Plenty of activity for all at Navan RFC
RUGBY
Delighted to be back. After such a long spell of inactivity because of the pandemic the pitches at Balreask Old were back in use in recent weeks when Navan RFC kicked-off a series of games in their inaugural Minis League.
The league started in early June and continued throughout the month, every Wednesday evening, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, with players from u-6 up to u-12 involved.
"With a huge effort from coaches, managers, players and parents over 120 players togged out to play 16 games over the hour," outlined co-ordinator Niall Hennessy who was describing the first day of action.
"The rules of the games were modified to ensure full participation by all the players and this led to some great contests.
"This was a great start and the club has decided to use the Minis League format to close out our season in future years.
"We want the kids to have great memories as they progress through the age grades in the club and on into the adult teams," he added.
Navan RFC president Rosemarie Meegan says it was "absolutely brilliant" to see the club grounds in use once more after such a long lay-off and she pointed out there is plenty of activity taking place in the club over the summer months as normal service slowly resumes.
"We have the team tag rugby starting on Wednesday 7th July which was a huge success last summer, it brings out lots of teenagers, boys and girls, who maybe haven't tried rugby before," she said.
"It's great for the young people, it's social. We also have the girls 'Give it a try' coming up on Monday 26th July.
"Social tag rugby is also back on Friday nights as well and that also has proved very successful.
"The Blue Dragons are back which is our inclusive rugby and it's going very well, great numbers out as well. Slowly, slowly we are coming back with lots of activity around the club.
"The pitches are fantastic after the lay off, they've had a rest and are well maintained and the place looks lovely.
"Our groundsman Ralph Condi has done a super job, the pitches look in top condition," she added.
The players on the Navan first team are expected to start their pre-season preparations in the coming weeks for the new season ahead.
Navan are due to play on Saturday 14th August in a Leinster-based cup competition but as yet it is not clear who there opponents will be.
There is still a great deal of uncertainty of when and what competitions will be played with all plans dependant on the public health situation at any particular time.