Copsewood Gaels On The Rise

Founded in 2010 Copsewood Gaels RFC are based in Salesians College in the village of Pallaskenry, Co.Limerick and incorporate the surrounding villages of Kildimo, Kilcornan, Ballysteen, Clarina, Askeaten, Mungret, Patrickswell and Adare.

The club was officially affiliated by the IRFU in November 2010 and since then have established themselves within the mini rugby grade. Last season saw the club progress to youth rugby catering for players up to the Under 16 age-grade.

Since its formation Fr. Martin Loftus, Club President and Chaplin of Copsewood College, former school of the late Munster and Irish second row Moss Keane, has played a key role in the club’s success and acknowledges the importance of young people taking part in sport.

“Three years ago, I was approached by Anthony O’Donovan, Tony Hannan and Eamonn Ward about starting up a Rugby Club in Copsewood. I immediately said “yes” and spontaneously supported their idea.”

“The decision to start the Club was mighty! It is wonderful to see so many young lads and girls playing rugby on our top pitch on Sunday mornings. I am a ‘sporting’ man myself and I believe in the great benefits of every type of sport, and especially team games for young people.”

With the bigger and more established city clubs just 15 minutes away Copsewood Gaels have to actively compete and continue to look for players throughout their local communities to join the club. This has proven to be challenging but as they continue to progress and establish themselves Anthony O’Donovan, Club Honorary Secretary, says they are confident the community spirit within the club will win through.

“We are well aware that we cannot at present compete with the more well-established clubs, however once our players start to reach the Under 16 level, they will have a greater understanding of the game and will be able to make the decision to move to another club and continue with their rugby development with our blessing.

“We strive to bring the game to the West Limerick area. It would be our desire that children from Under 16 down to Under 6 who live within our structured catchment area can come and develop their skills and understanding of the game.”

“We believe that with the correct support and sound structures we can make this little club a big success. We have fully qualified IRFU coaches, first aid and child protection officers as well as very active parent participation on a weekly basis to keep things moving along.”

“As some of the bigger clubs in Limerick are saturated with players from around the county it would be our express wish to encourage parents to give their local club a fair shot at developing. Our door is always open for young boys and girls who wish to have a fun experience while learning new skills and we endeavour to make their rugby experience a happy one.”

“Finally, I would like to make a special mention and thanks to the following without whom we could not survive Fr. Martin Loftus, Paddy O’Neill, Mike Lavan, Gene McGrath, John McCarthy, all of Salesian College, Vis Danielis of Plusfile our main sponsor and last but not least the parents who continue to support and facilitate with their time.”

Copsewood Gaels Officers

President: Fr Martin Loftus
Chairperson: Eamonn Ward
Treasurer: Tony Hannan
Honorary Secretary: Anthony O’Donovan
Child Welfare Officer: Maura Murphy

Currant Mini Rugby Teams:
Under 8,Under 9,Under 10 and Under 11

Youth Section: Under 13/Under 16

All age grades from Under 6 to Under 16 are catered for each Sunday morning from 10 am and all players are welcome.

Hon. Sec. Anthony O'Donovan presents U14 Captain Tadhg O'Shaughnessy with new gear sponsored by Vis Danielis of Plusfile

Training time for the U14s