Report from Michael Phelan
The U16 KinKerry Girls (Kinsale & Muskerry) continued their pre-season friendlies this week under lights in Kinsale on a beautifully crisp evening. With the clubhouse and main pitch resplendent in the Autumn sun and ready for the season to come, we had a unique opportunity to play against the Iroquois Roots Rugby team on tour from Canada.
The U16 KinKerry Girls (Kinsale & Muskerry) continued their pre-season friendlies this week under lights in Kinsale on a beautifully crisp evening. With the clubhouse and main pitch resplendent in the Autumn sun and ready for the season to come, we had a unique opportunity to play against the Iroquois Roots Rugby team on tour from Canada.
Iroquois Roots Rugby are from the Iroquois Confederacy, an alliance of six indigenous nations, located at the 6 Nations of the Grand River in Ontario, south of Toronto. They promote rugby to indigenous youth while honouring the culture and recognizing the unique environments of First Nations communities in Ontario.
Following a game against Dolphin earlier in the week and a reception hosted by the Cork Lord Mayor, the Iroquois Roots team were ready for action!
The game started with two periods of 10-a-side (to honour the Iroquois Roots 7’s heritage). The first period of play ended with KinKerry ahead by 2 tries to 1.The 7s pace and agility of the Iroquois team came to the fore in the 2nd period where they scored 3 unanswered tries.
The final period was played as 15-a-side and ended scoreless which only serves to highlight the resolute defensive performance of both teams. The KinKerry girls were unlucky to be held up on the line in the dying minutes of the game following a period of intense pressure against the visitors, again showing their defensive resolve!
KinKerry scored 2 ties on the evening, 1 from Hannah Murphy and another from Aine Dineen who was also named “Player of the Match”, well done Aine!
Following the game it was back to the club house for some well-deserved pizza, treats and presentations on the Iroquois culture. Gifts were exchanged including an Iroquois jersey and a wampum belt – a traditional ceremonial gift used for storytelling and recording important treaties and historical events - to be displayed in the club house.
The evening concluded with some games and a rousing rendition of happy birthday for Dennis Collins who turned 40.. again. Happy birthday Dennis!
Thanks to Paul, Dennis & Pauline for hosting us in the clubhouse and to all the parents who helped with catering on a truly memorable evening where different cultures came together under the banner of rugby. A great evening was had by all!
Finally, thanks to all the Iroquois Roots girls and coaches for an exciting game of rugby followed by an entertaining and informative evening in the clubhouse.
Safe travels.
