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For the first time in the school's history, Coláiste Chiaráin has been able to click the Save button on Girls' U14 and Junior Rugby team sheets.
Having only fielded a Schools X7s team at a blitz the end of last season, the rapid success of Girls' rugby in the school is extremely evident.
One of the people instrumental in the set up and running of the Girls' teams in the school is teacher Seamus Lyons. He was approached by girls in the school last Spring where they asked if they could enter a rugby team for the school that year, but unfortunately it was too late for the 2024/25 season.
"We came to the mutual agreement that we would try to build an U14's team for next year 2025/26. Time flies and I was approached again in September this year. This September we had a meeting and the school always has an activities sign up day for all First Years. Within a very short space of time and with support from our school management, fellow colleagues and especially Micheál Glennon (Connacht RDO) we had 20-25 girls showing up for both U14 and U16 rugby training. On both teams we have girls in the majority who have never played rugby before. We have 2-3 girls who play with both Buccaneers and Ballinasloe local clubs," says Mr. Lyons.
The Junior Girls team had their first game out against St. Raphael's Loughrea on October 8th and it was a momentous occasion. They were defeated on the day, but managed to score 3 great tries and learned quite a lot about rugby in a short space of time. The U14 Girls team followed swith their own historical debut against Clonfert College the next day.
Here are a few words from the U16 Girls:
Holly O'Connor, 2nd year student: It was my first time playing; I like tackling people and I thought [rugby] was very fun. The rules were hard to learn but it was something I'd love to do again [and am] looking forward to another match.
Ruby Kelly, 3rd year student: It was my first proper rugby match I've ever played, I've played blitzes and I've trained but playing the match was especially fun. Tackling was a great feeling and learning the rules of the game. I scored two tries and made loads of tackles. Playing rugby brought girls together and made great memories and I can't wait to get out playing again.
Lily Gaynor, 2nd year student: It was my first proper rugby match and I've played with Buccaneers RFC [in the past]. I played one blitz last year with the school and I've been to all the training sessions this year. I really enjoy playing and I'm considering starting rugby with Buccaneers again.
"Coláiste Chiaráin would like to thank Buccaneers RFC for the use of their ground, Connacht Rugby for all their support with registrations, coaching, organising and facilitating Leagues and Cups for our school students and finally the Referees Association in Connacht for providing essential referees for school games," says Mr. Lyons.
Both teams take the pitch again tomorrow with the Coláiste Chiaráin U14 Girls facing Dunmore CS at home and the Coláiste Chiaráin Junior Girls travelling to play Sligo Grammar.
