A remarkable response from former and present internationals, and the rugby community in general, has ensured a star-studded cast at what should be an enjoyable day out at Stevenson Park next Saturday when a Dungannon Select XV play an Omagh International XV, with all proceeds going to the Omagh Fund.
The fund-raising event is largely the brainchild of former Irish captain and current Dungannon coach Willie Anderson, a former pupil of Omagh Academy. "I lived eight miles from Omagh in Sixmilecross. My wife was shopping that day in Omagh and was just two minutes away from where the bomb went off, and I lost some friends in the bomb," recalls Anderson.
"We originally wanted to play the Barbarians but we couldn't get enough current professional players over at this time of the season due to the hectic itinerary in world rugby this season, so instead we concentrated on present and past international players. And the response has been overwhelming, both from players wanting to play and some players who couldn't make the trip but have already sent donations. For example, Ieuan Evans couldn't make it but sent over a jersey to raffle."
Among those taking part are: John McDonald, Derek McAleese, Philip Rainey, Trevor Ringland, Keith Crossan, David Irwin, Sean Lineen, Ronnie Carey, Maurice Field, Michael Kiernan, Michael Bradley, Niall Hogan, Robert Jones, Eric Elwood, Jeremy Pugh, Terry Kingston, Rab Irwin, David Tweed, Nigel Carr, John Jeffrey, Denis McBride, Ken O'Connell, Noel Mannion, Zinzan Brooke, Andy Ward, Bernie McCahill, Willie Duncan, Jimmy McCoy, and Pat O'Hara, with Andy Earl and Gareth Rees, to be confirmed in the next day or two.
All donations and contributions of any kind will be welcomed by Dungannon. "The whole response lifts your whole view of rugby players," says Anderson.
"They're not getting a penny for it, except being looked after on the day with a barbecue and a few beers. It's just been fantastic. We hope loads of people come along and enjoy the day out. All the proceeds will go to the Omagh Fund. This is the way we want to end up the whole season as well, and for a good cause."
The Leinster Branch are introducing Tag Rugby as a new recreational sport this summer. Effectively a non-physical contact version of rugby, a defender removes a `tag' attached by velcro to a belt around the waist to initiate a tackle. Hence the game encourages attackers to "run at spaces, not faces."
The summer league will be split into two divisions running on separate evenings for eight weeks, starting on Monday and Wednesday, June 12th and 14th, in St Mary's College RFC, Templeville Road, from 7-9 p.m.
The Monday Night League will consist of competitive teams while the Wednesday Night League will be a "mixed/social league". Contact can be made with organiser Simon Bewley, tel: 087 2269048 or on e-mail: tagrugby@iol.ie
