Munster Masters Huge Success

The Inaugural Munster Masters took place last Saturday at Sean Choill in
Co Clare with a touring party of over 30 coming to Limerick from Brighouse
from West Yorkshire and Waterhead of Oldham.

Joining them on the field was an Irish selection along with a Munster
side. The Irish team included former International's Brian Carney, Terry
O'Connor and Barrie McDermott.

McDermott was the spearhead behind the tour and along with RLI development
officer Brendan Guilfoyle an enjoyable weekend was arranged for those
travelling.

The weather conditions weren't perfect for the tournament but everyone got
stuck in nonetheless.

The Irish and Munster contingent impressed throughout the afternoon with
many of the players being new to the Masters concept.

Games were fifteen minutes in length with no winners as the concept is
based on participation and not winning.

A historic moment also took place during the tournament when Tony Kenny,
who was playing for the Irish Selection, completed a whole set on his own.
This could well be the first time this has happened in the sport.

The final game of the tour was a game open to all players when the
Shamrocks and Roses met to close out the tournament.

The Shamrocks team was made up of the Irish and Munster players while the
Roses team consisted of players from Brighouse and Waterhead.

Following the tournament an awards ceremony took place at the Strand Hotel
in Limerick City. Player of the tournament was Munster's own Niall
McNamara who showed amazing pace and skill during the tournament.

Following the success of this weekend it is now hoped that a masters tournament will be a regular part of the rugby league calendar.