New Heights for Fingal Girls Rugby
Girls and women's rugby have been experiencing rapid growth throughout the world over the last few years and Fingal can proudly claim to be part of this expansion.
For the first time, all Fingal rugby clubs have girl sections.
Leinster Rugby has made it a priority to support the set-up of girl sections at all clubs in Fingal and the Fingal clubs have taken on the challenge and have seen remarkable success in many cases.
The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. David Healy said: "It is wonderful to see every rugby club in Fingal has developed girl sections at their clubs. They have put the work in that was necessary to ensure that there is diversity in the sport at the grassroots levels and that no one who wishes to get involved in rugby will feel left out. I commend all those involved and wish them the best in this exciting future for Fingal rugby."
Stephen Costelloe Leinster/Fingal Rugby CRO said: "The clubs deserve a lot of credit for the work they have done, and it is brilliant to see girls of all ages playing rugby with smiles on their faces. The environment the clubs have created is one of fun and learning with the girls building on the skills needed through games and Westmanstown, Coolmine, Suttonians, Malahide, Balbriggan and Skerries RFC's are always looking for new players."
Most recently Malahide RFC becomes the final club in Fingal to form their girls' section. Within a week on the decision being made, the first training session was held, and over 20 girls turned up on the wettest Sunday morning so far this season. Club community rugby officer Peter Kerr and club coaches headed up the new section, along with many new volunteers and local female players. This has now gone from strength to strength with involvement from both male and female coaches.
Margaret Geraghty, Director of Housing & Community at Fingal County Council, said: "Fingal County Council are proud of our relationship with Leinster Rugby. The promotion and support of women's sport is a key priority of Fingal's Sports Office, and we are delighted to see more young women actively participating in sport."
Since its beginning in early October, over 36 girls have been turning up regularly to training. The long-term plan is to develop a sustainable girls age-grade rugby section within club opportunities to girls and women in the surrounding area.
For more information on rugby in Fingal contact Stephen Costelloe, Leinster/Fingal Rugby CRO [email protected] 087-984-4168