ALSAA may have been more akin to Glastonbury at the weekend, but the festival weather failed to dampen spirits at Swords Rugby Club’s first ‘festival of rugby’…
The three-day event was a huge success, as rugby captured the imagination of the Fingal capital once more, with the coveted Heineken Cup making its way to four different destinations.
Friday night saw the Greens’ second side face Ardee in what kind only be described as hurricane-like conditions, though the match didn’t fail to entertain, despite the rain.
After a rumble in the muck, it was the visitors who managed to scrape home, three penalties giving them a 9-8 win.
The mud was barely washed from the knee caps before the Greens were in action again, as a mixed Swords side – devoid of half their first team – took on their counterparts Balbriggan on the back pitch in ALSAA, on Saturday afternoon.
Rain ensured another wet affair and in the end, the north Fingal team took the win, though on another day and on another pitch, it might have been a different story.
Earlier in the day, youngsters from the area took part in a number of fun games and tag rugby, while taking turns to pose with the Heineken Cup.
The action was all caught on camera by the team from local station, Fingal Community TV, who interviewed several of the players and officials.
The weather played havoc with Swords Under-19s fixture away to Suttonians, which was cancelled, while the first U-13s training session on Friday night also fell foul to the rain, despite good numbers showing interest.
Meanwhile, the Heineken Cup was on show at ALSAA on Friday and Saturday, at Swords minis pitch in Brackenstown on Sunday morning, Lifestyle Sports in the Pavilions Shopping Centre on Sunday afternoon and Wright’s Café Bar, Swords’ official sponsors, on Sunday night.
All in all, it was a successful three days for the club, which has helped further strengthen its links in the community.
‘We’re delighted at how the weekend panned out, despite the poor weather,’ Swords RFC president, Alan Butler said.
‘We had to rejig our organisation somewhat, but thanks to the actions of our members, all in attendance were able to enjoy the festival.
‘It’s an event we hope to stage on an annual basis and I’d like to thank all those who supported it.’
