Bank holiday rugby bonanza kicks off at sevens

THE Bank Holiday weekend kicked off, literally, yesterday as the largest Sevens tournament in the northern hemisphere got underway.

The tills were ringing in Kinsale, Co Cork, last night as hundreds of rugby supporters poured into the harbour town to cheer on 96 teams which are taking part in the Heineken-sponsored tournament.

More than 200 games are scheduled to be played on five pitches for a prize fund of €22,000 and in excess of 10,000 people are expected to watch some thrilling rugby.

Autograph-hunters will be out in force, especially on the lookout for some of Munster’s biggest names. Those attending include Frankie Sheahan, Trevor Halstead, Christian Cullen, Jim Williams, Anthony Horgan, Denis Leamy, Tomas O’Leary and James Coughlan.

Tomas O’Brien, tournament director, said: “The popularity of the event extends beyond Cork and even Ireland so we will have a mix of nationalities at the tournament this year.”

The event is expected to generate more than €6 million to the local economy.

As in other years, there is a strong level of interest from Irish and overseas sides, including the Marauders from Britain, the Suzie Exiles from Amsterdam and Kooga Wailers from Fiji, who are returning to defend their title.

This team is an international invitation side, sourcing players from English and Welsh premiership sides as well as from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa Super 12 and NPC sides.

Nearer home, the women’s teams continue to return to the tournament and this year the Clonakilty ladies are looking to make it three in a row.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of other events in the county which will attract a lot of interest.

Music lovers in particular are spoilt for choice.

Huge numbers of people are expected will flock to the Ballydehob Jazz Festival, while the Cork Choral International Festival is on in the city and Clonakilty features the Bealtaine Festival of Music and Dance.

In addition, the May Cuckoo Walking Festival is on in Tarbert Co Kerry.