2014 saw yet another milestone for Westmanstown/Garda RFC when u12 girls took to the field in their very first Blitz which was held in Westmanstown on Sun 23rd of November 2014…
On that day they were followed onto the pitch by the Senior Womens, while the U15 and U18 girl’s sides had played the previous day in Ashbourne.
When you think that only last year there was no full female side in the club it is quite a turnaround and it is put down in no small part to the hard work of a number of retired Women’s players from the Club, now passing on their experience to the next generation. In fact all of the above teams have at least one retired Garda Women’s player at the helm which means they are in safe hands.
U12 and U10 mini girls is the newest addition and its proving very popular among girls who would traditionally have been expected to play with the boys, the girls are loving learning the game of rugby from their coach Aine O’ Sullivan.
They train every Sunday morning, and finally got to show their skills off in some great games in the all girls blitz in November as well as in a game against Rathoath in December.
The U15 girl’s numbers are growing weekly and while it is still developing, the talent in the squad is astounding and promises a very bright future. The U15s games shadow the u18s and they are looking forward to the new League after a very encouraging area league.
The U18 girls had the huge honour of having two girls with Leinster this season, Molly Scuffil McCabe and Jenny Bowler. With the Interprovincial Blitz held in Westmanstown it was made all the sweeter when we saw our very own Molly cross the try line to score the winning try against Munster while Jenny was on hand to put in a try saving tackle which proved vital against Ulster in a match that ended nil all. The team played in an Area League before Christmas and had some great results, they are now all set for the New League starting this month.
Both the U15s and U18 are coached every Thursday by Lorna O’ Connor and Eddie Fallon, one of the men’s team which I think encapsulates the Club spirit, every team is important and gets the full support of the Club.
In fact both the Senior Mens and Women’s head coaches were on hand to help with some scrummaging coaching for the girls before Christmas, and also provide positional coaching regularly.
The Senior Women folded in 2013 however were got back up and running by Geraldine Flannery, along with coach Ray Murphy this season and although it is a very new development squad, they have had some great results and are competing for a place at the top of Div 3.
Although all the teams are up and running every age group is recruiting and need new players to ensure they continue to grow, all details can be found on the website www.westmanstownrfc.com or by contacting Lorna on 0862323344.
It is an exciting time for Womens Rugby, in the aftermath of an historic victory over New Zealand and a chance at going to the Olympics in Rio so why not come along and see what all the fuss is about, regardless of your age, we have a team for you!!!
Training times:
U10 & U12s Sunday 11am
U15 & U18s Thursday 6.30pm
Senior Tues & Thurs 7pm
