Saturday 26th March

Portlaoise U12 Girls attended a blitz held by hosts St. Mary’s in Rathmines. This meeting served up as a preamble to the eagerly awaited Ireland v Wales senior ladies Six Nations opener.

Participating in the blitz were hosts St. Mary’s RFC, Athy RFC and ourselves. Weather conditions were perfect with glorious sunshine. Portlaoise brought a strong panel of players along with enthusiastic travelling supporters to cheer them on.

Again, Portlaoise continued their winning ways and dominated proceedings by running out comprehensive winners in both matches.

Following our blitz attentions were quickly turned to making it across the city to the RDS to lend their support to the task at hand. Portlaoise gave it their all to cheer on their nations team and so much so they appeared on national media (on more than one occasion) for their enthusiastic efforts.

Unfortunately, Ireland did not manage to come away with the win but nonetheless this did not dampen the girls in blues spirts and excitement on the day.

To top off a truly fantastic day, Portlaoise girls got to meet with the Irish team post match. Strikingly their generosity of time given to the girls was not only brilliant but inspirational.

A special thank you to our very own international star, Emma Hooban who spent time with the girls and stood in for numerous photos. The girls were not shy and were quick to seize the opportunity to extend an invitation for Emma to come watch them train in Togher! The philosophy was simple, if you don’t ask you won’t receive!!

The sun set and Portlaoise RFC U12 girls left the stadium beaming. As always, they did themselves and the club jersey proud on the day.