On Saturday, 9^th May, our Under 12 Girls squad, along with our friends from Seapoint RFC, travelled to Belfast to play in the half-time mini match during the Ireland v Wales W6Ns match.  It was an experience never to be forgotten, from the bus ride to a lift, from the half time match, to meeting one of our heroes the girls came home tired but happy.

We started off at 2.00 pm where we were presented with our match day tops. A huge thank you to our sponsors Forvis Mazars and Clover for adding to our special day.  It wasn’t long before we met up with Cate the Carrot, well, actually Cate met Cate and then after finding our seat, the lift happened.  As we had missed our guard of honour the question was asked and was duly fulfilled by the IRFU. Meanwhile there was still the matter of playing the half time minis match.

After winning rock, paper, scissors, we chose to start and soon went on the charge towards the opposition’s try line.  Numerous phases later it was Isabella who scored our first try with a great low drive towards the line.  Robyn continually found space to run in t and is turning into a positive number 8, Jude was not only strong in attack by punching through the defensive line, but was also the first to react to defending a ruck, Carys was always digging the ball out the back of a ruck in her usual scrum half position, Kathleena was playing her role by finding space in attack and denying space in defence and Aibhes tackling was strong and her support play was consistent.

After the match we said thank you to the referee and as promised we had a one to one session with the legend that is Irelands prop forward Linda Djougang and the girls didnt waste the opportunity as Linda signed their jerseys and in return our girls signed her jersey and there was the little matter of the dance.

What an experience and it doesnt end there…our GIAT programme continues this Wednesday for Week 2 where we have a guest coach Hannah Wilson (Leinster DO) and then a trip to the Aviva on Sunday to watch the Ireland V Scotland match and yes their coach will be wearing his Scotland top.

Its been one of those seasons for our Under 12’s, ten blitzes, Ball Team for the Inter Pros, Leinster half time minis match, Ireland half time minis match, our first Friday Night Lights Blitz and more wet training sessions than dry.

If you would like more information about the GIAT programme or the girls and women’s Old Wesley development plan please get in touch with Chris at girls@oldwesley.ie