Athlone 7’s in the City takes place at Dubarry Park on Saturday, May 20th. This is the fifth year that this event is being staged in the home of Buccaneers.
Originally an all-female sevens tournament, its growing popularity meant that a Mens event has also taken place for the past two summers.
Thanks to the continued generous support of sponsors Smith’s Supervalu Athlone and the Athlone Towncentre Shopping Centre, there will be competitions for Womens and Mens teams again this May with attractive cash prizes on offer. Entries from U-18 squads (girls and youths) are also invited for separate competitions at that age level.
Athlone 7’s in the City is now firmly established on the Sevens circuit as evidenced by the participation of teams from all four provinces for the first time last summer. Regular supporters Blackrock triumphed in the Womens competition with Buffalos coming out on top in the Mens event. Both teams intend defending their crowns this year and are among a strong and varied entry field from as far afield as Dublin, Tullamore, Cill Dara, Listowel, Fethard and of course a number of teams from the host club Buccaneers.
At the launch of this year’s Athlone 7’s in the City, Buccaneers RFC President Eddie Walsh thanked the sponsors for their on-going generous patronage of this event. He also acknowledged the huge volunteer effort, mainly by Buccaneers Womens players, in staging it and he was particularly indebted to the work of Mele Kiripati, Lorna Stuart-Trainor, Buccaneers Womens captain Niamh Gough, Claire Wyper and Judy Dowling.
Smith’s Supervalu Athlone has supported “Athlone 7’s in the City” since its inception and Tim Dolan said they were delighted to continue their sponsorship of this event and he wished the organisers continued success. On behalf of Athlone Towncentre Shopping Centre, Shirley Delahunt stated that they too are delighted to again be involved and she was sure the numbers and attraction would continue to grow for “Athlone 7’s in the City”.
Various activities at the event make it an ideal family day out and there are full bar and dining facilities on-site at The Bounty. Entry fee is €200 per squad of 12 players + manager & coach. Entry fee for U-18 squads is €100. Registration is from 11 a.m. on the day. Contact Mele at 0838452563 or email [email protected] to enter or for further information.