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2012 - Inaugural Tournament:

All roads led to Terenure College RFC in May 2012 for the inaugural Terenure 13's European Youth Rugby Festival... Clearly, if the standards on show are anything to go by, youth rugby has never been stronger in this country.

In all 20 teams took part, with all four Irish Provinces being represented and teams travelling also from England, Scotland and France.

Click here for a gallery of images from 2012

Despite this being the inaugural event, the Tournament resembled a festival which had been in existence for many years and was an excellent example of good planning and solid execution. A well-managed timetable, ample pitch stewards and attention to every aspect of safety were prerequisites of the 2 day tournament - even the sun shone!

As for the rugby, that was excellent too, with very strong showings from the Ulster and French visiting teams. Day 1 featured five Pools of four, all on full-size pitches. The group winners were Bective (Leinster), Canet Ste Marie (France), Lurgan (Ulster), Monaghan (Ulster) and Mullingar (Leinster). These went forward to the Cup competition on Day 2, joined by the best 3 runners up, UL Bohs (Munster), Wilmslow (England) and Gorey (Leinster). Day 2 also saw a Plate and Knock-Out competition, ensuring all teams got plenty match time.

The level of competition on Day 2 was particularly fierce with a number of standout games, not least the Quarter Final clash between Lurgan and UL Bohs, with the former being narrowly pipped 7-8, their first loss in competitive fixtures for well over a year; Perhaps some retribution for the travelling southern contingent, for Munster’s earlier departure from the Heineken Cup.

During the weekend, the Heineken Cup made an appearance, as did representatives from Leinster Rugby, Dublin’s Lord Mayor (Andrew Montague) and Deputy Lord Mayor (Michael O’ Sullivan) along with RTE’s rugby pundit, George Hook, who was on hand to present the winners with trophies and medals. There was also a challenge game involving Liberty Saints, a team from Dublin’s inner city and Marr (Scotland), the latter who picked up the Festival’s “Fair Play” award, for their excellent attitude over the course of the tournament – a beacon for all teams moving forward.

The eventual Cup final between Monaghan and Canet Ste Marie was a particularly inspiring event, full of the pomp and ceremony one would expect with an international fixture, with both teams being led out onto the pitch by Scottish pipers and both national anthems being played prior to kick-off. The game, one of particularly high intensity, fantastic running and big hits, was eventually won by the French visitors 18-5, who got to take the cup home to their Perpignan base.

The plate final was an all home derby clash between neighbours Terenure and St Marys. This was another fine game, epitomised by Terenure’s strong running and excellent rucking and St Mary’s “never say die” attitude. This time, the hosts took the honours from the club who is standing tall after their impressive Ulster Bank AIL victory, just 3 weeks before.

In all the organizers of the Terenure 13s can be congratulated for achieving their objective of building an awareness amongst players of the wonderful values that such a rugby tournament can bring, such as camaraderie, fair-play, cultural exchange and respect. They are confident that the tournament can be developed into one of the biggest of its kind in Europe and based on what we’ve seen to date – who’s to doubt it?

Leinster Rugby - May 2012