Everyone associated with Ratoath RFC is delighted to be able to get back to rugby training for the new season. Minis (U8-U12) & Leprechaun (U7 & below) sessions are running throughout the summer on Saturday mornings at 12.30 at Curragha Road. All ages are catered for from age 4/5 upwards. These sessions are all about having fun, especially after the long lockdown. It is great to already see so many kids running around and simply enjoying themselves. All newcomers are welcome.
The current U11/12 squad have been busy around the village since restrictions were lifted – they have helped Tidy Towns clean up the Riverwalk and also demonstrated their skills at Ratoath Manor Nursing Home, much to the delight of the residents.
Our youth teams range from U13/14, U15/16 to U17. Several of our youth players are progressing through the NE Leinster programme. Training has been continuing throughout the summer with the emphasis on tag/touch rugby rather than contact. Several of our youth players also assist in the coaching of the Minis and Leprechauns, helping the next generation with their paths in rugby. Everyone is looking forward to the new season starting back in September.
For the older players, Senior and U20 training has resumed and takes place on Tues and Fri evenings at 8pm at the Jamestown campus.
New to Ratoath this year is girls tag rugby, which takes place on a Friday evening at 18.30 at the Curragha Road site. Girls aged 10-14 are welcome to come and give this non-contact sport a try. It is great fun.
Adult tag rugby takes place every Monday evening at the Jamestown campus and at Drumree on Friday evenings, both at 8pm.
All new players are invited to come and try it out. Rugby is a game where there is a position for every type of player. For further details on any age group, please contact Stuart Hill 086 049 2823.
Ratoath RFC broke soil in July for their permanent clubhouse which will replace the 2 tired ld portacabins which have been in use since the club began back in 2005. This is a landmark moment for the club as all development had to be put on hold during the pandemic and a clubhouse has been long awaited. It is our intention to be fully operational before the winter sets in, but this is dependent on further fundraising and support from the community. We will of course be looking for any help we can get. So if you can provide professional skills or low-cost/sponsored materials, we would love to hear from you. We are interested in Plumbing & Showers/Toilets/Sinks, Electrical, Carpentry & Fit-out, Painting & Plastering, Ironmongery or Kitchen fit. Contact Conor Kiely on 087 249 9325.
The first stage of this development was the new pitch which was officially opened 2 years ago and which has been hailed as one of the best in the Leinster area. A second pitch and car park is also part of this second stage of development once the clubhouse has been completed. The final stage will be floodlight sand an Astro pitch once funding has been raised.
Funding of the club’s development has been a gradual process throughout the years with various fundraisers and grants being received. The much-anticipated car draw was unfortunately postponed due to the pandemic but is now set to go ahead this September 25th. Tickets are still available and are priced at €50 each. First prize is a VW Golf, second prize is a holiday voucher worth €3,000 and third prize is a shopping voucher worth €1,000. All car draw prizes have a cash alternative. To purchase tickets, please go to www.ratoathrugby.com.
Pitch-side advertising is also now available for businesses as wooden fencing has been erected around the new pitch. For details and rates please contact Conor Kiely 087 249 9325. All types of volunteers/sponsorship/donations are always welcome, if anyone feels they have something to give, please contact us.
Meath South East News 