12th April 2008

Armagh Rugby Clubs traditional end of season mini rugby festival took place last Saturday at the Palace Grounds between 11:00am and 4:30pm.

In all, 880 players between the ages of 7 and 12 were present, representing 9 clubs from around Ireland, and between them playing a staggering 120 matches in total. Guests this year included two new clubs in Boyne and Mullingar as well as traditional visitors Coolmine, Navan, Virginia, Dundalk, Monaghan and local rivals Portadown. It is thought that the Armagh tournament is now the biggest of its' kind in Ireland.

Teams played for three trophies in all. In each age group there are Shield and Plate trophies to be won, with the Shield final being the main event.

In addition, thanks to the kind sponsorship of First Trust Bank, the First Trust Cup is presented to the club who is most successful across all age groups.

This is calculated by giving points for teams winning through to finals. In addition every participating player, regardless of how far their team progresses, receives a medal as a momento of their day.

All age groups were keenly contested, and it wasn't until very late in the group stages that the finalists became apparent. Indeed at P6 level, the top three teams in one group could only be separated on tries scored.

As the finals took shape it became clear that hosts Armagh were having an excellent day as they ended up by winning the Shield Final at 4 of the age groups, P3, P4, P5 and P7, with the U12 group taking the Plate Final.

Each of the Armagh Shield winning teams went through the day unbeaten, a great performance for all, however the match of the day was in the P4 group where finalists Armagh and Coolmine could not be separated after normal time (2-2) or a brief period of extra time (3-3) in a fabulous game of rugby watched by a large crowd.

This victory was greeted by almost as loud a cheer as greeted the news of Portadowns defeat in their junior cup semi – final against Clogher Valley. Armagh eventually triumphed in sudden death, and also took the First Trust Trophy as the best overall Club on the day.

Armagh RFC would like to thank all those clubs who travelled to participate in the tournament and hopes to welcome them all back next year. Thanks are also due to all the parents who helped out during the day with food and drinks and to Ulster and Ireland star Toomy Bowe who kindly came along to present the prizes to all players.

Finally, Armagh RFC re very grateful to the First Trust Bank for sponsoring the day and helping us make it the success it has become.