GARRYOWEN rugby club is the place to be this Saturday 7 afternoon as the ‘Gagsy’ 10’s take place once more.
The ten a side tournament, for thirds teams, was set up in memory of the late Shane Geoghegan who was sadly murdered in case of mistaken identity on November 9, 2008. The tournament was born out of a need to preserve the memory of Shane as a rugby player who enjoyed both the physical and social side of the game, the true epitomy of thirds rugby. The tournament, organised each year by Shane’s team mates and friends, has grown from humble beginnings. The first tournament saw four local teams competing, growing to now having a 20 team men’s competition and a 15 team under 12’s competition.
The day celebrates all that is good about sport in this rugby mad city which is hard, physical 10-aside games followed by beers and BBQ, with all the teams in the club house. This year all proceeds from the day will go to the Garryowen Lions, who are coached by former Irish international Neville Furlong.
The Garryowen Lions are a Tag Rugby team established by the Daughters of Charity Service Limerick and supported by Garryowen Football Club to provide adults with an intellectual disability from Limerick City and County with the opportunity to play and enjoy Rugby in the Community.
The team also includes those who are sometimes marginalised in society into the comraderie and brotherhood that all in Limerick have experienced through playing rugby.
This event, in one day is showing how rugby in Limerick crosses all divides be that, socio economic, gender, or intellectual capacity.
The support of other Limerick clubs to this event and also to Garryowen Football club around the time of Shane’s murder has to be admired.
When a city is so often battered in the media for all the wrong reasons, the inclusiveness and integrity shown by Garryowen Football club and the friends of Shane Geoghegan have to be admired.
Make sure that you go along this weekend and support your side and this wonderful charity.
There is going to be a festival atmosphere, with bouncy castles, ice cream vans, BBQ’s and much more.
