Portarlington RFC U12 Leinster Festival – 9th November 2025

What a day for rugby! 24 teams came together for one incredible festival of U12 rugby right here at Portarlington RFC. Teams travelled from all over Leinster to take part in the Blitz — and while the rain threatened, it stayed away as the sun shone down for a perfect day of rugby.
DJ John kept the tunes and timings in perfect sync throughout the day, setting a fantastic atmosphere across the grounds. Overhead, David’s drone captured an epic shot of all 288 players to kick things off — with a special guest appearance from Leinsters Leo the Lion bringing smiles all around!
A huge shout-out to our amazing Pitch Coordinators — Helen, Mary Paula, Blathnaid & Muireann — who kept the six pitch areas running like clockwork from start to finish. Our brilliant refs, Lisa & Adrian, managed the excitement and energy of the U12 boys on the field superbly.
Safety was the main priority on the day and was well looked after by Blue Line Ambulance who had a few visitors call over to them , thanks Baggy, great work.
Special thanks to all the families working behind the scenes — the Hainsworths, the Petriws, the O’Connors, the Smiths, the Hennessys and the Mannions — who made the day run so smoothly. The Traffic Team — Liam, Gordon, Ronan, Simon, Murt, Muireann, David, Blathnaid, Mary Paula, Eibhlin — and the ladies at the main gate were the real heroes, keeping everything moving safely and efficiently,also not forgetting a sound man Conan.
A nod also to Hugh & Mark for feeding everyone with only the finest burgers and sausages, and to Ruth O’Connell for the milk run! Our little shop was a hub of activity managed by the next generation who went away with memories made for their lifetime, well done all.

It was a day of great games, great laughs, and truly heroic parking!

This was truly an epic club event — a day that showed exactly what Portarlington RFC is all about. Our club came together to create a memorable, family-filled festival of rugby. Everyone enjoyed the moment and left feeling proud to be part of Port RFC — a reminder that this club is more family than team.