The Metropolitan Council Cup is an initiative set up by Leinster Rugby to bring rugby to groups of players who have had little or no rugby playing experience. The aim is to give those players a positive experience of rugby and to further promote links to clubs in their local areas.
Donnybrook Stadium place to be this morning for @LeinsterBranch Metro Council Cup. #FromTheGroundUp #CommunityRugby pic.twitter.com/APRxaXA00E
— Stephen Maher (@Mahersie83) May 17, 2017
The Cup is named in honour of BGF Ravens (formerly Unidare RFC) past president Joe Harton. Joe was a champion of rugby in areas of Dublin City and beyond.
The morning began with a reception for parents and guardians of the players as well as teachers and coaches from the schools. There were some council representatives in attendance.
It was also an honour to have the family of Joe Harton present on the day.
Great day in donnybrook at the @LeinsterBranch @leinstermetro council cup well done to all teams fantastic rugby on show #communityrugby pic.twitter.com/7S34RkNuJV
— Stephen Costelloe (@ste_costelloe) May 17, 2017
The whole day was a fantastic spectacle of running rugby with all four teams scoring some fantastic tries in what was a blitz-like competition with all teams playing each other once to see who comes out on top. With three rounds of games played it was South Dublin CC that made it a clean sweep by winning all their matches.
In presenting the Joe Harton Memorial Cup, Stephen Harton (son of Joe Harton), paid tribute to all the teams in action on the day, especially commenting on the skill, determination and commitment from everyone that took to the field on the day.
Spirit of rugby to the fore at Donnybrook today for the Council Cup #CommunityRugby #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/7fv2XBKTiC
— Stephen Maher (@Mahersie83) May 17, 2017
If any school within the Dublin area has not played rugby before and wishes to avail of some rugby programmes and/or enter the competition next season they can contact:
Dublin City Council area
- Stephen Maher (North West/Central) Phone: 086-1994569 Email: stephen.maher@leinsterrugby.ie
- Ken Knaggs (South East) Phone: 085 8285730 Email: ken.knaggs@leinsterrugby.ie
- Aoife Thompson (South Central) Phone: 085 1302745 Email: aoife.thompson@leinsterrugby.ie
- Ray McCabe (North Central) Phone: 083-4631065 Email: ray.mccabe@leinsterrugby.ie
South Dublin County Council area
- Ken Moore Phone: 087-2832989 Email: ken.moore@leinsterrugby.ie
- Kieran Hurrell Phone: 087 -6462189 Email: kieran.hurrell@leinsterrugby.ie
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown area
- Adam Griggs Phone: 085-1563332 Email: adam.griggs@leinsterrugby.ie
- Mark Roache Phone: 083 8368615 Email: DLRCCRO@leinsterrugby.ie
Fingal County Council area
- Stephen Costello Phone: 087-9844168 Email: stephen.costelloe@leinsterrugby.ie