  He also persuaded the Club Executive to recognize Under-age rugby and allow them to have a seat on the Club Executive Committee thereby enabling the youth of the Club to have a say in future developments.  In presenting the Under 11 Perpetual Trophy he wanted to see Naas players test their skills against clubs from outside the North Midlands Area and indeed outside Leinster – clubs not normally on the calendar of matches.. 
This event provides an exciting example of Mini rugby for all concerned.   By the time of the final many of the members of Naas RFC and the parents of team members on other sides had come along to watch the spectacle with the Cup and Shield Finals taking place on the main pitch at 3.30.  The participating teams reveled in the opportunity of displaying their skills before a large audience.  None of the players showed nerves in the games and were exemplary in their behavior throughout.
At the end of a very busy day with nearly 50 games being played, the Joe Moran Perpetual Trophy was presented to Aaron Murphy the Captain of the Tralee RFC side who had defeated the home side 2-1 in an exciting final. The Shield went to DLSP from Dublin who overcame a gallant Newbridge side 3-2 in a thrilling game.  At the end of a hard final where defences controlled the proceedings the Naas Bowl was shared between Sligo RFC and UL Bohemians from Limerick.

Issued Naas RFC  March 2009
From: Nick Mc Ellistrim & all involved in the Tralee U11's 
All home safely. Many thanks to all in Naas for your hospitality and congratulations on a very well run event.
We would be delighted to welcome you down to Tralee at any time just let us know if you would like to organise a visit. If you were feeling really adventurous you could even consider taking in the Aquadome
which many visiting clubs do!!  I believe you had snow on Sunday (races cancelled) so very lucky to get away with the weather on Saturday as we did. Once again, many thanks.

Tony Larkin UL Bohs
I want to take the opportunity, on behalf of our coaches and players, to congratulate you and your committee on the success of the tournament. After being involved in the organising of the Pat Lawler earlier this season I know how much organising it takes. It was really well run and the spirit of the game dominated throughout.
From our point of view thank you for the invitation and accommodating us within an appropriate group. It helped our players to develop and build some confidence. On the journey home, looking to the back of the
bus there were only smiling faces looking out...... and that was just the players. We will eventually forgive you for allowing Sligo to run Away with "our" trophy. There is a gap in the trophy cabinet after removing the Joe Moran Plate.
 We wish you continued success with the tournament.
 Kind regards,

From Peter Grainger DLSP
Further to Michael’s E-mail, I wish to also thank you on behalf of the Club, Kids, Coaches and Parents. A great day was had by all. Your organisation and welcome on the day was fantastic, you all have much
to be congratulated about. Again thanks for the invite.

From Michael Nugent DLSP Coach
I wish to thank you and your team on behalf of DLSP for a wonderful blitz on Saturday.  The atmosphere was most welcoming and the event well organised.  I don't know how many times we were asked was
everything OK, and pointed in the direction of the club house for refreshments.  Even as the event was finishing up we were invited to bring the boys in for hot dogs before we travelled home.  You have a
 great community there.
We were delighted to win the plate and will proudly display it in our cabinet in the clubhouse.
 Once again, many thanks.

From: Peter Mac Giolla Riogh. St Mary’s Coach
Tks for the invite.
 Very enjoyable day and well done to all. The food was much appreciated after the hard battles.  Look forward to going back next year if we get invited.