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Back row left to right: Michael Hynes, Regan Burke-Keaveney, Samuel Regan, Sean Doggett, Jack Dillon (captain), Aaron O'Connor (coach), Killian Brady, Eoghan Shanley, Jack Freeney, Callum O'Hara.
Front row left to right: Aaron Butler, Jack Jordan, Éanna Burke, Luke Wilbur, Stephen Feeney, Garvin O'Sullivan, Liam Kilcawley, and Aodhan Zolnai
Missing from photo: Shane Costello, Gary Gill.
This Saturday is set to be a special afternoon for Monivea RFC when their U12s take to the famous Aviva Stadium turf in front of over 40,000 fans.
The side will represent Connacht when they play teams from Leinster, Munster and Ulster at half-time of the Guinness PRO14 final at Lansdowne Road.
Monivea secured the honour of playing on the big day after coming through two stages of a competition run by Honda Ireland. They first threw their name into the hat when they sent this video explaining what playing at the Aviva Stadium would mean to them.
Monivea were then chosen as one of three clubs from the province to go into a public vote, and from there they came out on top.
Aaron O'Connor is coach of the Monivea U12s, and he says there is a huge excitement among the community since their win was confirmed:
"To know that our small village club from outside Galway have been selected, and these dedicated, hard working, great boys were voted winners of Connacht is phenomenal. To be playing on the hallowed pitch, for what we hope is only the first of many times to come for some, I am truly proud and honoured to be called their coach. Monivea RFC are a true family and community club and the red and black is worn with pride and passion".
Congrats to all at Monivea and enjoy the day!
