Castleisland Rugby Club’s U-18 management team has set about a squad building exercise which is due to start out on a high point – on the highest point in Ireland in fact.
This is a two-pronged strategy as the management team of Peter Browne and Tommy Griffin have invited the legendary World Mountain Running Champion, John Lenihan to guide them to the high point.
The gathering squad will climb Carrantoohil under John Lenihan’s guidance and as a gelling exercise for the season ahead.
The second prong of the attack is that, like many other teams in many other codes in many other counties, Castleisland RFC under-age management is on a recruitment campaign for players.
They say that a move-by-move knowledge of the game is not necessary to get involved and that intensive coaching will be provided from the start and continued throughout the season.
“We’re appealing to the club’s natural catchment area for players and we’re confident of filling a squad ahead of the season. We could have amalgamated with two other strong clubs within the county and go that route.
But we felt that the area always produced a high calibre of player and that we just need to get the word out there.
“Look at Mick Galwey – for example. He didn’t play Rugby until he was nearly 17 and see what he achieved. The club has a reputation of being a nursery for up and coming players on the Munster scene and we intend to continue that link.
“We’ll be delighted to talk to anyone born in the years 1998/’99 about joining our squad building sessions as the season approaches and we’ll be visiting schools over the coming days to help spread the word. Despite being short of numbers, we have declined offers from Killarney and Corca Dhuibhne clubs to amalgamate.
This part of Sliabh Luachra is an amazing paradise of sporting talent and we should be able to field a team of our own as we prepare for this Munster wide competition.
“The legendary John Lenihan is taking this year’s squad up Carrantoohil in an Are you Tough Enough challenge.
We want everyone who has played in the past as well as all those who have never played but thought about it to come along on the day and enjoy the challenge.
Remember Mike Galway started playing Rugby at 17, and recent cub players to have done well are JJ Hanrahan and Sean McCarthy.
“It’s a great opportunity to walk alongside the great John Lenihan and get a feel for what it takes to be focused and committed to your chosen career. Our Team building climb of Carrantoohil is on this Saturday September 5th Starting in Cronin’s Yard at 10am.
Cars will be leaving from Castleisland 9am. Special thanks to our team sponsor Con Mitchell for making the day possible,” said Peter.
If you are interested in walking with John Lenihan and the team just text or call team manager Peter Browne on 087 28 50 844 or call to Tom Griffin at training at The Crageens on Wednesday or Friday evenings at 7.30pm
