Ireland star masks disappointment at rugby launch
Young Cillian Mackey tries out the Heineken Cup for size as Gordon D'arcy and Sarah Mackey look on, while Gordon has a chat with Wexford camogie goalkeeper Mags D'arcy (inset).
IRELAND AND Leinster player Gordon D'arcy believes the latest rugby initiative introduced for County Wexford is 'where the real gems for the future of provincial and international rugby can be found'.
Despite the disappointment of having lost to Wales 24 hours earlier, D'arcy took time out for an interview at the launch of the community sport partnership with Wexford County Council and Leinster Rugby to promote the opportunity to play rugby for all in the new County Council building on Monday evening last.
'Rugby in Ireland is now being developed beyond the schools system. It's been spread out through the provincial clubs involving players of all age groups while also attracting parents to the sport through tag rugby which has helped to revolutionise rugby throughout the country,' he said.
'This initiative, which has a real community aspect attached to it, is a whole new way forward. This is an initiative which involves the clubs and community and is where the real gems for the future of Leinster and Irish rugby can be found.
'Seán O'brien, now the European Player of the Year, came through the club system with Tullow. I started out with Wexford Wanderers. Leinster is now definitely a Leinster team as it has developed outside the Dublin mindset. Now it has players from Wexford, Meath, Kildare, Tullow, Wicklow and Louth. It is now representative of all the counties and towns of the province,' D'arcy continued.
'The message all young players should take from this initiative is - if Seán O'brien and Gordon D'arcy can play for Leinster and Ireland, I can also reach that same goal.'
Leinster Branch President, Stuart Bayley, told the gathering that 'the community rugby partnership seeks to put a rugby ball in as many hands as possible throughout the county of Wexford - old and young, boys and girls - in a safe and enjoyable manner.
'The opportunity for volunteers to engage in coaching through the support of the Leinster Rugby Coaching Pathway and the continued support to all the clubs and volunteers throughout the county in the development of their facilities and governance is an added benefit of the increase working relationship on the ground,' he added.
Wexford County Council Chairman, Oliver Walsh, spoke of it as being an innovative scheme where Wexford County Council can support the Community Rugby Officer, Noel Ferguson, and the four Club Community Rugby Officers to work with Sports Active Wexford.
The idea is to to maximize resources and to increase participation through this interaction with all groups within the schools and in the community.
Gordon D'arcy's fleeting visit to Monday's event was much appreciated given the fact that he is in the middle of his hectic international commitments.
Having lost to a sucker-punch last-gasp penalty against Wales in Lansdowne Road on Sunday last, the long-serving Irish back and his colleagues will be attempting to pick up the pieces in Saturday's night clash away to France.
- Sports reporter
