Club Notes | Encouraging Inclusion At Cobh Pirates RFC

While their season has come to an end, planning and preparation for the 2025/26 season is already underway for Cobh Pirates RFC.

This season gone has brought the usual mini and juvenile energy and enthusiasm as ever under the guidance of minis co-ordinator Fiona Perryman and juvenile chairperson Peter Ahern.

Having had 156 juveniles and 166 mini players registered boys and girls last season, along with their 59 across our two adult teams, organisation and co-ordination and co-operation was key to keeping playing pitch disruption minimal and rugby continuously flowing for the season.

A new aspect to their club this year was the inclusion of the mixed ability tag rugby program. Spear headed and driven by this season’s Club Person of the Year, Kathy Murphy, the inclusion team has been a fantastic success. The group has enjoyed growing numbers in its inaugural season, culminating in attending two tag rugby blitzes held in Ballincollig RFC and Virgin Media Park.

When asked for her thoughts on the season so far Kathy said:

“Being part of the mixed ability team at Cobh Pirates has truly been a privilege. Our Sunday mornings have been filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Watching the children grow in confidence and skill each week has been nothing short of magical.”

“What stands out most is the genuine kindness and understanding the children show each other. Their support and encouragement create a beautiful atmosphere both on and off the pitch. This season, they’ve played some fantastic tag rugby — I’ll admit, I was a little nervous before our first match, but the team quickly showed there was nothing to worry about. They were simply amazing out there.”

“But beyond the game itself, what matters most is that every child feels included and knows they belong at Cobh Pirates. Inclusion was the driving force behind creating this team. As a club, we believe it’s essential that every child in our community has the opportunity to participate and be part of something special.”

Along with the Inclusion programme Pirates are also taking part once again in Give It A Try an exciting rugby initiative designed to introduce girls aged 8–14 to the sport in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. Aimed at boosting female participation, the program offers structured, beginner-friendly training sessions that focus on skill development, teamwork, and confidence-building. Whether new to rugby or returning to sport, “Give It a Try” encourages girls to get active, make new friends, and experience the thrill of rugby—no experience needed, just enthusiasm!

The club will also host a Munster Rugby Summer camp, which takes place this year from July 21st in The Paddocks.

And to top the summer off in August they will be running thir Juvenile tag rugby competition, design to introduce new players to the game of rugby in the non-contact environment, along with easing back into a new season which will culminate in late August with our usual fun day.

It will be a busy summer for the youths of Cobh as they build the club works towards building the next generation of Pirates!