Portarlington RFC hosted a Leinster Rugby Summer Camp for the second consecutive year last week and the event proved to be a massive success thanks to the efforts of the club’s volunteers, the Leinster coaching team and a visit on Wednesday from Leinster stars Josh Murphy, Nick McCarthy and the fruits of their recent efforts - The European Champions Cup and PRO 14 trophies.

Images courtesy of the Leinster Express and Michael Scully:

https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/gallery/laois-sports/323470/gallery-leinster-rugby-stars-visit-portarlington-rfc-summer-camp.html

There was a full house for the camp with a good mix of boys and girls aged between six and twelve attending the five day fun filled multi activity camp. All attendees were presented with a Leinster Rugby branded camp t shirt, a ball, gear bag and a ticket to a home Leinster match.

Leinster Rugby were delighted with Portarlington’s commitment to the event with camp coordinator Mick Cahill highlighting the work done in advance by club volunteers, led by grounds chairman Kevin Hyland, to have the clubhouse and grounds looking so well. Cahill also thanked minis coordinator Clive Doody who was in attendance every day and organised a huge BBQ to round off a wonderful week.

Portarlington’s Club Community Rugby Officer Pádraig Mahon, who delivers rugby based physical education classes in all local schools, was delighted to see how successful the event proved to be and says that he is looking forward to seeing the benefits of the camp when Port’s teams return for the new season. “The level of coaching delivered throughout the week has been exceptional and compliments the work being done by our own outstanding coaches on a weekly basis”.

Portarlington RFC have undergone some very progressive structural changes recently and the year ahead, under the direction of chairman David Hainsworth, promises to be an exciting and successful one. Among the developments is the introduction of a girls only minis team which will see girls from the locality training together and participating in regular blitzes. These players will then advance to the existing under 14s, 16s and 18s girls teams and David Hainsworth says that he was encouraged by the number of girls attending last week’s camp. “We are fully committed to offering girls the same positive, inclusive sporting experience that we offer boys and the numbers of girls here during the camp proves that there are plenty of enthusiastic and capable girls looking to avail of the opportunity”.

Training will recommence for all teams during August and September and any players interested in ‘giving rugby a try’ can find details on the club’s website and Facebook page.