James Keating Memorial Rugby Festival 2015

The James Keating Mini Rugby memorial festival occurred on Bank Holiday Monday, 26th October. A total of 19 teams participated in what turned out to be a great day’s rugby. A good crowd was present throughout the day and provided good support to all the teams that played through the inclement weather.

The teams that participated included three teams from Bruff, two Under 12 teams and the Under 11 team. The other teams that participated included the following, Abbeyfeale, Ballina/Killaloe, Cashel, Charleville, Clanwilliam, Clonmel, Newcastlewest, Old Crescent, Portumna, Richmond, Shannon, St. Senans, Tralee and Young Munster. Our thanks go to all of the teams that participated on the day and that played the games in a competitive and sporting environment.

The Bruff Stags team got through to the final of the Keating Cup where their opponents were Abbeyfeale. The game itself was sporting and competitive with good support provided by the crowd attending the festival. In the end the Bruff Stags proved to be too strong for Abbeyfeale winning on a score line of 3 – 0 with approval from the home support. The result of the game meant that Bruff would retain the Keating Cup for a second year running.

The Keating Cup was presented to the winning captain by Marian Keating and the medals were presented to the Bruff Stags by Nicholas Cooke, Bruff RFC, Club President.

A big Thank You goes to those who provided hot food, drinks, soup and sandwiches on the day. Thanks also to those who marked out the pitches and to those who helped co-ordinate the group stage games through to the final.

Thanks also goes to the lads from the Under 14 team who acted as pitch coordinators on the day, it was very much appreciated and the games would not have run smoothly without them.

Thanks also go to the MAR for providing the referees for the day who ensured player safety first and foremost and also that the players enjoyed the games in a sporting environment.

Finally, thanks to the Keating family who provided an excellent meal at the end of the evening to conclude the day.