SCHOOLS RUGBY
Carbery pleased to see continuing development of Athy rugby
By Daire Walsh
DESPITE seeing his side narrowly losing out in the Leinster Schools Junior Development Cup (also known as the Pat Rossiter Cup) last Tuesday, Ardscoil na Trionoide coach Joe Carbery was proud of his team’s efforts against an impressive Colaiste Chill Mhantain.
The lead changed hands on a number of occasions in Donnybrook Stadium, and when he takes into account the way his Athy outfit have performed throughout the season, and was delighted to see them producing a positive display of attacking rugby on the day.
“Incredibly proud. They’ve worked hard all year. They won close games, they’ve played some days beyond what you would expect their capabilities to be. Yeah, very proud of them,” Carbery remarked.
“I just like them to play what they see in front of them, and enjoy it. Not have any fear of making mistakes, and just make sure that they give everything they’ve got. When they’re sitting in there now, they can be proud of themselves.”
Tries from Mhantain either side of the interval meant that Ardscoil were facing into a 12-20 deficit in the early stages of the second-half. Yet, thanks to five-pointers from Ben Purcell, Aaron Rowan and Thomas Keane, they spectacularly moved back into the ascendancy.
Carbery was thrilled with his side’s response to falling behind, and while acknowledging there were areas that they could have improved on, he nevertheless offered his congratulations to Mhantain – whose earlier success in the Anne McInerney Cup ensured that they claimed a schools cup double in the south Dublin venue.
“They did respond well. I think if our team tackling had improved, we could have won the game, but fair dues to Wicklow on their double. They deserved it.”
As the Club Community Rugby Officer (CCRO) for Athy RFC, Carbery has been familiar with the vast majority of his squad since their time in primary school. Having overseen their development to this stage, he believes they can continue to progress in the coming years – provided they are eager to work hard and enjoy their rugby.
“Exactly [this is something they can build on]. That’s what I said to them in the circle. Learn the lessons from a day like today, and moved forward. Take experience from it.
“They’re full of heart and full of commitment. They’ve a lot of pride and a lot of honour, and they played with that today.”
“I’ve known them for years, through the primary schools and everything like that. If they work hard, if they continue to work hard, that’s the key.
“If you work hard, and you enjoy your rugby and play for the love the game.”
Indeed, having played for Athy and Ardscoil as a youngster, Carbery’s own son Joey has become an established member of the Leinster and Irish senior squads in recent months.
Joey’s provincial compatriot Jeremy Loughman also hails from Athy, and Carbery agrees that their development can act as a motivation for those who are currently playing underage rugby in the town.
“I think so. I think it puts it all in perspective, that it is achievable if they work hard.
“There’s a few boys there with potential, but the number one reason for playing the game is for the love of the game and working hard, and developing character. They did that today,” Carbery added.