It didn’t take much encouragement for Leinster Rugby’s Fingal Community staff to pitch up in St Michael’s House in Skerries for the inaugural Rugby Fun Day last month.

They all know what an enjoyable place it is to visit. On the day, they were joined by David Daly, Inclusion Disability Officer with Fingal County Council, David McKay, IRFU Inclusion Manager, Larissa Muldoon from the Leinster and Ireland women’s team and representatives of Skerries RFC, who were co-hosting the day.

With all necessary safety requirements in place, Karen Byrne, school principal, was delighted to welcome rugby back to St Michael’s for the first organised sporting event of the year.

All the staff and pupils got fully involved in the passing, kicking and tag games that were being played. It was hard at times to see who was having more fun – the pupils or the Leinster Rugby staff.

Andy Carabini, Club Community Rugby Officer for Skerries RFC, was delighted with the turnout and engagement amongst everyone, stating, “Last season it would have been well known that the highlight of my week has been the Friday sessions in St Michael’s House and it was great for the staff to get to see first hand what a special place this is.

“Karen and her team here do an incredible job in difficult circumstances and they deserve all the support they can get. From day one, staff and pupils have welcomed us into their school and it is very satisfying to see how important the weekly rugby sessions have become.

“I live locally and myself and my kids get a big kick every day when the guys wave at us from the school bus”.

Nick Heeney, Chairman of Skerries RFC, and a supporter of inclusion in sport added, “We are delighted to support St Michael’s House and look forward to working closely with the team here in the future.

“Our hope is to introduce an inclusion section within our club, to share some of the benefits we see that rugby brings to everyone, be it physical, mental or social.”

There is no doubt that the day itself was a big success, and the relationship between St Michael’s House, Leinster Rugby and Skerries RFC has strengthened in recent times, despite the many challenges faced.

For more information, or to contact our Skerries RFC Club Community Rugby Officer, email Andy Carabini.