US college football team visiting Trim

Fenwick Friars RFC will depart Illinois for Ireland on Friday as the high school student athletes embark on a rugby tour that will feature three games against local school and club team opposition in Dublin, Galway and Limerick.

 Having exported American football to 21 nations on six continents since 1996, Global Football will produce its first rugby tour as the Fenwick Friars RFC from Oak Park, Illinois, who reached the 2013 Illinois state championship, travel to Ireland from March 21-30.

 

Senior advisor to Fenwick Friars RFC Don McDermott will lead the co-founders of the Chicago Catholic Rugby Conference, who were unbeaten last season until losing in the season finale. The developmental tour to aid the Friars in further establishing the sport will include participating in coaching clinics, led by top Irish instructors.

 

Fenwick Friars RFC will face St Michaels College from Dublin (March 24), Galwegians Rugby Football Club from Galway (March 26) and Old Crescent Rugby Football Club from Limerick (March 29). The touring party will also take part in rugby training sessions and will enjoy many of the famous sights of Ireland.

 

Match schedule

 

Monday, March 24 at 4pm

Fenwick Friars v St Michael's College, Ailesbury Rd, Dublin 4

 

Wednesday, March 26 at 4.30pm

Fenwick Friars v Galwegians RFC, Crowley Park, Galway

 

Saturday, March 29 at 10.30am

Fenwick Friars v Old Crescent RFC, Rosbrien, Limerick

Awards Banquet & Overnight at Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim

 

Fenwick Friars RFC Rugby Ireland 2014 Player & Coach Roster

Conor Cawley, BJ Elliott, Patrick Fitzgerald, Jack Giocoma, Rory Hannigan, Mike Hanrahan, Tim Havenaar, Jack Hosty III, Mike Kelly, Jimmy Lawley, Trent Leslie, Liam Mahon, Joe Matza, Brendan McDonough, Andy McGann, Charlie Ocasek, Matthew Prinske, Danny Shannon, Ryan Smith, Jimmy Wise, Aidan Maloney. General Manager: Don McDermott, Coaches: Billy Dunlap, Bill Mahon.

 

'Irish rugby is making headlines right now with Ireland having just won the coveted Six Nations championship, so we are delighted to be joining their celebrations during this historic visit with Fenwick Friars RFC,' said Global Football President Patrick Steenberge. 'The Friars have a competitive schedule of games to look forward to, as well as a busy off the pitch itinerary as they visit some of Ireland's finest historical and cultural sights, and make lasting friendships along the way.'

 

During an action-packed visit, the traveling group will enjoy a tour of the Aviva Stadium, attend an AIL Rugby 1A League Match, tour the Guinness Storehouse as well as Trinity College & Book of Kells, visit University College Dublin (UCD) and explore Dublin City Centre.

 

After they leave the capital, the Friars will go on a walking Tour of Galway City, visit the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, and go to Bunratty Village, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The sightseeing concludes with a panoramic tour of Limerick showing Thomond Park, King John's Castle, St Mary's Cathedral, finishing at the University of Limerick, a demo of how to play game of Hurling at the University of Limerick, Mass at St Patrick's Church, Co Meath, and a Trim Castle Tour.

 

Fenwick Friars RFC Global Football Tour of Ireland Schedule

 

Saturday March 22

08:00            Arrive in Dublin

12:30            Tour of Aviva Lansdowne Road (Aviva Stadium - 1 hr)

14:30            Attend AIL Rugby 1A League Match at Aviva Second Pitch

 

Sunday March 23

09:00-11:00            Rugby Clinic (1 hr Forwards / 1hr Backs)

11:00-13:00            Rugby Practice

14:30-17:30            Panoramic Tour of Dublin City

 

Monday March 24

09:30-11:30            Tour of Guinness Storehouse

12:15-13:15            Tour of Trinity College & Book of Kells

16:00-18:00            Rugby Match Fenwick v St Michael's College, Ailesbury Rd, Dublin 4

 

Tuesday March 25

08:00-11:00            Transfer to Galway

12:30-17:00            Half day Connemara Tour

 

Wednesday March 26

09:00-10:00            Rugby Clinic for all players

10:00-10:30            Rugby Practice

15:00-17:00            Rugby Match Fenwick v Galwegians RFC, Crowley Park, Galway

 

 

Thursday March 27

10:30-11:30            Visit Cliffs of Moher

13:45-15:30            Visit Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

15:30                        Transfer to Limerick

 

Friday March 28

09:30-10:30            Panoramic Tour of Limerick showing Thomond Park, King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral, finishing at the University of Limerick

11:00-12:15            Demo how to play game of Hurling at University of Limerick

13:30-17:00            Rugby Clinic and Practice

 

Saturday March 29

10:30-12:00            Rugby Match Fenwick vs. Old Crescent RFC, Rosbrien, Limerick

18:00                       Awards Banquet at Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim

 

Sunday March 30

09:00-10:00            Mass at St Patrick's Church, Trim

10:00-11:00            Trim Castle Tour

Evening departure

 

 

Since 1996 when Global Football President Patrick Steenberge first crossed borders, the Texas-based company has organized tours and events in 21 different countries on six continents and 2014 will feature seven more adventures of a lifetime for student athletes, coaches and families. In a landmark year for Global Football, 2014 will also feature rugby and soccer teams visiting Europe during the annual spring travel period from March through June. For more information regarding an opportunity to take part in GIFT 2014, contact Patrick Steenberge:Tel: 817-219-7274 / Email: Patrick@GlobalFootball.com