O"Driscoll at Ashbourne

Brian O"Driscoll was the centre of attention when the Ireland captain paid a visit to Ashbourne RFC on Sunday to publicise the HSBC rugby festival. Over 400 youngsters showed up at Ashbourne for the festival which included 15 teams from a variety of rugby clubs. O"Driscoll, who just a few weeks ago captained Ireland to the Grand Slam, arrived early in the morning, talked with some fans and also conducted interviews with various sections of the media. Last month Ashbourne hosted the Provincial Towns" Cup final between Tullamore and Boyne and this Wednesday it will be the venue for the McGee Cup final between Balbriggan and North Meath. Leinster will play Connacht in a Junior inter-provincial at Balreask Old on Saturday, 12.0. Last week Leinster defeated Munster 10-9 and included in the team were Navan players Bernard Smyth, Eoin King and Karl Manning. The Navan players made significant contributions to the win with Smyth captaining the side. Connacht defeated Ulster in the other tie setting up an intriguing encounter on Saturday. After the Connacht game Leinster take on Ulster at Tullamore on Saturday, 9th May. The same night Navan RFC will hold their annual awards night at Balreask Old. Navan RFC held a farewell night for their departing back-row forward Sylvanus Iro on Saturday, Iro has accepted an offer to play rugby in Australia. There was a big turnout to send Iro on his way. Navan u-14s put up a brave performance before they lost out 5-18 to Birr in the McGowan Cup semi-final replay on Saturday. Fergal Cleary broke through for Navan"s only touchdown. The Balreask Old side put in very spirited performances over the two games.